The Princess and the Pea (Fairy Tale Adventures Book 1)

by A. G. Marshall

  Queen Marta grabbed her shoulder and pulled her up.

  “Of course you didn’t mean to gain an advantage, Princess. We can afford to be generous, can’t we, Princesses?”

  She looked down the line, making eye contact with each girl. Most of them nodded at her. Princess Fiora glared daggers at Lina, but she stepped back into line.

  “Go stand with the others,” Queen Marta said. “You are late, but I have not yet officially announced the start of the Princess Test.”

  Lina joined the line of girls. The whole situation reminded her of being at the military academy. This was just another line of cadets in uniform.

  Itchy, stuffy, starched pink uniforms.

  The red-haired princess rejoined the line, but she looked anything but happy about it. Lina would have to watch out for her.

  Queen Marta clapped her hands.

  “Well, now that we’re settled, I’d like to declare the official beginning of the Princess Test. Please allow me the honor of introducing my stepson, Crown Prince Alaric.”

  Prince Alaric bowed. The gems pinned to his tunic caught the light and nearly blinded Lina. She examined the jewels. None of them seemed to be enchanted.

  Of course it wouldn’t be so easy.

  “The first test is simple,” Queen Marta said. “We will give the prince a chance to see your grace and wit in conversation. Each of you will have fifteen minutes to converse with the prince. Who would like to go first?”

  The red haired princess stepped forward. Lina smirked at the expression on Prince Alaric’s face. It served him right for being such a dandy.

  Queen Marta nodded.

  “Very well. Prince Stefan, please escort this charming Princess and Prince Alaric to the conversation parlor. The rest of us will wait here.”

  The girls formed small groups and chatted with each other after Prince Alaric left. Lina stood awkwardly. Everyone seemed to know each other. They had probably gone through many Princess Tests together.

  “Won’t you join us?”

  Lina looked up. A girl with blond hair and sweet blue eyes smiled at her.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  The girl pulled Lina into a circle with a princess with dark black hair.

  “Is this your first Princess Test?” the black haired princess asked.

  “Yes.”

  “I thought so. I haven’t seen you before. I’m Eirwyn Blanche. You can call me Eirwyn.”

  “Quiet!” the blond princess hissed. “Not so loud. We’ll be in real trouble if they hear you say your name.”

  “Are they really that strict about all this?” Lina asked.

  “Oh, yes,” Eirwyn said. “Especially when the prince really is looking for a bride. If they catch you saying where you’re from, they’ll kick you out. Sometimes these tests are just for show or to provide an official way for a couple to get engaged. But I’ve heard Prince Alaric isn’t attached to anyone.”

  “Really?” Lina said. “I’m surprised he hasn’t been snatched up. He certainly stands out with all those jewels.”

  The blond princess chuckled.

  “It is awful, isn’t it? They always try to show off their wealth at these things. Just don’t say things like that too loud. I’m Carina.”

  “I’m Lina. So you really would marry him if he asked?”

  Carina shrugged.

  “My father has made me attend every princess test since I came of age. I’m not ready to get married yet, though. I’d rather stay at home. I’ve mastered the art of blending in.”

  “She really has,” Eirwyn said. “Just watch. She’s an expert at being mediocre. She won’t be good enough or bad enough for anyone to remember her.”

  “And you’re not mediocre?” Lina said.

  Eirwyn’s face fell.

  “My father doesn’t care much about me one way or the other. He said if I don’t marry Prince Alaric, he has someone else in mind. He definitely wants me to make a political match. Everyone says it would solve a lot of our problems.”

  “Eirwyn, careful!” Carina hissed.

  “What? There’s more than one country in Myora with problems. So no, my family doesn’t care. I wouldn’t mind getting away though. It would be nice to be queen somewhere. To have some freedom.”

  Carina patted her friend’s arm.

  “Things will get better.”

  Eirwyn smiled at her.

