I stood in front of my new floor length mirror that was given to me by my father in celebration of my being asked to attend the prince's fifteenth birthday. When I had finally gotten my hair to a satisfied glossy golden finish, I started to put on some make-up. I was making my self as beautiful as possible for my father. He wished me to look my best for when I met Edmonda.
When I was done primping, I glided down my stairs just in time to hear the bell ring, signaling that the guests had arrived. I ordered a servant to announce the arrival of Edmonda to my father. I stood expectantly in front of the door waiting for a servant to open it. The door slowly swung open and I got my first look at her.
She was tall and slender with extremely long limbs, which at the time was the fashion, along with a rather pointed nose and chin. Her dark brown, almost black, hair set off her glosy pale skin. As I admired her dress and ruby broach, I started to understand why father had said she would save us from being poor. He was marrying her for her wealth. I curtsied slowly and lowered my head in respect to my future stepmother.
"Good day, Lady Edmonda. My father will be present shortly," I told her, my head still lowered. When I arose, two girls had appeared next to Edmonda.
"Girls," Edmonda said to the two girls, he eyes never leaving my face. "This is Ella. She, if everything goes as planed, shall be you new stepsister. Ella, these are my daughters Jocelyn... and Yedda." I smiled, a very crooked smile, unsure of what I thought of the new addition to my family. What I did know, was that it was obvious Edmonda favored Jocelyn over Yedda, for she paused and seemed to glow proudly when she spoke Jocelyn's name and barely even half-smiled as she quickly said Yedda's.
Jocelyn was more beautiful than Yedda, I would have to admit. Jocelyn, who looked about my age, had the coveted blonde hair like mine, and my desired pasty skin. Yedda, on the other hand, had mousy brown hair and a very flat nose, very unlike the pointed noses Jocelyn, Edmonda, and I sported. Yedda, also unlike the rest of us, was pudgy from probably eating to much food to comfort her while their mother gushed over Jocelyn and bought her gifts. I figured that Yedda was about nine years of age. I found out later that my age assumptions were correct.
"Pleased to meet you all," I greeted them with a warm smile and a nod. I felt Jocelyn watch me execute my practiced curtsy, as she looked me up and down.
"This is the girl the prince might marry?" she asked, as if it was the most absurd idea ever. I felt my face grow hot as I nervously lifted my hand to my mouth to bite my nails. I opened my mouth to respond but I was cut off.
"Edmoda my love," my father boomed catching me off guard and scaring me half out of my wits. "I see you have met my daughter Ella, the sparkling jewel of our beautiful glen." I could tell Jocelyn wished to say something nasty, for she fidgeted terribly. As my father bent to kiss Edmonda's hand I glanced at the new addition to our family. Edmonda seemed very kind, but very strict. Jocelyn, despite her remark, seemed pleasant and Yedda looked very friendly.
"She is as beautiful as a fairy," Edmonda told my father kindly. My cheeks burned even more at that remark and I lowered my eyes in embarrassment.
"I am no fairy milady," I told her, even though I had learned by then that I was extraordinarily beautiful.
"She is definitely not a fairy," Jocelyn said cruelly. "Fairy's would never bite their nails!" Instantly, I hid my hands behind my back as Jocelyn's hand flew to her mouth when she realized she had spoken her thoughts aloud. She had discovered one of my flaws. It was a flaw easily hid by gloves but today I had misplaced mine and believed I would not be caught. I turned my back to my father and my new sisters and glanced down at my bitten nails as I listened to Edmonda's scolding slaps land upon Jocelyn's hands as a punishment for being rude.
The day continued rather nicely. I could tell my father loved Edmonda, rich or not. Jocelyn continued making cruel remarks out of jealousy, but otherwise she was quite pleasant. Yedda was wonderful all around. She also had a beautiful voice. She sang while I played my lute. We even preformed a song for Edmonda and Father before dinner. Jocelyn sulked through the whole performance because we would not let her perform. She had a horrible voice and could not dance even if her life depended on it.
At dinner Father and Edmonda talked quietly while Yedda, Jocelyn, and I gossiped at the other end of the long table like old friends. Jocelyn and I talked about clothes and fashions, while Yedda and I chatted about the new musicians that were in town. Of course, we all talked about the prince.
"You really were invited to the prince's party?" Yedda asked, her eyes wide but sparkling with interest. I smiled kindly at the young girl and looked wistfully out into nothingness as if I wasn't going to tell her. She complained and tugged at my sleeve causing me to laugh.
"Eadric did invite me, it's true," I told her. Jocelyn's eyes widened and she pursed her lips in jealousy.
"You don't call him Prince Eadric or His Highness?" Jocelyn asked, carefully choosing what she said so her jealousy wouldn't affect her words.
"He told me not to call him such things," I explained. "I'm a tad scared that I will not know anyone at his party though." Yedda and Jocelyn were silent for a minute or so, staring at me, their eyes pleading for me to say what their hearts longed to ask.
