The Princess Search: A Retelling of The Ugly Duckling (The Four Kingdoms Book 5)

by Melanie Cellier

  I had been willing to do it because in the end Dancer had accompanied me as well as Reya, and since the new dressmaker already had a home, they were to live in the tiny apartment above my shop. I feared it would be too small for the two of them, but they assured me it was more than adequate and that they preferred to be together. It was a sentiment I could understand from my own experiences of arriving in a strange place.

  The new dressmaker had been disappointed to learn that she would not inherit exclusive access to my source of materials, but she cheered up when she learned I would be a new source of royal commissions. I could hardly sew all my own dresses once I was a princess. And when she learned I still intended to design my own dresses, at least—and that she would share some of the credit for them—she had happily agreed to my one stipulation. Reya and Dancer were to be her apprentices, safe where I could keep an eye on them.

  None of the other urchins had shown any interest in leaving Largo, so I had spent some time before my departure finding them respectable places that fitted each of their interests. An easier task given my new almost-royal status.

  When we had sailed from Largo, it had given me a pang. More than anywhere else, Largo had been my home. But when we sailed into Lanare, a sense of comfort washed over me. Not quite a homecoming since my new home stood beside me on the deck, but a sense of rightness. Lanare alone was free of bad memories and the taint of old fear. Here I could build a new future on the foundation of my past.

  And if I could breathe more easily, if the air was a little less dense—and if the greater range of temperature allowed a broader range of dress design—why, all the better. Frederic had already promised that we could make many future trips in the royal yacht to visit my friends around the kingdom.

  “Cassian wrote to his twin about your engagement, as I’m sure you know my dear Tillara,” said the queen, jerking me from my distant thoughts. “And we have just received a reply from Clarisse.”

  Celine looked up and grinned. “Was she suitably amazed? I hope she means to come visit so she can see his transformation for herself.”

  “It seems—as is so often the case with twins I find—that despite the distance that separates them, their lives parallel in strange ways. She has also become engaged at the same time.”

  “Good for her,” said Celine. “Hopefully he is a great deal nicer than her first husband who quite deserved to be run through from all I hear.”

  “Celine.” The queen gave her remonstrance without heat, and her youngest daughter seemed entirely unabashed by it.

  She looked over at Tillie and me. “I’m great friends with Lily and Sophie, the Arcadian princesses, and they heard all about it from someone who was there. It sounded perfectly thrilling.” Her face turned sad. “Although not, I think, for poor Clarisse.”

  “No, indeed,” said the queen. “But it seems her new betrothed is everything we might wish for. They are to have a quiet ceremony in Rangmere, apparently, and then she will bring him here to meet us all.” She smiled at Tillie. “She wishes to be here for her twin’s wedding.”

  Tillie didn’t have a chance to respond before Celine jumped in. “Talking of Lily and Sophie and weddings, can I invite them to come for Frederic and Evie’s wedding, Mother? It’s been over a year since they were here last.”

  “Naturally all the royalty of the Four Kingdoms will be invited for the wedding of our crown prince,” said the queen. “Whether they come or not will be entirely up to their own parents, however, and I would not dream of placing any pressure on them to do so.”

  “Well do tell them how much I am longing to introduce my friends to my two new sisters.” Celine turned away from her mother and gave me a wink.

  I hid a smile. Frederic had already warned me about those three together, but his words had only inspired an earnest desire in me to meet the twins who were a year younger than Celine.

  “I would have thought you experienced quite enough adventure on the Tour,” said the queen, watching her daughter with a resigned air.

  Celine considered this. “It’s true that adventures can be less fun than I used to imagine when I was younger, before I had any. But I still think I would like to have one of my own.”

  “You will, my dear,” said her mother, looking a great deal less terrified by the idea than I suspected I would have been if I were Celine’s mother.

  “Do you really think so?” Celine swung one foot disconsolately. “It seems all the adventures have already been had. No corner of the Four Kingdoms has been neglected.”

  “Well,” said the queen, “then you will have to sail across the seas and find some new lands.”

  Celine laughed and bounded up, crossing over to kiss her mother on the head. “Sometimes you are even more ridiculous than Frederic, Mother. There are no lands across the sea.”

  Her mother simply smiled at her before expanding the expression to include me and Tillie, who looked almost as nervous as I felt, despite not needing the council’s approval for her own betrothal. She seemed to think she could not endure life at court and learning the ways of a princess without my support. No doubt it gave her comfort not to be the least-equipped potential new member of the royal family.

  It had been fun to watch the capital’s astonishment at the transformation of Cassian in the presence of his beloved. Celine in particular took great delight in provoking romantic outbursts from him in front of astonished courtiers.

  In truth, I was as glad as Tillie to have company during the overwhelming transition. It had helped to arrive at court with ready-made friends.

  The door across from us flew open, and I swung around. Frederic strode straight to me, picking me up and spinning me around.

  “You’re going to be a princess, Evie.” He smiled down into my eyes and lowered his voice. “You’re going to be my queen.” I shivered at the words that were almost too much to believe.

