A/N: Okay, not much to say from me...as always, I would so adore it if you
would R&R! It gives me motivation to keep writing, and I feel special.
*Grin* But constructive criticism only...I never said I was a good writer!
So don't tell me I'm not, because I know. ^_^ Right. Here you are then.
Enjoy!
JaQ- Thank you luv! Well.since I already had this written...I 'll make the next chappie long for you, mmkay? Mmkay. Now, I hope this keeps you interested ^_^ Banana- Hah...I love your name. Thanks for the review though! I'm glad you like it, I'm keeping you in mind don't worry!
---------------
I couldn't believe it. There I sat, talking stiffly to the two princes nearest to me, wishing I was anywhere but there. My mother and father laughed heartily with the adults at the other end of the table, and my younger brother talked with the kids at the opposite end. But there I was, right in the middle, sitting amidst a group of goggling young Princes. Had they never seen a Princess before? So, they were all rather handsome I give them that- dashing in the "Knight-in-shining-armor" respect- but I had no interest in them. And why hadn't I thought of this before? I was nearly eighteen- a ripe age to get married off. It made me feel more like a trophy to these Princes than an interest, because I doubt any really cared. They needed a wife to produce an Heir to the throne, I was a Princess (and therefore, wife-material), and it was a proven fact that Princes liked competition. Do you think any of them would rescue maidens from dragons or towers, if some twenty-odd blokes weren't trying to do the same thing? That's what I thought.
My mind had drifted from the Prince's conversation to the one coming from the head of the table.
"Oh, Princess Lisanne has grown into quite the young lady." One of the Queens said fondly. She daintily wiped her mouth with the corner of a napkin. "Very beautiful, Corvina, very beautiful indeed. Nice catch to the one lucky enough to have her."
My mother nodded approvingly, and I quickly averted my stare as they turned to look at me. I felt sick. "Nice catch"? It was all beginning to become too much for me. I had spent nearly two hours making forced conversation with Princes as they stared at me in awe, putting on fake smiles when they complimented me on my beauty. No, they must not have seen many Princesses after all...but that wasn't my worry. I needed out.
"Excuse me." I purred at the young men as I rose, gently bowing my head to them before moving towards the head of the table. I stood by my mother's arm.
"Lisanne? What is it, child?" She said, turning to me and lowering her voice, looking quite alarmed that I'd left my guests. Not a move a good hostess would pull.
I took a deep breath, or rather, as deep a breath as one can take in a corset. "I'm feeling rather ill. I'm afraid I may have to go lie down."
My mother's shock melted into irritation, and her whisper became more of a hiss. "These young men came here to see you tonight. Leaving in the middle of dinner...I will not have it. You may lie down when they leave. Do you understand?"
I bit back the retorts on my tongue, my mind working fast. Finally I spoke. "Yes, I..." here I paused, allowing myself to sway ever so gently. "I..." I trailed off. With a dramatic sigh, I collapsed on the spot.
---------------
Pretending to be unconscious is not as easy as you'd think. I forced myself to remain limp as hands picked me up. Overexcited women talked in shrill voices, and the men murmured to one another under their breath. I almost had the urge to smile, but quickly restrained. If all else failed, it appeared I could always become an actress. Finally I was being carried, because I didn't think I could take it much longer. I knew the castle well enough to recognize where we were with every door and turn. Out into the Main Foyer...up the stairs...down the hall...and finally, into my bedchambers.
Two fingers pressed down on my wrist. A hand was placed against my forehead.
"She appears to be fine, although her breathing does seem to be quite shallow." A deep man's voice said. The doctors, no doubt.
"'Scuze me sir, if I may...she had on a corset sir, we put in on her this mornin'. Might it help to remove it?"
The doctor seemed to be considering the maid's appeal. "Yes," he said, "yes you may. I daresay it's the cause of this situation. I shall inform his Majesty that it may be wise not to use them in the future."
Hah! Not only did I get out of entertaining a slew Prince Charmings, but I also got rid of that corset for good. What a red-letter day.
---------------
It was a while before I thought it safe to open my eyes again, or rather, before I woke up. In all my pretending and pondering I had drifted to sleep, and I now cautiously opened an eye. The sun had appeared to have set long ago, and by the stillness that had settled over everything, I sensed nearly everyone was fast asleep. I won't say my time feigning sick was entirely useless; no, quite the opposite- I had gotten a lot of thinking done during that time. And now, my plan may be put into action after all.
