by A. W. Cross
“Let’s just be happy today. You have a beautiful dress to attend the selection, I’ve hardly coughed these past days, and we have boiled eggs and soup for supper. If things keep up, maybe I’ll just get better like I was before.”
Claire nodded and forced a smile. She noticed the bags under the weak woman’s eyes and her slow gait. Her mother had been overworking, and Claire felt guilty for not being able to do more. With the cold temperatures outside, pneumonia could kill her sickly parent. Being mean to her mother wouldn’t help her get better.
She decided to change the subject. “Dad’s still working in the mines, and you need to go lie down. I’ll finish cooking and feed the animals. We don’t need you falling ill and getting any worse, Mother.”
“Aren’t going to try on the dress? I want to see you in it,” Mother insisted with longing eyes.
Claire sighed, knowing her mother was not letting up. “I will wear it for dinner. Now, I’m going to make you some tea if you promise to stay in bed until then. I want to finish the soup without worrying about you.”
“You are so kind and lovely, dear. I hope you become queen. All the citizens would be lucky to have such a wonderful young lady as royalty,” Mother said as she headed for bed.
“Nice people don’t become rulers.” Claire sighed. “Only awful men rule and prey on the lives of the poor people.”
“Well, I believe it is possible to have a caring ruler once again. Perhaps you, with your kind heart and sharp wit, will melt the prince’s heart and our kingdom will return to its former glory,” Mother teased.
Claire had no idea where her mother got such a wild imagination. Especially in these trying times. Maybe her mother’s lung disease was messing with her head. “Sorry, Mother, but royalty is not in my future. My best bet is becoming a seamstress like you. I’m not complaining either since it’s an honorable trade.”
2
The Regent paced in his office, his mind a million miles away. The fireplace illuminated a room filled with class and history. Paintings of former royal members lined the walls, elegant furniture decorated the space, and tall wall-to-wall bookshelves were filled with massive leather tomes of knowledge. None of which could help this worried man from his current predicament. Things were getting worse, and little hope remained in him, and the rest of the inhabitants of the Diamond Kingdom as the temperatures kept dropping.
A knock on the door caught his attention.
“Come in,” he ordered.
A fellow nobleman, the Minister of Treasure, entered. He was dressed in his finery, including a golden necklace with the kingdom’s emblem engraved on a medallion. “Everything is ready for the party tomorrow, but I also carry some troubling news. The noble families are furious.”
“Great, what are their current grievances, Sir Layton? Not as if we have more pressing matters with picking a new bride for the prince. At least the arrangements for the party are completed.”
Sir Layton sighed and waved his hands in exasperation. “They are unhappy for having to sacrificing their daughters every year to a cursed prince. Their daughters keep being sent to him, and nothing has changed. Not just that, a few have never returned home. The prince has rejected the prettiest maidens. Those who have returned are spreading gossip about all kinds of unfounded horrors at the palace. The population is terrified. How long before there’s a full uproar?”
The Regent pulled at his collar. “Well, the nobles at least will be happy to know their daughters will be safe this year. A commoner’s daughter will be chosen as the prince’s bride instead. Hopefully, that will soothe their foul moods.”
The minister pursed his lips. “A lower-class female bride would satisfy the nobles, but will it be enough for our highbrow prince?”
“He doesn’t need to know that the girl is a commoner. I’ll choose a pretty one.”
Sir Layton squinted. “This new bride will have to keep the prince occupied for a while. Last year, we barely survived without crops. We need him happy if we hope for even a few months of spring. Buying from foreign kingdoms to keep ourselves fed will bankrupt us soon. They keep hiking up the prices every year without fail.”
“Don’t worry about that; we have more than enough diamonds and gold to trade, so bankruptcy is a far way off.” The Regent put at rest his minister’s concern. “The mines are a great source of income for the kingdom, and we have many workers to dig out the precious minerals to keep everything afloat for now.”
The minister nodded. “We are wealthy. No one can argue that. Still, there are other concerns.”
“Such as?” The Regent folded his arms.
“Even you have to admit living under a curse in this wretched cold has become a never-ending nightmare. Noble or commoner, everyone is sick of this kind of life.”
“Until the curse is lifted, there is nothing we can do. Our hardships have made us into strong people. I am confident we will be a prosperous, happy kingdom once again.”
“Many are dying from lung diseases, and this does not help the gloom and depression settling over our kingdom. The young ones want to leave for warmer climates and better opportunities. The older ones will eventually become too scared to work in the mines, and the death toll is eating away at our workers.” Sir Layton was focused on issues still at hand.
The Regent just shook his head. He was not sure why his minister was pushing the issue. “No one can leave the kingdom no matter their desire or determination. It isn’t just our prince who is cursed.” Clenching his jaw, he added, “Everyone needs to focus on what we can do for now. This year, I’ll find the perfect bride for the prince. Breaking the curse is our only route to freedom and happiness.”
“Of course, milord. I didn’t mean to overstep,” the minister apologized.
There was silence for several minutes. The Regent had many issues to contend with as he and his ministers tried to keep the kingdom from falling into anarchy. The prince was cursed, and only the love of a woman could fix the weather. Of course, the prince had to feel the same as well.