  “You’ll just have to catch Prince Alaric’s eye,” Lina said. “Maybe if he falls in love with you, he’ll let you wear some of his jewelry.”

  “Or share his hair oil,” Carina giggled.

  “I don’t think there’s any left in the bottle!” Lina said.

  “Quiet,” Eirwyn said. “So you’re not looking to make a match, Lina?”

  Lina shook her head.

  “No. I think I’ll follow Carina’s strategy. So, what’s the best way to be mediocre at conversation?”

  Carina’s eyes lit up.

  “Oh, there are so many ways! First, don’t say anything for the first minute or so. Make them feel awkward.”

  “They’ll do their best to forget you after that,” Eirwyn said.

  “And then talk about the most boring thing you can think of,” Carina said.

  “Like what?”

  Carina grinned.

  “The Prince of Eldria loves architecture. When I went to the Princess Test there, he kept trying to tell me about the room. He said the stone was really expensive. So I counted all the stones in the wall out loud.”

  “You what?”

  It came out louder than Lina had meant to speak. The other princesses glared at her.

  “Careful,” Eirwyn said. “Some of these girls take these things very seriously.”

  “Like the red head?”

  Both girls shuddered.

  “Watch out for Fiora,” Carina said. “She’s on a mission to get married, and she’ll pummel anything that stands in her way.”

  “Right. I didn’t mean to have an advantage.”

  “But you did meet him last night?” Eirwyn said. “He let you in the gate?”

  “Yes.”

  Yes, he had let her in the gate. Lina was pretty sure he had done more than that. She had a vague memory of him picking her up. But she had probably imagined it.

  “What was he like?” Eirwyn said. “I’ve heard he’s unfit to rule. Father said he’s bound to be either stupid or vicious.”

  Lina blinked at her.

  “Vicious?”

  “You know, because of his ancestors. The war.”

  Carina nudged her friend with her elbow.

  “Quiet. They’ll hear you.”

  “So? I’m just repeating history.”

  Lina’s heart sank. History. Carina studied her face.

  “Your family didn’t warn you, did they? The nerve. Sending you here unprepared.”

  “It isn’t like it’s a secret,” Eirwyn said. “I heard they don’t try to hide it. Any of it. They have scrolls about it in the archive!”

  “Not in the history section, though,” Carina said. “Our court scholar visited a few years ago. He said all the records are in the histories of royal families. They had to explain the family tree somehow.”

  Lina swallowed.

  “So what exactly happened?”

  “Hush!” Eirwyn said. “Prince Stefan is coming this way.”

  Lina looked up. She recognized Prince Stefan as the other man from the archive. So they were brothers. He had been the one to mention her name.

  Prince Stefan bowed. The three girls curtsied. Lina watched Carina and Eirwyn carefully so she could move in unison with them.

  “It is your turn, Princess,” Stefan said.

  He held his hand out to Lina. She nodded and followed him.

  “Be average!” Carina whispered in her ear as she passed.

  13

  Alaric stared at Princess Fiora. How long had he been talking to her? One minute? Five? Seven?

  Please let it be seven. Let it
be eight. It took every bit of his self-control to stay seated and smiling.

  Fiora sat on the edge of her chair, ready to pounce. Her blue eyes glinted, and strands of her red hair stuck out around her head.

  “Well,” she said. “Do you prefer rubies or sapphires?”

  Alaric cleared his throat.

  “Actually, I-”

  Fiora laughed, a shrill sound like a wagon wheel scraping against a gate.

  “Forgive my banter, Prince Alaric. Your preference is clear from your shirt. That is a lovely sapphire brooch.”

  Alaric straightened the brooch. Its weight kept pulling his tunic down

  “Thank you, Princess.”

  They stared at each other.

  “Your whole outfit is tasteful,” she said. “A wonderful representation of Aeonian culture.”

  She batted her eyes at him. Alaric straightened the brooch again.

  “You are too kind, Princess.”