  Later that evening, I smoothed the soft silk of my gown with nervous fingers as I stood behind the closed double doors that led onto the landing above the ballroom.

  “Don’t be nervous,” said my betrothed beside me, stilling my hand with his. “It is a triumph. I have never seen you look so beautiful.” He leaned down to whisper in my ear. “And that’s saying something since every day you take my breath away.”

  I rolled my eyes but smiled up at him anyway, and he stole a quick kiss.

  “Frederic!” I whispered. “The doors might open at any moment.”

  He grinned. “I don’t care.” When he tried to snatch another one, I ducked away, evading him. He might not care, but this was my first proper introduction to the court, and I didn’t want to start with a scandal.

  Surreptitiously I smoothed the skirt again. This dress I had made myself, wanting it to be just right. The peach silk was so fine it ran through my fingers like water, the full skirt falling from a tight, ruched bodice. The top of the bodice was decorated with tiny emeralds, a clear mesh, the finest I had ever seen, allowing them to rise all the way to my neck. I didn’t need jewelry with a dress like this, but Frederic had sent a gift to my room, anyway—a fine bracelet that so perfectly matched the outfit, I suspected his mother or Celine had assisted in the choice. I wore it with pleasure.

  I could hear the murmur of many voices and the soft swell of music behind the doors. Then a trumpet sounded, and silence fell. Frederic tucked my hand into his arm, the warm pride in his face as he looked at me stilling the anxious feeling clutching at my throat.

  The doors swung open and the herald announced, “His Royal Highness Frederic, Crown Prince of Lanover, and his betrothed, Evangeline of Largo.” And together we stepped forward into our future—a journey that I hoped would be less painful, but just as rewarding, as the one we had just completed.

  Note from the Author

  You can read about Celine and the twins finding their own adventures in the Beyond the Four Kingdoms series, starting with A Dance of Silver and Shadow: A Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Turn the p
age for a sneak peek!

  Thank you for taking the time to read my book. If you enjoyed it, please spread the word! You could start by leaving a review on Amazon (or Goodreads or Facebook or any other social media site). Your review would be very much appreciated and would make a big difference!

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  Chapter 1

  Bright banners and flags flew from masts and the tops of buildings. Everywhere I looked the sun glinted off a riot of color. I gripped the rail in front of me as the ship rocked gently, pulled along by lines attached to two smaller rowing boats. The harbor already looked full, with several ships anchored further back in the deeper water, so I was glad we weren’t attempting to enter under sail.

  The Duchy of Marin, the city-state we were entering, was a center of trade. At least according to the Marinese Emissary who had brought us here. But I still hadn’t expected it to be so busy.

  Look! I didn’t bother to open my mouth as I called my sister’s attention to a ship with rainbow sails. Our traveling companion, Princess Celine, had gone to see something from the other side of the ship, so neither courtesy nor secrecy demanded we speak aloud.

  How delightful. I’ve never seen such a thing before. Sophie’s projected voice rang in my mind with childish delight. She hung over the railing, her golden curls blowing about in the light wind, a wide grin on her face.

  I wasn’t sure if the enthusiasm was for the exotic-looking port, or the end of our long sea voyage. It would certainly be a welcome relief to feel land under my feet again. And I hadn’t even been seasick like my twin.

  I glanced across at the Emissary and frowned. His eyes were roving over the many ships in the port, and I found the surprise on his face disconcerting.

  I narrowed my eyes and stepped toward him when a loud voice hailed us all from the pier. I swung reluctantly back toward the dock and found Sophie alternating her gaze between me and the Emissary. After seventeen years, we were attuned enough that she could guess a lot of my thoughts, even if I didn’t speak them into her mind.

  He looks a bit odd, doesn’t he? Are you worried? Sophie projected. Outwardly, she had stepped back from the rail and assumed a demure smile for the welcoming party on the pier.

  I don’t know. But he’s the person who gave assurances about our safety. I don’t like to see him looking surprised.

  We haven’t even stepped off the ship, and you’re already worrying about our safety. Why am I not surprised? Sophie’s mental tone swung between exasperation and amusement. You know that’s the Baron and Baroness of Lilton’s role, right? They’re the Arcadian delegation heads.

  On the outside, I maintained the same courtly façade as my sister. But, internally, I sent her a mental image of my shaking head. You know I trust Gregory and Helena, but that doesn’t mean I won’t stay alert.

  I know. Sophie sent the ghost of a laugh along with the thought. You’re hopeless. But one day you’ll have to realize that we’re not on our own anymore. And that my sickness was a long time ago now.

  I sent her an apologetic grimace. She was right, I couldn’t help myself. Our parents had distanced themselves emotionally from us as children, and I could understand the complex dynamics behind that now. After five years of being secure in their love, I could even sympathize a little. They had meant it for the best. They never imagined that you could grow up lonely when you lived in a palace full of people. And, in a way they were right. We hadn’t been lonely, not exactly. Because we’d always had each other.

