by Amy Morris
“But why did she,” tears fall down my cheeks not just this bit of affection, but at my mother leaving me.
“They gave Alicia no choice,” Vernet answers for my aunt. “And they gave her the freedom to find your father; the deal with the council was to give you over to a well-suited family to raise while she searched. If she returned with Ned, the crown was hers, but until that time it passed on to your aunt Annibelle. Because of my position as Royal Seer, marriage was not possible, so Alicia ruled the kingdom in your mother’s stead and bide her time.” Vernet’s eyes glass over and the love he has for my aunt is visible all over his face, “But Alex had other plans. Ambition had a stronger hold of him then love it seemed.”
He seems unable to continue, so my aunt does for him. “During a Christmas Ball at the palace, the following year, Alex was chosen to be the lord of misrule. You know what that is correct my dear?” She waits for my nod before continuing, “Well, unfortunately for all that was a terrible choice. The wine was poisoned and everyone fell asleep for days. I awoke in my bed and to my disgust Alex was in it. According to him we had been wedded and bedded since the ball, I still have no recollection of that time. The priest that performed the ceremony swore it was consensual. I know in my heart it couldn’t have been, but alas the council supported his claims so that the monarchy continued.” Tears are streaming down her face as she finishes, “Within a month I knew I was with child, I didn’t share a bed with Alex at all during that time so something must have passed between us that I still can’t remember to this day.”
I turn myself into her arms and squeeze her as I imagine I would my mother. “It’s ok,” is all I’m able to say.
“Alec is our only child and contrary to rumor, it isn’t because his birth ruined my womb. I have yet to share a bed with Alex since they pronounced us wed. But with the crown on my head and our marriage, he assumed control and has never relented. Even when your mother tried to return a few years ago.”
“Wait a minute, my mother’s been back? Why didn’t she come to me?” My heart breaks as I say these words.
“She did princess, but once Mr. Cray saw her, he shooed her away and reported it to his majesty. Alicia ran for her life with my help that night. She has stayed hidden ever since,” Vernet informs me.
“His majesty won’t let either of us near you the rest of your time here, so I must tell you now what I know. You cannot marry Prince Richard, that weasel of a man. Stall when you arrive. And once you can head to Shete and find a convent nearby, your mother will be there to help you on to the next part of your journey. I so wish I could go with you, but I hope someday soon you will return with my sister and we can be whole again.” Before I can ask a question, my aunt slips away into the hedges.
“Vernet, what do I do? I’m so confused. I don’t really understand any of this, please help me.”
“I am sending a few of my trusted guards in your retinue to Palanese to make sure you are safe on the journey. Once I find your mother I will contact you with a plan to return, but until it is for certain we can have no other contact. You understand?”
“As much as it pains me, yes I understand,” my emotions are getting the best of me and my body shudders with unshed tears.
“Good, go back to Jinx, he will escort you to your room for the night. I will contact you before you leave just two days hence. Always remember you are a princess and the rightful queen to come, never forget.” He kisses my hand before vanishing, leaving me alone in the garden.
Pulling myself together and with my head held high, I leave as well with Jinx. I know not what the next two days may bring, but I know who I am finally. My name is Abigail Thorm, and I am the heir to the Groves kingdom.
4
I am woken by two maids pulling the curtains on the windows in the room I occupy. “Ugh, why is it so bright?” They don’t answer though, “What time is it?”
“Quarter past ten, my lady,” the older looking one answers while brushing out a skirt that has appeared in the chair by the fireplace.
I jump from bed feeling like I’m late to open the store, grabbing the skirt from the woman’s hand I loosen the ties to get it on. She grabs it back from me and pats the chair, signaling for me to sit down. “I can’t sit. Why didn’t someone wake me sooner? There must be things I need to do… I don’t know what to do, actually.”
“My lady, please calm yourself. There is nothing for you to do today except decide on fabrics and stand as the dressmakers direct.” I want to respond but cannot. What do I do sit around all day being waited on? She seems to sense my confusion, “Vernet made sure I was with you during your time here. My name is Prim, they have asked me to help guide you during your stay here at the palace.”
“I do not understand what I’m doing,” exasperated enough to throw my hands in the air. A pair of giggles emanate from in front of the wardrobe where the two younger girls hang dresses.
“The twins are Dalia and Nara,” Prim motions with her head in their direction. “Don’t let them hear your true thoughts. Those two are here at his majesty's behest. Do not trust them.” Her voice is so low I almost don’t hear the last comment.
“How do I know I can trust you, Prim?”
Prim claps her hands to get the twin's attention. “Ladies, if you would please leave us for a moment so that Abigail’s modesty stays intact.” With lowered gazes, they shuffle quickly out of the room. “Now we can speak quietly alone while I help you dress. Vernet warned me you may be untrusting, even of him.”
“He kidnapped me in the middle of the night, so yes I’d agree with that,” I answer while pulling my undershirt on.
“I understand my dear, but please know he did not have a choice in the matter. The king requested your presence here with no witnesses, and word still hasn’t reached very far that the missing heir is here.”
