Chapter 8: Alyce

Even from way up in my secret balcony I knew something grand had happened. I could not see the front of the castle, but I could hear authoritative voices directing servants here and there. Something or someone of great importance was going to appear at the castle of Dillian. Not wanting to miss out, I left my drawing of the sunset to go investigate.

Kylee was the first to find me. She bounced up to me with a triumphant smirk on her face. I knew she didn't like me, so naturally I became wary of what might happen.

She hesitated, waiting for me to ask what was going on, but I didn't give her the pleasure, so she said, "Future Baroness Lady Alyson daughter of Baron Nathaniel Delao has just arrived from the rich land of Dellian. She is here to visit my brother and she is Rosella's best friend." Her nose rose an inch higher as her smile lifted.

"Impressive," I said, grinning broadly to show I wasn't effected. "Hopefully her character is as grand as her estates.'

"It is," snapped Kylee, then she retained her princess posture and said reluctantly, "Mother wants you to meet her as well. Or should I say, she wants to introduce you to her."

"Fine, let's go."

Kylee hid her scowl and we went down to the front steps where everyone else was. Charlie looked very intense, and not at all happy at the arrival of the Baroness. I had already guessed this was going to be a snotty girl who liked to flirt too much. Poor Charlie had to put with it all. Since the dancing incident I had forgiven him...slightly, with the help of Christopher's promptings. When we made eye contact I smiled, just to reassure him I was going to be disgusted too.

Queen Rapunzel was again bubbling with joy. After all, she was going to be able to decorate another room, probably pink. Alex and Kyle looked like they couldn't care less, they just wanted to get this over with so they could go back to playing hide and go seek. But for now they had to stand with us, and greet this new lady who would be living in the castle. I could just imagine what was going on in their minds, "Great, we probably won't be able to use that one room. It had a big closet too."

A huge carriage with gold trimmings and drawn by six, identical white horses drove up. It looked very enchanting. The occupant actually matched it quite nicely. Lady Alyson was as pale as the sun in the morning, but don't look at the sun to see, and she was dressed in a glimmering dress of what looked like pure gold. She was beautiful, of course, with a perfect light sprinkle of freckles over her delicate nose. Her hair was surprisingly, as straight as a flute, but it was a beautiful golden color that matched her very well. She jumped, not daintily stepped, but jumped from the carriage with a radiant look on her face as she smiled warmly at the Royal family.

Her shining eyes were actually only on Prince Charles. But the look she gave him was not what I expected. It wasn't lust or a flirtatious beam, it was a smile really filled with love. Was I mistaken, or was this Lady Alyson head over heels in true love with my Charlie?

My mouth nearly dropped open. Please disregard that phrase. Prince Charles is not mine, nor will he ever be.

"Your highnesses," purred Lady Alyson in a beautiful voice. "I am so grateful that you have invited me."

"Lady Alyson we are equally pleased of your arrival," nodded the king and stepped aside so that Rosella could embrace her friend affectionately.

I bit down the naughty critter called envy.

She greeted the Princes cordially and received a small hug from Kylee who sent a smirk to me. Little twerp. Then she dipped into an impressively low curtsey before Charles and as she greeted him, her smile was more genuine and her cheeks had a pretty blush to them.

"Lady Alyson," acknowledged Charlie stiffly, he sounded exactly like the king. His cold blue eyes actually became hard as he politely kissed her hand.

She didn't stand a chance, and I didn't know whether to feel sorry or elated.

"Lady Alyson," said Queen Rapunzel, finally gesturing to me. "This is Lady Ana Maylin. She has been found as the possessor of the precious royal locket as is therefore betrothed to our son, Prince Charles."

Before the reaction could start, Rosella quickly added, "That is if her sweetheart doesn't return from the war."

Still, a wave of pain crossed the Lady's face, and she became deathly pale as she glanced at me, who was totally embarrassed, to the queen, smiling and completely oblivious, and finally to the Prince. He simply stared ahead, and even turned away to talk to his father.

How cruel!

He could've nodded to confirm it, or shown some sort of sympathy. But he did nothing and that is what hurt the broken hearted girl the most. It was also what made me irritated. I realized that my engagement had not just affected me; it was bad news for others too. I looked at Lady Alyson and wished I could say, "Look I don't like him, I'm nothing and wish I never had this stupid locket, you can have it. And you, mister prince, look at her, she loves you. You ought to be happy."

But I didn't.

Lady Alyson turned back to me and forced a smile. "Lady Ana Maylin, the Prince is very blessed to be your betrothed. I wish you the best of luck."

I couldn't believe this. She hadn't said I was lucky. She said the prince was lucky to be marrying me. She didn't even know me! How gracious could one be? I was impressed, and I again nearly tore off the wretched locket. But something stopped me.

"Thank-you," I said through my teeth as I sent a glare to Charlie, "I certainly need it."

She didn't even notice as Rosella and Kylee hurried her away before the tears could start. Kylee sent me a vicious glare before she left, but I only gave her a dazzling smile.

The young princes dashed off and the King and Queen left regally. Charlie was about to leave, but I stopped him by asking, "How long has she loved you?"

"Excuse me?" he asked turning back.

