by Aya Ling
"But..." Effie faltered. The princess was the prettiest child she had ever seen. "Everyone calls her a little angel."
"Because they don't know her true nature." Winifred strode to the bed and pulled off the blankets in one swift motion, much to the other maid's astonishment.
Effie gasped. Two pillows and a cushion lay on the spread. There was no trace of a human child.
Winifred sighed. "Another of her usual tricks."
Hanging by the window was a curious-looking rope formed by bundling blankets together. Effie hurried to the window and let out a second gasp. The rope led to a tree growing right beneath the window. Princess Elaine must have used the rope to reach the tree and shimmy down the trunk to the ground.
"She escaped!"
"The little monkey. Always trying to escape her lessons." Winifred shook her head. "You'd do well to sharpen up around the princess. One never knows what she's up to."
Elaine headed towards the Academy, nibbling on a piece of warm rye bread still fresh from the oven. She had sneaked into the royal kitchens earlier and stole her breakfast by using a toy crossbow with a string tied to the arrow.
It was deceptively simple–she didn't even have to enter the kitchens. All she had to do was crouch behind a window, aim at the loaf and fire. She used to have a long skewer for nicking food, but soon learned that the crossbow was easier to handle and more efficient.
"Ow!"
Something hard fell on her head. Rubbing the sore spot, Elaine found an apple on the grass. A few days earlier, she had asked Lady Wesley, "Why do apples fall on the ground? Why don't they fly into the air?"
"Don't ask ridiculous questions," Lady Wesley had snapped. "Now, show me the difference between a curtsey for the king and the one for a ballroom partner."
Elaine shrugged. It was one major reason she couldn't stand her governesses. They couldn't answer her questions and often admonished her for asking about 'trivial matters'.
The princess picked up the apple. It was bright, glossy, and felt solid and smooth in her hand. She took a big bite--sweet, tangy juice filled her mouth. Just the thing after consuming that dry loaf of bread. So nice it was to eat in large bites sans fork and knife, and so lovely it was to begin the morning free of princess lessons. Lady Wesley had announced that she was attending a fashion exhibition held at the second largest city of Riviera–Port Hammond down in the south–and Elaine took it as an excuse that the noble lady was still displeased with her prank. Before leaving, she assigned a load of homework: three new songs on the piano, a sketch of the tree outside her bedroom and two new chapters in The Book of Etiquette.
A brief pang of guilt struck her when she set up the pillows on her bed and slithered down the tree, but she just couldn't do her homework this morning. The Grand Tournament of the Royal Rivieran Academy of Fighting Arts was scheduled today, the day when the knights-in-training would be tested and determined if they were worthy of receiving the shield.
Now, Elaine normally didn't bother going to the Academy. She didn't like fighting either–one thing that she and her governesses actually had in common, but the Grand Tournament meant that her other brother, James, would be there. Princess Arianna of Linderall was slated to get her shield; James would certainly be present to see the lady of his dreams. It had been a year since Elaine had seen her brother, for he was working at Linderall, a distant kingdom home to many wild beasts, including ferocious dragons and griffins. And she'd love to see him. There were few in the palace she truly regarded as her friends and most of them were too busy. Valeria had her duties in the kitchen, and more recently, taking care of Baby Charles. Before Bran went off to the University, they spent lots of time playing in the palace grounds and trying to outdo each other in terms of mischief. He was the only person close to her age that she enjoyed being around with.
Elaine sauntered into the Academy, whistling cheerfully. The Tournament was held in a huge field, where the knights-to-be would display their skills in a series of archery contests, hand combat duels and sword battles. Stands were erected around the field where spectators could sit and observe and cheer for their favored warrior.
"Hullo, Kay!" Elaine called to a young man hurrying past. "Have you seen James?"
Kay was a squire who served the head of the Academy, Lord Darwar, and sometimes also ran errands for the king.
"He arrived a few minutes earlier," Kay answered. "He was heading for the stands. Would you like me to escort you, Your Highness? It's easy to get lost when there are so many people present."
