Hidden Identities
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the entire world! Except, maybe, my car, a few books, some clothes, oh, that one pencil, and, um, maybe, a coke can and . . .
Summary: What if Hattie had not danced by and snatched off Ella's mask? What if Char had asked Ella THE question? What will Lela do?
Chapter Nine: Return to Kyrria
Before I had time to think, Queen Olga and King Rywan announced that they were leaving to go to another castle the was closer to the border of Kyrria. They took Olive with them because she wasn't going with Hattie and me to Kyrria. I was glad because Olive had recently begun to follow me around trying to get me to tell her stories.
With Queen Olga gone, Aaron and Hattie were left in charge. Hattie always found a way to see me every day for an hour in my private garden. She would tell me to pick her flowers and comb her hair. It infuriated me, but since Prince Aaron was gone on hunts and in meetings most of the day, I could call on no one, for she dismissed Terrance when she came.
I thought of running away, but Terrance was always there and I doubted he would let me run away and I would not get far on my own before he found me. Even though we were friends, he was still loyal to Prince Aaron. We talked of Prince Aaron a lot.
"When he was a little boy, he was so outgoing and loving and kind. Every time he entered a room, the room would brighten with his presence and smile. But, then his mother died. Aaron was very attached to her. He shut himself up in his room for about a year and didn't come out except to eat and on special occasions. Finally, his father went up and talked to him for the whole day and he came out for good that time. But, something was different about him when he came out. He was no longer fun and nice. He was distant and quiet. His father is some one I don't trust at all. King Rywan has always wanted more then just Ayortha. When Aaron's with you though, he's different. He acts more like himself from a long time ago," Terrance had explained once when we were riding in the woods. He had looked sad.
The sun was warming and the days grew longer. Each new day brought me closer to seeing Char. Perhaps I could wear a veil over my head so he would not see me. No, our names would be announced and he would know it was me. I began thinking up a number of ways I could not see Char, but none of them worked.
"Oh, Ella, you simply will have to see my dress when it is finished! It's pure silk with gold trimmings. And a long train! I am going to be the best looking bride anyone has ever seen!" Hattie sighed one day when we were in the garden. I was walking around and picking a bouquet of wildflowers for her. Unfortunately, there were no herbs in my garden that I could use on Hattie. "And I am going to wear that large diamond Step- Father sent for in Hobrihm a month ago. It's as big as my fist! Can you imagine, Ella?"
"No," I replied curtly. Hattie sent a withered look my way.
"Well, you're not the one who's marrying Charmont."
"Hmph."
A maid called Hattie back in and I was left sitting on a stone bench thinking of Char.
Heavy rains came in the beginning of June. We were to travel to Kyrria then, but the rains kept us from the roads. I sat by my window praying that whatever God or Goddess was out there, they would keep the rain here forever so I would never have to see Char.
Finally, the rain stopped and left angry masses of clouds in its wake. The advisors said not to travel for it could still rain, but Hattie was impatient and decreed that we would travel with rain or without it for she was getting married and nothing would prevent it!
The day of departure arrived. It was cloudy and misty, unusual for this time of year, but I thought it was perfect for how I was feeling. It would take a week to reach Frell. A week before I saw Char again. A week before my life would end.
Char did not learn that I was Aaron's fiancée. Though, Hattie took my Magic Book away after she caught me reading it. She said that the life cycle of centaur ticks was not appropriate reading for a soon to be princess and wife. Mandy was not allowed to say good-bye to me either. I was alone, except for Terrance.
"Ella, you shall ride in the second carriage behind mine. I will go first because I am the one getting married to Charmont," Hattie ordered as I watched the servants pack up the carriages with trunks and other items.
"I want to ride a horse," I replied. My eyes watched as a white horse trotted by. The rider was good and it would be fun to be on a horse again. My body ached to be on a horse. I had not been on one since my last ride with Terrance a month ago. I needed to feel free.
"A lady does not ride horses like a savage! She rides in a carriage like a lady!" Hattie exclaimed.
"I am not a lady, Hattie. I am Ella." I frowned at her. "Please, Hattie. It would make me look like a ruffian and you look civilized."
Hattie pondered this for a few moments. Her glossy curls were pulled up and she wore a deep burgundy gown that didn't suit her at all. I was wearing a blue traveling gown. She looked delighted at the fact that she would look civilized and I wouldn't. Probably because she thought I was prettier than her like she said that one time when we were at finishing school in the garden.
"Fine, do as you must. But, ask Aaron first. I do not know if he wants his fiancée riding a horse like a man. At least, if I was he, I wouldn't."
Hattie flounced away to order some one else around. The curse nagged at me to ask Aaron. I searched for him all around and finally found him in his quarters putting some things in a small sack.
I knocked lightly on the door frame. Aaron quickly stuffed some last few papers into the bag and closed it. He whirled around angrily.
