The Prince's Niece
Prince Char and Ella sat side by side in awkward silence opposite Princess Louise. She sat imposingly in a luxurious red velvet seat, while Char and Ella sat on the other side of the cramped sitting room in uncomfortable wooden chairs. The room wasn't tiny, it only felt tiny because of all the jewel-encrusted furniture Princess Louise had ordered from her favourite shops in the nearby towns. Anything considered 'quaint' by the dowager princess was exquisite from anyone else's point of view.
Finally, the princess spoke.
"It has come to my attention that my grandson has made the most unfortunate decision to take you as his wife. Despite this foolishness, I will allow the marriage to proceed."
At this, although Prince Char rolled his eyes, confident that the marriage would have happened even without her consent, Ella heaved a sigh of relief.
Princess Louise glared daggers at Ella.
"To prove yourself worthy, you must complete a series of tasks—"
"Grandmother!" protested Char, outraged by Louise's boldness.
Ella silenced the Prince and replied coolly to the Princess, "I will complete whatever you have to ask of me, your Highness." Although her voice revealed no emotions, Char could see the fear on her face. The princess smiled a grin that made Ella cringe inside.
"So be it. I will introduce your first task immediately." The princess motioned towards one of the many deep violet curtains hanging on the walls that hid the doorways the royal family's chambers. A royal guard stepped into the parlour, followed by a young girl of maybe nine. She swept back her shoulder-length blonde hair and stepped cautiously into the centre of the room. Ella peered over Char's broad shoulders to get a look at the girl. The guard was prodding her into the centre of the room but the girl seemed reluctant to move from her space hidden from view behind two large golden candlesticks.
"Elaine, enter!" spat the princess.
Elaine trod softly to the middle of the room, her coal black slippers clicking on the hardwood floor. Louise rose from her chair, and Char and Ella followed.
"Elaine darling, how are you?" cooed Louise, pinching Elaine's rosy cheeks. All the spite from her voice had gone, leaving only a sickly sweet tone obviously left to impress anyone who might be watching.
"This," the princess gestured to Elaine, "is my great-granddaughter, Elaine of Swathsberte. She will be residing in the palace while you take care of her," she turned to Ella as she said the last bit and then swept out of the parlour.