by H L Muller
The following days saw my Father receiving a letter from the suitor summarising a "thank you for having me", "Gertrude was great, but no I will not be pursuing her". In my family's presence, I was the perfect Princess, I went along with their plan for these random men to meet and marry me, showing no signs of objection or refusal to enter such an engagement.
However, while alone with the gentlemen on Sunday mornings, I spoke with each of them directly and plainly, then sent them on their way. By gentleman number three I basically had a script memorised that I recited.
"You have been summoned to this Castle, by my Father, to marry me. Have you not?" I ask directly, conveying no excitement or happy emotion at the idea of them wanting to marry me. Receiving a "Yes, Your Highness" in response, except for Lord Embry who said, "No actually, Your Highness, I reached out to him and asked if I would be graced with the honour of an invitation." Lord Embry was the most difficult one to get rid of, but I persisted and was victorious in the end
"You see, Sir, you do not want to marry me. My Father and Brother have plans to marry me off for the most valuable trade. You will be tied to this family and Kingdom, but you or your children will never sit on the throne or reap the benefits of your allegiance with Daes. I may be beautiful, but that will fade. I am highly intelligent, but not at general life. I was raised to be Queen and have standards and expectations that need to be met. I am not a quiet or easy soul; I will cause havoc in your household. I will not be put on another leash, and paraded around for you, to be glad that you captured the Princess’ heart. I can assure you that we will not be happy together. I will not come willingly to your bed. I will not make this arrangement go easily for you. I will not abide by any restrictions you place on me, my life or my body. I will not submit to you, not only because I out rank you, but because I have a mind and a soul that demands more. I will not settle for less than I deserve. I suggest that you go and find yourself the docile and submissive wife that you are looking for. I also suggest that it is in your best interest to not inform my family of this discussion, as not only will I deny it happened, but no one will believe you. As you should have noticed by now, I am an amazing actress and have my whole family convinced that I have no mind of my own, and they will not think me capable of having this conversation with you."
They all left after that speech; the only protest came from Lord Embry. Reiterating how I would never be under his thumb and how he would never have my family wrapped around his finger, he eventually gave up too. With the end of winter, more suitors would come, from further distances that could now travel again.
I am getting over the constant barrage of men everywhere and decided today was a perfect day to go on an adventure and live up to the promise I made myself to explore my own Kingdom.
During my youth, I had many day trips out into Prince Charming's Kingdom. Mother was always encouraging me to get to know the lands and the subjects who I would one day rule. Escorted by Evalyn, I went on several shopping adventures, and site seeing all over the Kingdom. I visited all the galleries, museums, plays and shows exhibiting arts that I could manage. The only downside to all this, I never got to see my own Kingdom. I never really thought about it much until the Cinderella event. I am eighteen, no longer engaged to marry a Prince and become Queen, and I don't know my own Kingdom at all.
Over the winter I really had the time to analyse my life, now that so much had changed, and it was time for me to figure out what I wanted to do with it. I honestly still don't know what I want to do with my life, but I know I want to see my Kingdom.
I rose early today, determined to get out of the Castle before anyone else woke. Dressed in my navy riding habit, wearing a long skirt and cropped jacket that stopped at my waist, black boots and black gloves, I walk quietly down the hall and outside the Palace. Not having any maids to assist me dress this morning, I have left my hair in the simple braid that I slept in. I had chosen today's outfit very carefully, appearing as a wealthy and respectable Lady, but not the Princess. I was not in the mood for people to bow and scrape for me today, not that I was ever really in the mood for that. I want to be among the people and get to know them as one of them, not who they pretended to be when royalty was around. Wearing no jewellery or broaches that could tip anyone off to who my family was.
