Chapter 3
The servants' frantic yells could be heard echoing throughout the entire castle. Levy ducked through the doorway to her bedroom balcony and threw pillows into the air. Just where was it?
"There you are, Princess! Have you not looked at the time? You're going to be late!"
Levy sighed and knelt to look under her wicker chair. "I just need to find my book."
"Goodness," the young maid sighed, brushing back her platinum blond hair. "Is that all?"
"Father just bought it for me and I was only halfway done. Now where'd it go?"
"Perhaps a sea bird swooped down and snagged it. Now we really need to get you ready!"
The maid dragged Levy by the arm back into the bedroom. Two maids stood at attention in the center of the room. Levy's heavy sigh turned into a low moan when she saw the monstrosity of silk and ribbon draped between them.
She shook her head, yanking her arm from Mira's hold. "Absolutely not."
"How many times must I tell you? It is befitting of your station!"
"You know that doesn't matter to me," Levy countered, inching to the side of the room where her satchel rested on a small table. "I'll be on a ship anyway, so who would want to wear something like that? It's impractical!"
"But Your Highness, your father-"
"Has long since given up on me being a docile, picture perfect princess. Why should I suddenly change his view now, hmm?"
She smiled cheekily at Mira and waited until the head maid was in the middle of another heavy sigh before sprinting to the table. She snagged her satchel by the strap and rushed past the bewildered maids before they could force her into the hideous creation they called a dress.
Mira's shouts followed her as Levy ran through the hallway and pounded down the stairs. Her soft leather boots squeaked on the newly cleaned floor and her black breeches moved as if they were a second skin. She slid to a halt in front of the hall mirror, pausing to adjust her billowing white shirt and tuck a stray strand of hair beneath the thick, dark blue ribbon she purchased from town two weeks prior.
If I'm going to be sailing on a ship, then I need to look the part of a proper sailor!
With a satisfied nod to her smiling reflection, she ran into the foyer, managing to pause just long enough for a servant to open the large door before hurrying outside. Her favorite open carriage stood waiting at the bottom of the stairs, the pair of matching brown horses pawing anxiously while they stood waiting. Lucy, her lady's maid, stood at the open door of the carriage, her arms crossed and a blonde eyebrow raised.
Ignoring her friend's obvious signs of displeasure, Levy took a moment to close her eyes and breath deeply. She would have to thank her father yet again when he returned from his trip. While he was not fond of her favorite pastime, he had acquiesced to her request when he realized he would be missing her birthday. Guilt still gnawed at her heart for manipulating her father, but it had been weeks since she had last been on the open sea and she missed it immensely. The salty sea air, the wind on her face; she couldn't imagine a better way to spend her birthday!
Lucy cleared her throat and Levy giggled, finally heading down the stairs to the carriage.
"I would like to thank the Princess for finally entering the carriage." Lucy huffed from the opposite seat once the footman shut the door.
Levy smiled and leaned an elbow on the wooden wall. "It wasn't that long! I just had to look for my book."
"By the mages, you and your books," Lucy grumbled, but Levy could detect the slight laughter in her friend's voice.
The castle quickly disappeared behind them and the horses' hooves clopped merrily on the cobblestone road. Levy bounced in her seat, watching the coastline and, more importantly, the anchored ships steadily getting closer. It would still be nearly a quarter hour before they reached the harbor and Levy stared at the horses' rumps, silently urging them to go faster.
As if sensing her wish, the coachman smiled over his shoulder and slapped the reins. "You must be excited for another sailing adventure, if I may be so bold, Your Highness. Still aiming to spot a mermaid?"
Levy smiled at the back of the driver's head. "Of course! I will not be satisfied until I find one and ask her all the questions I have!"
"How can ya be sure they're truly there?"
Levy huffed goodnaturedly and crossed her arms. "If they really didn't exist, then how did the legends start in the first place? There must be some truth to them."
"Well said, Your Highness. I will be praying the best birthday wishes for you then!"
The horses slowed and the driver slapped the reins to keep them at a brisk trot. The group lapsed into a comfortable silence, the salty air tickling the hair next to Levy's ears. She stared at the bright blue sky and breathed in the sweet scent of the ocean.
Yes, it's the perfect day to be at sea!