Disclaimer: I don't own Ella Enchanted, it belongs to Gail Carson Levine. (although I wish I own Char! ^_^)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter 2 – Tomboy Princess

"Smaller stitches Princess." Sewing Mistress instructed.

I made my stitches even bigger.

Sewing Mistress threw up her hands in defeat and left me alone with my embroidery.

This is as bad as Finishing School. I HATE embroidery more than anything else in the world, even Manners and Court Etiquette, although I hate that too. I mean, as long as the soup got to my stomach, who cares whether I tilt the bowl toward me or away from me. I don't, but Manner Mistress does. And why do I have to curtsy, bowing is a lot easier. But no, "bowing is for the male only, Ladies and Princesses curtsy."

Ugh, it's so unfair to be female in this court. I have to learn Embroidery instead of Swordplay like my brothers. What good are embroidery and etiquette anyways? They can't protect you from ogres. If I learned how to use a sword, I would be able to protect myself.

I imagined holding up an embroidery needle and pointing it at an ogre and almost burst out laughing. But I kept it in because "Ladies do not burst out laughing".

I tried to convince Father to let me learn swordplay. But he wouldn't have it. But he gave in and let me take archery instead, to the horror of many people (including Mother at first). In time, most people accepted me taking archery because I became one of the best archers in Kyrria. I've succeeded my instructor and even Father. Only Edward is better, but I can beat him occasionally. Even then I was refused to a sword because the idea of a princess with a sword is preposterous.

My archery lesson is right after embroidery, I can't wait.

Another thing I enjoy learning is writing and languages, both human and exotic. Writing Mistress says that I have a good accent, just like my mother. So sometimes Mother teaches me as well. Since Mother is the Court Linguist, I became the Assistant Court Linguist. My favourite language is Ogrese because it sounds smooth and sleek and it is useful. I haven't yet mastered the oily and convincing way of talking like my mother can, but I want to learn so I can control Henry.

I looked out the window to the courtyard and saw my brothers dueling with swords. I imagined me learning swordplay with them, and having a sword of my own. I sighed; instead I'm stuck in here learning a useless art. I've often wondered why Mother makes me suffer through etiquette and embroidery classes when she hates them herself.

"Princess Elly!" exclaimed Sewing Mistress, snapping me out of my daydream.

I looked down at my work and almost burst out laughing again. Instead of the flower I was supposed to embroider, I made an arrow; I don't even know that I can stitch recognizable shapes.

"Oh, go to your next class then if you are so excited about it. I see you're not going to get anything done in here."

Yes! I walked as fast as I could out of the room without getting yelled at for running.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Bull's eye!" I shouted.

My brothers groaned. I smiled to myself, ha, beat that Edward. Henry was no threat to me; he can hardly string a bow.

While I waited for my turn again, I looked to the fields longingly and daydreamed about riding. Yes, riding is another of my skills. Father taught me to ride when I was seven. Now I'm the best rider in Kyrria if I do say so myself, even better then Father, who is an excellent rider.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Finally, lessons are over for the day, I'm free to go wherever I wished. I changed into a pair of Edward's old trousers and his old shirt and ran to the royal pastures. Edward's clothes are a bit too big on me, Henry's would fit better, but I refuse to wear anything he touched.

I'm the only female I know to wear men's clothes. I'm not supposed to, but I do anyways when I'm riding. Dresses are annoying and get in the way, not only when I'm riding but also when I'm running. I only wear them only when I have to. I don't know why women have to wear dresses. Sure they are pretty, but they are restrictive.

Of course, the nobles are appalled at this and make comments when I pass by. But I don't care, as long as I'm comfortable, nothing else matters.

Another reason why I wear men's clothing is because I ride astride like men after seeing my brothers and Father ride instead of sidesaddle; the way ladies are supposed to ride. Although it's not "ladylike", riding astride is a lot more comfortable and it gives me more balance and control. This angers the court even more. But my parents are tolerant and let me be.

"Hello, Sundance." I said to Edward's stallion when he came running to me. I greeted every horse in turn.

"Hi Lightning." I stroked my black mare gently and gave her a carrot. I led her to the royal stables for her tack. She snorted as she followed me. I had Lightning for three years now. Like her name, she is very spirited and can outrun any horse as well as jump. I named her Lightning also because of the lightning shaped mark on her forehead.

I liked to get Lightning ready myself, even though the stable boys were supposed to. But of course I didn't follow the rules.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I galloped Lightning around the pastures. We jumped the fence and slowed to a canter on the roads of Frell.

I love the looks of astonishment on people's faces when they see their princess riding by in shirt and trousers. They've gotten used to me, yet I never cease to amaze them.

"Wow, you are good!" a voice exclaimed behind me.

I turned Lightning around and came face to face with a boy a bit older than me with messy straw-coloured hair and ultramarine eyes, he was staring at me with his mouth slightly open.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: I know that this chap was a bit boring and not much happens, but I just want to develop the main character's personality. I promise some action and more dialogue next chap.

While you are here, why don't you click the blue button below and tell me what you think. Comments, suggestions, etc. esp. suggestions for a better nickname for Defiance.
|
|
\|/