  “I’ve always been fond of Aeonian culture.”

  This was unbearable. She smiled at him. The corner of her eye twitched.

  “I am glad you enjoy our fair land. Have you visited before, Princess?”

  He knew she hadn’t. The people of Kell rarely left their island. Fiora flushed.

  “Such a question! One might think you were trying to discover my country of origin, Prince Alaric. I would of course remember meeting you. Everything about you stands out. Your sense of style. Your chivalry. Your-”

  She kept talking. And talking. And talking. She listed Alaric’s positive qualities like she was reading from a dictionary.

  Alaric stared out the window. How long had it been now? At least five minutes, surely. Maybe even ten? Fifteen minutes, Queen Marta had said. That hadn’t seemed like a long time when she said it. A fifteen minute conversation.

  It felt like an hour.

  “-and of course your artistic talents.”

  Alaric jumped back to the present.

  “My what?”

  “Surely Your Highness is aware that your reputation as an author precedes you?”

  “No. I have no idea what you’re talking about. As crown prince, I have very little time for hobbies.”

  “Ah, but you found time to write a play for our amusement. I am so looking forward to it.”

  She bent her head down and gazed up at him through her long lashes. Doubtless she meant to look flirtatious, but the overall effect was more predatory than anything. Alaric’s heart beat faster from sheer panic.

  The play. She knew about the play. That meant others knew as well. At least the whole Kell delegation.

  He wouldn’t be able to cancel it. It would have to be produced. The show must go on.

  He broke out in a cold sweat. Fiora fluttered her eyelashes at him.

  “I wonder if Your Highness would be so kind as to give me a preview of your work? I would love to hear you recite something.”

  “I-”

  Alaric’s mouth had gone dry. Conversation. No good. If this were a Prince Test, he definitely would fail.

  “Your Highness? Is it too soon to be so forward? I apologize if I am overstepping any boundaries. I’ve never felt such a connection with someone.”

  Fiora leaned forward. Please, no. She seemed to have mistaken his silence for passion. Alaric leaned back in his chair.

  The door opened, and Princess Fiora leaned back into her seat. She glared daggers at Stefan as he approached them.

  “Princess, please come with me. Your time for conversation is over.”

  Stefan took Fiora’s arm and led her away. She brushed Alaric’s shoulder with her hand as she passed. Stefan looked back at Alaric and raised an eyebrow.

  Alaric wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. It left dark patches on the velvet.

  Please, don’t let every conversation be like this.

  Stefan entered the room again. Empty handed, thank goodness.

  “That bad?”

  “Stefan, that woman is a harpy.”

  Stefan laughed.

  “I’m sure they won’t all be like that. Who would you like me to bring in next?”

  Alaric thought for a moment.

  “The one who came in late.”

  “Ah, so her strategy is working. She is standing out.”

  “No, it’s not that. I met her yesterday at the archives before you came.”

  Stefan raised an eyebrow.

  “You remember,” Alaric said. “She was in the back. She dropped a bunch of parchments on the floor.”

  Stefan shrugged.

  “Not really. I don’t pay much attention to anything in the archives. So she’s a researcher? She sounds like your perfect match.”

  “Stefan-”

  Stefan winked and left the room before Alaric could respond. He returned with a girl on his arm.

  The girl from the archive. The late princess.

  “Princess, may I present my brother, Prince Alaric.”

  The princess curtsied far lower than was necessary. Alaric met her gaze. Her green eyes sparkled as much as the gems on his tunic.

  She smiled at him and sat on the chair. She folded her hands in her lap.

  And said nothing.

  Stefan left. Alaric smiled at the girl. She smiled back.

  They smiled at each other until it grew awkward. Then they frowned at each other. Alaric cleared his throat. His mouth still felt dry, but he could speak now.

  “I’m glad you’ve recovered from your ordeal.”

  More than recovered. She was glowing. Alaric had never seen anyone so pretty. It wasn’t just her features. There was something alive in her expression. Some secret dancing in her eyes.