Missing heir, I still don’t fully believe my mother was queen, let alone the rest of the story from yesterday. The story of The Lost Queen is well known, but it does not mention a child. If I remember correctly, the queen married the man of dreams and he disappears not long after. She leaves her sister in charge while she goes out searching for her lost love. Queen Alicia never returns and Annibelle takes the throne with Alex as her husband. End of story so where do I fit in, as the child no one knows about beyond these palace walls?
“I still have so many questions, Prim.”
“I’m sure you do, I’ll do what I can to answer them when we’re alone.” Just as she finishes speaking, the door to my room opens and the twins stroll back in. I’m not done dressing yet, but I suspect that they cannot leave my side for long.
“Would you like help to lace your bodice, my lady,” one of the younger girls asks, but I’m not sure yet which one she is. I nod my assent and she helps fit the black satin pieces over my head. The dress is beautiful albeit black but the simple white embroidered designs on it give it a regal bearing. I’m not accustomed to this luxury or clothing but could definitely get used to them.
After they adjust my dress and intricately braid my hair I’m deemed ready to meet with the first dressmaker of the day.
The first seamstress doesn’t seem to have a name and has decided that mine is “maybe not that one.” For every three fabric samples laid down in front of me, I’m able to pick the one she disagrees with the most each time. It turns into a game in my mind, pick the one she hates the most and give Prim a sly smile while doing it.
As the dressmaker leaves Prim turns to me while we are out of hearing from the twins, “Please be nicer to the next one.” She can’t keep a small laugh from escaping her lips as the next one arrives.
“Oh, my…” I cut my verbal observation off as a man dressed as I would imagine a court jester to be. Bright purple pants, algae blue dress coat with splashes of purple in it and an enormous hat to match, including an obnoxiously large plum colored feather sticking straight up.
“My lady,” he says kissing my hand, “My name is Fernard, their majesties th
ey have commissioned me to make your betrothal and wedding gowns. You will be the most beautiful bride the Palanese have ever seen, including your great grandmother all those years ago.” He whistles and his assists come rushing in with reams of fabrics in varying shades of gray glistening across their arms. Another two follow with large open boxes showcasing glittering jewels in various forms of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and tiaras.
“Oh my, this all looks lovely Fernard. I’m so glad the king could give this commission to you, my dear,” Prim receives a peck on both cheeks from him. I’m barely able to hear her command to clear the room, standing only three feet away from all the surrounding commotion.
“Please leave us, everyone, I need space to think and create,” he cries with a soft wave of his hand. As though he is the king himself, everyone obeys and leaves the room, including Prim, but not before she gives me a reassuring wink as she shuts the door. “Now that we are alone, my dear. Come sit and I’ll explain what I know while sketching dress designs as to not get caught by this charade.”
Minutes go by as he draws sitting across from me, his humming is soothing and I soon forget why he cleared the room until he speaks. “Abigail, do not worry for what I said earlier is true, I will make you the most spectacular bride in Palanese history.” He gives a quick conspiratorial wink, “But I need to warn you of what to expect when you arrive there. How familiar are you with the kingdom of Talin?” My blank stare answers for me, “Alright, at least I know where to start.”
Fernard stands and paces in front of the fireplace. “The land there is like here, except for the mountains. The capital city of Palanese rests along the Great Bay with the Bishop Sea to the north. I expect you know nothing of Prince Richard, his father is ailing and it will not be long until he assumes the throne. No one is certain as to the king's ailment being natural or not, if you get my drift.”
Nodding quickly, I consume every word he says, “Is the prince possibly behind the ailment?”
“So you are like your mother. Yes, that is the common belief, the king has been ailing for many years. The rumor is the prince is helping him to a quicker end. What do you know of Prince Richard?”
Digging deep into the recesses of my mind, I draw a blank, “Err, nothing.”
“As Vernet warned me, you do not have the proper education. But fear not, I can fill you in on what you need to know. Prince Richard is the middle child of five; the other four children are female and cannot inherit in Talin. He has used this to his advantage since he was a child and not held accountable for any actions. The prince has a history of known violence, but I’m assured with how he has treated his mistress’s that if you are pliant and quiet, no harm will come to you. He is part of the Thorm lineage but quite separated from you so they will make no issue of the marriage. Do you care to know his looks, my lady?”
“I guess I should know everything going in to this.”
Fernard takes a deep breath, “A weasel is what he looks like. Short with dark hair and eyes, there’s not much more I can tell you about him, unfortunately. He is not handsome, I’m sorry to say.”
Great, I’m marrying a small woodland creature who can be violent, just what I always wanted.
The door to the room opens and the twins precede Prim back inside, “Do you have everything you need, sir? It’s time for my lady’s dinner,” Prim remarks.
“Yes, I have it all drawn out. My greatest creations will adorn her.” Fernard bows as he leaves just as abruptly as he entered.
A servant enters with a large tray containing several covered dishes and set’s it on the table next to the chair. Sitting down, I eat from the delectable plates in front of me and can’t believe my fortune or taste buds right now.
As the twins take away the tray I’ve demolished in the last half hour I sigh with a full stomach and eye the bed. Catching Prim’s eye while I stare, she smiles at me. “Abigail, come here and I’ll help dress you for bed.” I cross over to where Prim stands by the window.