Making my way down to the stables where my mare Stormy was housed, I thought back to when I was gifted Stormy as a child. She was born of other horses in the Palace stables and is now thirteen years old. Stormy is an Andalusian mare who is sixteen hands, and towers over me. She has a beautiful pale and dark grey coat which flows like storm clouds, with dark a long and wavy grey mane and tail, and deep brown eyes. I named her Stormy due to the combination of her colouring and her personality. She would change as quickly as a storm could roll in. One minute a calm and placid creature, the next a wild beast. I loved that the trainer couldn't break that part of her spirit. I was the only one she would calm down for. Stormy is my best, and probably only, friend.
"Hello," I call to the stable boy.
"Good Morning, Your Highness," he replies bowing.
"Should anyone from the household enquire where I am, will you please advise that I have gone for a ride?" I ask him, walking to Stormy. I was used to spending lots of time out with Stormy in the warmer months, and whenever my responsibilities and duties allowed it. It wasn't uncommon for me to take Stormy out for a long ride, and I was hoping that Mother and Father wouldn't ask where I was until later into the day. I had never left the Palace grounds alone, always accompanied while on rides or travelling to events. Thankfully, the boy did not question me on that.
"Of course, Your Highness" the boy replied. He was familiar with me after all the time I spent here with Stormy. He left me in peace while I went about my routine of brushing her down, feeding her, giving Stormy a once over check and preparing her in her saddle for a day's ride.
After ensuring I had money, water and food for myself in my saddle bags, I set off on Stormy to go and explore my home, my country, my Kingdom.
Seven
Although, I have never been alone in the Kingdom, I knew my way around after years of studying maps and escorted trips. I set off east from the stables, heading through the Jang Forest in the direction of Mount Ters. It is said the village Adaira, at the bottom of the mountain, had beautiful creations by artists and woodworkers. Although I had stopped their several times before while travelling to Prince Charming’s Kingdom, I had never travelled into the village. Art is something I have always taken pleasure in, enjoying finding the unique and beautiful expressions of each artist. I have a collection of little artworks in the Gallery at our Palace, and I have several from Prince Charming's Kingdom. Remembering with a pang that I have none from my own Kingdom. That was going to change, starting with today's adventure.
The journey to Adaira takes me four hours on Stormy; we stopped for a break halfway there to allow Stormy to have a drink and myself some breakfast. Adaira was only forty kilometres from the Palace, and I knew Stormy could have gotten us there faster, but I am enjoying travelling at a leisurely walk. The Jang Forest is alive, and all the animals are animated with spring. Babies follow their mothers around, learning how to walk and forage. Reminding me this is the first time I have been completely alone in my life. No guards or maids loitering around. Rejoicing in my temporary freedom, I lie in a bed of wildflowers. Colours of blues, pinks, yellows and oranges are everywhere, and I collect a handful to take back to the Palace with me.
Continuing our adventure, we arrive in Adaira around ten in the morning, timed perfectly with all the villagers it seemed. Everyone was out and about accomplishing several tasks for the day.
I dismount Stormy near the village stables, hoping that they will have space to house her during my stay in the village.
"Good Morning, Ma'am. Welcome to Adaira." A boy of about thirteen calls out while walking over to where I am standing with Stormy near the stable entrance. He is a bit taller than me and wide set with
a toned muscular frame I can just make out though his shabby plaid shirt and overalls. His shaggy, ashy hair squished under a cap.
"Good Morning," I reply suppressing my sigh of pleasure. It is nice to not hear Your Highness. "I was wondering if this is where I would be able to hold my horse, Stormy, for a few hours while I explored the village?" I ask him, smiling and showing my joy.
"How long are you here to visit? You are welcome to store your horse here. Our costs are either per day or per hour depending on your needs."
"Only here for a few hours today, thank you."
After setting up my account with the stable boy, I removed my coin purse from Stormy's saddle bag, and let her be taken into a stable for the next few hours.
