Standing before the rebels was a young girl, likely six or seven. Unshed tears shone in her large blue eyes. She had long black hair tied in braids and skin the dark tan of an almond. These features combined suggested she was not purely Karagotine, but rather of mixed descent. She likely had relatives from the kingdom of Estrellia, which lay to the east of Karagot. Her dress was simple but clean, made with sturdy fabric dyed a dark red.
“Hi, sweetheart,” said one of the rebels gently. He knelt to her eye-height. “What is your name?”
“Josephina Gonzalez,” the girl said in a trembling voice. The name was Estrellian, confirming her mixed heritage.
“Josephina, what are you doing wandering the halls?” asked the rebel.
“I lost my parents.”
“Then we can look for them together.”
“We are supposed to look for the Prince,” the other rebel hissed.
“You go do that. I will help Josephina find her parents. She is of the same age as mine own daughter. I hate to see her cry.”
“Ugh. Fine,” the other rebel muttered. He stalked away. The first rebel stood up. He took Josephina’s hand.
“My name is Boris,” he told the little girl. Josephina nodded tearfully. “Now, let us find your parents.” Boris began to lead Josephina through the halls of the Palace.
Josephina, who was really Prince Jasper, was panicking internally. The amulet provided her with the false name, but she had come up with the backstory of being separated from her parents on her own. And she was already regretting it. There would be no man and woman searching for their darling daughter Josephina Gonzalez!
Boris continued to talk softly and gently to Josephina, trying to keep her calm. They eventually turned a corner.
“Josephina!” a voice shouted. “My darling daughter, there you are!” Josephina and Boris looked over. Someone was sprinting towards them eagerly. It was…