Elaine started to say yes, but then she glimpsed Ralph, who was surrounded by a number of senior knights, including Lord Darwar. Although she was certain that Ralph was occupied and couldn't do anything, even if he discovered her, perhaps it was best that she keep out of her elder brother's sight. Especially when she was supposed to be in her room studying The Book of Etiquette.
"Um no, I'm sure I can find James on my own. Besides, I don't want to keep you from work. Later!"
And Elaine slipped away, going straight towards the stands. She climbed to the very top and looked around. It wasn't long before she found her brother seated high up in a corner–that way he could have a good view but not stand out. James usually preferred the company of animals and avoided large events unless he absolutely had to attend.
Intent on surprising her brother, Elaine tiptoed towards him, sprang up and wrapped her hands over his eyes.
"Guess who?"
James laughed. "Pumpkin!" he exclaimed and ruffled her hair. "Such a long time...why, you haven't grown any taller! I thought the kitchens had improved much since Valeria arrived."
Elaine stuck out her tongue. "I have grown. You must be accustomed to the Linderall people."
James hadn't changed much. Three years of working in the Linderall mountains had hardened the angles of his face and broadened his shoulders, but his hair was still messy, his clothes wrinkled, and he still carried an easygoing, don't-care-about-the-world attitude.
Something was different, however.
"Where's Brucie?" Elaine asked. Brucie was James' pet squirrel that he always carried about on his shoulder.
"Brucie has found himself a lady friend and deserted me," James said, pulling on a mournful face. "He is lucky when it comes to girls. Unlike me." And he gave a huge, melancholy sigh.
Elaine rolled her eyes. "Stop looking so pathetic, James! You know there are plenty of girls who'd say yes to you. Just the other day, there was this court lady asking me if you are still courting Arianna."
"Of course I am," James said. "But one can't feel secure when Linderall is so far away. I've worked hard to win over her people, however. Once she says yes, I'll make sure we marry straight away. That'll allow me stop worrying some suitor would suddenly emerge and charm her off her feet."
Elaine snorted. She found it ridiculous that James should be worrying about Ari's 'suitors'. It was unquestionable that the Linderall princess was the most beautiful woman in the Academy, but then she didn't have much competition, considering that few Academy girls bothered to dress up. Moreover, Ari's great aunt, Lady Matilda, was the most intimidating person ever, being the first woman warrior in history. Ari herself had faced a dragon when she was only sixteen. It would take a very brave man to court the Linderall princess.
"Instead of worrying about my love life, how are things going with you, pumpkin? You haven't done anything to upset your new governess, I hope?"
"Er..." Elaine looked sheepish. "I did." She told him the incident of the jack-in-the-cosmetics-box and James burst into laughter. Soon he became sober.
"Ralph wants you to choose between the court and the Academy," he said thoughtfully, resting his chin on both hands. "What do you think about it, pumpkin? Have you any preference for either establishment?"
"I prefer neither." Elaine scrunched up her pretty little nose. "But I don't want a governess either! Especially not Lady Wesley, I can't stand her."
"Why don't you like your governess?"
&
nbsp; "Well..." Elaine clasped her hands and thought hard. "I don't like the lessons. I dislike learning Tintagelese, I hate reciting rules of etiquette, my sketching is terrible, and I'd rather take apart the piano than bang away on the keys. And learning the waltz and foxtrot and quadrille makes me want to jump out of the window."
"Still have that blanket-rope attached to your window?"
"Oh!" Elaine had the grace to look guilty. "I forgot! I was trying to figure out a way to get to the tree without a rope, but so far I haven't had any success."
"Hmm." James snapped his fingers. "Elaine, what is the result when you multiply twenty-five and twenty-five?"
Her reply was instant. "Six hundred and twenty-five. Why?"
James grinned. "Have you considered enrolling at the University?"
