Disclaimer: As you know, anything you recognize from the book belongs to
Gail Carson Levine, and not me!
A/N: Thanks to all of you who reviewed! You know who you are. =)
::Chapter 10: A Surprise Visitor::
I must have fainted or fallen asleep or something because the next thing I knew, I was lying awake in my bed facing the ceiling, still clothed in my previous attire.
I slowly sat up, spotting Mandy in a chair beside me, facing the side wall. After seeing her tearstained cheeks, the previous events slowly crept back into my memory. But I didn't cry this time. It was just too much for me to comprehend so I tried to forget about it.
"Mandy. . ." I spoke gently. I smiled faintly.
Startled by my voice, she faced me, wide eyed. "Oh, didn't notice you woke up, sweets," Mandy said, forcing a smile.
"How long has it been?"
"Oh, well. . . a few hours. . ." Mandy said, recalling the painful event. I saw her slowly shut her eyes, keeping them closed for a few more moments before blinking them open again.
". . .Do they know? I mean, you know, the people of Frell and the other palace members-"
Mandy nodded slowly. "Of course, after the doctor came in and- oh, I'm sure you don't want to know the details. . ." she paused, and continued to stare at me. "Amena, I want you to listen to me," she said very seriously.
Although a bit nervous, I nodded.
"Because of- well, you know. . . . the betrothal is very important and final, no questions asked." Tears started filled her eyes as she continued. "I-I'm sorry. . . I know this is hard on you, but for the good of the kingdom and the rest of the people. . . but," she pulled out a handkerchief from the pocket of her apron. ". . . but the duke has been kind enough to lend a hand until your old enough. Do you understand?"
I sighed deeply, controlling my tears. "N-" The room I was in started to blur slightly. Did I understand? Of course I did. I just didn't want to. "Yes. . ." I muttered under my breath.
Mandy forced a grin. "I'm glad to hear it. Oh, yes, and the Christmas Ball tonight. . . is still to be held. Maybe it will keep your mind off of things for the better," she said, blinking away the last of her tears. "Have fun, sweets, I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything," she said, giving me a peck on my forehead, something she hasn't done since I was a little girl. "Merry Christmas, dear." She took a few steps towards the door, when she stopped and turned around. "Oh!" she said, reaching into her apron pocket. "I almost forgot. . . I have your Christmas gift with me!"
She handed me a little package wrapped with a plain brown paper.
"Sorry about the wrapping, I was in a bit of a hurry and-"
"Thank you, Mandy," I said, grinning as I picked at the paper. I carefully tore it apart to reveal a. . . I gasped.
"I-It's so. . . beautiful," I breathed, fingering the chains of the silver necklace with mi fingers. "Where did you get it?"
"It was your Mother's," Mandy replied. "Given to her from her Mother. She treasured it dearly.
I examined the necklace. It had a long, silver chain, which felt cool in contrast to my warm fingers. Large pearls were somehow delicately woven into the chain. I grinned. "Thank you so much, Mandy."
"Try it on."
I did. It was a bit long, the chain reached down to my stomach. Mandy said to wrap it around my neck twice to make a better fit. I thanked her once again.
She left, silently shutting the door with a click.
Just as quickly as the door closed, it opened again. Annabella burst in, tears staining her face.
"Oh, Princess! I heard the news. . . I am so sorry. . . if there's anything I can do, just-"
I put a hand up, stopping her. "Please, thank you for helping me, but I don't want to hear it.
"But-" she stopped herself. "Very well, then, Your Highness. But is there anything I may assist you in? Anything? Any questions about the. . . Oh! The ball! I almost forgot about it! Oh, I've got to fix up your hair," she said frantically, hurrying towards me.
I quickly dropped from the bed, stepping away from the young lady-in- waiting. "N-No. . . I'm fine. . . You've done so much already. . . I-it's okay," I said, forcing a nervous grin. "You can go on."
She suddenly stopped, and relaxed, curtseying. "Ah. . . very well, I'll be seeing you soon. Your Highness, if there's-"
"Annabella," I said with a chuckle. One I forced.
She curtseyed again. "Good day, Princess." She slowly backed towards the door, shutting it gently behind her.
I sighed deeply, closing my eyes. I tried to relax and rid of everything on my mind. I fluttered them open after a few minutes, and gazed around the room. Everything felt so. . . so. . . different. Like I was living from someone else's point of view. I glanced out the window, spotting the snow gently feather to the ground, though this time excitement did not flood over me.
