“Princess, Meg, this is my mother, Maud.”
Maud beams at them, then curtseys at Elsie, then grins at Meg, then pinches Hardy’s cheek, then turns back to her saucepans. “Oh, don’t let me burn this now. I’ll skin you alive if you’ve caused me to burn this Hardy!”
Hardy raises his eyebrows at Elsie, and Meg, then helps his mother with plates. She’s made a meat stew, crammed with huge chunks of beef and vegetables. She’s also baked a batch of soft bread rolls. Hardy pours ale for them all and then takes a seat next to Elsie. Maud dishes up and then sits, exhausted, mopping up the juice from the stew with some bread.
“It’s been too long since I had anyone to look after Hardy. And then you bring me a princess, with no warning.”
“I told you you’d have guests tonight, ma.”
“You didn’t tell me she’d be a princess. I’d have washed my hair and changed my pinny for a clean one.” She shakes her head and then turns her attention to Elsie and Meg. “Are you all right, my lovelies?”
They both nod. “This food is delicious, thank you.”
Maud beams and spears a carrot with her fork. “I used to cook for my boy and his father three square meals a day. Then my poor husband...” she trails off and then shakes her head. “Anyway, this one was never at home after that. Always plotting, always scheming. So I cook for the little ones. Have you met them yet?”
Elsie nods.
“Such darlings. Such innocent darlings. Their whole lives ahead of them, ruined by that evil pair of monsters in the castle.”
Hardy coughs. “So, ma, Elsie is here to help us. She had no idea what her step parents were up to. She’s been locked away for years.”
“Poor lamb.” Maud holds out another bread roll to Elsie, who takes it, despite being stuffed. “And this is your maid? Was she locked up too?”
Meg nods, quickly swallowing down a bit of stew. “Yes. I’ve been with Elsie all her life. I was only ten when she was born. When her step parents locked her up, they locked me up too. I was allowed out once a week to visit family.”
“Makes you think they had some good in them, when you say that.”
Hardy sips some ale. “It’s strange that they let you out, Meg. When they didn’t even let Elsie take a walk outside.”
Meg shrugs. “I never questioned it. I was glad to see my mother, my siblings.”
Elsie reaches out and takes Meg’s hand. “Meg always came back. She’s like a mother to me. She’s always been by my side.”
Maud grins. “You are lucky. There’s few that’s as loyal as that.”
She passes Meg some bread.
Meg tears a piece off and chews it.
“So what’s next son?”
Hardy shrugs. “I still don’t know. I want to talk to the rest of the men. Probably tomorrow. I’ll introduce them to Elsie and we’ll make a plan. I don’t want to wait too long. I’m hoping having Elsie here will inspire anyone who’s been reluctant to join us.”
“Overthrow them?” Maud asks, chewing on some meat.
Hardy nods. “Yes.”
They are quiet for a while, all enjoying the food. Maud serves up extra helpings, and despite being stuffed, both Elsie and Meg eat more. It’s so delicious that neither wants to stop.
“I’ve made up the beds for you. You’re both in the same room, if that’s all right?”
Elsie nods. Meg seems distracted.
“I’ll love you and leave you,” Hardy says, pushing back his chair. He grabs a bread roll to take with him. “I’ll be back in the morning. You’ll be safe with my mum.” He kisses his mum’s cheek and then does the same to Elsie. He nods to Meg and then leaves the room. They hear the front door slam.
“Who’s up for pudding?” Maud asks, and Elsie laughs even as she groans.
“I’m so full I might not make it up the stairs.”
Maud laughs. “Your maid can push you.”
Elsie laughs and turns to Meg, but Meg is swirling bread through her stew, seemingly oblivious to the conversation going on around her.
“Nice bit of cake and cream.” Maud bustles around, clearing the plates, refilling the jug of ale, and then bringing over three bowls of cake. The cream is in a jug.
“I’m not even going to resist.” Elsie pours cream over her cake, then digs in. She hasn’t eaten so well in six years. She had so little to eat but had gotten used to it and been conditioned to it. Now she could eat the entire meal over again, even though her stomach is protesting, and her dress is too tight.
