Chapter 3 Getting Off On the Wrong Foot

The night with the acrobats had been fun for Miranda. Sofia was watched by her friend, and Miranda was happy as she walked back to the castle, full from a grand dinner and elated to have met such a kindly man. He had made her laugh, something that she hadn't been inclined to do much for years. She was still unsure of her place with Roland, but he was an amazing man.

The king offered her work in the castle, maintaining and polishing shoes twice a week with Sofia. She was paid well, and she was happy to do the work. It was a respite from the hot shop and tiring work of making shoes. She still did that for four days of the week, but the days spent polishing shoes were cool and pleasant and she and Sofia were eager to please the king.

Miranda went on a few more excursions with the king, berry picking, walks in the forest, picnics in large, grassy fields, and horseback riding. She enjoyed it all, but she noticed that they spent time together away from the people of Enchancia. During a break from a heavy trot through the forest on two beautiful horses, Miranda brought it up.

"Roland?"

"Yes?" Roland asked, smiling at her.

"Why is it that we're always…" She trailed off, unsure. "I mean, I enjoy our time together, but why are we always alone? We could go to a festival, like the berry festival last week. But instead we went on a picnic."

Roland looked uncomfortable. "Well, Miranda," he began. "As much as I find you charming, you are a commoner."

Miranda's heart nearly stopped. Was she just a fling for the king? Tears stung her eyes. "So?"

The king looked startled at her choked voice. "No, my dear, it's not that I'm ashamed of you!"

She paused, blinking back tears. "Then what is it?"

"Well, I'm afraid that people might misconstrue our relationship," Roland said gently.

"In what way?"

"I'm afraid they'll think that you are just trying to be with me for the title of queen, or the power that comes with ruling, or the prestige of royalty. Or all three. I don't want you to be hurt or slandered, Miranda. I care far too much for you to force you to bear that."

Miranda considered this. It was sweet and defensive. But she had more questions.

"Have you told Amber and James yet?"

Roland sighed. "I don't know how to," he admitted. "My relationship with Amber is currently strained. She's been badgering me to let her get a unicorn, and I just don't see the point when we have all sorts of wonderful steeds, both flying and grounded. I'm not too worried about James. He's confided in me before that he wants a mother. I'm afraid the family is missing a woman's touch. And I've never been good with conflict."

"You handled the conflict with Khaldun just fine," Miranda pointed out.

"I don't mean political conflict. I can handle that just fine. It's familial conflict I have trouble with. Even when my sister and I would fight, I'd never know what to do to fix it. Then there's what happened between my father and me when I turned seventeen. I didn't know how to resolve it. If my mother hadn't been a peacemaker, the kingdom could have been ripped apart. Besides, I can't say no to Amber. It's difficult to punish her. She seems to get her way all the time. I don't know what to do."

Miranda nodded. "I hate to punish Sofia, but I do it out of love. One time she tried crossing the street without me when she was four." Miranda paused as a memory of trampling horse hooves overwhelmed her for a moment. She shook it off and continued. "When I punish her, she just has to accept it. There's no room for compromise. Remember, Roland, you're in charge of your children, not the other way around. It's difficult to be firm, but consider the consequences if you're not."

Roland looked thoughtful. "That's true. I'll just have to put my foot down."

Miranda smiled. "So will you tell them that you're in a relationship? I feel bad about sneaking around behind their backs. Sofia knows, and she's fine with it. In fact, she's thrilled to meet Amber and James. But she can't do that if you don't tell them."

The king laughed and stood up, holding out his hand. Miranda took it, enjoying the warmth that shone from Roland's kind face.

"I'll tell them. I don't know what I'll say, but I'll tell them. Now, let's finish our ride."

Miranda enjoyed the rest of the afternoon, racing the king on a sleek, black mare, and she won. They parted, and Miranda reminded the king to have the damaged or scuffed shoes to be put out for her the next day. He'd forgotten a few times with his busy schedule, and the servants had scrambled to gather them. She hated to see them scurry around frantically, so she reminded him when she could. Roland kissed her hand, then he waved goodbye and headed off.