'When the time is right. . .' a voice spoke in my mind. Hmm. . . when have I heard that? Then suddenly it hit me. Mother's book! The one with the. . . oh what was it. . . oh yes, pictures in it.
I dropped to the ground, searching frantically under the bed, where I had hidden the book when I had first received it. I felt something hard and dusty, and I pulled it out.
Still on the floor, I frantically flipped open the cover, when I heard the door click open.
"Hey. . . I. . ." The familiar voice paused. "W-What are you-"
I quickly slapped the book shut.
I looked up to see Nate, staring at me on my knees, crouched over an old book, my hair and outfit slightly messed. He gave me a strange look.
"Please, I-I'm really not in the mood to-"
"I know, but. . . I-I just wanted to say that I'm sorry about. . . you know, and, also I'm sorry if I ever bothered you or anyth-"
"Your father told you to say that, didn't he?"
I saw his ears turn slightly pink. "Well, actually. . ." he paused. ". . .Yes. But really, I-"
I gave him a I-meant-it-when-I-said-I-wasn't-in-the-mood look, and he stopped speaking.
"Sorry," he muttered as he began to close the door, just for it to burst open again. What was up with all the interruptions?! This time, it was Annabella again.
"Princess, it's time to get ready for the ball!"
"B-But I'm already re-"
She shook her head, pacing frantically towards me. "Not quite."
I kicked the book back under the bed as she approached me.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I yawned, peering at the scene around me. It seemed to have been hours since the first people arrived. The people- it seemed that the whole population of Frell was crammed in the palace. . .- were eating from the feast that was laid out on the long stretches of tables, talking, dancing to the festive music, and enjoying themselves as if that certain tragic event had never happened. I never knew they would take it so easily. But then again, I never thought it would happen, myself.
The room was full of holly decorations, and even a big tree was set in honor of this holiday. I was surprised to see that the 'Christmas Spirit' that every seemed to be drunk on had no affect on me.
I felt a finger poke my shoulder. I spun around, finding myself looking up to the face of, who else, but Nate.
"May I have this dance?" he muttered. I looked past his shoulder to see that his father was eyeing us directly.
I sighed deeply. "Only if I have too. . ."
"Yep. . ." he said, as he took my hands for a waltz. I watched him peer over his shoulder to glance at the duke. "I hope this makes you happy," he murmured to his father, although he wasn't in ear distance.
After a few moments, I spoke up. "So, I see that you've worked some miracle cure for your breath," I pointed out.
The duke's son scowled furiously as if he were about to shoot a comment equally as offending back, but he stopped himself. Instead, he said, "Well, actually, Father forbade me to eat the cloves of garlic that I usually chow on before dancing with a girl I don't like," he emphasized those three last words. "He said I seemed to repel you away the last time."
I couldn't help but let out a laugh. "He was right."
He shrugged. "Oh well, at least my plan worked. I'll have to try it out again some other time. . ." his voice drifted off.
We were silent for the rest of the dance, and I might add, he was quite a good dancer. Finally, the song ended.
"Well, that was fun," Nate pointed out a bit sarcastically. "I hope Father is satisfied."
I smirked. We continued to hold hands for just a second too long. I quickly pulled my hands to my side. I don't know why, but I felt my cheeks flush. Then, for whatever reason, I tried to glide into a graceful curtsey- unsuccessfully. I tripped over my 'fairy feet', and lost my balance.
"Whoa," Nate said, catching my elbow. "You would think that after being a Princess all your life you would at LEAST know how to do a curtsey correctly," he teased. "Remind me to show you how some time. You could use the help."
To my surprise, I didn't find his comment offending, but to show my 'anger' I gave a huff, rolling my eyes, and quickly walked away.
Wanting to get away from the crowd for a bit of fresh air, I headed for the back entrance to the garden. As I passed the front main entrance, I heard a few more guests arriving. I headed faster towards my destination when I heard someone speak from behind me.
"Merry Christmas, Your Highness." I did not recognize the voice, yet it sounded so. . . familiar.
I turned around, gasping at the sight.
Although he was slightly unrecognizable, I could identify this man from anywhere.
The man who left to fight ogres over 10 years ago, and never came back.
The man I had never gotten to know as I was growing up.
To my surprise, this man was not alone. A young girl a few years younger than me was standing beside him. Hand in hand. Like father and daughter.
I gasped. Suddenly everything started fitting together.
This was the man who had killed Mother.
". . .Father. . .?"