I shivered as my toes touched the icy stone floor. My feet were near frozen once I was done tiptoeing to my wardrobe. In it hung my honey brown dress. A wave of bittersweet sensation passed over me, looking at my dress. Of all the fineries I had owned in my life, I had grown quite attached to that one gown. Leaving it behind after only one use seemed a shame...
No. I shook my head, trying to remain sensible. It was clearly a royal thing, and I couldn't risk being caught. Besides, where I was going, I'd have no use for a gown. Well, that's what I thought anyway. I really didn't have that much figured out, but I knew the only place for clothing like that as a castle. And I had thought out enough to know I wasn't planning on setting foot in another castle for a very long time.
---------------
Well, it would have to do. I looked down at myself once more, squinting at my new apparel in the candle's flickering light. I had snuck down to the servant's quarters, rummaging through the assortment of garments without much success. Finally, I found clothes that seemed rather fitting, and more importantly, somewhat fit. I had on black boots that came up mid-shin and were laced tightly, dark brown breeches, a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up (it was a bit too big), and a somewhat frayed navy blue overcoat. I really hadn't much idea what the commoners looked like, having not taken many trips outside the castle before, but I figured this had to be it. I had also found a rucksack, which would come in handy for part two of my plan. With an assuring nod of my head, I set off for the kitchens.
I prayed the cook wouldn't get any late night (or rather, early morning) requests as I searched through cabinets. I pulled out a wheel of cheese, several loaves of bread, an assortment of fruit and a flagon of water. Then, in a moment of weakness, a flagon of good wine- I always had a weakness for red wine. Soon, the food was resting snugly in my rucksack along with possessions from my room- a candle and flint, an old map from my dresser, as many coins as I could fit into a velvet moneybag, and brush. I was, after all, still a princess at heart. Years of pampering couldn't be tossed away as easily as my crown. Regardless of the fact I was about to give that all up.
Deep breath. I was ready to go. A part of me felt like I should leave a note, something telling my parents I was safe and I had gone. But that wouldn't do any good; they'd find out soon enough. The clock struck four- I knew I should hurry. I had wanted to put an entire night's travel between me and the castle, but this would have to do. It was weird, actually taking charge of my life and leaving. I had thought about it more and more lately, but I never thought it possible or acceptable to actually run away. Now I didn't care. I'd had enough of pretending that what color ribbon I wore in my hair was a big deal, of impressing dull Princes so they'd sweep me away and be married. I didn't want to live like that, I needed to break out. This castle was suffocating, and only once I climbed over a low garden wall and saw the gates in sight did I feel I could breathe. I nearly broke into a run, using a side path around the wall I had discovered as a child. I climbed over, eyes frantically sweeping the area, making sure no guards were looking my way- they all appeared to be having some fierce argument by the front gate, so I was safe. In one catlike movement I jumped from the wall, landing on all fours and looking at the stretch of grass before me. I hopped up quickly and began to walk away, motivated by the sudden rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. This was it. I was leaving. I was really going to-
"Hey, who's there?"
A dark figure stood in my path. I froze on the spot, my mouth going too dry to respond.
"I said who's there? Show yourself!"
---------------
Aaaaand I'm spent! That's my attempt at a cliffhanger, if you didn't catch on :DDD R&R! (I'm shameless, I know.)
JaQ- Thank you luv! Well.since I already had this written...I 'll make the next chappie long for you, mmkay? Mmkay. Now, I hope this keeps you interested ^_^ Banana- Hah...I love your name. Thanks for the review though! I'm glad you like it, I'm keeping you in mind don't worry!
---------------
I couldn't believe it. There I sat, talking stiffly to the two princes nearest to me, wishing I was anywhere but there. My mother and father laughed heartily with the adults at the other end of the table, and my younger brother talked with the kids at the opposite end. But there I was, right in the middle, sitting amidst a group of goggling young Princes. Had they never seen a Princess before? So, they were all rather handsome I give them that- dashing in the "Knight-in-shining-armor" respect- but I had no interest in them. And why hadn't I thought of this before? I was nearly eighteen- a ripe age to get married off. It made me feel more like a trophy to these Princes than an interest, because I doubt any really cared. They needed a wife to produce an Heir to the throne, I was a Princess (and therefore, wife-material), and it was a proven fact that Princes liked competition. Do you think any of them would rescue maidens from dragons or towers, if some twenty-odd blokes weren't trying to do the same thing? That's what I thought.
