Chapter 2
Misty was amazed. How could her life take such a sudden turn, and how could she go from living in a cottage, with dirt floors, and straw mattresses for beds, to a palace that was bigger that the one she lived in with her mother in her youth? The King and Queen were truly gracious. It was amazing. She still could not believe it. On the carriage ride, Misty got to see a part of her village she had never seen before. The peasants she worked with, and saw every day now seemed like commoners. They stared at the carriage with their beady eyes, and they smirked. But deep down all they wanted was to be the ones in the carriage. They wanted to be the ones who did not have to work all day in the hot sun, or worry about their children starving to death. She knew, because for part of her life she had thought the very same things. The King and Queen were truly in love. You could tell by the way the held hands, and whispered to each other while giggling. Missy wished she could have someone like that in her life. Someone she could hold hands with, and tell secrets to. Misty recalled Queen Ella's past. There was a legend that she had a spell put upon her when she was but a baby. The spell made her obey any order that was given to her. But later on the met King Charmont, and they fell in love. Ella's love broke the spell. Queen Ella's mother had died when she was young too. And Ella had to become a servant in her own household. Misty pondered on how similar the two lives were.
"Misty are you all right? You seem kind of distant. We should be arriving at the castle soon, you could take a rest if you would like," the queen was staring at Misty.
"Oh, no your highness, I'm quite all right. I was just thinking about how much you remind me of my mother."
"Oh, I would really love to meet her. Sometimes a queen needs a friend here and there. Especially when she wants to get away from her husband." The Queen bumped the King in the ribs.
"My mothers dead. I live with my, ummm... mothers old friend in a cottage not far from your kingdom. My father died when I was little as well." Misty could feel her face grow numb. She tried to show no emotion. She could not tell them the truth. That her stepfather had cast her out. She could not tell them. They would probably think of her as a lying peasant anyways.
"My dear I'm so sorry. That's terrible. My mother died when I was young as well. But I remember that day was the day I met Char. So maybe with every bad, a little good tends to follow." The Queen tried to show that she was sorry, but you could not put her smile to rest.
"Thank you my lady. I do not remember much of my mother, but I have moved on." That was a complete lie. Misty did not want to be rude though, so she agreed with the Queen.
"Ah, we're here. Home at last. What's that I see? Oh no, the Duke and his wife are here for another cup of tea I suppose. That means I'm off to go hunting my dear. Do not expect me back before night fall." The King was off. He did not want to be there to talk endlessly about parties, and balls.
"My dear you're always running off. Oh well. I wish I could go with you. I suppose I must stay though sense they probably came to see me. Misty, come here, I would like to introduce you to your maid while you will be staying here." The queen pointed to a young girl, probably not much older than Misty herself.
"Misty this is Isabella, Izzy, this is your new Lady, Misty." The Queen introduced the two. "I'm going to go save my son from the Duke and his wife. They're probably chatting up a storm, and my poor son has to sit there and listen to all of it. Izzy, please see that Misty is well situated with a room, and send a tailor up to make her some dresses. Until then, she may borrow one of mine. Oh, and a nice warm bath would be nice too." The queen started to walk away. All of this was too tempting for Misty.
"Your highness I could not possibly except all of this-
The queen took Misty's hand inside hers. "My dear, the King insisted, and so do I. Now go, and get freshened up. You do not expect me to sit with the Duke and his wife all alone do you?" The queen smiled as she tapped Misty on the nose. Misty returned her smile.
"If you insist your highness."
~**~
"Izzy, do you know how long it's been since I've taken a warm bubble bath? Oh it seems like forever." Misty was enjoying it too. Until she realized the words she had let slip.
"My lady, no offense, but peasants and commoners don't usually take bubble baths." Izzy looked extremely confused.
"Since we are too be great friends, both being peasants, I would like to tell you my life story. But you must promise not to tell anyone. For I am speaking the truth."
Misty spent her whole bubble bath explaining her story. When she spoke, she realized that it was like the begging of a fairy tale, and she was able to choose the ending.
"Oh my lady, that's amazing. Don't you ever fear that you stepfather is still a threat to you? Or that he will still come looking for you?" Izzy's eyes were filled with fear for Misty.
"No, not really. He's probably forgotten about me. He's probably got another wife now, and there's no doubt he's ruling the kingdom still. I feel very bad for the people of Athrogon." Misty giggled as she talked. She knew it was rude to talk of her kingdom in such a way, but she did not care. For once in her life she had a true friend to talk to, and she didn't care what she said.
Izzy helped Misty get dressed. It took them forever. She put on layers and layers of clothing. Then finally came the corset.