The University! Like the Academy, it was another royal institute, but for young people who wished to pursue academic studies. Everyone received basic education in reading and writing, but if one wanted to take up more advanced work in literature, math and sciences, the University was the best and only place to go. However, it was not regarded a desirable career choice. While the Academy was viewed as an exciting opportunity with promises of adventure and heroism, a University student was different. They were generally seen as boring, insufferable and unattractive.
Elaine frowned. She was going to ask James why he suggested that she go to the University when a horn blared. One by one, the warriors who expected to win their shields strode into the arena.
"That's Princess Marcella of Tintagel," a man in the audience said. "She'll get her shield, no question about that. But can she win the title of Best Academy Fighter?"
"I'll wager my money on Princess Arianna. She might look like a lady, but she fights just as fierce as any man. Did you know she faced a scarlet dragon when she was only a first-year student?"
Elaine found Arianna quite easily, since the latter's beauty stood out in the group of warriors. Her hair, beautifully done in bright ribbons, shone in the sun. Her face was powdered white and rouged with pale pink. Kohl sparkled from her eyelids. A single thin gold necklace with a tiny golden griffin gleamed at her milky white throat.
"There's my dear Ari," James exclaimed. He sat up, as though drinking in her presence. "Did you see, Elaine? She's wearing the necklace I gave her!"
As the tournament began and James' attention was drawn completely to Ari, Elaine started to think about the University. It didn't sound as boring as her princess lessons, nor did it seem as demanding as the Academy, but she didn't look forward to being bossed around by stodgy old professors. Besides, the University had no female students. Not that women were expressly forbidden, but so far, the few girls who tried to get in had either failed the entrance exams or didn't survive the first year.
Since James mentioned the University, Elaine couldn't stop thinking about it. Especially when she sat down at her desk and tried to read through another chapter of The Book of Etiquette.
With Elaine, to decide was to act. Lady Wesley would not return until at least a week later so she might as well make the most of it.
Elaine opened the door of her bed chamber. She hopped into the corridor and looked around. Since no servant was around at the moment, she climbed on the banister and sailed to the floor below, pretending she had suddenly sprouted wings. Rounding a corner, she set off briskly.
"I'll go and see Bran," she decided. "He's already in his third year at the University, he can tell me what it's like there."
Halfway to his room, she stopped abruptly. Hadn't the University term already started? Elaine shrugged and went on. Anything was better than being cooped up in her room and taking princess lessons.
The sound of a baby crying interrupted her pace. It grew louder and louder, reaching a high pitch that seemed to make the walls vibrate. Goodness, was that her nephew bawling? He ought to be an opera singer when he grew up. His lung capacity was impressive.
Elaine entered the royal nursery. As she expected, Baby Charles was rolling in his cradle, his tiny pink feet kicking wildly in the air, his face screwed up and red from crying.
"Ma...ma! I want mama!"
Several maids crowded around him, trying their best to calm him down.
"There, there. Mama will be back in an instant."
"Quiet! Do you want to upset your mother when she comes back?"
"Um..." Elaine tiptoed to the cradle. "Where's Valeria?"
One of the nurse maids jumped. "You scared me, little princess! Her Highness is currently in the kitchens. A stupid newcomer went and put sugar in the soup instead of salt. We have guests from Tintagel, and you know Tintagel people are so fussy about their food, so she couldn't come back in time to sing the baby to sleep. Oh dear, what shall we do?"
"Leave it to me," Elaine said promptly.
She rushed back to her room, retrieved The Book of Etiquette and returned to the nursery. She walked straight up to the cradle.
"Charles! Guess who has come to see you?" Elaine fluttered her fingers to get the baby's attention. "It's Elaine, your favorite aunt!"
The servants looked at each other. One shrugged. The baby had only one aunt.
Baby Charles stopped in the middle of his crying and stared at her. The tears glistened on his cheeks. He was irresistibly adorable, with his mother's rosy cheeks and his father's sapphire blue eyes.
"Now, pay attention. This might be a bit early for you, but as the future king of Riviera, you may have to learn this sooner or later." Elaine opened up the book and began to read. "The first rule of Etiquette is..."