"How many times must I ask for a few minutes alone?" he asked heatedly. I stepped back. His face softened when he saw me. "Oh, sorry, Ella. I didn't know it was you. I thought it was a servant or Hattie."
"It's all right. I only came up here to ask you something." I stepped into his rooms. There was a large blue bed perpendicular to a wall. A desk, trousseau and table with chairs were scattered about. He picked up his bag and walked over to me.
"What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you might let me ride a horse to Frell. It would be so dreadfully boring sitting in a carriage. I've already done it riding here from where I used to live."
"You may on one condition." He smiled. His smile made me smile for he looked younger than his normal quiet, brooding self. He took my hand.
"And what is that?" I asked. I stared up into his eyes. He was handsome. And he was nice to me. But, my heart still belonged to Char and always would.
"That I may ride along with you and keep you company."
I laughed. That was certainly fine for he did not talk nonstop about parties and dresses like Hattie! And it would be nice to have some one to talk to besides Terrance. If Aaron and I were not engaged, I thought we would make great friends. But, the weight of the diamond ring on my finger made me uneasy around him.
He told me to pick out a horse from the stables and he would meet me down by the carriages in a little while. I hurried from the room. Servants, maids, and butlers and other people were hurrying back and forth for last minute things.
My first stop was back in my quarters were a quickly threw off the gown and petticoats. Then, I put on a pair of breeches and a tunic and riding boots. Afterwards, I hurried down to the stables. Most of the horses were not there because they were pulling the carriages. But, I managed to secure a gray stallion.
Aaron joined me later. He rode a white stallion. Hattie ordered the carriages to begin the trip. Aaron and I rode together for a while, but the captain of the guard called him to the front of the carriages to discuss something about the military tactics. I was left with Terrance in the back, with a few guards riding silently in back of me.
Terrance told me jokes and funny stories of his childhood. I laughed and teased back, but my mind stayed on Frell and Char. Aaron commented on things now and then, but he was forced to ride in a carriage after a while because the prime minister had "topics not for a lady's ears" to discuss with the prince.
We crossed two rivers and traveled through many plains. The day was long. At last we stopped. My rear end was sore from riding so I was happy to get off my horse. We camped at the edge of a large forest that separated Ayortha and Kyrria. It would take five days to get through the forest and into Kyrria. Then, three days to reach Frell.
I slept on a soft bedroll beside Hattie. Her snores kept me awake for quite a while. Finally, the gently hum of the forest life swept me off into dreamland.
"Ella, wake up!" Terrance shook me. I swatted at him in grogginess, but opened my eyes sleepily. As soon as I saw his awake face I turned to bury my head back into my pillow. He laughed and picked me and set me on the ground. I looked around sleepily.
"It's not even light out yet!" I exclaimed. Terrance smiled.
"We have to get moving. There were ogre sightings around here a few days ago. We can't stay too much longer."
I yawned. Hattie was gone and so was her bedroll. I watched as a man picked up mine as well and packed it up into a trunk. Terrance was putting on his belt and sticking a dagger in his shoe. As I looked, I couldn't help think that Terrance rivaled Aaron in handsomeness. He had light brown hair that would most definitely bleach in the summer sun and bright green eyes. I loved his accent.
I froze. Here I was thinking of how handsome Terrance was and I was in love Char. I shook my head. My feelings for Terrance were purely friendship. Purely. I loved Char. I smiled as a picture of Char grew in my head. It would be nice to see him again. Except, now I was Aaron's fiancé.
I bit my lip. There had to be some way of getting out of this mess. Aaron was nice to me but, I was worried about something. Aaron knew I was obedient and he had done nothing about it. He was too nice and too kind. Something was up and I needed to find out what it was.
Terrance looked up and caught me staring at him in thought. He smiled, showing white teeth.
"What? Do I have breakfast in my teeth?" he asked. I shook my head.
"Sorry, I guess I'm a little tired after all this and I'm worried about what Char will do when he sees me." I looked to the ground. I had slept in my breeches and tunic so I would not have to change the next morning.
"Want to ride with me on Lightening, the horse I rode yesterday?"
"No, I like my horse."
"Yeah, but your rear end didn't."
"Shut up!"
"You're riding with me. It's safer that way with the ogres around."
I was about to retort that I could ride by myself, rear end hurting or not, but the curse shut me up and I was forced to ride with Terrance. He laughed and told more stories and talked about people in court.
The next day, Hattie ordered us to stop. She and Aaron took a detour up a windy dirt path with only a few other guardsmen. I asked Terrance where they were going, but he didn't know.
They showed up about three hours later. Hattie was smiling, but seemed to be a little bit sadder than usual. Aaron looked unhappy, but refused to say anything. He got into the carriage with Hattie and I didn't see him for the rest of the day.
Kyrria was just like it had been, only a bit warmer. I enjoyed the fresh breeze on my face and watched as the forest gave away into plains and a few mountains. I shook with an uneasy fear as I looked to the road ahead. In one day's time, we would be in Frell. At the castle. Where Char was.