"You have to suck in miss. Or else you wont be able to breathe."
"I can't breathe as it is Izzy. Do I really have to wear this thing?
"It's the latest fashion. Why not wear it??"
"I think I would rather breathing then look extraordinarily skinny. But I will give it a try." Misty sucked in, and held her breath. Maybe, she thought to herself, she would get used to the pain, as the corset continued to squish her ribs.
Izzy helped Misty slide into the last layer of her clothing. It was a beautiful green dress that had sleeves that swayed to the ground. Little fabric designs on the dress were so tiny that they looked as if they were alive. Fairies, and dark green flowers, with yellow buds danced at the bottom of her dress. The train trailed at least two feet behind her. It was one of the queen's favorite dresses, and it looked wonderful. She slid into tiny green satin slippers, and Izzy also helped Misty braid the top half of her hair, while the rest trailed down her waist into tinny curls. Her eyes were alive, and Misty felt more beautiful than she ever had before.
Finally after an hour of washing, scrubbing, cleaning, and dressing, Misty was ready to see the queen again. Izzy led Misty into a room where there was quiet chattering to be heard, and little clinks of china together as people drank their tea.
Then all was quiet. Everyone stared at her. "This is it," she thought to herself. "This is the only chance I have to prove my gratitude to the queen."
"Oh, Misty you look like a sparkling diamond. Come with me to meet the Duke of Eyoen and his wife." The queen whispered into Misty's ear.
"Sir Duke, My lady, this is our new friend Misty, and she will be staying with us for a while." The queen sounded proud.
The Duke as well as his wife was amazed. They wanted to know who this mysterious girl was. She did not look human.
Misty turned, and then she saw the Prince. Zaine, she imagined was what they called him. She believed she had met him once before. Most likely when she was young, when her mother was alive.
He had grown quite a lot since then. He looked just like his father. His eyes were bright blue, his hair was a light brown, and he had a light splash of freckles across his nose. He stood just like his father as well. His legs were slightly apart, and his hands were behind his back. Until he took his hand in hers and kissed it.
His eyes were wonderful. They were filled with excitement and wonder. Just like the night sky.
"My lady," The prince said.
"Your highness," Misty tried to do a curtsy but fell. The prince caught her in his arms, and they both looked each other in the eyes.
Misty could feel her face start to blush. She pulled away from the prince, and laughed.
"Thank you your highness, I would have surely fallen if you were not there to catch me." She tried to cover up the fact that she was blushing.
"No good gentleman would let a lady fall." This girl amazed Zaine. She had the most wonderful laugh, and her eyes were enchanting.
"Might I suggest a walk your highness? It's a lovely day, and I hear that the gardens in your castle are exquisite. But, I would not wish to intrude on your meeting with the Duke."
"No, that sounds wonderful," Zaine would do anything to get away from such boring conservationists.
~**~
"Ahh, fresh air. Castles are very misty. Don't you agree your highness?" Misty was glad to get outside. She could hardly breathe, and the dusty air inside was driving her insane.
"Yes, I do agree. And please, call me Zaine." Zaine smiled, this girl was not like the other courtiers. She reminded him of his mother.
"Yes, of course. Zaine." Misty giggled.
"Do you find something funny miss?" Zaine was now confused.
"No, it's just, where did the name Zaine come from? It sounds like the name of a brave night that just killed a fire breathing dragon or something. And you may call me Misty as well. I have no manners what so ever your highness." Misty did another curtsy, and this time she purposely fell. She laughed as she went down.
"I'll have you know that Misty is not much better than Zaine. And maybe one day I shall kill a dragon or two." The prince lay down on the grass with her. He liked the way she made him laugh. For once in his life, he did not feel like he was trapped in the cage of properness, and royal duty. He was free to be himself.
"Very well Zaine. One day we will kill a dragon together, and then it's off to tame a pack of orges." Misty was glad she had made a friend, even if he was the prince.
~**~
As Misty slept that night she dreamed. She dreamed of the lovely clothes the queen had made for her, and the wondrous food she had ate. But most of all she dreamed of the prince, and his wonderful smile.
Then suddenly she woke up with a start, and her forehead was wet with perspiration. The image of her stepfather's face had flashed across her mind. He was laughing a dark laugh, and was pointing at something. But she couldn't see what it was.
Still shaken, Misty decided to go exploring. She slipped on one of her simple every-day dresses, and stepped out of her corridor. She heard a noise coming from the stairs. She was frightened, but wanted to find out what it was. She stepped lightly, and peeked from behind a pillar. What she saw amazed her. It was the prince, and he was sliding down the stairs! The prim and proper prince she had met earlier did not seem like the stair- sliding type.
