Heir of Starstruck Chapters 4 and 1/2 of 5

Sorry it’s been forever since I posted this. I need suggestions of how this should turn out! And I changed the name of the kingdom, I know. 🙂
Chapter 4
Aramina took a deep breath and stepped out of the comforting undergrowth. Moonwalk shook her beautiful head and whinnied. Aramina looked back at the tethered and rather unhappy horse. “I’m sorry,” she said, the mare narrowed her eyes at Precious, who was lucky enough to come along. Aramina rummaged in her bag, and then pulled out a carrot. She broke of a hunk and tossed it to Moonwalk who caught it in her mouth expertly. “I’ll see you soon!” Aramina called.
Precious growled softly, and flicked her tail from side to side. Aramina gulped, for once not able to comfort her beloved pet. Precious pressed her flank protectively against Aramina. The pair walked quickly down Stardust Avenue. Aramina laughed inside her head. Oh, how empty her mother could be! As if her mother’s old neighborhood had any importance and all those foolish villagers too. Those brainless birds going up and down the streets yelling, “We live in royalty, all hail to Princess Aramina!” No, Aramina was not proud of “her” street at all.
Precious growled one last time before entering a run-down building.
***
“Are you sure she didn’t tell you where she’s going?” King Alvord questioned.
Stephan gulped, “I swear on my honor, I have no idea where Aramina went.” He answered shakily. You honestly don’t know where she went, why are you so scared? Stephan thought to himself, gulping again.
“This is not a game boy, if Aramina told you to keep it a secret; it’s not a secret anymore. We don’t know where she is, she might be hurt or lost… or worse.” King Alvord said sternly.
Stephan blazed inside. You think I don’t know that? I’m grieving for her too; in fact I grieve for her way more than you do! Stephan longed to shout back. King Alvord spun around and stalked off.
Suddenly a shrill scream broke out followed by a voice shouting “Robbers!” Stephan stood up and spun his head around wildly. Some stationary caught his eye, and he hurried to find a pen.
***
Excitement tingled from Aramina’s hair all the way to her toes. She had just gotten a deal no one else had before! Maybe it was pretty good being a princess. Precious still seemed a bit discombobulated from her fright. Aramina patted Moonwalk then sat underneath the tree that Moonwalk was tethered on.
For the first time, thoughts of doubt began to creep into Aramina’s mind. Perhaps she was overreacting. Her mother wouldn’t harm a bug! When Aramina was little her mother would be in hysterics after the first beat. Her mind wandered to her warm bed in the castle. Being a princess wasn’t so bad if meant being with her family and… Stephan… Aramina almost got up and walked back to her home, but thoughts of her new life brought her back to Earth. Mr. Birney will give her a new identity, then, she’ll be free. She’ll be able to just stroll through Starstruck without people gawking at her. The gods must have blessed Aramina with sleep for she slipped into a dreamless slumber.
Chapter 5
Aramina’s eyelids fluttered open to see fresh greens all around her. She sat up quickly, rousing Precious. The sky was still slightly dark, kissed with pinks and oranges, and the faint dustings of stars were beginning to vanish.
Aramina huddled against Precious to draw some warmth into her body. The morning cold snaked its way through her one threadbare tunic. Moonwalk whinnied impatiently and nosed around in Aramina’s bag. Aramina threw on her coat then gave Moonwalk a carrot. She fished out the squirrel hunted before and tossed it to Precious.
The sound of a horse galloping made its way to Aramina’s ear. Aramina gasped in surprise. Heather, the only female palace guard and Aramina’s favorite, is riding on the majestic Missy and headed her way!
“Heather!” Aramina cried,
“Hey little Aramina!” Heather called warmly. She handed Aramina a letter then quickly galloped away. Aramina immediately recognized the chunky handwriting.
Dear Aramina,
Please come back. The palace needs you. We need your fighting skills. The palace has been invaded. They say robbers, but it’s definitely been invaded. I need you.
I’ll be waiting for you,
Stephan
Aramina read the words over and over again, willing them to magically change. How could she leave her budding new life behind to go back to her horrific old one? Yet, how could she put her kingdom in danger? Aramina rubbed her temples, wishing time could turn back.