by Amy Morris
3
When I open my eyes all I see is brightness around me as focus comes back, I quickly realize it’s just a bright room thankfully. Sitting up makes me dizzy and a slow “woo” escapes my lips. Leaning back onto my elbows, I notice the bed I’m occupying. Goss has a soft straw and feather mixed mattress which compared to my straw one at home seems like heaven, but I’ve always been wrong, this one is beyond heaven. “Oh shit, did I die,” speaking just to myself and trying to work out what happened in my addled brain?
“No, my dear you did not,” I turn slowly to see the person who just spoke and in a chair to my right is the hooded man, which I know now as Vernet. “But it seems you tried to leave after we got you into the cart.” He shifts to stand and for the first time I notice the ebony cane. Last night in my room, I don’t remember a cane. He moved quickly enough without it. Maybe it’s just for decoration, I wonder to myself. “Mostly yes, it is for decoration and letting those I want to think me frail, non-threatening.”
“You know what I’m thinking, are you a seer?” it’s not a question but an accusation. “Why did you abduct me? What are you going to do with me?” I start from the bed looking for a door, the room does not seem to have one. The walls are painted in pale blue trimmed with large gold frames on every wall. I turn to see the enormous bed I just occupied, covered in large white blankets with at least twenty pillows. Vernet still has not answered my questions as the silver brushes and glass bottles on the dressing table catch my attention. Picking up the silver brush, I notice the mirror in front of me. Dear gods what happened to me is my first thought upon seeing myself. But remembering it wasn’t a dream. The locket is hanging across my chest. Now the reflection I see almost looks regal, familiar, maybe a memory.
Vernet’s shadow appears behind me, “I have plans for you but they differ from the ones that have brought you here. Now is not the time for my schemes, others have more important ideas of what to do with you.”
“What others? Where am I exactly? Whose home is this? I demand to know now.” My frustration is showing and I care not whether he thinks this makes me weak.
“All in good time princess, now if you would please freshen yourself up and change into the clothes provided in the wardrobe. I’ll wait outside to escort you,” he shifts out of the room as though floating instead of walking.
What is with this guy is all I can think, sitting at the dressing table to study my reflection a little longer. Staring back at me is the same person I always find in the mirror, nothing special, no exquisite beauty and far from mystical. With an exasperated breath, my hand reaches for the brush again to attack the knots that are now prominent in my hair. “Well, if you’re going out as a sacrificial lamb, at least look put together for your last moments,” I chuckle to myself. Resigned to my fate and determined that stalling will do me no good, I approach the wardrobe.
The squeal escapes my lips before I can stop it. Calm down, don’t be an idiot. Reminding myself that kidnapping is not the right way to go about giving a girl new clothes, I start at the bottom of the large cabinet, taking in what stands before me. The leather slippers are pale yellow. How do they even make them this color, I wonder? Silk skirts the color of wild buttercups lead to a velvet bodice encrusted with clear beads. Undergarments hang to the side, but the top shelf has my complete attention already. A tiara with a similar pattern to the locket glitters in the room’s light. What I can only guess is a matching diamond necklace and earrings sit next to it on black cushions. Well now, those are not for me, I groan inwardly. Must have been left here by mistake, I decide. The queen of Cordova must have been the last occupant of this room. So why am I here? Banging from the other side of the door draws me from the dream I’m having.
“Hurry or I’ll come in and dress you myself!” Woof put a leash on him, not knowing who the voice I just heard belongs to.
“Gods, working on it. Not used to putting on so much,” hurriedly dressing to not anger the large voice now outside my door. I stop to look at the tiara and jewels again, “Nope, not doing it. I don’t know what they want from me, but dressing me up like the queen will not happen.” Why am I talking to myself, I hope no one outside heard that? Approaching the mirror one last time I adjust the top of the bodice, it fits like a glove, almost too perfect.