  How many times had we told each other as children that it didn’t matter if our parents loved us, because we loved each other? Two halves of one whole. It didn’t matter if we were weak on our own—as long as we had each other we were strong.

  I drew a deep breath, almost shaking at the memory of how close I’d come to losing her. To facing it all alone.

  I’m sorry, Lily. Sophie’s apology came quickly. I didn’t mean to bring it back up. There’s enough going on right now.

  I forced myself to smile. Don’t be silly. I’m fine. You’re right—it was a long time ago. So many years ago, in fact, that many of the details had faded away.

  My mother had even recently assured me that I was remembering it all wrong. That Sophie had never actually been dangerously ill. A normal childhood sickness, she’d called it.

  But I knew better. While the facts might have disappeared, as early memories do, the emotions still burned clearly. I knew if I closed my eyes, I could bring them rushing back, as powerful as ever. Fear for Sophie. The certainty that no one saw the danger but me. And the utter terror of being left alone.

  But I couldn’t afford to dwell on those emotions now. I was no longer either helpless or a child. Sophie and I would be eighteen this summer, and I had spent years learning as much about healing as the palace doctors were willing to teach a princess.

  I had no time for clouded judgment, I needed all my wits about me. Because we had finally arrived in this foreign land, and something was wrong.

  And for all she had laughed at me earlier, Sophie’s next projection showed that she shared at least some of my concern. Has it seemed to you like the closer we get to Marin, the more nervous the Emissary has become?

  I bit my lip. It doesn’t quite fit with the idyllic picture he’s been painting of his beloved duchy, does it? I noticed the slightest tremor in my sister’s clasped hands and stepped to her side.

  Do you think we should have let Father send more guards? she asked.

  I shook my head almost imperceptibly. No, Alyssa was right, I projected, referring to our brother’s wife, a favorite with us both. What would be the point? They have six kingdoms full of guards. If it comes to a fight, we wouldn’t have a chance.

  But it won’t come to a fight. Sophie’s answering smile seemed more genuine than her previous attempt. The Emissary has made it clear Marin wants a trade alliance with Arcadia. They wouldn’t do anything to endanger our new ties. Sophie sounded confident now, her tremble gone.

  My soft-hearted sister was brave and determined—she sometimes just needed to be reminded of it. A service I was always on hand to perform. Just as she was always around to remind me that I wasn’t responsible for everything.

  Celine sidled up to us. “Is anyone else getting a bit of an odd feeling?”

  “Absolutely.” I didn’t take my eyes off the people waiting on the dock. The sailors had nearly finished securing our vessel, and the Emissary had already stepped off to consult with the newcomers.

  “Sounds like an adventure to me.” Celine bounced a little on her toes. “It has to be better than four weeks at sea at any rate.”

  Sophie grinned at our friend. “It’s a relief to see land again, isn’t it?”

  I listened with only half an ear to their comments on the unpleasantness of being cooped up for so long on a moving ship. The Emissary was now involved in some sort of heated dispute with the committee on the dock. And he looked increasingly unhappy about it.

  The Emissary had led the deputation from Marin that arrived unexpectedly in our kingdom of Arcadia. He had requested that an Arcadian delegation return with him to his home. When he heard Sophie and I were considering accompanying him, he had given personal assurances to our parents of our safety in his land. I found it unnerving to see him so quickly discomposed upon our arrival. Perhaps we had been foolish to put our trust in his authority.

  But the chance had seemed too good to miss. Old stories held that inhabitable lands existed beyond the Four Kingdoms, but no one in living memory had managed to find one. Any ships that tried to sail westward eventually encountered an impenetrable wall of storms of such severity that they were forced to turn back. So our surprise had been great when, two months ago, an unknown ship
sailed into the harbor of Arcadie, the capital of my kingdom of Arcadia.

  The Emissary explained that he came from a duchy nestled amongst another set of kingdoms. That all their attempts to sail eastward had previously been foiled by storms as well, until several fishing boats had recently reported calm seas for as far as they dared sail. His people wasted no time in outfitting their largest ship and sailing into the unknown in search of new kingdoms with whom to establish diplomatic ties.

  It had all sounded exciting and romantic. And it seemed as if the High King himself must have sent his godmothers to open the way between our two lands. He ruled over all the kingdoms from his Palace of Light, helping us to keep the darkness at bay, and his laws decreed that a kingdom ruled by true love would prosper. Several years ago, the Four Kingdoms had seen a run of royal marriages that had been assisted by the godmothers and fueled by love, with the consequence that we were currently in an historic period of peace and prosperity. So, it had seemed only natural that the High King would clear the seas to the fabled other lands.

  Sophie and I had begged to be included in the return delegation, and after much discussion, it had been agreed that we should go. Our southern neighbor, the kingdom of Lanover, was also sending a delegation that was to include our friend Celine, the youngest Lanoverian princess. No one had stated outright the reason for our inclusion, but none of us were foolish. We knew we were the only three unmarried princesses left in the Four Kingdoms. And a marriage alliance was the strongest bond two kingdoms could forge.