"Your highness," Misty called in a loud whisper. She knew it would be horrifying if anyone saw her with the prince in the middle of the night.
He turned around, and smiled when he saw her.
"You must try this. It's quite fun. My mother and father taught me how too when I was a little boy."
"My mother and I would slide all the time as well. She said that we could slide all we want, but when someone comes by, we would have to be...
"Proper," Zaine said. He knew because his mother would always say the very same thing.
Misty stared at the prince in wonder. It was as if he already knew her, and had known her for a very long time.
"Come on, you slide down and I'll catch you at the bottom." The prince sounded excited.
"Are you kidding? I haven't slid since I was six or seven." Misty laughed quietly.
"Trust me, I will catch you."
Misty decided it was now or never. She had nothing better to do anyways. She quietly walked away from her hiding spot, and sat on the stair rail. She pushed her self, and started to slide. The wind was rushing past her face, and her dress was blowing behind her.
The Prince was at the bottom to catch her, and they both laughed as he spun her around.
"I told you I would catch you." The prince whispered into her ear.
"I haven't had that much fun, in ten years." Misty stared into his face. She could see the moon in Zaine's eyes, and that made them sparkle even more.
"Neither have I." The prince laughed as he held Misty in his arms. He stared at her. She was wonderful. The most amazing person he had ever met. He never wanted to let go of her.
He leaned in to kiss her. She kissed him back.
Then Misty pulled away from him. She ran up the stairs, and then she turned around and smiled at him. The prince was still standing at the bottom of the stairs and had not run after her.
"Your highness." She did another one of her wobbly curtsies while giggling.
He laughed as well. Then, suddenly Misty stopped giggling, and stared straight ahead. Her face drained all happiness that was there before and turned very pale. Then she fainted, and fell down two stories worth of stairs.
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@thors note: Muhahahha! Like that twist??? I thought it would keep my readers in suspense.... Okay, thanks for all of the reviews!! thanx to Flying Squirrel 15 (I like ur story it's a very interesting point of view!!), babyjayy (I will try to update!!), Turwen (Why am I not listed on ur favorite stories or authors?? Lol, just kidding), and thanks to Kelsey, my best friend!! (tehehe- inside joke)
Misty was amazed. How could her life take such a sudden turn, and how could she go from living in a cottage, with dirt floors, and straw mattresses for beds, to a palace that was bigger that the one she lived in with her mother in her youth? The King and Queen were truly gracious. It was amazing. She still could not believe it. On the carriage ride, Misty got to see a part of her village she had never seen before. The peasants she worked with, and saw every day now seemed like commoners. They stared at the carriage with their beady eyes, and they smirked. But deep down all they wanted was to be the ones in the carriage. They wanted to be the ones who did not have to work all day in the hot sun, or worry about their children starving to death. She knew, because for part of her life she had thought the very same things. The King and Queen were truly in love. You could tell by the way the held hands, and whispered to each other while giggling. Missy wished she could have someone like that in her life. Someone she could hold hands with, and tell secrets to. Misty recalled Queen Ella's past. There was a legend that she had a spell put upon her when she was but a baby. The spell made her obey any order that was given to her. But later on the met King Charmont, and they fell in love. Ella's love broke the spell. Queen Ella's mother had died when she was young too. And Ella had to become a servant in her own household. Misty pondered on how similar the two lives were.
"Misty are you all right? You seem kind of distant. We should be arriving at the castle soon, you could take a rest if you would like," the queen was staring at Misty.
"Oh, no your highness, I'm quite all right. I was just thinking about how much you remind me of my mother."
"Oh, I would really love to meet her. Sometimes a queen needs a friend here and there. Especially when she wants to get away from her husband." The Queen bumped the King in the ribs.
"My mothers dead. I live with my, ummm... mothers old friend in a cottage not far from your kingdom. My father died when I was little as well." Misty could feel her face grow numb. She tried to show no emotion. She could not tell them the truth. That her stepfather had cast her out. She could not tell them. They would probably think of her as a lying peasant anyways.
"My dear I'm so sorry. That's terrible. My mother died when I was young as well. But I remember that day was the day I met Char. So maybe with every bad, a little good tends to follow." The Queen tried to show that she was sorry, but you could not put her smile to rest.
"Thank you my lady. I do not remember much of my mother, but I have moved on." That was a complete lie. Misty did not want to be rude though, so she agreed with the Queen.
