by Ashenden, V.
"Just down the stairs on the left! Can't miss it! And be quick!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Sienna charged down the stairs, stopping as the chamber darkened. It opened up to a stone room with a door set against the wall. And then the door opened, making her freeze. A man was muttering as he brought in big sacks of flour, dropping them on the ground next to the grain. He looked up.
"Well, don't just stand there. Help me."
Sienna nodded, running after him. The doors opened up to a long street that led through the castle—for deliveries, she supposed. A horse and flatbed carriage was waiting, loaded down with sacks. The man grabbed another sack and carried it back in. She went to grab one, immediately laboring under the weight, using all her strength to heave it up onto her shoulder. Her knees were shaking as she took small steps back toward the doors. The sack must have weighed half as much as she did!
"Look lively then!" the man said as he passed her, collecting another sack.
She nodded, keeping her head down.
"Old women running the castle," the man muttered. "Backwards thing, this is. I'm paid for deliveries, not hauling. Oughta ask for more money."
Sienna made it through the door, dropping the sack on top of the others, leaning against it, heaving. The man reappeared, dropping another sack.
"Well, aren't you going to take another?"
"Sienna!" Betilly said, poking her head downstairs. "Where are you off to?"
"I, I was just helping this nice man carry in flour."
"That's his job. Do yours. Firewood!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Sienna said, relieved to be free of the flour.
"Ey, send me down some help!" the man said. "I'm getting up there in years, can't be carrying all this in! I do deliveries!"
"Quiet. You're just lazy. Do your job and leave the help alone."
He muttered as he returned outside for flour. Betilly came down the stairs the rest of the way, making a stack of wood under one arm, shaking her head.
"Sienna, dear, you'll do just anything if someone tells you to do it, won't you?"
"Yes, ma'am, of course."
"Sometimes, Sienna," Betilly said, "it's better to say no. Come on now."
Betilly carried the firewood upstairs and Sienna hurried up after her with a second stack.
"What took so long?" Kathree asked.
"The deliveryman was bothering her," Betilly said, stacking the wood next to the stoves. Sienna added her pile to it and then began filling the stoves, lighting them. Betilly cracked a few eggs into a pan and began cooking.
"Cut these," Kathree said, placing onions in front of Sienna before stepping away.
Sienna had never cut vegetables before. Mrs. Crockery didn't trust her with knives. She had cut herself once, and that was the end of it. That had been quite a long time ago though. She picked up the knife, chopping straight down the middle of the onion. She turned it on its side so it was flat and chopped it in half again. Well, now this made it awkward, because there were two flat sides. She turned it upside down on the round end, trying to cut down the middle again, her tongue sticking out of her mouth in concentration. Tears slipped down her eyes, but only from the onion.
"What are you doing?" Kathree shouted.
Sienna looked up, wiping her eyes. It made them burn. "Cutting the onion."
"Dice them, silly girl!"
"Dice?"
"Oh, impossible! Squeeze the orange juice!"
Sienna was set over a pitcher with a strainer above it, as well as a juicer. She cut the fruit in half, as she had done with the onion, and then set it on the pointy end of the juicer, pushing down, twisting. The juice ran through the strainer, filling the pitcher.
"Here you are, dear," Betilly said, setting down an omelet with bacon on the side, as well as hashed potatoes and toast.
"Am I supposed to cut these up too?" Sienna asked in confusion.
"Why, no, dear, that's your breakfast. You didn't think we were going to starve you this week, did you?"
"This is all for me?" she asked in amazement, looking down. There had to be three or four eggs, with vegetables mixed into them, greens and reds and yellows.
"Enjoy, dear," Betilly said. "Have a glass of orange juice with it too. Good food is good fuel."
Sienna had to admit, as she sat at the counter eating her eggs and bacon and potatoes and toast and orange juice, even Mrs. Crockery never cooked this well. It nearly knocked her off her feet when she tasted it.
"Wow! You're such a good cook, Madam Betilly!"
"I'd better be," she said. "I'm cooking for royalty."