Terrance rubbed my shoulders briskly to warm me up. He thought I shivered from cold. I smiled in thanks, but remained steadily watching the horizon.
At dusk, a messenger came from Frell. He handed a letter to Aaron, spoke quickly with Hattie and left to return to Frell. I watched Aaron's face as he read the letter.
"The king, queen and prince send their greetings and will meet us tomorrow when we arrive. They look forward to meeting my fiancée and say that the wedding plans are going according to plan. Both couples are to be married on the solstice." Aaron folded the letter back up. Hattie squealed.
"Tomorrow I get to see my beloved!" she cried. "I must be prepared."
She left quickly, muttering something about beauty sleep and what dress she was going to wear. Aaron smiled at me and bade me sleep well, for he was off to the guards' tent. I smiled. He kissed my cheek and then my lips before leaving.
"Do you want to marry him?" Terrance asked once we were alone in a small tent in the back. I looked up sharply.
"If I had the choice? No, I would not marry him. Even if I did not love Char. He is not the one for me," I whispered. "Now turn around. I have to put on my nightgown."
He smirked.
"What happened to sleeping in your breeches?"
"I want a good night's sleep tonight and the only way I'll be getting that is if I wear something that doesn't hurt my body when I roll over in my sleep. Those breeches are rough."
Terrance turned around and I quickly put on my white nightgown. He took off his boots and watched as I got into my makeshift bed.
"You can always run away, you know." He looked down on me.
"You won't let me," I answered.
"Only because I would have my head lopped off if I did. Are you going to do anything?"
"I don't know what I'm going to do. But, one thing I know I can't do is marry some one I don't love and who I think is conspiring against Kyrria. I don't trust Aaron. I like him in a friend way, but I don't trust him. And I don't trust Hattie, Queen Olga and King Rywan. They're too conniving."
"Good night."
"Good night."
I lay awake listening to the sounds of the night. Finally, Terrance handed me a cup and told me to drink it. I did, obediently. It was warm and made my head tingle. I fell asleep soon after that and did not awake until well into the next morning.
Terrance had to send in a maid to help me put on my gown because I could not do it myself. I was shaking too much. It was a deep red that I really hated, but Terrance said the color would bring out highlights in my hair and the greenness of my eyes. Where he learned about what colors suit whom, I do not know, but he turned out to be right about the red and me.
"You have to ride in the carriage today," Terrance said. I nodded. Ladies who were getting married to princes were not allowed to ride stallions into palaces. At least that's what Hattie said and Aaron backed her up.
"Fine," I whispered. Della, my maid, had braided my hair in a long braid and nervously plucked at my gown for lint. She and I stepped into a small carriage behind Hattie's while Terrance mounted his horse to ride beside us.
The carriages soon began to move and we began the few hours journey to Frell. Della turned out to be quite a gossip and told me of the court in Frell. She had grown up there and had moved to Ayortha last year to be a maid in the palace there.
"Prince Charmont is just a fine man, if I do say so myself. He's been rather distant recently. But, that's probably just wedding jitters. Did you know that my brother's friend's uncle is Prince Charmont's personal guard? Well, let me tell you something. He heard that the prince doesn't want to marry Princess Hattie at all! He really loves some one else. He says that the prince moans her name in his sleep! Can you believe that?" Della smothered a giggled with her hand. Her bright blue eyes were sparkling. My heart was racing. Char loved some one else? Was it me? I slowly took a breath as Della went on excitedly. "And I heard that the one he loves doesn't love him back! Apparently she ran away from him and got married to a rich old man! I can't believe that! I would rather marry the prince!"
"Do you – do you know the name of the girl he talks about in his sleep?" I whispered. Della giggled and scooted closer to me.
"Tynon, my brother, says that the prince moans the name "Ella" in his sleep," Della answered. My breathing quickened. Was it possible that he still loved me? Even after all that I'd done to him?
Della went on about Char's sister and the men she'd been seen with. I sat still the entire trip, thinking about Char and what he would do to me when he saw me. Della kept giggling and chattering about Char and who loved him and things like that.
"Oh, it looks really sunny out there," Della moaned after peeking out through the curtains in the carriage. I looked out the window as well. It really was sunny, though not extremely hot. Della looked at me. "Your face might get burned from the sun if you stay out too long. Be careful."
I watched as Della put a cloth over her head to cool herself off. She seemed to fall asleep afterwards. Suddenly, I had an idea.
I reached over and picked up a red veil from a box on the other seat of the carriage. It was soft and matched my dress almost perfectly. I could see through the cloth, but others could not see my face. It was perfect! Char would not be able to see me and I would get by him without him knowing it was me!
I carefully pinned the veil in place. Della shifted in her sleep as I moved to the far end of the cushions. I looked out the window at the soft hills and grass. A house on a farm would pop up now and then, and soon houses sprang up all around. We were almost there.