"Would you both like to come with me to keep me company?" I asked. Yedda squealed happily while Jocelyn leapt from her seat and gave me a hug.
"Girls," Edmonda said suddenly and seriously, interrupting Jocelyn and Yedda's celebration and causing them to sit down promptly. "Lord Beldon and I have something to speak to you girls about." I glanced at Yedda and Jocelyn to see their expressions and found them fidgeting impatiently.
"I have asked Edmonda to marry me," my father told us slowly, reaching out and grabbing Edmonda's hand with his and giving it a squeeze. "And she agreed." I smiled happily at Edmonda and Father, sharing their joy. When I glanced at my new stepsisters though, they glanced at me with false smiles and Jocelyn's eyes bore into me with hatred while Yedda looked at me with remorse.
The next day it was the prince's party. Yedda, Jocelyn, and I were all seated in my father's best carriage, dressed in our best dresses, on the way to the prince's party. We were not laughing and acting like good friends as we had the day before. They acted as though they were scared of me. Finally I could not take it any longer.
"What have I done that causes you to treat me so?" I cried, causing Jocelyn to flinch and Yedda to look upon me with pity.
"It's not your fault Ella," Yedda insisted kindly. "We're just overwhelmed. Our father died only a month or so ago and our mother's already re-marrying." My eyes widened. He died only a month or so ago? I thought. Father told me he's been courting Edmonda for around six months!
"Do not worry," Jocelyn told Ella. "We'll liven up when we reach the party!" Ella nodded. Even before they reached the party they livened up and chatted for a while. We soon arrived at the castle and the footman helped us out.
"Now girls," I said, giving Yedda and Jocelyn some last minute instructions. "Remember, you curtsy to the royals differently then to others. You must stay curtsied until you are allowed to rise. Also, do not talk to anyone unless they specifically talk to you or you know them personally." They nodded and I led them up to the gate and into the castle. There I was greeted by one of the most trusted, and my favorite, servant.
"Lady Ella," she said with a warm and friendly smile, "the king and queen wish to speak with you. Follow me." I nodded and began to walk when I saw her eyeing Jocelyn and Yedda curiously.
"Sarah," I said to her. "These are my friends, Jocelyn and Yedda. They are my future stepsisters." Sarah, now relaxed, led us to the king and queen. We arrived at the great hall and stood before the king and queen. I dropped into a curtsy and lowered my eyes, Yedda and Jocelyn following suit.
"Arise!" the king boomed. "Ella, tell me who these young ladies are." I nodded and stepped forward.
"These are the daughters of Lady Edmonda. Her eldest daughter is Jocelyn and her other is Yedda." They each curtsied when I spoke their names so the king and queen could tell them apart. The queen arose and walked gracefully over to Jocelyn.
"Sarah, call for the prince," the queen ordered as she cupped Jocelyn's chin to get a better look at her. "John, is she not absolutely stunning?" The king nodded, but it was obvious he was not paying attention. "Why, the prince will be entranced by you." The queen touched Jocelyn's beautiful golden hair that I had spent time working on. I had managed to braid the top of her hair into what looked like a braided crown. I watched, a tad jealous, as the queen took the four small flowers that adorned her own hair and placed them into the blonde braided crown.
"Thank you your majesty," Jocelyn murmured as she dropped into a graceful curtsy. She started to rise, but as she did the prince walked by and stood by his mother. Dutifully, Yedda and I joined Jocelyn in curtsies.
"Arise," Eadric ordered. We stood and I met my eyes with his. He grinned his playful boyish grin as he approached me. I wanted so badly to smile and hug him while saying, "Hello Eadric, let us go to the party now", but I knew I could not.
"Good day Lady Ella," Eadric said, looking straight into my eyes and into my heart, before kissing me tenderly on the cheek, his golden hair brushing my ear and leaving it tingling. "Why don't you join me as I go to my party?" I opened my mouth to respond but was cut-off by the queen.
"Eadric, darling," the queen purred, pulling Eadric from me and leading him to Jocelyn. "This beautiful creature is a friend, and future stepsister of dear Ella's. Her name is... well..."
"Jocelyn," I filled in, looking at Yedda and smirking. Yedda's eyes showed the scene amused her also. "And this is her sister Yedda."
"She is quite lovely," Eadric agreed, to please his mother. "I'm honored to have her and her sister, as lovely as they both are, at my party. Now we can't have the guests waiting, so Ella and I shall be off now. Jocelyn, you and your sister can follow us in from behind. I'll have some of my close friends escort you." Jocelyn and Yedda curtsied but I could see them exchange excited glances. I smiled at Eadric as he offered his arm to me. I could tell the queen favored Jocelyn over me but not even she could object to her son enjoying the company of the most beautiful girl in the kingdom. Reluctantly the queen let us leave. We walked arm in arm out to the courtyard where his guest were gathered and right then and there we shared the first dance of many at the party, and the first dance of many with each other.