"Oh, my goodness. It's delicious! Thank you!"
Betilly laughed. "You're such a sweet girl."
"I've never eaten so much before!" Sienna said as she finished her breakfast. It was actually making her tummy ache, but she was not going to let anything go to waste. She licked her plate clean, which dropped Kathree's jaw.
Just then, Homa came in. "Her highness is awake."
"Early today," Betilly said.
"It's all this talk of the prince," Homa said. "She can't sleep; she's so anxious. Prepare her breakfast. Hurry now."
Betilly went to work, cooking carefully, watching the heat on the stove, seasoning everything to perfection, taste testing before putting it on a plate, covering it with a dome. Added to it was a muffin, as well as a chocolate tart. A glass of orange juice and a rose finished the tray.
"Sienna," Homa said, "carry the tray and follow me."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"What?" Kathree said. "You're taking her through the castle? Have you lost your mind?"
"The princess asked to see how she was getting on. It will be fine. Child, keep your head down as you walk."
"Yes, ma'am."
Sienna took up the tray, following Homa out of the kitchens and through the castle. She once again disobeyed the order to keep her head down as so many things caught her eye. The arched windows all gave a magnificent view of the sun rising over the big, blue ocean. She was so caught up she began to slow her pace.
"Sienna, keep up," Homa said.
"Sorry, ma'am!"
She hurried to follow. There were so many guards too, all of them looking like living statues, each with spears eight feet tall, the eyes under their helmets piercing her. She returned her eyes to the glistening floor.
"You're so lucky to live and work here, ma'am," Sienna said, "if you don't mind me saying so."
"I suppose I am, yes."
"What does a lady-in-waiting do, anyway?"
"Whatever her mistress tells her."
"Anything?"
"Yes. If my mistress ordered me to fall on a sword, I would obey."
"Oh," Sienna whispered. "But why would she order you to do that?"
Homa chuckled, putting her hand on Sienna's back. "I only meant to express my devotion. Princess Celeste is a wonderful mistress."
"Who's the queen's lady-in-waiting?"
"Madam Vrine."
"Will I meet her?"
"Pray you never lay eyes on her, and should you be so unfortunate, do not speak to her."
"Why?"
Homa glanced at her. "She is a witch, Sienna, in both practice and personality. Avoid her."
Sienna gulped. "Yes, ma'am."
As they walked, Sienna became lost to their direction. The castle was so large with so many corridors and so many doors and so many stairs. It may have been a beautiful place to visit, but it was such an impractical house! She couldn't imagine living here forever, running all the way down to the kitchens to sneak a snack while everyone was sleeping. But maybe princesses never bothered about sneaking snacks.
Homa rapped on a pair of golden doors. Sienna was pretty sure the doors were just wood though, painted gold.
"Come," Celeste replied from inside.
Homa opened the door. It looked very heavy. It even took two hands to do the job. She held it so Sienna could pass through with the tray. Then Homa immediately took it from Sienna's hands, setti
ng it on the table near the door. She bowed to one knee. Sienna caught on quickly, dropping to her knees, bowing her head.
"Rise," Celeste said, as if she was used to it. "What have you brought me for breakfast?"
Homa picked up the tray, carrying it over to her mistress, setting it on her lap as she sat in bed. "Betilly has prepared for you a lovely omelet with your favorites, peppers, onions, and tomatoes."
Celeste picked up the fork, cutting into it. She took a small bite, chewing with her chin lifted. "She's not at the top of her talent today."
"Forgive her," Homa said. "I am sure the early hour caught her unprepared. I will speak to her."
"Do not bother about it," Celeste said, dotting her mouth with her napkin. "So, is that you there, Sienna?"
Sienna stepped closer, lifting her head. "Yes, your highness."
"How was your first night with us?"
"Oh, it was wonderful, your highness," Sienna said. "The view from my room was spectacular. I could see the whole ocean. And the stars! I've never seen so many, even at home. And, and the bed was so soft! I fell asleep instantly, like I was on a cloud. And everyone has been so, so gracious to me. I am so thankful for the chance to serve you. It's more than I ever dreamed."