A/N: OOOH!! Surprise, surprise! How'd ya like it? PLEASE REVIEW!!
A/N: Thanks to all of you who reviewed! You know who you are. =)
::Chapter 10: A Surprise Visitor::
I must have fainted or fallen asleep or something because the next thing I knew, I was lying awake in my bed facing the ceiling, still clothed in my previous attire.
I slowly sat up, spotting Mandy in a chair beside me, facing the side wall. After seeing her tearstained cheeks, the previous events slowly crept back into my memory. But I didn't cry this time. It was just too much for me to comprehend so I tried to forget about it.
"Mandy. . ." I spoke gently. I smiled faintly.
Startled by my voice, she faced me, wide eyed. "Oh, didn't notice you woke up, sweets," Mandy said, forcing a smile.
"How long has it been?"
"Oh, well. . . a few hours. . ." Mandy said, recalling the painful event. I saw her slowly shut her eyes, keeping them closed for a few more moments before blinking them open again.
". . .Do they know? I mean, you know, the people of Frell and the other palace members-"
Mandy nodded slowly. "Of course, after the doctor came in and- oh, I'm sure you don't want to know the details. . ." she paused, and continued to stare at me. "Amena, I want you to listen to me," she said very seriously.
Although a bit nervous, I nodded.
"Because of- well, you know. . . . the betrothal is very important and final, no questions asked." Tears started filled her eyes as she continued. "I-I'm sorry. . . I know this is hard on you, but for the good of the kingdom and the rest of the people. . . but," she pulled out a handkerchief from the pocket of her apron. ". . . but the duke has been kind enough to lend a hand until your old enough. Do you understand?"
I sighed deeply, controlling my tears. "N-" The room I was in started to blur slightly. Did I understand? Of course I did. I just didn't want to. "Yes. . ." I muttered under my breath.
Mandy forced a grin. "I'm glad to hear it. Oh, yes, and the Christmas Ball tonight. . . is still to be held. Maybe it will keep your mind off of things for the better," she said, blinking away the last of her tears. "Have fun, sweets, I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything," she said, giving me a peck on my forehead, something she hasn't done since I was a little girl. "Merry Christmas, dear." She took a few steps towards the door, when she stopped and turned around. "Oh!" she said, reaching into her apron pocket. "I almost forgot. . . I have your Christmas gift with me!"
She handed me a little package wrapped with a plain brown paper.
"Sorry about the wrapping, I was in a bit of a hurry and-"
"Thank you, Mandy," I said, grinning as I picked at the paper. I carefully tore it apart to reveal a. . . I gasped.
"I-It's so. . . beautiful," I breathed, fingering the chains of the silver necklace with mi fingers. "Where did you get it?"
"It was your Mother's," Mandy replied. "Given to her from her Mother. She treasured it dearly.
I examined the necklace. It had a long, silver chain, which felt cool in contrast to my warm fingers. Large pearls were somehow delicately woven into the chain. I grinned. "Thank you so much, Mandy."
"Try it on."
I did. It was a bit long, the chain reached down to my stomach. Mandy said to wrap it around my neck twice to make a better fit. I thanked her once again.
She left, silently shutting the door with a click.
Just as quickly as the door closed, it opened again. Annabella burst in, tears staining her face.
"Oh, Princess! I heard the news. . . I am so sorry. . . if there's anything I can do, just-"
I put a hand up, stopping her. "Please, thank you for helping me, but I don't want to hear it.
"But-" she stopped herself. "Very well, then, Your Highness. But is there anything I may assist you in? Anything? Any questions about the. . . Oh! The ball! I almost forgot about it! Oh, I've got to fix up your hair," she said frantically, hurrying towards me.
I quickly dropped from the bed, stepping away from the young lady-in- waiting. "N-No. . . I'm fine. . . You've done so much already. . . I-it's okay," I said, forcing a nervous grin. "You can go on."
She suddenly stopped, and relaxed, curtseying. "Ah. . . very well, I'll be seeing you soon. Your Highness, if there's-"
"Annabella," I said with a chuckle. One I forced.
She curtseyed again. "Good day, Princess." She slowly backed towards the door, shutting it gently behind her.
I sighed deeply, closing my eyes. I tried to relax and rid of everything on my mind. I fluttered them open after a few minutes, and gazed around the room. Everything felt so. . . so. . . different. Like I was living from someone else's point of view. I glanced out the window, spotting the snow gently feather to the ground, though this time excitement did not flood over me.