I planned on trotting Stormy back to the Palace, making our journey home faster. To ensure I was home by tea, I only had three hours in the village before I needed to leave. The village is set up in a neat and orderly lay out, with the stables being near the west entrance. Walking down the main street, there are several houses with small yards, each house unique in design and structure. Some houses are flat and long, while others are tall and wide. Several houses are made of wood logs, where others are from brick or stone of various colours. Each house did have one thing in common, they all showed signs of being loving and happy homes. Children are running around, playing and helping maintain household chores, mothers or fathers watching over them, teaching them life lessons and the ways of the world. I can feel eyes watching me as I make my way through the town, and I knew that the whole village would know I was here within five minutes.
The village is not as large as I expected, after a few hundred metres, by the centre water well I found the town hall, the church and the art gallery buildings. There are three art gallery buildings that are connected with long thin hallways. From what I read; each showcased a different type of artwork. The one on the right should house all the paintings and drawings. The building on the left holds all clay and marble sculptures, and the one in the middle housed all wood carvings and leather works.
Walking into the centre gallery building, I find a young woman sitting behind the front desk. She is dressed in an elegant and flowing soft yellow dress, her blonde hair curled into a tight bun, held at the base of her skull. She is all smiles, her eyes twinkling in the morning sunlight that came through the open door.
"Good Morning, Miss. If I may introduce myself, my name is Rosemary Smithers. I am the daughter of the village President, Earnest Smithers, and I look after the galleries here. Can I help you with anything today?" She had a soft sweet voice that makes me feel warm like standing in the sunshine.
"Good day Rosemary, my name is Trudy..." I paused, what last name should I give? I hadn’t thought of that. I could not provide her with Daes; it would surely click within seconds that I am related to the Royal Family of Daes. What can my name be!? Ambrose popped into my head. "Uh, Kn-kni-knight. Trudy Knight." I said while stuttering slightly. "It's lovely to meet you. I travelled here today as I heard you had a vast collection of art that I would like to see, and even look into acquiring."
"Oh really?" Rosemary replied, shock and sadness colouring her voice. "We currently do not have any works for sale. My father can provide you with the artists contact information for commissions or work they may have for sale personally. Prince Charming travelled through here on his honeymoon with Princess Cinderella and she loved them. He bought every piece we had and is allowing us to keep displaying them until he returns to the Castle to organise delivery."
Jealousy and confusion race through me. Why did he come to Adaira? It is near the border of his Kingdom. Yet, to come here after calling off his engagement with me, with the situation between our Fathers’? I thought he would be more cautious.
"Why would he do that? Their Kingdom is full of artists, why would he need to buy these pieces?" Charming had never bought me anything, or cared about what interested me, though our betrothal. One more sign that we never loved each other.
"It is not for us to assume, Miss Knight. I am sure he had his reasons, as all Royals do for everything they do,” She grew defensive. “They are all lovely pieces, maybe they do not have work as great as these in their Kingdom."
“I do not mean to offend you, Rosemary. I am upset they stole the chance for me to purchase today. Do the King and Queen of Daes know of his visit?" I ask, trying to not give away how interested I am. How will Father take his visit to our Kingdom?
"I do not know, Miss. My Father sent them a letter after it happened two weeks ago, to my knowledge we are yet to receive a response or action from Their Majesties. They have always been close with Prince Charming's family; I presume they know about it and do not care about what it means to an outreach village of little to no consequence in their Kingdom." Rosemary’s face blooming into a bright red, she slams her mouth shut, clearly remembering that she is speaking with a stranger and that these comments are treasonous. "I apologise, Miss Knight, I do not mean to say such things. Please, disregard that. I do not mean to speak ill of the royal families."
"Please Rosemary, call me Trudy. I'm sorry, I simply cannot forget what you have said," her face crumples in displeasure, and I can feel a smile tugging at my lips as I continue "it is the most honest and truthful thing anyone has ever said to me. I agree wholeheartedly. I think you just became my favourite person,” excitement lacing my voice, Rosemary gave me an enquiring look. I have a feeling we will be fast and close friends.
“You agree with me?” she asks tentatively.