I let the curtain fall back in place and rested against the pillows. I could almost hear Hattie's voice from the carriage ahead. She and Aaron were talking about something privately. Most likely they were talking about what they were plotting against Frell and Char.
Suddenly, the carriages stopped. I opened my eyes. Had I fallen asleep? I must have!
"We're here," Della whispered. She smiled. "Finally! I was beginning to think that we would be in this carriage for eternity!"
Rather that then do what I am about to do, I thought.
"Oh, look! There is Prince Charmont with his sister! I wonder where the king and queen are. Now I remember! They went to the southern part of Kyrria for a week. They'll be back in time for the weddings! My lady, why are you wearing that over your head?" Della gasped at my veil.
"I do not want the sun to burn my face," I replied, hoping she would not say anything about it.
"Good thinking!" Della quickly put on a white one. "I'll match you so you don't look the odd one when we greet them."
"Thank you," I whispered. Then, Terrance climbed in through the opposite door. He smiled a greeting to me. Della batted her eyelashes at him.
"Prince Aaron and Princess Hattie are being introduced now. I am to escort you from the carriage after the greetings. Afterwards, we'll go to our rooms to set up your things." He exited quickly. Della looked long fully after him.
"I think he's gotten even more handsome than when I saw him last," she whispered. I tried to hear what was happening outside the carriage.
"Hello, Prince Charmont," I heard Aaron say to Char, a bit cocky too.
"Good day, Prince Aaron. Hope your trip wasn't too hard on you," Char's voice sang in my ears. It was easy to feel the hate vibes from each prince.
"Pleasure to meet you again, Charmont," Hattie giggled. I cringed at the use of his name.
"Yes, lovely, charmed, great," he replied. He was tired of the introductions. I took a breath. It was my turn next. Footsteps clacked on the ground as Aaron neared my carriage.
Della smoothed her hair. The door opened and light filled the small carriage space. Della smiled and stepped out. I sat rigid in my seat, watching the door as Aaron poked his head in.
"Come out," he ordered. My feet began to move. I gripped my hands on the cushions.
Today was going to be the day when I broke the curse. I was going to stay in the carriage and order the man who held the reins to the horses to drive on and we would leave and never come back! No more Aaron. No more Hattie. And no more orders!
Aaron's face broke out into a grin. He saw my clenched white fingers.
"No use trying to hold it, sweet. Come out now. I want to make a good impression on you ex-love. You can wear your lovely veil, but tonight at the feast and ball in our honor, you can not wear one."
I gasped. He knew? He knew all about Char and me? The curse forced me to move towards the door. Towards Aaron's waiting hand. He gripped my hand and pulled me out into the light.
"Prince Charmont, allow me to introduce my fiancée, the Lady Eleanor," Aaron squeezed my hand showing my that he knew about everything and found it fun and amusing to put me in such a position. Char frowned at my name. I could see his eyes processing the information and thinking it over.
Oh, Della was right. He was more handsome then before. Or, perhaps it was because I had not seen him for so long. Hattie fluttered nervously at his side and watched me with an evil eye. Aaron whispered quickly into my ear, "Be good, Ella. Don't say anything I don't want you to."
I frowned at him through my veil. My heart quickened though, at the sight of Char as he grew closer and closer to my approaching feet. He shook his head once as if to rid himself of something.
"It's very nice to meet you, Lady Eleanor," Char greeted me. I nodded. Aaron elbowed me slightly.
"Nice meeting you, too," I answered, pitching my voice higher. Char held out his hand to me. I almost stepped back. Slowly, I extended my gloved hand. He kissed it formally and I pulled it back as quickly as I could.
"Why do you wear a veil, Lady?" he asked me.
"Oh, ha ha! It's such a silly thing. I do not want my skin burned by the sun, that is all," I laughed nervously. He watched me warily. I could tell he was trying to decide if what he thought was correct. He opened his mouth to say something, but Hattie piped up.
"Dear, why don't we go inside and unpack and maybe have tea?" she blinked with her short eyelashes. She pulled on his arm and they began to walk towards the palace. He looked back once at me and then disappeared into the palace with Hattie.
Author Note: I am SO SO SO SO SO SO sorry for keeping you waiting! I have been so busy! My English teacher assigned me a poetry and short story portfolio thingy due next week and I have to write 10 poems by Tuesday and two short fictional stories! And I have a French story due on Monday as well. This chapter was longer than the others! So, I'll try to update as quickly as I can, but with all the school work, finals coming up and golf practices and matches, I will not be updating as quickly until the second week of June.
Okay, the next chapter will probably be about the feast and I'm still deliberating if Char should find out that Ella is Aaron's fiancée then, or some time else. And I'm not sure if I want to add a new twist to this story in which it would be longer. So, I'll get started on the new chapter this weekend!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the entire world! Except, maybe, my car, a few books, some clothes, oh, that one pencil, and, um, maybe, a coke can and . . .