“About time,” comes the gruff voice as I open the door, thankful that at least he’s not yelling now. The voice is coming from a giant dressed in the royal guard’s uniform to my left, the same one from last night, and I shudder at the realization. Towering over me is the man my eyes have never seen, only heard stories about.
Taking in his chestnut face, I decide it must be Jinx, the orphan that made it to the royal guard to only rise higher. His neatly pressed navy blue uniform with the crimson rose stitched over his breast seals it for me. “You’re Jinx.”
“And I’ll try not to be one for you, madam,” as he tips his hat my direction.
“Tell that to my head from last night,” I throw at him, almost regretting it instantly. Mental head slap, great agitate the big guy they send out to take out the other big guys.
“To be fair, you did that all on your own. Unless you mean hitting the door frame, but that was purely accidental, I assure you.”
“Fine, fine, enough niceties. The request for our presence in the great hall came hours ago, so we must not keep them waiting much longer.” Vernet leads the way down the marble-floored hall. My slippers barely make a sound compared to the three guards marching behind us besides Jinx. “Now I warn you Abigail stay quiet until they speak to you, you don’t want to ruffle anymore feathers then your presentation has already caused.”
“What caused what? Now listen, you brought me here. It wasn’t a request, no one asked me nicely.” My voice raises and I’m ready to continue my tirade until I notice the portraits lining the walls. Gilded frames larger than myself holding life-size portraits go on for as far as I can see ahead of me. “We’re in Madera Keep, aren’t we? Why are we in the royal castle?”
Vernet turns towards me with an exasperated look he can’t hide. “Definitely your father’s child. Do not worry, I will keep you safe, but keep quiet. And where are the jewels and tiara?”
“I assumed those were not for me.”
“Then why would they have been with the rest of your attire?” If he could, I think he might knock me in the head with his cane. “Now I say this again, be quiet. Do not make a fuss about anything, just listen. Smile, nod, and we’ll be fine.”
“Great,” I murmur as we stop in front of two large doors. The doors thrust open and Vernet is the first to enter the cavernous area he referred to as the great hall minutes ago.
“Your majesty’s Lord Vernet,” a man yells from just inside the door. About fifty people turn at once and stare in our direction. His majesty, King Alex Thorm stands from his throne, well he has a little help since his girth has expanded more since the last time he appeared in town. At least I recognize him and his queen because of their annual rides to see us common folk in the capital. When I was younger, they rode on beautiful stallions which over time turned into sitting in golden carriages to the standard of the last two years of being seated in thrones in a large flat cart. King Thorm was handsome in his youth from all the portraits available in the market, also that’s the only version he allows sold of his likeness. And from my current point of view, I can see why. Gone is the hard chiseled jaw, bright blue eyes and maple colored hair; the man before me on dais has a face bloated from weight, his eyes like daggers surveying the room and the hair I can see escaping his elaborate crown is whiter than anything else.
“You may leave us,” his voice booms throughout the hall, his expression turns to agitation as his gaze falls on me. “Vernet come and bring your… guest.” I would assume that’s me, but I don’t ask, not after the multiple warnings I’ve had. The whole room empties, every passerby staring at me. Some gape and gawk while others shake their heads.
“What the…” I’m cut off by
Vernet knocking my knee with his cane.
“I assumed you would have brought me a crowned queen, but all I see before me is an unrecognized princess.” All can I do is stare at his majesty as these words slowly penetrate my brain. What on earth can he be talking about, but before I can speak Queen Annibelle catches my eye from where she has risen from her throne to give me a slow headshake. She’s telling me to stay silent. Looking at her now, she almost looks familiar, but I’m not sure why besides the brief glimpses from the annual ride. I trust her suggestion and stay silent. “Come closer, Abigail. Let me get a better look at you.” How does he know my name, my mind reels from this recognition? Stepping past Vernet, I approach King Alex, his leer makes me feel like I’m the favorite dish on his dinner plate. “Now here look at that Ann, she does quite look like your beloved Alicia. And what a delectable morsel she was, don’t you agree my dear.” He sneers at his wife, she shudders slightly before regaining her stoic composure.