"Don't play ignorance," I scowled. "She's plainly, obviously in love with you and I just want to know how long it has been."

"Ana Maylin, its nothing; a simple obsession that will soon pass. She is just a girl and doesn't know anything. I don't like her at all, she's like all the other girls I've met." He added more slowly, "But...you aren't like other girls I've met."

I ignored this, even though I was startled at this sudden bit of affection. "You didn't answer my question."

He frowned then said dismissively, "I don't know how long. I noticed a year ago when she came to a ball near Christmas. Like I said it's nothing." He suddenly became annoyed and growled, "Which girl doesn't 'love' me? Isn't that what princes are for? To be fawned over and flirted with by all the girls in the kingdom? That is what the world thinks. We are handsome, and must be charming. We are all 'Prince Charmings' and must act as such, we must put up with the phony love notes, the flirts, the swooning, and the faked pained faces. It's disgraceful and I hate it."

I was surprised; this was the first time he had actually opened up. I finally knew what was behind those cold blue eyes and the feelings they hid. He actually looked relieved and embarrassed at the same time. He suddenly reddened and his frown grew deeper. "Forget it," he muttered. "You wouldn't understand."

And before I could say anything, he walked away.

I was passing Rosella's door when I heard the crying. I stopped to listen, knowing it was Lady Alyson who was weeping.

"I knew it might happen," she sobbed. "But I thought I would be at least warned. Such a blow! And he didn't care! That's what hurt the most. He didn't care if I was hurting. Oh, oh, I can't believe this is happening."

"It's all that girl's fault," said Kylee bitterly.

"Nonsense," retorted Rosella. "It's not her fault. You know she just happened to have the locket. I don't think she even wants to marry Charles."

"She calls him Charlie!" shrieked Kylee.

"Shh," whispered Alyson. "Don't say that. In my dreams I call him that. She is so very fortunate. What I am worried about is that she doesn't see how fortunate she is, and won't treat my dear, dear Charlie right."

"Are you kidding? She's marrying the Prince for heaven's sake!" growled Kylee sulkily. "She's an Evifian scullery maid soon to be Queen of Dillian. Of course she sees her fortune!"

"That's not what Alyce meant," scolded Rosella. There was a pause as if Rosie was thinking then she said, "Go get a bowl of hot soup for Alyce, she's tired from the long ride."

I was about to back away and flee but I knew it would be too late so instead I knocked on the door.

"That's probably mother," muttered Rosella. "Try to compose yourself Alyce."

I could almost see Alyce's head bobbing submissively. Did they know anyone standing in front their door could practically see right through the door?

"Come in!"

Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside. Alyce gasped and Kylee stopped with a scowl. "Lady Ana Maylin," stammered Alyson. "How nice of you to come visit. Forgive my tears, I... just...broke a nail and it hurts so."

"Alyce, I know why you are crying," I said bluntly, trying to ignore the random nail comment. Alyce stared at me wonderingly, and Kylee looked at me sharply and was about to say something but Rosella wisely commanded her sharply to go get that bowl of soup.

"Lady Ana..." protested Alyce as soon as Kylee had left.

"I'm not a Lady and you know it. I am Ana Maylin. I didn't...I don't want to marry Prince Charlie. I am here quite against my will. I don't want to marry anyone."

"What of your fiancé?" asked Rosella sharply.

Fiance? Oh, yeah, right.

I blinked and now stammered, "Well, of course I want to marry him! But that's..."

"You don't want Charlie?" asked Alyce wonderingly. She stared at me, unsure whether I was a lunatic or an angel.

"No," I stated firmly. But for some disturbing reason, I didn't quite completely think that. Want him? That was a little extreme. I had to admit that yes I liked the Prince more than I should have allowed myself, but that was beside the point. I didn't love him, not like Alyce obviously did. What was I thinking? Why was I doubting?

"Oh, Lady..."

"Please," I said shaking my head. "If you can't say my name without a title, just call me miss." Ky did it, why couldn't everyone else?

"You are an angel."

I looked at her strangely. "Really," I stated sarcastically. "Never heard that one before."

"You are so kind to tell me this," she said dreamily, "I feel like I can fly. Or like I'm sleeping on clouds. I'm sure you know what I feel like, because you know what it is like to be in love. Oh, isn't it wonderful?"

"Very," I said glancing at Rosella who was smiling patiently and looked like she was listening to poetry. "Now, you two ladies will be sure to keep this a secret, won't you? Queen Rapunzel and Kylee think for some odd reason that I adore him. Really I don't. I have a sweet heart to think about,..."

As if I ever do.

"And I can't have people thinking I'm unfaithful."

As if I really cared.

"Of course," breathed Alyson. "But you aren't...you aren't cruel to Charlie are you?"

I raised an eyebrow. Does stepping on his toes and yanking him down to the ground with me count? "Nah. I treat him as a brother."

How does one treat an annoying brother?

She smiled in satisfaction. "And in return, Miss Ana Maylin, you may call me Ayce, and Rosella and I will do all in our power to help you find your sweetheart. I do wish him a safe return." She stood and surprised me by hugging me affectionately.

"So do I," I said through my reluctant clenched teeth. "So do I."