Summary: What if Hattie had not danced by and snatched off Ella's mask? What if Char had asked Ella THE question? What will Lela do?
Chapter Nine: Return to Kyrria
Before I had time to think, Queen Olga and King Rywan announced that they were leaving to go to another castle the was closer to the border of Kyrria. They took Olive with them because she wasn't going with Hattie and me to Kyrria. I was glad because Olive had recently begun to follow me around trying to get me to tell her stories.
With Queen Olga gone, Aaron and Hattie were left in charge. Hattie always found a way to see me every day for an hour in my private garden. She would tell me to pick her flowers and comb her hair. It infuriated me, but since Prince Aaron was gone on hunts and in meetings most of the day, I could call on no one, for she dismissed Terrance when she came.
I thought of running away, but Terrance was always there and I doubted he would let me run away and I would not get far on my own before he found me. Even though we were friends, he was still loyal to Prince Aaron. We talked of Prince Aaron a lot.
"When he was a little boy, he was so outgoing and loving and kind. Every time he entered a room, the room would brighten with his presence and smile. But, then his mother died. Aaron was very attached to her. He shut himself up in his room for about a year and didn't come out except to eat and on special occasions. Finally, his father went up and talked to him for the whole day and he came out for good that time. But, something was different about him when he came out. He was no longer fun and nice. He was distant and quiet. His father is some one I don't trust at all. King Rywan has always wanted more then just Ayortha. When Aaron's with you though, he's different. He acts more like himself from a long time ago," Terrance had explained once when we were riding in the woods. He had looked sad.
The sun was warming and the days grew longer. Each new day brought me closer to seeing Char. Perhaps I could wear a veil over my head so he would not see me. No, our names would be announced and he would know it was me. I began thinking up a number of ways I could not see Char, but none of them worked.
"Oh, Ella, you simply will have to see my dress when it is finished! It's pure silk with gold trimmings. And a long train! I am going to be the best looking bride anyone has ever seen!" Hattie sighed one day when we were in the garden. I was walking around and picking a bouquet of wildflowers for her. Unfortunately, there were no herbs in my garden that I could use on Hattie. "And I am going to wear that large diamond Step- Father sent for in Hobrihm a month ago. It's as big as my fist! Can you imagine, Ella?"
"No," I replied curtly. Hattie sent a withered look my way.
"Well, you're not the one who's marrying Charmont."
"Hmph."
A maid called Hattie back in and I was left sitting on a stone bench thinking of Char.
Heavy rains came in the beginning of June. We were to travel to Kyrria then, but the rains kept us from the roads. I sat by my window praying that whatever God or Goddess was out there, they would keep the rain here forever so I would never have to see Char.
Finally, the rain stopped and left angry masses of clouds in its wake. The advisors said not to travel for it could still rain, but Hattie was impatient and decreed that we would travel with rain or without it for she was getting married and nothing would prevent it!
The day of departure arrived. It was cloudy and misty, unusual for this time of year, but I thought it was perfect for how I was feeling. It would take a week to reach Frell. A week before I saw Char again. A week before my life would end.
Char did not learn that I was Aaron's fiancée. Though, Hattie took my Magic Book away after she caught me reading it. She said that the life cycle of centaur ticks was not appropriate reading for a soon to be princess and wife. Mandy was not allowed to say good-bye to me either. I was alone, except for Terrance.
"Ella, you shall ride in the second carriage behind mine. I will go first because I am the one getting married to Charmont," Hattie ordered as I watched the servants pack up the carriages with trunks and other items.
"I want to ride a horse," I replied. My eyes watched as a white horse trotted by. The rider was good and it would be fun to be on a horse again. My body ached to be on a horse. I had not been on one since my last ride with Terrance a month ago. I needed to feel free.
"A lady does not ride horses like a savage! She rides in a carriage like a lady!" Hattie exclaimed.
"I am not a lady, Hattie. I am Ella." I frowned at her. "Please, Hattie. It would make me look like a ruffian and you look civilized."
Hattie pondered this for a few moments. Her glossy curls were pulled up and she wore a deep burgundy gown that didn't suit her at all. I was wearing a blue traveling gown. She looked delighted at the fact that she would look civilized and I wouldn't. Probably because she thought I was prettier than her like she said that one time when we were at finishing school in the garden.
"Fine, do as you must. But, ask Aaron first. I do not know if he wants his fiancée riding a horse like a man. At least, if I was he, I wouldn't."
Hattie flounced away to order some one else around. The curse nagged at me to ask Aaron. I searched for him all around and finally found him in his quarters putting some things in a small sack.
I knocked lightly on the door frame. Aaron quickly stuffed some last few papers into the bag and closed it. He whirled around angrily.