'When the time is right. . .' a voice spoke in my mind. Hmm. . . when have I heard that? Then suddenly it hit me. Mother's book! The one with the. . . oh what was it. . . oh yes, pictures in it.
I dropped to the ground, searching frantically under the bed, where I had hidden the book when I had first received it. I felt something hard and dusty, and I pulled it out.
Still on the floor, I frantically flipped open the cover, when I heard the door click open.
"Hey. . . I. . ." The familiar voice paused. "W-What are you-"
I quickly slapped the book shut.
I looked up to see Nate, staring at me on my knees, crouched over an old book, my hair and outfit slightly messed. He gave me a strange look.
"Please, I-I'm really not in the mood to-"
"I know, but. . . I-I just wanted to say that I'm sorry about. . . you know, and, also I'm sorry if I ever bothered you or anyth-"
"Your father told you to say that, didn't he?"
I saw his ears turn slightly pink. "Well, actually. . ." he paused. ". . .Yes. But really, I-"
I gave him a I-meant-it-when-I-said-I-wasn't-in-the-mood look, and he stopped speaking.
"Sorry," he muttered as he began to close the door, just for it to burst open again. What was up with all the interruptions?! This time, it was Annabella again.
"Princess, it's time to get ready for the ball!"
"B-But I'm already re-"
She shook her head, pacing frantically towards me. "Not quite."
I kicked the book back under the bed as she approached me.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I yawned, peering at the scene around me. It seemed to have been hours since the first people arrived. The people- it seemed that the whole population of Frell was crammed in the palace. . .- were eating from the feast that was laid out on the long stretches of tables, talking, dancing to the festive music, and enjoying themselves as if that certain tragic event had never happened. I never knew they would take it so easily. But then again, I never thought it would happen, myself.
The room was full of holly decorations, and even a big tree was set in honor of this holiday. I was surprised to see that the 'Christmas Spirit' that every seemed to be drunk on had no affect on me.
I felt a finger poke my shoulder. I spun around, finding myself looking up to the face of, who else, but Nate.
"May I have this dance?" he muttered. I looked past his shoulder to see that his father was eyeing us directly.
I sighed deeply. "Only if I have too. . ."
"Yep. . ." he said, as he took my hands for a waltz. I watched him peer over his shoulder to glance at the duke. "I hope this makes you happy," he murmured to his father, although he wasn't in ear distance.
After a few moments, I spoke up. "So, I see that you've worked some miracle cure for your breath," I pointed out.
The duke's son scowled furiously as if he were about to shoot a comment equally as offending back, but he stopped himself. Instead, he said, "Well, actually, Father forbade me to eat the cloves of garlic that I usually chow on before dancing with a girl I don't like," he emphasized those three last words. "He said I seemed to repel you away the last time."
I couldn't help but let out a laugh. "He was right."
He shrugged. "Oh well, at least my plan worked. I'll have to try it out again some other time. . ." his voice drifted off.
We were silent for the rest of the dance, and I might add, he was quite a good dancer. Finally, the song ended.
"Well, that was fun," Nate pointed out a bit sarcastically. "I hope Father is satisfied."
I smirked. We continued to hold hands for just a second too long. I quickly pulled my hands to my side. I don't know why, but I felt my cheeks flush. Then, for whatever reason, I tried to glide into a graceful curtsey- unsuccessfully. I tripped over my 'fairy feet', and lost my balance.
"Whoa," Nate said, catching my elbow. "You would think that after being a Princess all your life you would at LEAST know how to do a curtsey correctly," he teased. "Remind me to show you how some time. You could use the help."
To my surprise, I didn't find his comment offending, but to show my 'anger' I gave a huff, rolling my eyes, and quickly walked away.
Wanting to get away from the crowd for a bit of fresh air, I headed for the back entrance to the garden. As I passed the front main entrance, I heard a few more guests arriving. I headed faster towards my destination when I heard someone speak from behind me.
"Merry Christmas, Your Highness." I did not recognize the voice, yet it sounded so. . . familiar.
I turned around, gasping at the sight.
Although he was slightly unrecognizable, I could identify this man from anywhere.
The man who left to fight ogres over 10 years ago, and never came back.
The man I had never gotten to know as I was growing up.
To my surprise, this man was not alone. A young girl a few years younger than me was standing beside him. Hand in hand. Like father and daughter.
I gasped. Suddenly everything started fitting together.
This was the man who had killed Mother.
". . .Father. . .?"
A/N: OOOH!! Surprise, surprise! How'd ya like it? PLEASE REVIEW!!