She licks the spoon and then pushes her bowl away. “Thank you. That was the most delicious thing I’ve eaten in years.”
Mark cooked well enough on the ship, but the food was plain. Maud is an outstanding cook and seems to have the best ingredients.
“You’ve cheered me right up telling me that. Now let’s get the pair of you up to bed. I didn’t know I had royalty coming to stay, but I knew I had two women, so I have fresh clothes for you. I filled the bath with boiling water, so by now it should be pleasant enough. Shout if you need anything.”
She leads the way upstairs and shows them their room. It’s large but plain, with only basic furniture and furnishings. She puts a little plate of tiny cakes and pastries on the table, winks at Elsie and then leaves the room.
Elsie thanks her and then closes the door before turning to Meg.
“What’s wrong?”
Meg is crying, causing Elsie to rush to her side.
“Meg, what is it? Tell me.”
“Nothing, my lovely. I was just so scared. When I turned around and you were gone, I felt sick. And then Gwenna told me about Hardy, I panicked. I thought he might have hurt you.”
“He’d never hurt me. He’s so kind, Meg, you should see him with the children. They love him.”
“I didn’t know that. I just knew that the head of the rebels had taken you. I think I’m just overcome with relief. That you’re all right and that we’re back in Allaire. I never thought we’d come back.”
“Me neither. But I’m glad. Meg, wait until tomorrow, when you see a bit more of Hardy. You’ll see. I know we can do this. I’ve gone from feeling nervous and scared to feeling sure we can do it.”
“And then what?”
“And then what, what?”
“If you help Hardy or he helps you, and the rebels finally get the momentum and the numbers to storm the castle or attack your step parents... then what?”
“Well, we’ll get them to stop. Everyone will be safe again.”
“And...?”
“And?”
“Will you be queen? Will you run the Kingdom?”
Elsie shakes her head and slumps into the seat beside Meg. She picks up a pastry and nibbles it. “I suppose I will. I know you said I was the rightful heir to the throne of Allaire, before, but I’ve never had a hankering to run the place, just to stop my step parents. I haven’t thought that far ahead. Do you think I’ll be queen?”
“Who else could be? If the rebels want to stop your step parents, then you’re next in line to the throne. Somebody has to rule. I just want you to be careful. With these rebels, Elsie. If you are next in line to the throne, that means you’re special and important.”
“I’ll be careful, Meg. I promise.”
They both fall silent. Coming back to Allaire has changed everything.
11
ELSIE WAKES BEFORE Meg and sits up in the bed, knees tucked up to her chin, blankets snuggled around her. She takes a drink of ale and eats one of the small cakes Maud left them last night. It’s a little stale, but it’s still nicer than most anything she ate while she was locked up.
She picks up the pebble that Tom gave her and holds it in her hand. Is she really back In Allaire? She must be crazy. She was free. She was on her way to a new life, a better life. Would it really have been any better? Was marrying someone you didn’t love and knew nothing about just a different type of prison? Probably.
For the first time in her life she’s deciding, choos
ing what she does, and it’s a little terrifying, but she can’t deny that it’s a little exciting. She watches the room get lighter, enjoying the calm. She’s safe in this little bed, in this little room, in this tiny house with Meg – who always makes her feel safe – and Maud, who she likes a lot.
And Hardy. She likes him a lot, but he makes her feel uncomfortable. He’s so handsome and so commanding. And Bella. Bella really doesn’t like her. Does she believe she’s as bad as her step parents? Maybe. Hopefully, her mind will change when Elsie helps and supports the rebellion that stops them.
They won’t be expecting it, and they won’t be expecting her. She didn’t see a lot of them once she was locked up. Her step mother would visit occasionally, more so at the beginning, but less so toward the end. She brought the news of Elsie’s betrothal, and the news of the acceptance, and the picture that had been painted of Alwen, the prince she should marry soon.
Her step father stayed away. He had tried to hurt her a few times, when he first came to the castle, but something always seemed to stop him.
Then she was locked up. In many ways it was easier. She didn’t have to be scared all day long, and she didn’t have to pretend to like or love the strangers who she was supposed to call family.