Homa was smiling as Celeste laughed with her hand over her mouth. "Come now, you exaggerate a little. Is it so different from home?"
"It is to me, your highness. I've never seen such extravagance, and to be in the midst of it is an honor and a blessing. I'm sure my mother is looking down at me and she is so proud."
"Yes, that's right; your uncle mentioned that, didn't he? The dragon destroyed her?"
Sienna nodded. "Yes, your highness."
"Do tell me, how exactly did she die?"
Sienna swallowed the lump in her throat. "It was about five years ago. She was outside late at night, hanging clothes. I heard a scream and looked out the window. The dragon had her in its, its paws. It took her away toward the Tempest Forest." Sienna wiped her tears. "Forgive me, your highness."
"It's quite all right. What a horrific story, dreadful. But the dragon has not been seen since, has it?"
"No, your highness. I don't think so."
"Hmm. Well, I know every bit the pain you are feeling. As I am sure you know, my father, the king, rest him, perished when I was but thirteen, about the same time your dear mother passed."
"Yes, your highness."
"Oh, and my pain is doubly so," Celeste continued sadly. "As the whole kingdom knows, my mother's health has been failing her in recent months. It is a sad state of affairs."
"Yes, your highness. I'm so sorry."
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come," Celeste called.
A very old woman with long gray hair came in, her face twisted in a permanent scowl, her eyes black with red all about them, her nose long and hooked, wrinkles turning her frown into something that sagged against her whole face. She wore black clothing, as if she were attending a funeral. She bowed at the waist, holding the gesture only long enough for due honor.
"Good morning, Princess Celeste."
"Good morning, Vrine," Celeste returned.
"Madam Vrine," Homa said. "How joyous that you've come to greet the princess so early in the morning."
"Her majesty wishes to speak to Princess Celeste. Prepare her for tea within the hour."
"It shall be my pleasure."
Vrine turned her black eyes to Sienna's downcast face. Then she lifted her arm, moving Homa aside as if she were on wheels. "Who is this?"
"A servant of no consequence," Homa said.
Sienna felt an ice-cold finger touch her chin, lifting her head. And then Vrine yanked away her bonnet, revealing her white hair, wrapped up in a bun at the back of her head.
"A girl? Homa, you've brought a maiden into the castle? Have you lost what little sense you have?"
Homa did not move. "I can explain."
"The queen will hear of this."
"Vrine," Celeste spoke up, "it is not what it looks like."
"It isn't, your highness? Because it appears a maiden is serving where the queen forbade her to serve."
"I do not have to explain myself to you, Vrine," Celeste said. "And your sharp tone is quite displeasing to me. If you have no further message to relay, you may return to my mother and tell her I will see her in an hour for tea."
Vrine pursed her wrinkly lips, turning and disappearing.
Homa turned to Celeste. "Your highness, forgive me. We must get Sienna out of the castle before the queen takes action."
"Be at ease, Homa. I can deal with my mother. As you reminded me yesterday, I will be queen. A little diplomatic practice is in order. Send Sienna back to the kitchens and help me dress."
"Yes, your highness."
Homa took Sienna by the lower back, leading her out of the room, passing through the door. She re-secured her bonnet.
"Return to the kitchens, Sienna. Stay there."
"I'm sorry I got you in trouble, Madam Homa."
"Oh, you sweet child," Homa said, patting her head. "Do be careful on your way back."
"Um, how do I get back, exactly?"
"Find the staircase and take it all the way down, then follow the windows until you can't see the ocean anymore. You should reach the hall. You can remember from there."
"Okay. Thank you, ma'am."
"Off you go."
Homa returned to the princess' chambers. Celeste was finishing her breakfast.
"Not even the juice tastes good this morning."
"My apologies again, your highness."
Celeste climbed out of bed. "Let us get started on my hair."
"About Sienna, princess, what will you tell your mother?"
