A/N: My best friend and her boyfriend may or may not have sort of accidentally become a muse for this story...oops. Anyway, here's the second chapter. As always, a review would be lovely! (Also, if anyone would love to volunteer as a beta reader...please do.)
It wasn't until we were finally in the carriage that everything finally hit me. Prince Jonathan kept staring at Cordelia. A look that should have been saved for me. Well, he thought he was giving me that look, that gaze of excitement and longing. I closed my eyes and tried to ignore everything. I couldn't help but feel jealous. Angry. And yet if I acted out, my actions would impact both Cordelia and myself. Because for all anyone knew, the Prince was courting me.
"It will be wonderful having you around the palace. You and your sister will be staying in the Upper Quarters. The courtiers there should be amiable. You will both have a personal attendant to help you," Prince Jonathan explained. He leaned in a little closer to us. "Fair ladies, I know you both brought personal belongings. I am afraid, however, that many of your clothes will be unsuitable for court life. Because I want you two to feel at home in the palace, I've set up separate appointments with the court tailor to dress you properly."
As Prince Jonathan explained this, I realized that he knew the rules of his own court. As he should have, of course, but that had never stopped some princes from being ignorant of their own domain.
"How often will we see you?" I asked. I had meant to keep my mouth shut. It would have been a better question coming from my physical mouth instead.
"A fair question, considering my recent romantic interest in your sister. You shall see me at least three times a week."
"Only three!" protested Cordelia. "But I wanted to see you more!"
The Prince sighed. "I know, I know." He placed his hand on hers. "But do understand that this is my court, and I must know it and work as hard as I can for my people. I will try my hardest to please you, my lady."
Cordelia seemed unsatisfied with this and turned away. I wished she hadn't. It was amazing to see how dedicated Jonathan was. I respected him all the more for it. But Jonathan couldn't see that. He only saw the girl he thought he cared for treating his efforts with contempt.
"You have the wrong girl!" I wanted to shout. But I couldn't do that. None of it would make any sense to anyone else. As with everything else in my life, I'd just have to be patient.
"What shall my sister do in your company?" I asked.
The Prince stared at me, his eyebrows drawing close together over his dark brown eyes. Our eyes met, and he looked away, back at Cordelia, who scooted closer to him.
"We shall tour the castle, dine together, and enjoy the best entertainment my palace has to offer, among other things," he replied. I raised an eyebrow, and Prince Jonathan smirked. "Your sister will be well taken care of, and I shall treat her with the utmost respect, if that is your concern. After a month, if things are going well, our courtship shall continue.
"A month?!" Cordelia asked. She frowned at this unexpected piece of information.
"Yes, a month. My dear, when one is selecting his future bride and queen of Myrisminia, one is allowed to be selective."
I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry or throw up. I had a month to find a way back into my own body and claim the life I so desperately wanted. Was a month even long enough? Did I need the whole month?
"Very well, then. A month," replied Cordelia. "I'm certain things shall go very well."
"Me too, Lady Cordelia."
I wasn't so sure.
Moments later, the carriage pulled up to the main palace entrance. The Royal Guard stood watch with a large number of courtiers as the valet opened the door for the prince, who promptly exited and straightened his shirt. The valet held out his hand to me, and I took a hold of his gloved hand and stepped down onto the cobblestone. Everyone outside watched as my sister then exited the carriage. Cordelia smiled, enjoying this much attention. Whispers fluttered here and there about the two of us, the tall one and the small one.
"Follow me," instructed the Prince. We walked behind him as he swiftly navigated through the crowd that parted at his presence.
We stepped inside the palace and stopped. It was breathtaking. Silvery blue marble covered the floors, and golden trimmings lined the walls. Everything exuded wealth and excess. We were led up the stairs and through a number of hallways before we stopped at our destination. Prince Jonathan opened the mahogany door to a large, lavish room with numerous doorways.
"Lady Eleanor, your room awaits you. Lady Cordelia, your room is next door. I shall send attendants to you shortly to help you get settled in and taken to the tailor. I currently have other matters to attend to, but know that I leave you in good hands. Welcome to your new home," he said. Prince Jonathan gave me a small, respectful bow. He then took Cordelia's hand and gave it a small kiss. I could see Cordelia practically melting as Jonathan walked away.
"Oh, isn't this splendid, Eleanor?" asked Cordelia. "It's everything I've ever wanted." She spun around wistfully.
I looked at her, wondering what was going on in her head. "But can this last? The spell, this ruse, can it last? I'm not sure it can."
Cordelia frowned. "It will. I want it to, so it will. It has to. Now…you should settle into your room. I must leave soon to get fitted into a new dress," she said, hesitating.
I nodded and went to my new room. She still dismissed me as a servant. And maybe that was the most I could hope for, now.
Review replies:
InChrist-Billios: I'm so glad you like it! Thank you!
EVA: Thanks! I wanted to use a smilie there that wasn't cliche. Snow seemed like a good option. :) Hopefully this chapter gives you more insight on Jonathan's character. You'll see him develop more as the story goes on, of course. I actually took a lot of the suggestions of you and Seraph made into account in writing this chapter and developing my character's reactions to one another. Thanks for the review!
Seraph: Thanks for your review! I tried slowing it down a little more in this chapter. I actually tried writing the whole shock chapter, but it didn't feel right. I'm still planning on incorporating the shock somehow, though. Never fear! I'm just glad you don't see Cordelia as the villain. :)
Ariyah: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you liked it!