Layla

by Lacie Perry Parker

Chapter 11

  I raised my arms out to the side while LaShebah was pinning my dress. I had lost so much weight that my old gowns no longer fit. But the one she was pinning to make snug was one she had prepared for me in anticipation of my return. Pale lavender, tapered at the waist, and a very full skirt. The sleeves bloomed far over my hands, but there was a slit exposing my elegant fingers. I was smothered in aromatic oils, making me feeling more like a princess again.

  I bunched the skirt in my hand as I skipped down the stone, spiral staircase. Once again happy-go-lucky, and nonchalant. I was a princess again.

  The chandeliers from above shimmered candlelight from their perches. I slowed my skip to a graceful stride. Firmly I grasped the marble railing, clacking my neatly trimmed nails on the dense surface. My smile was warm and friendly to the guest that waited below. Happily I swung the curls that had escaped from LaShebah's strange hair-do, carefully complementing my face. I bit my lips and let my hand clasp the skirt lightly, holding the delicate purple fabric between two fingers.

  I stopped at the landing before continuing all the way down. People were dressed finer than I had seen in a long time. I spotted Brye. When he turned and saw me, his eyes brightened. He set down his goblet on a table and winked at me. As he started for the bottom of the staircase, I spotted two very welcome, very unexpected guests. My face grew wide with a smile. Adda and Wade! I waved at them, feeling animated. When they saw me they started in Brye's trail.

  When Adda made it to the stairs I flew into her arms.

  "Oh Adda! I had no idea you would be here!" I drew myself back from a warm embrace and held her hands.

  "And I never realized you were so pretty," she sighed.

  I chuckled, trying to ignore the comment. I didn't want things like that to overcome me; warriors were never vain. "Well, I am glad you are here."

  Adda stepped out of the way and Wade took my hand.

  "So glad to have you here! How did Miss Missy make out?" I smiled warmly.

  Wade grinned. "Oh, you know. I guess she did fine. But I do not think you will be seeing much of her anymore!"

  I laughed accordingly, and motioned Brye to step closer into our circle. "Brye, this is Wade and Adda. They were so kind to let me stay at their tavern and to offer gracious friendship during my lonely struggle." I turned to the two. "And this is my ever-long friend, Prince Brydon of Dreideth."

  Brye turned to Adda, took her hand and smiled. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Adda." He winked. "And you can call me Brye."

  "The pleasure's all mine!" she said in between giggles.

  When Brye turned to Wade, he surprised me by being quite the opposite of the way he was with Adda. His eyes frosted over, and he leaned over in what seemed to be an attempt to bow. It was more like a resentful nod of his head. Luckily Wade was feeling more sociable, and he stuck out his hand. The handshake was far from hearty on Brye's side. It reminded me of something called jealousy.

  "Well," I said stepping between them. "Shall we eat? I do believe that I am still famished!" Playing hostess was tough. Brye took my arm and led me to my seat as always. As we walked, I twisted a fugitive curl around my finger.

  "You can tell your mother that I sent out twenty chickens yesterday," I told Wade. Adda clapped her hands. It was then I realized she was wearing the gown I had given her. The thought arose that I should go through my sideboard that night, and give her the ones I did not want anymore. My exploits on the road made me even more discreet with my clothing.

  "Adda, would it be okay if you and Wade stayed the night at the castle? Tomorrow we could all go visit Snowy Falls. It would be a mellow, relaxing experience."

  Brye opened his mouth in protest, but I cut him off and gave him a shushing look. "And? I have something for you, Adda."

  Adda looked up with bright interest. "For me?"

  I nodded, but then realized that Wade was probably the one I should have been asking if they could stay the night. "Do you think your parents would mind? I could send word to them."

  He shrugged, but I could sense excitement in his spirit. "I suppose that would be fine. After all, you did stay with us for a week. I am sure it would be better than trekking back in the dark after all."

  I hadn't thought of them alone in the woods at night. I knew how frightening those kinds of encounters could be. It would most likely be best for them to stay the night even if they did not want to, which they did. So no problem was presented? save Brye.

  He pulled the chair out for me, and then took his place across from me.

  "Wade, you and your sister may sit with us. You at Brye's right. Adda, sit beside me." So the two got the honor of being seated at the royal table. I saw Adda beaming with pride; only the royal, the Duke, the Earl, the Baron, their wives and royal guests usually sat at our table. Adda must have felt extremely important. Wade on the other hand, was lost somewhere. A look I had seen on Brye many times before.

  I turned to my food, thinking no more of the boys' rivalry. My thoughts turned instead to the tranquil, peaceful little trip we were to take the next day. Snowy falls was a place high on Mount Verru. The temperature there can stay as warm as forty degrees Fahrenheit, or as cold as forty below zero. It was a magical sight, though. A waterfall, taller than the highest tower; a lake, deeper than the deepest cavern. The waterfall dropped not water, but snow. The vision of it was more astounding than anything else a person would ever see. But we would have to bundle up.

  A hand came from behind me and took my empty plate. It was swapped with a bowl of frozen cake. Not my favorite dessert. Nevertheless, I shoved my fork into the crustiness of the wintry platter and held it to my mouth. I looked over at Adda, who was digging in with eagerness. Wade was doing the same. But Brye was feeling my thoughts- that they could have picked something a little more appetizing. He gave me a sympathetic shrug and shoveled some into his mouth.

  I sighed and gently pushed the plate away. Just then the music started to play. I could hear the melodious harp. So majestic; my favorite. Then it got livelier, so I stood up and pushed in my chair. This was the time I was supposed to dance with people who would usually never get a chance to dance with a princess, because the royal table was still busy feasting. I strolled over to the ballroom floor. There was no door separating the two. It was one big room, so the people who did not wish to rise and re-buckle their belts could simply sit and relax, watching the dancers glide. Of course I did not wait long for a tap on the shoulder.

  I was getting tired after four dances. The music changed on my account. The next tap was a familiar face. Brye.

  After a dance with him, I politely retired. For once I wanted to rest before departing from the castle. I left behind many unhappy subjects. But what did I care? I was not your average princess!