"I'll think of something. Don't worry, Homa. You're far too nervous about such things. I won't let her hang you. I rather think of you as how I wish my mother would behave toward me."
"Your highness, you do me such praise by saying such a thing," Homa said.
"Dear Homa, I only meant it insofar as you worship the ground I walk on," Celeste said with a laugh. "Come now, my hair."
Once her hair was cleaned and brushed, Celeste chose a green dress for today, with a green sash that covered her neckline. Her hair had green feathers in it from birds which were so often hunted in the kingdom just for her. Once dressed, she made her way to the royal state room. Her mother did not rise as she entered. Vrine gave the princess the usual half-hearted bow. Homa fell to her knee, bowing to her queen.
"Rise," the queen said, "and leave, Homa."
"Yes, your majesty," she said before departing, closing the doors.
Celeste took a seat across from the queen, separated by a table.
"Tea for the princess, Vrine," the queen said.
"Yes, your majesty," Vrine said, coming around the queen, pouring the tea.
"Three spoonfuls of sugar, Vrine," Celeste said, "and a dash of cream. And do stir it properly this time or you shall be wearing it."
Vrine obeyed the princess' orders, stirring it with a dainty spoon. "I do hope it meets with her highness' approval."
Celeste sipped. "It will have to do."
The queen took a sip of her tea as well, looking at her daughter. "I understand you have committed treason."
Celeste let out a laugh. "Oh, Mother, please. You are so silly."
"I am not amused, princess," the queen said. "On the matter of treason."
"I am afraid you'll have to hang me, Mother," Celeste said with a sigh. "Ever so sad this will be the end of the kingdom, what with your failing health and all. I do so hope we will be buried near each other in the family plot. If I might have my choice, I would prefer to be on daddy's right. You may have the left."
"You mock me?"
"Mother, it's just us now, and dear old Vrine, who is ever so loyal to you. If I cannot mock you when we are alone, whenever can I?"
"You mock me publically by disobeying my decree. You know the law. No girl of child-bearing age may serve
in this castle. Yet you bring a maiden here and parade her through my halls, in front of my soldiers. That is mockery, my daughter."
"Mother, the girl is very ill, much like you, I'm afraid. If you saw her, you'd see this, as her hair is so sadly white, like yours. It seems she was stricken with a dreadful illness some years ago and it has taken away all fertility from her body. So you see, I did not disobey you, Mother. I would never dream of doing such a thing."
"And because she is sterile, you interpreted my law in your own eyes?"
"Precisely. What is more, she is mute, a wretched thing I found in a tavern the other day and whom I took pity on. Do tell me, Mother, have I committed such a great crime? Do you not always tell me to be mindful of the people's welfare, for they are our foundation? I merely thought this gesture would show the people that I am a caring princess. I did not set out to disrespect you. Far from it."
"Perhaps I misjudged you."
"Perhaps you did. You do me respect by admitting so."
"Nevertheless, you will keep your pet in the kitchens. I am not to see her."
"Have you seen her?"
"No."
"Then you need not worry. And what is more, she is only here for a few days."
"A few days?"
"That is all."
"Very well."
"Good. Now that that unhappy misunderstanding is out of the way, whatever did you wish to speak to me about?" Celeste sipped some more tea. "Vrine, you really are wretched with tea. I so worry you are trying to poison me."
"Shall I take it away, princess?" Vrine asked, her lip curling.
"I shall suffer through," Celeste said, her eyes returning to her mother. "I apologize, Mother, you were saying?"
"There was a messenger last night. The prince will be here the day after tomorrow."
"Oh, so soon? Will he be staying in the castle then?"
"No."
"No?" Celeste said in surprise. "Wherever shall he stay?"
"His messenger said he would like to meet you at length, and as I understand it, he is a rugged man. He and his knights will be staying somewhere outside the castle."
"I must say, I do prefer that."
"I thought you might. However, we will welcome him as a guest of honor with a ball in his name, a masquerade ball."
"A masquerade ball? Why, Mother, whatever for?"