by Amy Morris
“Let me Alex, Abigail dear, what have you heard about Prince Richard? Either from living in town or just these last two days in the palace. I think I may know the cause of your concern, but would like confirmation that I’m correct.” Queen Annibelle has care with her tone, to be soft and direct, which probably comes in handy dealing with the temper he’s reported to have.
“Yes, your majesty concerns do stem from what I’ve heard more recently,” but before I can finish the king erupts.
“How dare you question another royal’s integrity after all we have done for you… No, we did not raise you as our own, but by gods we made sure your upbringing was better than any other orphan in this kingdom. And not to be brash my dear but an orphan you are thanks to your mother.”
“Majesty, please do not think me ungrateful for anything you have done,” which in my mind is really not much if I’m being honest. “I just want to know that if things go wrong or if I do not satisfy Prince Richard… If he’s cruel to me. To speak plainly your majesty if the prince rejects me, do I have a home to come back to?” I’m trembling lightly with fear, unknowing of how the king will respond to my remarks.
“Alex dear, please consider her side of things. I can see what she means and what might help.” Her majesty tenderly reaches for the king’s hand, I watch as his face returns to a normal color from the crimson it had turned. “My dear, do you know who the companions are that are accompanying you to Palanese? No, you do not. Actually, I’m unsure myself who exactly is going.” Her gaze shifts from mine to the king's as she waits for a response.
“My dear, I had not thought that through completely, which is why I need you to keep me in line,” he almost smiles gazing at her. I’m thankful she has diffused the situation I fear would have escalated into not a wedding for me but a dungeon with our combined tempers. “Abigail, I had thought to send one lady’s maid, being Nara or Dalia along with you. Since you may not be aware of this, I realize it is custom to surrender most of your companions when you arrive at your new home, keeping only one or two from here. This way the new lady’s maids can teach you local customs and verse you in court dress. Was there someone you have in mind to take along instead?”
“I want Gossimer Cray to accompany me as lady's maid, your majesty.” Getting this out before I lose my nerve or he reconsiders is paramount to me.
“Done,” he answers me just as quickly.
“Did we not just allow the marriage of Ms. Cray to Mr. Prior recently?” The queen looks anxious and if I could I would explain to her how desperate I am to get Goss out of that.
“We did, we did. But what I have approved can be reversed by royal decree,” the king turns back to me. “Are you sure Ms. Cray will break her engagement to accompany you? We wouldn’t want to break her heart for nothing.”
“I’m sure,” comes so quickly out of my mouth that my aunt gives me a quick wink. I hope that Annibelle realizes this is a good thing for Goss, not selfishness on my part. “The engagement is not to Goss’, I mean Ms. Cray’s liking if I can be honest.”
“Then that is no longer a concern, I will summon Ms. Cray and her parents so we can come to an agreement. This may cost me, but your comfort means more to me.” I don’t quite believe what he is saying, but saving Goss is more important in this moment than suspecting him. “Is there anything else, Abigail? We would like to sup early this evening so we may see you off in the morning, and I’m sure there is much you still need to do for your imminent departure.”
“How will I be traveling to Palanese? Will I have protection? I guess is what I’m really wanting to know.”
“My dear, we wouldn’t dream of sending you off with just a maid on a journey that takes two weeks. I have signed off on the leader of your guard, Jinx.” The queen tries to set my mind at ease with a small smile. “Actually Jinx volunteered for the job which I gladly accepted.”
“There will also be ten guards with him, will that suffice?” the king asks.
“Yes, it will. But might I make one, actually two last requests before I leave your hospitality, your majesty?”
“Let us hear the request before I make a final decision young lady,” I can see the king's face starting to shift to a red hue again.
“I request that Angel Thyron and Therin Cray be in my guard detail to Palanese. Angel was just recently appointed to the royal guard, but Therin is still in the standard regiment. Would it be possible to elevate him as a show of goodwill towards me, your majesty?” That’s right play to his ego some and see where it goes.