When Miranda got home, she picked up Sofia from the tailor's house and they ate a cold dinner of bread and cheese. Sofia asked how their outing went, and Miranda said it was wonderful, telling her they rode horses. Sofia expressed a wish that she could ride a horse, but especially a flying one. Miranda smiled and kissed her and sent her off to bed.

The next morning, they got up early and went to the castle. The guards let them in without a word or a pause, and they trooped up the stairs to a wide, airy room where Miranda and Sofia would shine and fix the shoes. They unloaded their equipment and got to work. They worked not only on the king's shoes, but also the prince's shoes, the princess's shoes, the staff's shoes, and the noble's shoes. Miranda and Sofia were both so skilled at their tasks that two days a week were all they needed to shine, polish, and repair all the shoes.

Sofia worked on polishing while Miranda repaired a pair of the king's favorite everyday shoes. She had finished the repairs and was getting ready to polish the shoe when a shadow fell over them. Miranda looked up, wondering if perhaps a servant was bringing a pair of shoes for emergency repair again, but she was startled to see Princess Amber. Her golden hair and bright brown eyes made her beautiful, but the haughty, angry look on her face detracted immensely from her natural looks. She wore a yellow satin dress with a matching tiara, and she looked ready to spit fire.

"And just who are you?" she demanded of Sofia, who looked up to blink at Amber. Her eyes lit up, and she beamed.

"I'm Sofia! And you're Princess Amber! It's so nice to meet you!"

Amber scowled at her then turned to look at Miranda. She had disdain in her eyes. They were the same color as Roland's, but there was no kindness or warmth in their depths. A sharp, bitter anger roiled below the surface of the child in front of her. What had happened? Had Roland told her that he was courting Miranda? What was the princess going to do?

"What are you doing?" she demanded of Miranda.

"I was just repairing your father's shoes. I'm going to polish them now," Miranda said, smiling at Amber. Maybe she could disarm her with charm.

It didn't work.

To Miranda's horror, Amber jerked the shoe out of her hand and strode over to the open window. Miranda stood up and hurried over, unsure of what she should do, or even what she could do to stop the princess. Before she could grab the shoe back, Amber threw it with precision into a patch of mud beside the duck pond that was on that side of the castle. She turned to Miranda, malicious glee in her eyes. Miranda grasped the windowsill and stared hopelessly out at the shoe. It would take much more to clean it now, and she didn't even know how to go through the maze of hallways in the castle to find a way out there. When she turned to stare blankly at Amber, the girl simply tossed her hair and smirked.

"Wait until Daddy hears that you tossed one of his favorite shoes out the window," she laughed. "You'll be out of a job in less than an hour. I suggest you pack up now."

With that, Amber sauntered away. Sofia had watched the scene in horror, shocked by the princess's behavior. If she had done such a thing, her mother would not have hesitated to punish her. But Amber didn't even seem sorry. Sofia stood up and went to the window, the shoe she'd been polishing still in her hand.

"Why did she do that?" Sofia asked, her voice trembling.

"I don't know."

"Are we really going to lose our job?" Sofia was near tears.

Miranda embraced her. "It's okay, Sofia. I think we'll be okay. Roland won't fire us."

"I'm sorry about that," a boy said from behind them.

Miranda and Sofia turned to see Prince James standing there. He had the same golden hair as his twin and the same brown eyes. But these eyes were much more like Roland's than Amber's had been. He wore a pale green suit and carried himself regally.

"It wasn't your fault," Miranda said softly.

"No. But I watched it. I should have tried to stop her." He walked over and bowed to them. "I'm Prince James."

"Miranda," the shoemaker said.

"I'm Sofia," Sofia said, her eyes bright as she stared at the prince.

"Nice to meet you."