The Regent walked up to Sir Layton. “It is not that I’m ignoring the plight of the people. But the reality is, no one can leave. We are all cursed. If any of us cross the border in an attempt to flee, that unfortunate soul will freeze to death in an instant. The creation of the curse was ironclad. There is only one way to save us all, and this party every year is my way of trying to.”
The minister shuddered at the memory.
The Regent knew why. Others had tried in the past, and their bodies were stuck frozen and outside their loved one’s reach. He never wanted to witness such an atrocity ever again. It was too heartbreaking and horrifying to think that this could happen to a loved one if they tried to leave.
“It has been fifteen years since the queen of the Ruby Kingdom cursed our prince. The king died on the battlefield, but we all paid a hefty price. How long shall we wait until this dreaded winter ends? Will our generation all die off, leaving our future selves to contend with this horrible curse forever, my Regent?”
The Regent didn’t want to think of all his descendants living under this curse. Eventually, the entire kingdom would cease to exist. Whether from starvation, sickness, or full-blown anarchy. “Perhaps we will be lucky, and a commoner will indeed save us. None of the girls from higher breeding have worked. I am not giving up on ending this curse and neither should you, Sir Layton. The populace is counting on us to save the kingdom.”
“Yes, maybe this year we will finally have a bride worthy of the prince after all,” the minister hoped.
The Regent walked to the bar and poured two glasses of wine. Despite his encouraging words, deep inside, he feared the worst. Whomever he picked this year was going to try and succeed at what so many before her had failed to do. Break the curse, save the prince, and bring back their kingdom to its former glory. It was a hard task for a maiden with little education and manners. The maiden had to be more than beautiful, she had to be strong-willed and courageous.
; 3
Claire was surprised that wearing a fancy dress and styling her hair transformed her figure. The maiden in the mirror didn’t look like she was from a low-income family with a sickly mother. Would her friends recognize the real person or mock her for looking like the snobby, noble girls who pranced around in fancy dresses, expensive wigs, powdered faces, and accompanied by their valets? She never liked mocking others but was certain many commoners would tease her for trying to look like the very nobles who looked down on them.
She had started on her hair, styling it the best she could and wearing it down with a tiara of paper flowers. She couldn’t afford the fancy wigs worm by a few upper-class girls. At least powdering her face white, adding rosy cheeks, and painting on heart-shaped red lips was within her grasp. She knew her chances of being picked were slim to none. Attending was mandatory, nevertheless.
The prince’s cold heart and cruel nature terrified her. But she couldn’t help fantasizing about what the Diamond Palace above the clouds looked like with its rumored garden of beautiful crystal flowers. Would she indeed make a great queen as her mother said? Or was this fantasy just another way to drag herself from the drudgery that was her family’s circumstances?
Looking in the mirror, she felt more like a pretender than a real contender for the prince’s hand. She would never belong among the nobles, much less royalty. The white powder and red lips were supposed to be symbols. The former to portray the paleness of the prince and the latter to remind the prince of love from the heart. Blinking back tears, she felt like a clown and a joke. Why would the prince look at someone like her? Why would the Regent choose her? She was far from being the savior the kingdom needed.
After removing the dress and washing her face, Claire readied to leave. The thought of going off with a horrible prince, leaving her sickly mother behind and father to do all the hard work, made her feel ashamed.
Exiting the hut, which was the only home she knew, she kept walking until she reached the gravel streets where miners and women carried their food and other supplies. The snow had been cleared as a result of salt poured in the mornings. Hugging her winter fur coat, she adjusted the hood for better protection from the icy wind.
An overpowering stink found her nostrils, so she covered her nose and mouth and quickly moved along. Her boot-covered feet moved faster to reach the capital between the two mountains. She needed to get to the fair to trade the goods her mother, and she embroidered to have enough money to buy medicine. Patrons would be eager to buy trinkets for the grand festivity, making the items in her bag all the more valuable.
Still, she kept looking up at the distant glimmer of the Diamond Palace atop the west mountain. The maidens who returned after being rejected spoke highly about its beauty and enchanting interiors. Despite everything, she wanted to see it up close, one day. The next girl chosen by the Regent would get that chance in two days.
“Claire!” someone called out.
Claire turned around and saw her friend Myka dashing down the road with his huge backpack bouncing on his back. Soon, he stopped beside her, catching his breath.
Claire shook her head. “Being careless is only going to get yourself hurt on this slippery road.”
He raised his hand and scratched his hood with a goofy smile. “I have shoes to sell at the fair, and I was wondering if we could go together.”
“Of course, we can go together,” Claire said.
Myka leaned closer, his smile widening. “I made a new pair of boots for you to wear.”
Claire’s eyebrows raised. “New boots? I really appreciate it, Myka, but I can’t afford them. I need all the money that I’ll make for Mom’s medicine and supplies.”
Myka nodded in understanding. Still, he went into his backpack and presented her a pair of fluffy boots made of dark brown leather.