“For having Mr. Thyron put on your guard I see no issue, but the elevation of Mr. Cray will need further thought. I hope you agree with me.”
“Yes, and I thank your majesty for the consideration of my requests.” I bow slightly to him, stroke the ego a little more, hoping to help my cause.
And just as abruptly as last time, his majesty rises from his throne and exits the room. Queen Annibelle lingers to give me a quick kiss on the cheek and whisper good luck and goodbye to me.
In a daze, I walk out of the great hall and rejoin Jinx along with the two nameless guards. Jinx uses a hand signal to make the other two leave us and escorts me himself towards my room. Moments pass before he speaks, “I’ll be happy to have both gentlemen among your travel guard if my opinions asked. You did well in there, Vernet will be pleased.”
“I’m just happy to help the people that have treated me most like family since I was seven. Do you think I’ll be safe when I arrive in Palanese?” My question to Jinx is also the one most weighing on my mind.
“Prince Richard’s reputation precedes him. But until I see things for myself, I will hold my judgement, rumors sometimes are exaggerated grossly in my experience princess. If there are any concerns that present themselves during my brief stay in Palanese I will figure out something for when I am gone, I promise you that.” The sincerity in his eyes as he makes this oath almost brings me to tears. It hasn’t been often that someone has truly cared about me in my lifetime, but I know that I have support in Madera should the need ever arise between the queen, Vernet, Prim and Jinx.
“Thank you, Jinx,” I nod as he opens the door to let me back in. “I will see you in the morning, early it seems.”
“Early is an understatement from what they have apprised me of, have a good evening and try to get some rest.” With a bow, he turns and starts down the hallway before I can say thank you again.
My dinner tray is still warm from sitting on the table when I walk over to it. Might as well get one last splendid meal in me before I leave the palace. This could be the last night I have in Madera for the rest of my life. That thought has about destroyed my appetite until I lift the silver domes covering five dishes, well if anything can restore my want to eat its everything spread before me. As I force myself to eat some from each delicacy, which isn’t that hard since suspiciously all of my favorites were prepared just for me this evening. Either someone has leaked information on my preferences or the cooks have just outdone themselves for my last night. Everyone has left the room, I’m alone except for the random knock on the door to pack newly created dresses for the next three hours.
A loud knock on my door stirs me from my thoughts right before I would assume is the time I need to head to bed. The twins are probably outside waiting to help me into my chemise, and I didn’t hear the first light knock that they usually use. “Come in,” I say from my position in the armchair. I’m still picking at the food on my dinner tray distractedly when the door swings open hard.
“And when were you going to tell me you were a damn princess Abby!” Goss is standing in the doorway and before she can say another word, I wrap my arms around her and tears are burning my eyes. “Well, how about that as a hello, from a princess of all people?”
Closing the door quickly, concerned about what I might say in the coming minutes and not wanting them overhead. “Goss, I’m so glad you’re here, you’re mad… Why are you mad? I didn’t know, I swear Goss. I didn’t know
any of this until two days ago, I promise.” A few tears slip down my cheek as I consider an omission might slight Goss, even if I didn’t even know.
“Oh Abby, it’s alright. I was just teasing you. Please don’t cry I’m not angry, I promise. Well not at you, I am upset at my parents for everything! When we met with their majesties, a couple hours ago it shocked me when I found out. But my parents did, they knew the entire time and treated you like a servant all those years. I accused my mother of spending the money sent to support and educate you on elevating herself. The entire room looked furious, well except for the queen. She seemed to revel in my tirade with a smug smile on her face, and I swear she winked at me when we left.”
“My aunt seems to be one of the few allies I have here, I’m glad she liked you.” Goss walks over to my now cold dinner plates and spreads jam onto toast and sandwiches it with a slice of cheese. “I hoped my request for you to be with me in Palanese hasn’t upset you.”