“Yes, I do. Now are you able to give me a tour?”
"Of course!" she responds with glee and a mischievous smile. Oh! Yes, I think we will be great friends. "I know everything about every work in these galleries."
Linking arms with Rosemary, we walk into the gallery. She shows me the clay and marble sculptures first, before moving on to the drawings and paintings, and finishing with the carvings and leather works. One of the wood carvings caught my attention, and I was fixed upon it. It was a horse about the size of my torso. The face, mane and hair of the horse were so detailed and realistic.
"That is made by a relatively local artist. He has provided us with many art pieces over the years. This is a carving of this father's horse, made when the artist was seventeen years old."
I am amazed at the skill, detail and care the artist has put into this work. Clearly Rosemary was able to tell how in love I am with this work.
"Unfortunately, he doesn't take commissions."
Crestfallen, I continue looking around the galleries, still in shock that Prince Charming bought all these works. Where did he plan on putting them in his Castle? His gallery was already full. I had seen the space many times in my visits to his Castle.
"Rosemary, when will your father be available for me to discuss this artist's information with him? Am I able to go on a wait list if this artist ever comes to you with work again?" I ask unable to contain my excitement at the prospect of owning his work.
"I do not know, Trudy. He is out of the village today handling a problem. Would you be able to stay here for the night? I am sure you would be able to speak with him tomorrow."
"Unfortunately, not, Rosemary, I have prior arrangements and must be home tonight. Would you be able to talk with him about me, and let him know I will be back in three days’ time? I would appreciate it if he would be here for me to meet then. Do you think that would be possible and enough notice for him to clear time for me?"
"I will talk to him tonight, Trudy, and ensure he is here for your return."
"I feel a fast friendship forming with us Rosemary. I have not had a real friend before, and I look forward to seeing you again soon."
If Rosemary was shocked by my bluntness, she didn't show it.
"Yes, Trudy. I look forward to your return as well." We part ways outside of the gallery, Rosemary has to stay to look after them as myself back through the village to the stables.
I feel so free, today I have been Trudy, and I was liked.
I had made a friend. My smile could not be shaken from my face.
Eight
I spend the journey home thinking about what it would be like to be so loved by Charming that he bought all those art pieces for me, and what works I could commission to have made by the artists. Cinderella was lucky to have found someone so thoughtful after all she had been through. In the month after their wedding a lot of rumours had joined us at the gatherings Mother and Father hosted. Stories telling of how her mother passed, having her father remarry, and her father passing leaving her alone with her step mother and two step sisters. She was treated awfully by them, locked in rooms, forced to do all the chores in her own house after her step mother fired all the servants, forbidding her to be a part of their family and be seen in public with them. For her to have overcome that all and found it in her to love and trust. She must be very brave. I wish I could be brave like her.
I am especially interested in seeing if Mr Smithers could persuade the wood carver to sell to me. My stomach is full of anxious butterflies. Do I buy this work as Trudy Knight or Princess Gertrude? Do I let the villagers know who I am? Rosemary seemed like a lovely person, and I am glad to have met her. Hope fills me at the idea of me having my first true friend, one who was not influenced by my title, or are in my parent's pocket just hoping to get something out of me.
Suddenly, I notice there is no noise at all coming from the forest. Looking around, there are no animals, no wind, rustle of leaves or branches. I tilt my head to the sky, to see if there is an incoming storm, but cannot make it out through the tree tops. Panic ceases me, the trees and road are not familiar. I cannot remember if this is the way that we came into Adaira. Thinking back, I definitely took the right road when I left the village. I must have taken a wrong turn when I was lost inside my thoughts. It's not the first time it has happened, I get lost within myself all the time while walking around the gardens at the Palace. This are different than my gardens though, there are no sign posts or clear paths to walk on. The forest has more trees and shrubbery than I had seen on my way to Adaira, I have never seen this part of the Jang Forest before. The continued silence is unsettling, I need to get out of this area now.