She imitated Lady Wesley's bossy tone, going on and on about the minute rules on how aristocracy ought to act. As though under a spell, Charles began to nod. He blinked once, twice, and finally closed his eyes. By the next chapter, he was fast asleep.
"There." Elaine got up and sailed out of the nursery, quite pleased with herself. Looked like it wasn't just her who got sleepy when reading The Book of Etiquette. Perhaps she could order an extra copy for her nephew. Or even better, she could simply give her own copy to him. It was still in pristine condition.
She went on her way to see Bran. As a member of the royal family, he lived only a few floors below. To her surprise, she found the royal physician, Garam, emerging from his room.
"Garam!" Elaine hurried over to the physician, an elderly man with a white beard and a bald head. "Is Bran ill? Is he all right?"
Garam put a finger to his lips and motioned her to be quiet. In a low voice, he told her, "He caught a cold yesterday. It is not serious, but he must stay in bed until his fever recedes. Do not enter his room, Your Highness. I suggest whatever business you want with Prince Branaird must wait until he recovers."
But she didn't want to go back to her room. She had come specifically to ask Bran about the University. It always irked her when she couldn't follow through something she had planned to do. She would rack over her brains and try to find out a solution, however far-fetched or crazy the solution may be.
A daring idea popped up in her head. She probably shouldn't do it, but Lady Wesley was absent. And if she didn't do it, her curiosity, which was worse than a cat's, would kill her.
CHAPTER THREE
Elaine went back to her room and pulled out a treasure chest she kept under her bed, filled with toys and gadgets she had collected since she was a toddler. It contained a handsome wax doll her mother had given her for her birthday, a miniature ivory elephant James had brought her from Makani, a music box that Ralph had purchased for her when he went on a long trip to Tintagel. And a colorful cotton towel fashioned into the shape of a sponge cake–a gift from Valeria, where she was from. Amaranta was famous for its fine chocolate and desserts.
Elaine found what she was looking for. She had bought a boys' cap at Market Square a while ago, which she preferred to wearing a lacy sun bonnet. When she first donned the cap at an outing, her governess (the fifth or sixth, she couldn't remember) was utterly shocked. She was forced to stash the cap into her chest.
"Now I can wear this," she murmured.
Elaine jammed the tweed cap over her head and stuffed her hair under it. It took several tries to secure her hair, but she succeeded eventually. Then she mixed some ink with water and lotion and rubbed the mixture over her face–making her complexion appear darker and rougher. Elaine surveyed her reflection with satisfaction; unless the professors looked very closely, she should be able to pass as a boy.
It was now time to change her attire. Elaine had a few pairs of trousers which came useful when James took her out for riding. The only item she needed was a black University cloak.
Could she sneak into Bran's room and steal one? She could, but she preferred not to. Garam said that Bran wasn't to be disturbed. If Bran happened to be conscious and caught her making off with his University cloak, that would certainly be a disturbance. As much as Elaine loved to make mischief, she wasn't that heartless.
Could she ask Lance, one of the best palace tailors, to make her a University cloak? She was sure it wouldn't be difficult; she could take a huge piece of raven-black cloth, cut out a hole for the head to go through, and make him stitch on the royal Rivieran insignia. But then, Lance would certainly ask why she wanted a University cloak, and Elaine couldn't think of a passable excuse. A few servants had learned to refuse any request she made, because "nothing good will ever come out of it," as one of her former governesses had said.
Which left only one place.
Elaine sneaked into one of the larger courtyards where drying poles had been set out in numerous rows. Just her luck–it was sunny today and most clothes were hung out to dry, flapping merrily in the wind. It took her no time to find a bunch of University cloaks, remove the smallest one and flee.
Ten minutes later, the princess, now barely recognizable due to the black cloak and tweed cap, headed towards the University.
The University was a cluster of red-brick buildings located on the east side of the palace. Elaine had always known where it was, but seldom bothered to venture inside. But since James, who understood her better than anyone else, had recommended that she go to the University, she wondered why he had made that suggestion. What could be interesting about having more boring lessons all day long?