“There is a fair amount of likeness to my sister, but I see Ned in her face, especially the hair color.” I can’t tell if she’s trying to placate the king with her comment or agitate him. “When was the last time you spoke to your mother, my dear?”
“My mother… I have no mother, your majesty. I was in an orphanage until the Cray’s took me in,” what in the world is going on? They know my mother, she’s the queen’s sister. But that can’t be. The king was jilted by the one he loved before I was born. My aunt… My mother…
“She may swoon Vernet. Jinx, please come steady the young lady.”
“Yes, your highness,” Jinx is at my side before Queen Annibelle finishes speaking. It’s almost a comfort having him next to me, albeit I’m still suspicious of the man that high jacked me late at night, but now he’s not a complete stranger just close to it. And I almost trust him, not completely, but compared to the rest of the snakes in this room he could be an ally.
“I told your majesties seventeen years ago that the child would not remember much and that has helped to keep her safe.” Vernet walks to my side without a sound.
“Yes, yes, we remember, but one can never be sure. Shaun Cray could have opened his mouth and exposed the truth, even with the large monthly stipend he received for her care.”
My what? Care? What was just spoken by King Alex is news to me, “What do you mean monthly stipend? Should I have been receiving money?” I don’t know what else to think now, my thoughts are like a snow flake in a blizzard.
“Your majesty, if I may,” Vernet draws his attention before I can do any more damage. “The Cray’s did their part admirably; she knows nothing of who she is…”
“I wouldn’t give him that much credit,” Queen Annibelle interjects. “She was to be raised as a daughter, almost a twin to their own. It would seem she was not. Abigail, can you curtsey properly? How many singing lessons have you had? Who was you tutor? How many gowns are in your travel chest?” She gives me a pointed stare, willing me to answer.
“Queen Annibelle, your majesty, your highness, oh I’m not good with titles,” impressive start Abby, I tell myself. “The Cray’s looked after me to the best of their abilities, I believe…”
“Enough Abigail, it’s clear that they neglected your training.” Turning to her husband, Annibelle continues, “I believe that they pocketed the money to keep their failing business afloat and finance educations for their own two children. Including attempting to buy a station as a royal guard for their son if I remember correctly.”
“Your majesties couldn’t have been blind all these years to her neglect from what I told you in my reports of her,” but Vernet is cut off by the king.
“Yes, yes, we will speak to the Cray’s of how they invested our money. On to other subjects, including the principal reason for your summons.” That stare again, as if he sees through me or sees me as someone else. “My dear niece, how lovely it is to have you in our home. We expect your visit to be pleasant, even with how short it will be. Your wedding to Prince Richard of the Palanese will take place in a months’ time so we will have to put everything together quickly so you arrive in time.”
“Marriage,” oh dear gods, I just interrupted the King of the Groves. Pulling back quickly on my tone, “I’m sorry your majesty but I don’t quite understand, what marriage?”
“Well, my dear, you don’t remember. You were betrothed to Prince Richard at birth. And now that you are aware, it’s time to send you on your way, so to speak. We will finance your dowry and furnishing you with wedding gifts and such.” King Alex almost seems proud of himself and what he’s offering.
“I still don’t understand…” but I’m cut off by Vernet.
“Do not worry sire, I will make sure she is ready by departure time.”
“Good, good Vernet. You may go now and take Abigail with you, for we tire of conversation and are for bed shortly. Please Abigail, make yourself comfortable for the rest of your time here.” And with that, his majesty leaves the room via a back door I hadn’t noticed.
“We will speak again soon, Abigail,” the queen says as she quickly grips my hand before following the king.