Meg stirs and Elsie smiles at her, the only constant in her life.
“Morning.”
Meg stretches and sits up. “Good morning. I slept like a baby.”
“It was the food last night. I was so full.”
“Me too. It was delicious. Did you sleep well? Have you been awake long?”
“I slept just wonderfully. I’ve been awake for a while. I’m nervous.”
“I’m sure. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“I know. I’m glad of it.”
Meg sits up, shaking out her wings. “Gwenna was worried when we found out you were with Hardy. He’s quite the rebel.”
“He is, but he’s doing good stuff. They feed the fairies who can’t work because they’ve been clipped. They look after the children. They-”
“I think he’s a good man. I was scared at first, but after I met him, I felt better. Gwenna said that the troupe has considered joining forces with him. They feel guilty sometimes that they stay safe, but they don’t actively help anyone else. But...”
“But?”
“Something has always stopped them. But now you’re here, now I’m back. Well, Gwenna will talk to the group elders and see if there can be some alliance. They’d bring a lot of manpower.”
“That’s brilliant news. We can tell Hardy when he comes.”
“We can tell him they are considering it. Let’s get you dressed. I’m afraid you must wear the same clothes as yesterday.”
A knock at the door interrupts them. “Morning lovelies. I can hear you chatting, so I know you’re up. I won’t interrupt, but Hardy’s downstairs. He brought some clothes for you both. I’ll leave them outside.”
“Thank you, Maud.” Meg opens the door, but she’s already gone. She picks up the yellow box and brings it inside, placing it on the bed.
Elsie looks at Meg, her eyes wide. “Look at this, Meg!” She opens the box and squeals. She pulls out the first garment, a pale green shimmery dress, a little shorter than she’s used to, but ever so pretty. Then there’s a dark blue, more sensible looking specimen meant for Meg. There are ribbons, and a brooch, new shoes for both of them, in just the right sizes.
Meg raises her eyebrows at Elsie. “He’s good.”
“He is.”
Meg helps Elsie to dress. “What are you going to do with this?” She gestures at the red ribbon, still wrapped around her wrist. “Shall I tie your hair up with it?”
“Yes. I’d like to keep it. I feel like it’s a good luck charm. Dayle is amazing, isn’t she?”
“She is. But so are you. Don’t underestimate what you have done by coming back here.”
Elsie shrugs. It’s difficult to be proud of herself. She doesn’t feel like she’s earned it yet. But she will.
Meg ties the red ribbon around Elsie’s ponytail, and then quickly dresses herself.
“Let’s go.” Elsie finds she’s itching with excitement to see Hardy again.
He’s in the kitchen with his mother. She is sitting sipping a hot drink, and he’s frying up some meat. “Take a seat, ladies. What can I get you? Meat, eggs, cake?”
“All three. They need feeding up,” Maud says, setting down her cup and pouring hot drinks for the two of them. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes.” They both answer at the same time and then laugh.
Hardy pops a plate of honey cakes in the middle of the table. “I have barely slept at all. Elsie, you have given me fresh hope, new enthusiasm and new determination. We have a little time and then we’ll meet the men I deal with. I think we can do it this time.”
Elsie smiles at his excitement. She hopes she doesn’t let him down.
Hardy joins them once everything is cooked, and they eat in a comfortable silence.
“Will the men you work with hate me like Bella does?” Elsie asks after a while.
Meg shoots her a confused look and Maud tuts. “Bella doesn’t like anybody who isn’t Bella. Don’t give her a minute’s thought.”
“You didn’t tell me anyone was unkind to you, Elsie.” Meg sounds hurt and Elsie feels bad.
“I’m sorry, but I didn’t want to worry you.”
“What did she say?”
“Nothing nice,” Hardy says, reaching over to pat Elsie’s arm. “I feel responsible for her. I love her very much, but she’s prickly.”
Maud laughs. “A hedgehog is prickly. That girl is poisonous.”
“Ma!”