After her ministrations, I’m tucked into bed among the fluffy pillows and blankets. Bliss almost isn’t powerful enough of a word to describe how I feel and dreams take over my thoughts.
The night passes uneventfully, which is much needed for my sanity. Again the twins wake me by letting the sun in, but this time I don’t worry about being late or having chores. This morning I stretch leisurely and wait until my breakfast tray arrives to leave the bed.
After finishing the plate of eggs, I lift the plate to move the toast closer to me and notice folded paper underneath. The twins are busy brushing out today's outfit, so I take care for them not to notice my hand stuffing the paper under the chair cushion.
When the tray disappears with another unnamed servant, I join Dalia and Nara to dress for the day. Today they dress me in a lilac dress with pretty beadwork in the bodice. As they fix my hair and face, I wonder where Prim is this morning. Deciding best not to let the twins know my concern, I chat easily with them about town and the lovely job they do with my hair and face.
I’m informed by them that today I have to myself, at least for the morning since final fittings will need completion before dinner this evening. They bring in a trunk and as items arrive throughout the morning, we pack them away after I try them on.
A gilded chest arrives before lunch, “His majesty wanted to make sure that these accompanied you on your trip, my lady.” Opening the chest, I see the tiara and jewelry from two days ago that they meant me to wear when I met the king and queen.
“That will be all,” I remark with a wave of my hand as I have watched others do. The liveried servant shuts the chest and arranges it on my dressing table and leaves.
It worked, I realize, thinking about the mannerisms I’ve picked up from various people at the palace. I’m almost impressed with myself until one twin motions me over to redress and I follow her commands like a lost puppy instead of royalty.
The twins leave so I can eat my lunch, and I take the time I have alone to read the note from this morning.
Abigail,
Use your current marriage arrangement to your advantage. I will not lie by telling you you have nothing to fear from your betrothed. If this wedding proceeds, I promise to do all I can to rescue you myself if need be. His majesty thinks you are satisfied with dresses and baubles, so now is the time to set conditions if you have any. I trust that you do and will know how to proceed.
-V
I realize the quick note is not without merit. If the king thinks he can marry me off without a fight to a weasel, then he needs to know I may not go quietly. This marriage will hopefully not take place if I can escape, but that’s still uncertain right now. Pulling the rope by the door, a soft knock follows quickly. Someone is right outside my room obviously. “Please tell the king I must speak to him and if he wants me to stay quiet, we should talk soon.” The servant scuttles away quickly. Closing the door I move to my chair and wait for the response that I hope is quick to follow.
Within two hours I’m accompanied back towards the great hall by Jinx and two other guards. I appreciate the portraits that line the hall more now. These people are my ancestors. Noticing that the newest painting features a couple and the resemblance between me and the woman is visible enough that I let out a small gasp.
“You resemble your grandmother some, I noticed it the first time I saw you.” Jinx nudges my shoulder a little to catch my attention as we approach the hall's doors.
“First time? You kidnapped me in the middle of the night,” I scoff.
“Ah, but that was not the first time I saw you, Vernet has had me watch over you periodically for the last ten years. Once he found out that his majesty was aware of your presence with the Cray’s someone was assigned at all times to keep watch and assure your safety.”
“So all this time, so many people have known who I was, but no one cared to tell me.”
“It was for your own safety I promise you princess, now brace yourself and hope his majesty is in a good moo
d.” Jinx opens the door on the right and allows me past. There are no servants or audience today, just myself, and their majesties. Prince Alec is not present either, but from the gossip I picked up from the twins he has been away for many months looking at prospective wives in other kingdoms. I wonder if we could be friends, maybe a helpful cousin would give me the strength I need right now.
“Ah, my dear Abigail, I had heard you wished to speak with me. We decided a private audience might be better than a large crowd, I hope you approve.” It’s not a question or concern for my wellbeing that the king mentions this. He’s keeping me from being seen much for his own personal reasons, whatever they may be.
“No your majesty, I was hoping it would just be her majesty and yourself whom I spoke with.” I attempt a more refined curtsey than my last awkward show of one. Her majesty gives me a small smile, showing that it's an improvement or just plain entertainment to see me try. Preferring it’s not the latter, I approach the dais again to speak to my aunt and uncle.
“So what is it that needed to our attention so urgently before you leave? There was almost a threat in the message the servant gave me, but I’m sure that was just a misunderstanding on his part.”
“I wanted to speak to your majesties about Prince Richard. Are you sure that our betrothal still stands? I’ve only known that I was part of the royal family for two days. Does his family know that I’m still alive since my mother’s disappearance? Have they already made other arrangements?” I still don’t know if what I'm saying is the right way to approach his majesty.
“Alas, we can dispense of any fears you may have. We have kept the royal family of Talin abreast of your movements and education since Alicia left us. There are no concerns on their part that I am aware of. Are you sure it’s nothing else you wonder about besides the betrothal being called off?” King Alex’s’ tone is not threatening, but seeing his face turn pink one can only guess my questions are bothering him.