Claire caressed the leather and admired the embroidery designs. She grabbed them despite herself. There was an overlay of wool on the inside. “These are magnificent,” she breathed. “The yellow floral decorations are exquisite. You can sell these for good money at the fair.”
“Your mother did the embroidery work, and I can’t sell them because they’re yours.” Myka wore a huge grin that made his blue eyes seem even brighter.
Claire looked at the beautiful boots and then at the face of her best friend since forever. Their parents were neighbors. Myka was a year older, and they grew up together. Their fathers worked in the mines, and mothers were artisans. “My boots are still good, sell these to feed your family.”
Myka shook his head. “I made them for you to wear for the selection. You need to look good to be chosen. These boots are yours. End of story.”
“Why do people keep thinking I’ll get picked?”
“The money offered will take care of your parents while you are gone,” Myka pointed out. “You are one of the most beautiful girls in the village. Look on the bright side, after the six months are over, you’ll return with a story to tell and a better life at home.”
“You have a wedding coming up. Why so quick to get rid of me? Is there trouble in paradise?” Claire folded her arms.
“Of course not.” Myka blushed. “Tanya and I are doing fine. I still need you to help her with the wedding dress. We also need to save more money to get married, so you don’t need to worry about missing it if you are sent to the Diamond Palace.”
“Well, I guess you want me at your wedding, after all.” Claire smirked. “Anyway, where is Tanya? I haven’t seen her for a few days now.”
“Thanks to her mother, she now has a maid job in the city. She’s been working for three days now. We’ll see her at the fair.” Myka stuck his hands in his pockets, probably for extra warmth.
“Good for her. Please put the boots back in your bag,” Claire instructed, giving him back the boots. “Now, hurry along so we can have a good vantage point to sell our goods.”
“Of course, milady.” Myka obeyed and helped Claire along the path all the way to the fair.
4
The capital of Diamond Realm was situated near a lake and surrounded by frozen forests. Burbank District was where the noblemen lived with their families in the most beautiful structures. There were ample streets that they could walk on without rubbish or fear of being knocked over by transportation. Also, sleighs of reindeer and wolves carried the merchants and the wealthy. The nobles had horses, and some even had bears as white as snow to take them around, displaying their money and status for all to see how far they have come.
Every Wednesday, merchants gathered in the main square, in front of the Regent stone mansion, to sell their products. They would pay a fee for a booth and advertise their goods to the customers. Each year, more and more foreigners would come to sell food and medicine because the perpetual cold wouldn’t let the crops grow. Taking advantage of their predicament seemed low, but there was little the Regent could do to stop that. The Diamond Kingdom needed food to survive, and the merchants from other kingdoms came there to sell it.
From the balcony of his office, the Regent watched how the booths filled with products, and the pits were stocked with wood, so they could light them up and warm the streets. Some workers were still spreading salt on the roads to clear the last remains of ice that had formed during the night. How he longed for spring so that would no longer be necessary. If only for a few months.
“Daddy, I need new shoes!” His daughter screeched, racing into the room and carrying a breeze of rice powder and flowery scents with her. She was a beauty to behold and, thankfully, not the girl who would have to go forth to try and break the prince’s curse.
“What is wrong with the last three pairs I bought you?” He turned around, keeping his hands behind his back. This was a formality now. He had long gotten used to his daughter’s flying fancy with things despite the hard times. She was used to luxury and had little patience for waiting or holding back.
“I need new shoes to look my best for the festivities.” Deborah pouted. “Everybody has a
lready seen me in these. Do you want people to think I like wearing old things to important events?”
“Darling, you know times are difficult in the kingdom as a result of the winter stretching longer this year.” The Regent caressed her shoulders. “I can’t just keep buying new clothes and shoes for you all the time. There are more important expenses to deal with in this house.”
Deborah stomped her feet in anger as her face reddened. “I need new shoes, now! I’ll be the next one visiting the prince. I need to look my best to satisfy him. You are wealthy, so you’re just being mean instead of taking care of me.”
“Deborah, this is not a game to try and win the heart of any man.” The Regent frowned and added a harsh tone to his voice. “The prince is under a dangerous curse, and I don’t think you understand the true consequences of being chosen. I don’t want to lose my only daughter.”
“I want to be queen so I can rule over the kingdom as I see fit,” Deborah insisted. “If you give me a chance, I can prove that the prince will be putty in my hands. I can make him fall in love with me. I just know it. The curse will lift, freeing everyone.”
Sighing, her father walked to his desk and sat in the chair. He entwined his fingers and looked at his dark-haired daughter with sapphire eyes and pretty round face—just like her mother.
“You are just a child. You have no idea how to seduce a man. After the selection, you will be free to choose a suitable partner among our noblemen. Who knows? If the curse is lifted, I could send you to the other courts, and we will find you a prince or a count to marry.”
His daughter narrowed the distance between them and leaned over the desk to look him in the eye. “Father, if I’m not chosen, then I’m not the prettiest girl in the land,” Deborah reasoned. “If my own father doesn’t choose me to court the prince, what other nobles will want me? I don’t want to grow old all alone and childless!” she wailed, falling back on the chair behind her.