"What made Princess Amber act like that?" Sofia asked. "She was so mean to my mom."

"Dad, that is the king, went on a walk with us and he explained that he was courting somebody."

Sofia glanced at her mother, who shook her head slightly. After the way Amber had reacted, there was no way she would tell James that she was the one Roland was courting.

"And Princess Amber was upset?" Miranda asked.

James nodded. "Yeah. He didn't even get to tell us her name before Amber was screaming that he was betraying our mother. She stormed off, and Dad was upset and said he wanted to think for a while, so I came after Amber. And I saw her throw Dad's shoe out the window. It's not you she's trying to hurt. It's Dad. She's usually much friendlier, I promise.

Sofia glanced at the window. "She said we'd lose our job here."

James's expression hardened. "I won't let her lie about you. She's been pushing it lately with Dad. He's on his last rope with her. If she doesn't back off, something will happen. I don't know what because Dad always gives her what she wants, but something's got to give."

"Thank you, Prince James," Miranda said.

James smiled. "Just call me James. I'd better go find Dad before Amber does. I hope she gets told off. Or something. She can't keep getting away with this kind of thing."

He bowed again, then turned and sprinted out of the room.

"What now, Mom?" Sofia asked.

"We get back to work and hope for the best," Miranda replied.

They sat down and began to work again. Miranda began to repair a servant's shoe, and Sofia returned to polishing. After a few moments, Sofia looked up.

"Mom?"

"Yes, Sofia?"

"Do they not know that you're the one courting the king?"

"I don't think so, Sofia."

"Why not?"

Miranda didn't want to explain the myriad of reasons that Roland had given her. She understood them, but she wasn't happy about it. She didn't want her relationship to be a secret. He'd even kept it from his children. Though after the way Amber reacted, she understood why. It seemed like he was ashamed of her, even if he said he wasn't. She didn't want to believe it, but his actions spoke volumes.

"Because it's hard for Amber and James."

Sofia frowned but nodded. She focused on the polishing again. Ten minutes later, they heard a whining protest.

"But Daddy, that's not fair!"

"It is fair, and I don't care if you don't think it is!" Roland snapped.

He led Amber into the room with a strong grip on her shoulder. He steered her to Miranda, who was alarmed at the fierce look on the king's face. In his hand was a muddy shoe, and Amber was looking muddy herself. The hem of her gown was filthy, and her pretty yellow heels were drenched in mud up to her ankles. Her hands were dirty and she had a splotch of mud on her cheek. She glared at Miranda with a look of venom. James hovered in the doorway, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open. Normally he would have found the thought of Amber getting in trouble funny, but the intensity of his father's anger left him speechless and shocked. Baileywick stood behind him, also shocked by the king's anger.

"Apologize," Roland commanded.

"But Daddy—" Amber began.

"Now, Amber!"

She paled at the edge in her father's voice, and when she spoke, her own voice was trembling.

"I'm sorry."

Roland nodded, but he held Amber in place when she tried to leave.

"Now you are going to clean the shoe you muddied."

Amber gaped at him, and Baileywick grasped the doorframe to keep himself standing. James blinked wildly, trying to accept that his father was actually punishing Amber.

"But I'll get dirty!"

"You're already dirty. Now sit down!"

"On the floor?" Amber demanded.

"Baileywick, get her a stool."

Baileywick stood straight. "Right away, your highness," he stammered, and he hurried away.

Within a minute, he returned and placed the stool beside Miranda. He met her eyes, and she read disbelief in them before he quickly stood back at attention, waiting to see what would happen. Roland forced Amber to sit down on the stool, and he dropped the shoe on her lap, splashing more mud on her dress. Amber screamed, but Roland didn't back down.

"Clean it," he ordered.

"How?" Amber asked. "I don't know how, Daddy!"

"Ask Miranda," he said coldly. Then he stood back and crossed his arms, his jaw set.

Amber flushed as she looked at Miranda and Sofia. Miranda sat there, waiting. She sensed she was supposed to let Amber ask first.