Food almost falls out of her mouth as she laughs. “Dear gods Abby, you saved me. I don’t know if I can ever repay you! Without your request, I’d be married in a week to Renoe and miserable for the rest of my life. Now I have a chance to find love in Palanese and marry as I please. How could I be angry with you?” Her arms wrap around me so quickly and tightly that I’m reassured that I made the right choice. “So now that that’s all settled, show me what you’ve got. Dresses, jewels, anything! This room is dreamy and so is the food,” she picks at the orange duck while scanning the room in its entirety.
“Well, everything is packed and with our early start I’m supposed to be abed soon, but I can show you this without disturbing everything else.” I open the small gilded chest and Goss almost swoons. Holding the tiara to face her, “This is my mothers, along with the matching set of jewelry. These are what will accompany me to Palanese, not bad, huh?”
She takes the tiara from my hand and deftly places it on my head. I don’t know what it looks like on since I’ve yet to touch it, but seeing myself in the mirror takes me aback. “And there is a real princess,” Goss standing behind me in the reflection gives me her perfected bow. I can’t help but to laugh as I set the tiara on her head and bow to her. “It’s too bad Prince Richard doesn’t have a brother. Royal jewels do seem to suit me.”
For the next hour, I laugh more than I have in weeks as we gossip over a tray of new food that I request. The twins help both of us change into bed clothes. When they attempt to escort Goss to her room on their way out, I stop them so she can share my bed for the night.
Instead of going right to sleep we drink too much wine and for a few hours we laugh and gossip about what’s coming before falling asleep. These last few hours are the best I’ve experienced in my time in the palace, I only hope that with Goss going with me that this will continue no matter what lies ahead.
5
Thunderous knocking wakes Goss and I what seems like just minutes after falling asleep. “Ugh, it’s too early for this,” I moan as I shift the blanket up to cover us both. “Come in,” I call towards the door, Goss has barely stirred I notice. They can wake us early, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be ready. Any servant that disagrees will get an earful because of the hangover I’m feeling right now.
“Good morning, princess,” Angel crows as he walks in. The royal guard uniform suits him. My heart lightens a bit at the idea that he will accompany us on the road.
“Goss get up and dressed,” the next person in the room yells. Therin looks dashing in the same outfit, but a bit out of place if I’m being honest. “Come on, sleepyhead,” pulling the covers from the bed. “Commander Jinx needs to get an early start so you have an hour to be ready ladies.” His usual smile has returned as he struts across the room and slouches into my chair. A servant rushes in with a large tray for breakfast, which I assume is because of Goss’ presence and leaves it on the table. “Hm this bacon is good, if either of you want any you better get moving.”
“Therin we ate just half an hour ago in the kitchen, do you really feel the need to gorge yourself on the girl's food as well?” Angel asks.
“I didn’t like what they fed us, what’s on this tray is more my taste thank you.”
Nara helps me into a robe at the same time Dalia helps Goss with another before we both scramble over to the tray and take a cup of coffee. “I’m good with just coffee for now, thank you very much.” Goss mumbles giving her brother a sideways glance.
“Coffee good,” is all I can muster as I inhale the steam emanating from the cup in my hand.
“Is that the way a princess talks and acts, gods you’ve been playing the part flawlessly for years Abby.” Therin says before starting in on a plate of pancakes.
“Yeah no, those are mine and so is the rest of the bacon,” Goss pulls the plate from his hand and digs in herself. “Oh, they’re so fluffy and the syrup is to die for, Abby, try some of these,” she encourages holding a forkful towards my face.
“I’ll pass for now, maybe before we leave I’ll try them.” My stomach isn’t used to the amount of wine I consumed last night, and the thought of solid food turns my stomach. “So how are you two doing this morning?” turning my full attention to Angel and Therin. Angel beams at me with a smile, as Therin pulls a face digging into the jam and biscuits.
“Well, I’ll say this princess,” Therin sputters as bread fly’s from his full mouth. “If the food you get is any sign how myself, as your favorite royal guard, is treated then everything is great.” Angel rolls his eyes behind Therin’s back so I’m the only one to witness it.