  “Thank you for your help.”

  And then she was silent again. What kind of game was she playing? Was she angry with him?

  “I’m sorry if I got you in trouble,” he said. “I didn’t know you were a princess. I didn’t mean to meet you early.”

  “So you would have left me outside if you’d known who I was?”

  “What? No, of course not!”

  “You would have sent guards to look after me instead?”

  “No, I-”

  “So, you would have acted just the same even if you had known I was a princess.”

  “I suppose.”

  The girl stared at him. She wrinkled her skirt in her fists and smoothed them out.

  “May I ask you a question?”

  Alaric blinked.

  “Of course.”

  “Tell me about Evangelina Shadow-Storm.”

  Alaric groaned. Not this again. Please, let her talk about anything but that blasted play! The girl frowned.

  “Is something wrong? I understand she is a figure in a- a children’s story from your country.”

  Alaric nodded.

  “And she is popular? Well liked?”

  “Well enough.”

  “Does anyone know the origin of the story? Where it came from?”

  Alaric leaned forward in spite of himself. This was a conversation he could contribute to.

  “No. When I was young I searched the entire archive for a mention of her. I wanted her to be real. But she isn’t. She’s just a myth.”

  “What does she do in this myth?”

  “She defeats a horde of dark creatures. Goblins.”

  The princess shivered and glanced down. At her shoe? Her ankle? She composed herself and met Alaric’s gaze.

  “And they stay defeated?”

  He nodded. The princess took a deep breath. She frowned. She clearly had something else to say. Alaric waited, but she didn’t say it. Just as she had in the archive, she mastered her emotions and smoothed her features into a serene expression.

  “You can ask me,” Alaric said. “Whatever you’re thinking, you can say it.”

  She frowned.

  “Is it that obvious?”

  He shrugged.

  “Alright then. I’ve heard, um, rumors. About your family.”

  “We’v
e ruled Aeonia for over a century. I don’t need to prove my bloodline.”

  The princess flinched at the venom in his tone. Alaric bit his lip. He wasn’t helping his family’s reputation by snapping at everyone who asked about it.

  “You don’t have to pretend it was rumors,” he said, fighting to keep a civil tone. “My family’s history is common knowledge. Everything is in the History of Royal Families in the archive. We’re not trying to hide anything.”

  “Apparently the historical gossip is more interesting than I thought. I should have read it while I had the chance.”

  “I’m happy to answer any questions.”

  Alaric tried to look relaxed. The last thing he wanted to do was discuss his family’s past, but he would if necessary. He realized he was clutching the edge of the chair and loosened his grip.

  The princess studied him but said nothing.

  14

  Lina watched the prince. She had a hundred questions, but she didn’t dare to ask any of them. His temper had flared when she hinted at his past.

  She was supposed to be a charming princess. She should be making mindless small talk. Asking about flowers or something.

  A century. He said his family had ruled for a century.

  She had slept for at least a hundred years.

  How had his family come to power? Had they invaded? Was that the war Eirwyn had mentioned?

  Then what had happened to Lina’s family? The original rulers of Aeonia?

  Nothing good if Eirwyn expected the prince to be vicious.

  Lina swallowed. No, she didn’t dare ask Alaric about any of this. She already stood out too much. She should have sat for fifteen minutes and not said a word.

  “Truly, ask me any questions you like,” Alaric said. “Is there anything you’d like to know about Aeonia?”

  Yes. So many things.

  “No.”

  “Oh.”

  It was his turn to stare at her, stunned into silence. Lina wished she had a way to track the time. Surely most of the fifteen minutes had passed.

  “What happened to your traveling companions?” he asked. “Did your ship crash?”

  Her traveling companions. That was the last thing Lina wanted to talk about. Time to play the part of a princess. She fluttered her eyelashes.

  At least, she tried. She had never been good at flirting. She probably looked like a goat with dust stuck in its eye.