"Ah, we're here. Home at last. What's that I see? Oh no, the Duke and his wife are here for another cup of tea I suppose. That means I'm off to go hunting my dear. Do not expect me back before night fall." The King was off. He did not want to be there to talk endlessly about parties, and balls.
"My dear you're always running off. Oh well. I wish I could go with you. I suppose I must stay though sense they probably came to see me. Misty, come here, I would like to introduce you to your maid while you will be staying here." The queen pointed to a young girl, probably not much older than Misty herself.
"Misty this is Isabella, Izzy, this is your new Lady, Misty." The Queen introduced the two. "I'm going to go save my son from the Duke and his wife. They're probably chatting up a storm, and my poor son has to sit there and listen to all of it. Izzy, please see that Misty is well situated with a room, and send a tailor up to make her some dresses. Until then, she may borrow one of mine. Oh, and a nice warm bath would be nice too." The queen started to walk away. All of this was too tempting for Misty.
"Your highness I could not possibly except all of this-
The queen took Misty's hand inside hers. "My dear, the King insisted, and so do I. Now go, and get freshened up. You do not expect me to sit with the Duke and his wife all alone do you?" The queen smiled as she tapped Misty on the nose. Misty returned her smile.
"If you insist your highness."
~**~
"Izzy, do you know how long it's been since I've taken a warm bubble bath? Oh it seems like forever." Misty was enjoying it too. Until she realized the words she had let slip.
"My lady, no offense, but peasants and commoners don't usually take bubble baths." Izzy looked extremely confused.
"Since we are too be great friends, both being peasants, I would like to tell you my life story. But you must promise not to tell anyone. For I am speaking the truth."
Misty spent her whole bubble bath explaining her story. When she spoke, she realized that it was like the begging of a fairy tale, and she was able to choose the ending.
"Oh my lady, that's amazing. Don't you ever fear that you stepfather is still a threat to you? Or that he will still come looking for you?" Izzy's eyes were filled with fear for Misty.
"No, not really. He's probably forgotten about me. He's probably got another wife now, and there's no doubt he's ruling the kingdom still. I feel very bad for the people of Athrogon." Misty giggled as she talked. She knew it was rude to talk of her kingdom in such a way, but she did not care. For once in her life she had a true friend to talk to, and she didn't care what she said.
Izzy helped Misty get dressed. It took them forever. She put on layers and layers of clothing. Then finally came the corset.
"You have to suck in miss. Or else you wont be able to breathe."
"I can't breathe as it is Izzy. Do I really have to wear this thing?
"It's the latest fashion. Why not wear it??"
"I think I would rather breathing then look extraordinarily skinny. But I will give it a try." Misty sucked in, and held her breath. Maybe, she thought to herself, she would get used to the pain, as the corset continued to squish her ribs.
Izzy helped Misty slide into the last layer of her clothing. It was a beautiful green dress that had sleeves that swayed to the ground. Little fabric designs on the dress were so tiny that they looked as if they were alive. Fairies, and dark green flowers, with yellow buds danced at the bottom of her dress. The train trailed at least two feet behind her. It was one of the queen's favorite dresses, and it looked wonderful. She slid into tiny green satin slippers, and Izzy also helped Misty braid the top half of her hair, while the rest trailed down her waist into tinny curls. Her eyes were alive, and Misty felt more beautiful than she ever had before.
Finally after an hour of washing, scrubbing, cleaning, and dressing, Misty was ready to see the queen again. Izzy led Misty into a room where there was quiet chattering to be heard, and little clinks of china together as people drank their tea.
Then all was quiet. Everyone stared at her. "This is it," she thought to herself. "This is the only chance I have to prove my gratitude to the queen."
"Oh, Misty you look like a sparkling diamond. Come with me to meet the Duke of Eyoen and his wife." The queen whispered into Misty's ear.
"Sir Duke, My lady, this is our new friend Misty, and she will be staying with us for a while." The queen sounded proud.
The Duke as well as his wife was amazed. They wanted to know who this mysterious girl was. She did not look human.
Misty turned, and then she saw the Prince. Zaine, she imagined was what they called him. She believed she had met him once before. Most likely when she was young, when her mother was alive.
He had grown quite a lot since then. He looked just like his father. His eyes were bright blue, his hair was a light brown, and he had a light splash of freckles across his nose. He stood just like his father as well. His legs were slightly apart, and his hands were behind his back. Until he took his hand in hers and kissed it.
His eyes were wonderful. They were filled with excitement and wonder. Just like the night sky.
"My lady," The prince said.
"Your highness," Misty tried to do a curtsy but fell. The prince caught her in his arms, and they both looked each other in the eyes.