“Thank you for requesting my presence in your retinue to Palanese. It will be a great honor to assure your safe arrival.” Angel executes a perfect bow to me and I giggle from his flamboyant hand gesture that assures me he’s in a jovial mood.
“And thank you kind sir for assuring my safe delivering to Prince Richard,” I return with a bow but notice something in his expression has changed.
“Enough fun and games, we are on the road in less than an hour so everyone please be ready,” Jinx calls from the door as he walks in. “Recruit’s Cray and Thyron if you’re done having your fun, please leave the princess and Ms. Cray to finish their breakfast so we are ready to leave on time.”
“Yes sir,” comes quickly from Angel’s mouth as he winks at me leaving the room.
“Aye commander,” Therin responds as he slowly leaves the chair swiping another biscuit on his way out.
“We’ll discuss your royal guard choices at a later time princess, but for now if you and Ms. Cray could finish up, I’d be grateful.” Grabbing the last piece of sausage from the plate closest to him and exiting the room.
“Guess we better eat what we can and get dressed as to not hold up the party,” taking the last biscuit from the plate for myself.
“I suppose not,” Goss laughs, “Best not to keep the big handsome guy waiting, who is he?”
Laughing at her question but see a longing in her face I’ve never seen before. Really now, Goss has a thing for Jinx. This could get more interesting during the two weeks we travel to Palanese.
Since the men have left the room, the twins enter as we nibble from what’s left on the tray. We pass jokes back and forth as they dress us in riding outfits. They are exquisite and I would be remiss to say I don’t love what I’m being dressed in. The dark amber leather pants I pull on fit me like a glove; the soft silk undershirt teases my skin as the matching leather bodice is tightened around my waist. Standing in the mirror once it’s complete I see a woman on a mission, but the oddest part is I also see the woman I’ve become in the last three days. Noticing the soft green glow from the lockets symbol, I tuck it into my shirt before we are interrupted by a loud knock at the door.
“Come in,” I call assuming its Therin or Angel, but the person who steps through the door is the one I last expected, King Alex.
“I had hoped to catch you before you left, I’m glad to see you both decent. Ms. Cray, thank you for your willingness to embark o
n this journey with Princess Abigail. The issue with Mr. Prior is no more, you are free from any obligation to him. Your parents declined my invitation to attend the sendoff this morning, so I hope that doesn’t reflect any resentment towards either of you.” Just one last time and I’m gone is all I can think as the king stares uncomfortably at Goss.
“No, your majesty. We said our goodbyes last night. I thank you for taking care of the concerns dealing with Mr. Prior,” Goss curtseys to him.
“Abigail, please remember that you are our representative in Talin, everything you do reflects on us,” turning his full attention to me.
“I have no plans to let you down your highness,” curtseying as Goss taught me last night while we were in our cups.
“See that you don’t. Your aunt is indisposed this morning, but please take her regards and love with you on your travels. I am assured that she will write constantly even after you’ve adjusted to life in Palanese.” And with that, he leaves the room.
Vernet is the next to enter, “If you are ready princess it’s time to go.” He offers me his arm, which I take with Goss’ as we walk down the hall of my ancestors for what might be the last time.
Entering the courtyard, I see my trunk loaded onto the back of a large cart with a woman holding the two horse’s reins. I walk towards her, mesmerized by her hair. The shade of red reminds me of the cayenne powder I sold in the shop. The only sign of recognition from her is a quick nod. We are dressed similarly, but that’s where the comparison stops. Moving on, I see Angel and Therin already mounted near two horses without riders.
“Hold on, Abby,” Angel yells as he deftly dismounts his horse. “Here let me help you mount yours.” The horse he directs me to is a beautiful chestnut with white markings. “This is Charlie, and I chose him just for you. He’s older with a gentle temperament, so it should be an easy ride for you.” I’m hoisted onto the horse so quick I don’t even notice Therin and Goss having a spat nearby until I look for her. “Don’t worry about them, he’s sore, and she’s trying to shut him up pretty much.”