"How many times must I ask for a few minutes alone?" he asked heatedly. I stepped back. His face softened when he saw me. "Oh, sorry, Ella. I didn't know it was you. I thought it was a servant or Hattie."
"It's all right. I only came up here to ask you something." I stepped into his rooms. There was a large blue bed perpendicular to a wall. A desk, trousseau and table with chairs were scattered about. He picked up his bag and walked over to me.
"What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you might let me ride a horse to Frell. It would be so dreadfully boring sitting in a carriage. I've already done it riding here from where I used to live."
"You may on one condition." He smiled. His smile made me smile for he looked younger than his normal quiet, brooding self. He took my hand.
"And what is that?" I asked. I stared up into his eyes. He was handsome. And he was nice to me. But, my heart still belonged to Char and always would.
"That I may ride along with you and keep you company."
I laughed. That was certainly fine for he did not talk nonstop about parties and dresses like Hattie! And it would be nice to have some one to talk to besides Terrance. If Aaron and I were not engaged, I thought we would make great friends. But, the weight of the diamond ring on my finger made me uneasy around him.
He told me to pick out a horse from the stables and he would meet me down by the carriages in a little while. I hurried from the room. Servants, maids, and butlers and other people were hurrying back and forth for last minute things.
My first stop was back in my quarters were a quickly threw off the gown and petticoats. Then, I put on a pair of breeches and a tunic and riding boots. Afterwards, I hurried down to the stables. Most of the horses were not there because they were pulling the carriages. But, I managed to secure a gray stallion.
Aaron joined me later. He rode a white stallion. Hattie ordered the carriages to begin the trip. Aaron and I rode together for a while, but the captain of the guard called him to the front of the carriages to discuss something about the military tactics. I was left with Terrance in the back, with a few guards riding silently in back of me.
Terrance told me jokes and funny stories of his childhood. I laughed and teased back, but my mind stayed on Frell and Char. Aaron commented on things now and then, but he was forced to ride in a carriage after a while because the prime minister had "topics not for a lady's ears" to discuss with the prince.
We crossed two rivers and traveled through many plains. The day was long. At last we stopped. My rear end was sore from riding so I was happy to get off my horse. We camped at the edge of a large forest that separated Ayortha and Kyrria. It would take five days to get through the forest and into Kyrria. Then, three days to reach Frell.
I slept on a soft bedroll beside Hattie. Her snores kept me awake for quite a while. Finally, the gently hum of the forest life swept me off into dreamland.
"Ella, wake up!" Terrance shook me. I swatted at him in grogginess, but opened my eyes sleepily. As soon as I saw his awake face I turned to bury my head back into my pillow. He laughed and picked me and set me on the ground. I looked around sleepily.
"It's not even light out yet!" I exclaimed. Terrance smiled.
"We have to get moving. There were ogre sightings around here a few days ago. We can't stay too much longer."
I yawned. Hattie was gone and so was her bedroll. I watched as a man picked up mine as well and packed it up into a trunk. Terrance was putting on his belt and sticking a dagger in his shoe. As I looked, I couldn't help think that Terrance rivaled Aaron in handsomeness. He had light brown hair that would most definitely bleach in the summer sun and bright green eyes. I loved his accent.
I froze. Here I was thinking of how handsome Terrance was and I was in love Char. I shook my head. My feelings for Terrance were purely friendship. Purely. I loved Char. I smiled as a picture of Char grew in my head. It would be nice to see him again. Except, now I was Aaron's fiancé.
I bit my lip. There had to be some way of getting out of this mess. Aaron was nice to me but, I was worried about something. Aaron knew I was obedient and he had done nothing about it. He was too nice and too kind. Something was up and I needed to find out what it was.
Terrance looked up and caught me staring at him in thought. He smiled, showing white teeth.
"What? Do I have breakfast in my teeth?" he asked. I shook my head.
"Sorry, I guess I'm a little tired after all this and I'm worried about what Char will do when he sees me." I looked to the ground. I had slept in my breeches and tunic so I would not have to change the next morning.
"Want to ride with me on Lightening, the horse I rode yesterday?"
"No, I like my horse."
"Yeah, but your rear end didn't."
"Shut up!"
"You're riding with me. It's safer that way with the ogres around."
I was about to retort that I could ride by myself, rear end hurting or not, but the curse shut me up and I was forced to ride with Terrance. He laughed and told more stories and talked about people in court.
The next day, Hattie ordered us to stop. She and Aaron took a detour up a windy dirt path with only a few other guardsmen. I asked Terrance where they were going, but he didn't know.
They showed up about three hours later. Hattie was smiling, but seemed to be a little bit sadder than usual. Aaron looked unhappy, but refused to say anything. He got into the carriage with Hattie and I didn't see him for the rest of the day.
Kyrria was just like it had been, only a bit warmer. I enjoyed the fresh breeze on my face and watched as the forest gave away into plains and a few mountains. I shook with an uneasy fear as I looked to the road ahead. In one day's time, we would be in Frell. At the castle. Where Char was.