Misty could feel her face start to blush. She pulled away from the prince, and laughed.
"Thank you your highness, I would have surely fallen if you were not there to catch me." She tried to cover up the fact that she was blushing.
"No good gentleman would let a lady fall." This girl amazed Zaine. She had the most wonderful laugh, and her eyes were enchanting.
"Might I suggest a walk your highness? It's a lovely day, and I hear that the gardens in your castle are exquisite. But, I would not wish to intrude on your meeting with the Duke."
"No, that sounds wonderful," Zaine would do anything to get away from such boring conservationists.
~**~
"Ahh, fresh air. Castles are very misty. Don't you agree your highness?" Misty was glad to get outside. She could hardly breathe, and the dusty air inside was driving her insane.
"Yes, I do agree. And please, call me Zaine." Zaine smiled, this girl was not like the other courtiers. She reminded him of his mother.
"Yes, of course. Zaine." Misty giggled.
"Do you find something funny miss?" Zaine was now confused.
"No, it's just, where did the name Zaine come from? It sounds like the name of a brave night that just killed a fire breathing dragon or something. And you may call me Misty as well. I have no manners what so ever your highness." Misty did another curtsy, and this time she purposely fell. She laughed as she went down.
"I'll have you know that Misty is not much better than Zaine. And maybe one day I shall kill a dragon or two." The prince lay down on the grass with her. He liked the way she made him laugh. For once in his life, he did not feel like he was trapped in the cage of properness, and royal duty. He was free to be himself.
"Very well Zaine. One day we will kill a dragon together, and then it's off to tame a pack of orges." Misty was glad she had made a friend, even if he was the prince.
~**~
As Misty slept that night she dreamed. She dreamed of the lovely clothes the queen had made for her, and the wondrous food she had ate. But most of all she dreamed of the prince, and his wonderful smile.
Then suddenly she woke up with a start, and her forehead was wet with perspiration. The image of her stepfather's face had flashed across her mind. He was laughing a dark laugh, and was pointing at something. But she couldn't see what it was.
Still shaken, Misty decided to go exploring. She slipped on one of her simple every-day dresses, and stepped out of her corridor. She heard a noise coming from the stairs. She was frightened, but wanted to find out what it was. She stepped lightly, and peeked from behind a pillar. What she saw amazed her. It was the prince, and he was sliding down the stairs! The prim and proper prince she had met earlier did not seem like the stair- sliding type.
"Your highness," Misty called in a loud whisper. She knew it would be horrifying if anyone saw her with the prince in the middle of the night.
He turned around, and smiled when he saw her.
"You must try this. It's quite fun. My mother and father taught me how too when I was a little boy."
"My mother and I would slide all the time as well. She said that we could slide all we want, but when someone comes by, we would have to be...
"Proper," Zaine said. He knew because his mother would always say the very same thing.
Misty stared at the prince in wonder. It was as if he already knew her, and had known her for a very long time.
"Come on, you slide down and I'll catch you at the bottom." The prince sounded excited.
"Are you kidding? I haven't slid since I was six or seven." Misty laughed quietly.
"Trust me, I will catch you."
Misty decided it was now or never. She had nothing better to do anyways. She quietly walked away from her hiding spot, and sat on the stair rail. She pushed her self, and started to slide. The wind was rushing past her face, and her dress was blowing behind her.
The Prince was at the bottom to catch her, and they both laughed as he spun her around.
"I told you I would catch you." The prince whispered into her ear.
"I haven't had that much fun, in ten years." Misty stared into his face. She could see the moon in Zaine's eyes, and that made them sparkle even more.
"Neither have I." The prince laughed as he held Misty in his arms. He stared at her. She was wonderful. The most amazing person he had ever met. He never wanted to let go of her.
He leaned in to kiss her. She kissed him back.
Then Misty pulled away from him. She ran up the stairs, and then she turned around and smiled at him. The prince was still standing at the bottom of the stairs and had not run after her.
"Your highness." She did another one of her wobbly curtsies while giggling.
He laughed as well. Then, suddenly Misty stopped giggling, and stared straight ahead. Her face drained all happiness that was there before and turned very pale. Then she fainted, and fell down two stories worth of stairs.
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@thors note: Muhahahha! Like that twist??? I thought it would keep my readers in suspense.... Okay, thanks for all of the reviews!! thanx to Flying Squirrel 15 (I like ur story it's a very interesting point of view!!), babyjayy (I will try to update!!), Turwen (Why am I not listed on ur favorite stories or authors?? Lol, just kidding), and thanks to Kelsey, my best friend!! (tehehe- inside joke)