"How do I clean the shoe?" she finally asked, her face bright red.

"You have to let the mud dry first," Miranda said.

"Then I'll come back when it is," Amber said, standing up.

"Sit down!" Roland commanded.

"But I can't do anything yet."

"You can make the cleaning solution," Miranda said.

"What do you need?" Roland asked, and Baileywick came forward, ready to grab whatever she requested.

"Some powdered soap and hot water," Miranda said. Baileywick nodded and hurried away. "For now, put the shoe on the windowsill in the sunshine. It'll dry faster."

Amber obeyed then sat back down. She tried to brush away the mud on her dress, but her hands were also muddy. When Baileywick returned, Miranda instructed the girl to rinse her hands then taught her how to make the cleaning solution. After the mud was dried, Amber retrieved the shoe and Miranda explained, step by step, how to clean the mud away. When the shoe was clean, Roland told her to polish it while she was at it, so Miranda guided her with encouraging words as she polished the shoe.

James stood in the doorway, still shaken by his father's sudden spark of anger. When he'd told his father what Amber had done, Roland had turned a shade of red that was positively alarming. He called for Baileywick to find Amber immediately, and even the steward was surprised by the forceful tone. He'd obeyed at once, and the ensuing scene had been tremendously loud. Amber had begun screaming at her father but he'd cut her off with a booming voice that had scared all of them. Within a minute, he'd grabbed her and forced her outside to collect the shoe herself.

Baileywick stood silently behind the king, watching Amber ruin her dress with shoe polish, and marveled to himself. Roland had never punished Amber to this degree before. Apparently he cared a great deal for Miranda. And if this wasn't proof, nothing was. He was glad that the king had found a potential wife. The children did need a mother's touch, and Miranda certainly had that. She was tender as she guided Amber along, helping her to learn and not just doing it herself, no matter how often cunning Amber thought she could make her.

When the shoe was polished and cleaned, Amber stood up and refused to look at her father. Her face was flushed with embarrassment, and she was fighting back tears of anger and shame. Her dress was ruined, her feet and ankles itched from the dried mud, and she was humiliated to be seen in a state of such disarray in front of these two commoners.

"May I please go, Daddy?" she asked weakly.

"Go to your room," Roland ordered.

She nodded and scurried away. The king noticed James standing in the doorway, and he nodded at him.

"Go and have the chef bring something to Miranda and Sofia. And then make sure Amber's in her room."

"Yes, Dad," James said, and he left.

The room rang with silence after the prince and princess left. Baileywick swallowed.

"That was different, your highness."

"She can't treat people like that," Roland said. "She's gotten away with it for too long."

"Of course, your highness."

Sofia cleared her throat. "I need to use the bathroom."

"Baileywick, take her," Roland said.

Sofia knew very well where the bathroom was, but the steward knew that Roland wanted to speak with Miranda alone.

"Come along, Sofia," Baileywick said.

Sofia followed him out, and Miranda wilted as soon as they were gone.

"I'm so sorry," she began.

"Don't be. That was Amber's fault. She cannot act like that. She has to learn."

"You handled it well," Miranda said.

"As did you. Making her ask any time she needed help was a good idea." Roland sighed and looked out the window. "It was difficult to tell her. She doesn't even know it's you."

"We can't hide it forever," Miranda said.

"Nor should we," Roland said firmly. "Will you take tomorrow off and come to lunch? Sofia is invited. We'll tell Amber and James first, then we'll announce it to the kingdom. It shouldn't be a secret. You deserve better."

Relief and happiness spread over Miranda in a sweet wave. "That sounds wonderful."

"You tell me if anybody speaks down to you or Sofia. Come to me at once, and I'll deal with them."

Miranda smiled. "I can handle myself just fine."

"I know," Roland replied, taking her hands and smiling. "But you don't have to do it alone. Not anymore."

And he kissed her gently.