Terrance rubbed my shoulders briskly to warm me up. He thought I shivered from cold. I smiled in thanks, but remained steadily watching the horizon.
At dusk, a messenger came from Frell. He handed a letter to Aaron, spoke quickly with Hattie and left to return to Frell. I watched Aaron's face as he read the letter.
"The king, queen and prince send their greetings and will meet us tomorrow when we arrive. They look forward to meeting my fiancée and say that the wedding plans are going according to plan. Both couples are to be married on the solstice." Aaron folded the letter back up. Hattie squealed.
"Tomorrow I get to see my beloved!" she cried. "I must be prepared."
She left quickly, muttering something about beauty sleep and what dress she was going to wear. Aaron smiled at me and bade me sleep well, for he was off to the guards' tent. I smiled. He kissed my cheek and then my lips before leaving.
"Do you want to marry him?" Terrance asked once we were alone in a small tent in the back. I looked up sharply.
"If I had the choice? No, I would not marry him. Even if I did not love Char. He is not the one for me," I whispered. "Now turn around. I have to put on my nightgown."
He smirked.
"What happened to sleeping in your breeches?"
"I want a good night's sleep tonight and the only way I'll be getting that is if I wear something that doesn't hurt my body when I roll over in my sleep. Those breeches are rough."
Terrance turned around and I quickly put on my white nightgown. He took off his boots and watched as I got into my makeshift bed.
"You can always run away, you know." He looked down on me.
"You won't let me," I answered.
"Only because I would have my head lopped off if I did. Are you going to do anything?"
"I don't know what I'm going to do. But, one thing I know I can't do is marry some one I don't love and who I think is conspiring against Kyrria. I don't trust Aaron. I like him in a friend way, but I don't trust him. And I don't trust Hattie, Queen Olga and King Rywan. They're too conniving."
"Good night."
"Good night."
I lay awake listening to the sounds of the night. Finally, Terrance handed me a cup and told me to drink it. I did, obediently. It was warm and made my head tingle. I fell asleep soon after that and did not awake until well into the next morning.
Terrance had to send in a maid to help me put on my gown because I could not do it myself. I was shaking too much. It was a deep red that I really hated, but Terrance said the color would bring out highlights in my hair and the greenness of my eyes. Where he learned about what colors suit whom, I do not know, but he turned out to be right about the red and me.
"You have to ride in the carriage today," Terrance said. I nodded. Ladies who were getting married to princes were not allowed to ride stallions into palaces. At least that's what Hattie said and Aaron backed her up.
"Fine," I whispered. Della, my maid, had braided my hair in a long braid and nervously plucked at my gown for lint. She and I stepped into a small carriage behind Hattie's while Terrance mounted his horse to ride beside us.
The carriages soon began to move and we began the few hours journey to Frell. Della turned out to be quite a gossip and told me of the court in Frell. She had grown up there and had moved to Ayortha last year to be a maid in the palace there.
"Prince Charmont is just a fine man, if I do say so myself. He's been rather distant recently. But, that's probably just wedding jitters. Did you know that my brother's friend's uncle is Prince Charmont's personal guard? Well, let me tell you something. He heard that the prince doesn't want to marry Princess Hattie at all! He really loves some one else. He says that the prince moans her name in his sleep! Can you believe that?" Della smothered a giggled with her hand. Her bright blue eyes were sparkling. My heart was racing. Char loved some one else? Was it me? I slowly took a breath as Della went on excitedly. "And I heard that the one he loves doesn't love him back! Apparently she ran away from him and got married to a rich old man! I can't believe that! I would rather marry the prince!"
"Do you – do you know the name of the girl he talks about in his sleep?" I whispered. Della giggled and scooted closer to me.
"Tynon, my brother, says that the prince moans the name "Ella" in his sleep," Della answered. My breathing quickened. Was it possible that he still loved me? Even after all that I'd done to him?
Della went on about Char's sister and the men she'd been seen with. I sat still the entire trip, thinking about Char and what he would do to me when he saw me. Della kept giggling and chattering about Char and who loved him and things like that.
"Oh, it looks really sunny out there," Della moaned after peeking out through the curtains in the carriage. I looked out the window as well. It really was sunny, though not extremely hot. Della looked at me. "Your face might get burned from the sun if you stay out too long. Be careful."
I watched as Della put a cloth over her head to cool herself off. She seemed to fall asleep afterwards. Suddenly, I had an idea.
I reached over and picked up a red veil from a box on the other seat of the carriage. It was soft and matched my dress almost perfectly. I could see through the cloth, but others could not see my face. It was perfect! Char would not be able to see me and I would get by him without him knowing it was me!
I carefully pinned the veil in place. Della shifted in her sleep as I moved to the far end of the cushions. I looked out the window at the soft hills and grass. A house on a farm would pop up now and then, and soon houses sprang up all around. We were almost there.