She holds her hands up placatingly. “I know you love her, I’m sure she’s a different person with you, but to the rest of us.” She shakes her head, making a face at Elsie and Meg. “Prickly doesn’t cover it.”
Hardy pours some ale and takes a swig. “I won’t have you being horrible about her, ma.”
“I won’t be horrible. I’m only stating facts. Look at this poor girl here. Why would Bella be unkind to her? We all guessed the truth. She’s not been seen since she was a child. The royal family was always present in the Kingdom. You’d see them in the gardens, or the market, or the taverns, the princesses included. Then they vanished. But instead of escaping for a new life, she came back. I think that’s the bravest thing I’ve ever seen. Bella should have been kissing her feet for joining your rebellion, for coming to light a fire up the backsides of all the fairies in Allaire. Instead, she’s prickly.”
Elsie and Meg have to eat to cover up their smiles, and Hardy just shakes his head.
“Enough.” His tone clarifies that he won’t hear anymore on the subject and Maud seems happy to comply. She dishes out the remains of his cooking between their plates, and the silence envelops them again.
Meg clears her throat. “Hardy, you cook as well as your mother. She must have taught you well.”
He smiles, and Elsie reaches for her hand under the table to give it a squeeze. Meg always knows how to make, not just her, but everybody, feel better. She’s worked at the castle all her life, so she’s schooled in respectful manners and decorum.
Maud is humming as she clears away and shoos Elsie and Meg away when they try to help.
“I’ll gather everyone, and then I’ll come back for you. We’ll go to the cavern; I know we’re safe there.”
“Meg wanted to tell you something,” Elsie says, just as he turns to go.
“It’s not definite, but Gwenna, that’s my sister – who lives with the troupe – mentioned that they might be happy to band together with you. For the good of Allaire.”
Hardy looks surprised. “They’ve never wanted to get involved before. I’m not sure they agree with some of our less peaceful tactics.”
“They’re not usually fighters. They prefer a gentle existence, but they’re loyal to Gwenna, who is loyal to me, and I am loyal to Elsie. The dots connect
themselves. Gwenna wanted to talk to the elders, to be sure. But we can go to them. Maybe after our meeting?”
He looks unsure. “Maybe we should go now? It would be great to bring even more good news to the meeting. It could really help rally us, if we knew we had additional support...” He trails off, weighing up what to do. The women stay silent. This isn’t their decision to make.
Elsie watches him with fascination. He’s not that much older than her, she’s sure, but he has such a confidence about him. He knows exactly who he is and what he stands for, she can just tell.
He doesn’t hesitate for long. He’s almost fizzing with excitement. “Let’s go to the troupe.”
Meg looks a little nervous, and he smiles at her. “Please don’t worry. I’ll be polite and I’ll ask for help. I know it’s not a definite thing; you haven’t given me false hope. But I’m passionate about helping Allaire. I’ve never addressed the troupe or the elders. This is an enormous opportunity for me to show them we aren’t thugs just looking for trouble. I can tell them all the good things we’re doing for Allaire and the children. Let me convince them. Please?”
“I’m not sure I’m supposed to show people where they live...”
“Oh, Meg, Hardy knows. When we were in the caves yesterday, we were talking about the children and how they play by the river near the troupe.”
“It’s only a secret from the castle and the clippers. I haven’t spoken to them directly, but we run into each other. They keep to themselves and we keep to ourselves, but there’s no animosity.”
Meg nods and smiles at Hardy, feeling better. “Then we’ll go. I’ll be glad to see Gwenna again.”
Maud quickly fills a basket with goodies. “Take these for the troupe. Food always makes people more amenable to doing what you want them to.”
Elsie laughs, but Hardy shakes his head. “We’ll take it, but we don’t need to blackmail anybody. Anyone who lives here knows this is the right thing to do. The only thing that’s stopping any of us is fear. Food won’t help.”
“It won’t stop the fear, but it will help. Trust your mother.”
Meg takes the basket and Hardy leads them out to the front door. He turns back to his mother. “Ma, have you got a hood or a shawl she can wear? Just in case.”
The Rise of the Fairy Queen (The Fairy Queen Trilogy Book 1) Page 10