Turning towards Vernet and Jinx, “What the f…”
“Not now Abigail, we will discuss more once we are in a location without ears,” Vernet scans the room behind me. He straightens his posture and starts towards the door; “Now my dear, shall we retire to the gardens for a small bite to eat and a drink?” Stopping he holds out his hand to me, I get the idea and clasp mine with his.
“Lord Vernet, I’m far too parched from my trials today to go without.” In my mind I thank the Cray’s for at least letting me sit in once and while with Goss and her tutor for decorum. Just now I realize it meant those studies were for me, and gowns and a life of leisure, not that of a store clerk. I quickly remind myself that now is not the time for self-pity or reflection. It’s time to look forward.
The three guards from earlier disappear at a signal from Jinx, leaving just the three of us to traverse a new section of halls. No gilded portraits are in this area but something else exists in their place, tapestry’s that tell the story of the Groves and the battles fought to preserve it. Without thinking, I touch the needlework, releasing a small gasp while it dawns on me that this is a part of my legacy.
“Quietly princess, we don’t want his highness to know we are in the family wing.” Princess, he’s been calling me that since he met me, all along I thought it was a term of endearment, not reality. But whose reality I’m still not sure. Definitely not the one I lived in a day ago. “Quickly this way,” Vernet opens a balcony door to a set of gardens. “Jinx, keep a lookout and warn us of anything coming our way. Abigail, please follow me and don’t make a sound until we are with the queen.”
The queen, my aunt, I have a family, but I’m still unsure of the dynamics. So many questions are floating around in my brain, it’s hard to keep my mouth shut as we pass a large fountain and enter a tall hedge where the queen comes into view and my hope for answers swells.
“Were you followed?” Queen Annibelle asks, her voice barely audible.
“No, my love we were not,” my head almost snaps off my neck with how quickly it turns to face Vernet at that comment.
“My love…” but her majesty holds out her hand to silence me.
“You have many questions I’m sure my dear, I will do all that I can to answer them before you leave in two day’s time. Alex was ready for her to leave before she even arrived Vernet, if not for me persuading him to send her at least semi prepared she would of never even set foot in the palace.”
The seer paces three feet before turning back and stopping, “The simple explanation Abigail is that his majesty was in love with your mother; the rightful heir of the Groves. But Princess Alicia loved Ned and ignored Alex’s advances. Now, where things get tricky…”
“Now things get tricky, you lying snake. If I didn’t have this dress on, I’d…” his hand covers my mouth to silence the next part.
“I kn
ow you feel betrayed, but please understand there is a lot to discuss and not much time to do it. If my assumptions are correct his majesty plans on keeping Abigail busy for the next two days selecting gowns and frivolities while a tutor brings her up to speed on the basics to marry into Palanese royalty?”
“You are correct, my beloved.” Annibelle responds quietly, her face shows the shame that she keeps hidden from the world.
“Fine, here is the very short version princess,” taking a deep breath before continuing. “Your mother was next in line for the throne since females can inherit in the Groves unlike other kingdoms. She was, for lack of a better term, almost cornered by Alex Thorm into marrying her since the man she loved was away at the battle of Shant River. Ned is Alex’s first cousin, and he felt even more slighted that the one he craved wanted the other. But royalty won the day. Your mother and father were wedded after Ned returned from the fighting. Three months into your parents’ marriage they realized Alicia was pregnant. Bells tolled, and they sent money to every town in the Groves to celebrate. Alex bided his time and two weeks before your birth Ned disappeared. Search parties went out, returning empty handed. No proof of death but some evidence of disappearance and foul play. By the time you turned a year old, they labeled your mother a widower.”
My face must betray my emotions because Annibelle softly takes my hand into hers as Vernet continues. “Alex pursued your mother’s hand in marriage again. But she wouldn’t give up or give in to demands by her council to remarry for the monarchy. For two more years Alex pursued her to no avail, he even threatened, to which if rumors hold true is why she hid you and vanished herself.”
“She didn’t want to give you up little dove, I promise that was the hardest thing she ever did,” the queen explains, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.