I let the curtain fall back in place and rested against the pillows. I could almost hear Hattie's voice from the carriage ahead. She and Aaron were talking about something privately. Most likely they were talking about what they were plotting against Frell and Char.
Suddenly, the carriages stopped. I opened my eyes. Had I fallen asleep? I must have!
"We're here," Della whispered. She smiled. "Finally! I was beginning to think that we would be in this carriage for eternity!"
Rather that then do what I am about to do, I thought.
"Oh, look! There is Prince Charmont with his sister! I wonder where the king and queen are. Now I remember! They went to the southern part of Kyrria for a week. They'll be back in time for the weddings! My lady, why are you wearing that over your head?" Della gasped at my veil.
"I do not want the sun to burn my face," I replied, hoping she would not say anything about it.
"Good thinking!" Della quickly put on a white one. "I'll match you so you don't look the odd one when we greet them."
"Thank you," I whispered. Then, Terrance climbed in through the opposite door. He smiled a greeting to me. Della batted her eyelashes at him.
"Prince Aaron and Princess Hattie are being introduced now. I am to escort you from the carriage after the greetings. Afterwards, we'll go to our rooms to set up your things." He exited quickly. Della looked long fully after him.
"I think he's gotten even more handsome than when I saw him last," she whispered. I tried to hear what was happening outside the carriage.
"Hello, Prince Charmont," I heard Aaron say to Char, a bit cocky too.
"Good day, Prince Aaron. Hope your trip wasn't too hard on you," Char's voice sang in my ears. It was easy to feel the hate vibes from each prince.
"Pleasure to meet you again, Charmont," Hattie giggled. I cringed at the use of his name.
"Yes, lovely, charmed, great," he replied. He was tired of the introductions. I took a breath. It was my turn next. Footsteps clacked on the ground as Aaron neared my carriage.
Della smoothed her hair. The door opened and light filled the small carriage space. Della smiled and stepped out. I sat rigid in my seat, watching the door as Aaron poked his head in.
"Come out," he ordered. My feet began to move. I gripped my hands on the cushions.
Today was going to be the day when I broke the curse. I was going to stay in the carriage and order the man who held the reins to the horses to drive on and we would leave and never come back! No more Aaron. No more Hattie. And no more orders!
Aaron's face broke out into a grin. He saw my clenched white fingers.
"No use trying to hold it, sweet. Come out now. I want to make a good impression on you ex-love. You can wear your lovely veil, but tonight at the feast and ball in our honor, you can not wear one."
I gasped. He knew? He knew all about Char and me? The curse forced me to move towards the door. Towards Aaron's waiting hand. He gripped my hand and pulled me out into the light.
"Prince Charmont, allow me to introduce my fiancée, the Lady Eleanor," Aaron squeezed my hand showing my that he knew about everything and found it fun and amusing to put me in such a position. Char frowned at my name. I could see his eyes processing the information and thinking it over.
Oh, Della was right. He was more handsome then before. Or, perhaps it was because I had not seen him for so long. Hattie fluttered nervously at his side and watched me with an evil eye. Aaron whispered quickly into my ear, "Be good, Ella. Don't say anything I don't want you to."
I frowned at him through my veil. My heart quickened though, at the sight of Char as he grew closer and closer to my approaching feet. He shook his head once as if to rid himself of something.
"It's very nice to meet you, Lady Eleanor," Char greeted me. I nodded. Aaron elbowed me slightly.
"Nice meeting you, too," I answered, pitching my voice higher. Char held out his hand to me. I almost stepped back. Slowly, I extended my gloved hand. He kissed it formally and I pulled it back as quickly as I could.
"Why do you wear a veil, Lady?" he asked me.
"Oh, ha ha! It's such a silly thing. I do not want my skin burned by the sun, that is all," I laughed nervously. He watched me warily. I could tell he was trying to decide if what he thought was correct. He opened his mouth to say something, but Hattie piped up.
"Dear, why don't we go inside and unpack and maybe have tea?" she blinked with her short eyelashes. She pulled on his arm and they began to walk towards the palace. He looked back once at me and then disappeared into the palace with Hattie.
Author Note: I am SO SO SO SO SO SO sorry for keeping you waiting! I have been so busy! My English teacher assigned me a poetry and short story portfolio thingy due next week and I have to write 10 poems by Tuesday and two short fictional stories! And I have a French story due on Monday as well. This chapter was longer than the others! So, I'll try to update as quickly as I can, but with all the school work, finals coming up and golf practices and matches, I will not be updating as quickly until the second week of June.
Okay, the next chapter will probably be about the feast and I'm still deliberating if Char should find out that Ella is Aaron's fiancée then, or some time else. And I'm not sure if I want to add a new twist to this story in which it would be longer. So, I'll get started on the new chapter this weekend!