It was two years later. Edmonda married my father a week before my thirteenth birthday. Since Jocelyn and I were both thirteen years of age, many people called upon us for our hands in marriage. My father was saving me for the prince of course, but I do not know why Edmonda did not allow Jocelyn to accept any of the suitors.
It was a beautiful summer day. It was sunny, and birds were chirping gaily. They seemed to be the only happy souls on the manor though. My father was leaving to be involved in some trading that was going on in a neighboring kingdom. Edmonda was trying as hard as she could to keep from bursting into tears. I couldn't keep my emotions nearly as well.
"Goodbye my love," my father told Edmonda as he kissed her lightly. "I shall be back soon." He kissed both Jocelyn and Yedda upon their heads and then looked upon me as I stood next the prince.
"Your highness," he said, kneeling before Eadric. "Take good care of my daughter while I'm gone." Eadric helped him up and bowed slightly.
"I'd never let anything happen to her," he promised, smiling kindly at my father.
"My dear Ella," my father murmured as he stood before me. He said nothing else, but kissed me on the cheek. He turned and walked up to his horse where he mounted it. Edmonda ordered Jocelyn and Yedda to finish breakfast. Eadric waited with me as I watched my father turn his horse to leave. He never looked back he just swiftly rode down our pathway as if he was part of the horse himself.
Eadric and I spent the rest of the day riding horses in the fields around the manor. The sun seemed to follow us, wherever we went. It, however, could not follow us to 'The Tree Palace'. The Tree Palace was a place Eadric and I found when we were probably but eight or nine years of age. It was deep in a thicket of trees near my manor, but we believe we are the only people that know of its existence.
"To the Tree Palace!" Eadric cried, brandishing a stick as if it were a sword, before galloping into the trees. Laughing, I nudged my horse to follow, dodging branches as we flew. We came across our palace within minutes and tied our horses to trees outside the 'door'. We sat upon our seats in two young, small trees that happened to grow next to each other in the middle of the small glade. We nicknamed the two trees 'Rex' and 'Regina', thus using them as our thrones.
"Ella?" Eadric said softly as I began to weave violets into my hair. I looked over at him and was surprised to see a tear coming down from his blue eyes. Laying down my flowers, I turned to face him.
"What is it Your Majesty?" I asked, my voice full of concern. Eadric leaned towards me and placed his soft hand upon my face, capturing my eyes with his.
"Ella, we have grown and have become so very close," Eadric began, another tear escaping from his eyes. "My mother speaks of nothing but marriage and I am afraid that if she were to choose anyone besides you as my bride that we shall no longer be able to see each other. When I first realized this, my chest heaved in pain from the thought. We can not let that happen, no matter who I marry." I smiled at his sincerity and wiped away the falling tear with my finger.
"Eadric," I replied softly. "I shall never leave you on my own accord. I promise you." He leaned in and kissed my cheek, a sweet but soft kiss that lingered for but a moment.
"En guard!" he cried playfully, wielding his 'sword' yet again. Shrieking joyously, I grabbed the nearest stick and began to fight.
We arrived back at my manor just as the last rays of the sun, disappeared over the hills. The stable boy helped us from the horses and arm in arm we made our way to the door.
"Goodnight, dearest Ella," Eadric cried dramatically, bending low to give my hand an exaggerated kiss. With a giggle, I returned the gesture with a low curtsy.
"Goodnight oh handsome Prince Ea—" a man clearing his throat in the door cut off my words. Blushing furiously, I spun on my heel to yell at the man but stopped when I recognized him.
"Philippe!" I cried, throwing myself into the young man's arms. "Why I thought you'd be with Father right now!" Philippe, my father's page, nodded gravely at my words. He ran a hand through his long brown hair, not returning my happiness at our meeting.
"Ella... Your Grace," he said firmly, bowing to us both. "Ella, I just informed your step-mother when I was told you arrived." I looked at him in confusion, wild thoughts raging through my mind.
"Philippe, why are you so melancholy? What has happened?" That is when it hit me. My eyes widened in horror and I grabbed onto his sleeve. "What has happened to Papa?"
"Ella," Philippe began slowly. "Your father was ambushed by robbers, nearly a mile from where we were to meet. He was near dead when we found him, and he did not survive. I'm so sorry sweet Ella." Tears that I had not realized had begun to fall, fell more freely when he finished. I felt Eadric's arms wrap around me in comfort but I only heard Philippe's words playing in my mind.
"Ella," Philippe began again, causing me to wipe my eyes and look up at him. "He said but one thing after we found him. He said something as he breathed his last breath." Philippe cupped my face in his hand and whispered, "He said, 'Tell my dearest Ella, my beautiful fairy, that I love her with all my heart', and so I have." I smiled weakly at his words and kissed his cheek.
"Thank you dearest Philippe," I said shakily. "You have served my father well." Pulling away from my prince's embrace I ran into the manor and to my room where, flinging myself onto my bed, I cried until I could cry no longer.