My mind had drifted from the Prince's conversation to the one coming from the head of the table.
"Oh, Princess Lisanne has grown into quite the young lady." One of the Queens said fondly. She daintily wiped her mouth with the corner of a napkin. "Very beautiful, Corvina, very beautiful indeed. Nice catch to the one lucky enough to have her."
My mother nodded approvingly, and I quickly averted my stare as they turned to look at me. I felt sick. "Nice catch"? It was all beginning to become too much for me. I had spent nearly two hours making forced conversation with Princes as they stared at me in awe, putting on fake smiles when they complimented me on my beauty. No, they must not have seen many Princesses after all...but that wasn't my worry. I needed out.
"Excuse me." I purred at the young men as I rose, gently bowing my head to them before moving towards the head of the table. I stood by my mother's arm.
"Lisanne? What is it, child?" She said, turning to me and lowering her voice, looking quite alarmed that I'd left my guests. Not a move a good hostess would pull.
I took a deep breath, or rather, as deep a breath as one can take in a corset. "I'm feeling rather ill. I'm afraid I may have to go lie down."
My mother's shock melted into irritation, and her whisper became more of a hiss. "These young men came here to see you tonight. Leaving in the middle of dinner...I will not have it. You may lie down when they leave. Do you understand?"
I bit back the retorts on my tongue, my mind working fast. Finally I spoke. "Yes, I..." here I paused, allowing myself to sway ever so gently. "I..." I trailed off. With a dramatic sigh, I collapsed on the spot.
---------------
Pretending to be unconscious is not as easy as you'd think. I forced myself to remain limp as hands picked me up. Overexcited women talked in shrill voices, and the men murmured to one another under their breath. I almost had the urge to smile, but quickly restrained. If all else failed, it appeared I could always become an actress. Finally I was being carried, because I didn't think I could take it much longer. I knew the castle well enough to recognize where we were with every door and turn. Out into the Main Foyer...up the stairs...down the hall...and finally, into my bedchambers.
Two fingers pressed down on my wrist. A hand was placed against my forehead.
"She appears to be fine, although her breathing does seem to be quite shallow." A deep man's voice said. The doctors, no doubt.
"'Scuze me sir, if I may...she had on a corset sir, we put in on her this mornin'. Might it help to remove it?"
The doctor seemed to be considering the maid's appeal. "Yes," he said, "yes you may. I daresay it's the cause of this situation. I shall inform his Majesty that it may be wise not to use them in the future."
Hah! Not only did I get out of entertaining a slew Prince Charmings, but I also got rid of that corset for good. What a red-letter day.
---------------
It was a while before I thought it safe to open my eyes again, or rather, before I woke up. In all my pretending and pondering I had drifted to sleep, and I now cautiously opened an eye. The sun had appeared to have set long ago, and by the stillness that had settled over everything, I sensed nearly everyone was fast asleep. I won't say my time feigning sick was entirely useless; no, quite the opposite- I had gotten a lot of thinking done during that time. And now, my plan may be put into action after all.
I shivered as my toes touched the icy stone floor. My feet were near frozen once I was done tiptoeing to my wardrobe. In it hung my honey brown dress. A wave of bittersweet sensation passed over me, looking at my dress. Of all the fineries I had owned in my life, I had grown quite attached to that one gown. Leaving it behind after only one use seemed a shame...
No. I shook my head, trying to remain sensible. It was clearly a royal thing, and I couldn't risk being caught. Besides, where I was going, I'd have no use for a gown. Well, that's what I thought anyway. I really didn't have that much figured out, but I knew the only place for clothing like that as a castle. And I had thought out enough to know I wasn't planning on setting foot in another castle for a very long time.
---------------
Well, it would have to do. I looked down at myself once more, squinting at my new apparel in the candle's flickering light. I had snuck down to the servant's quarters, rummaging through the assortment of garments without much success. Finally, I found clothes that seemed rather fitting, and more importantly, somewhat fit. I had on black boots that came up mid-shin and were laced tightly, dark brown breeches, a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up (it was a bit too big), and a somewhat frayed navy blue overcoat. I really hadn't much idea what the commoners looked like, having not taken many trips outside the castle before, but I figured this had to be it. I had also found a rucksack, which would come in handy for part two of my plan. With an assuring nod of my head, I set off for the kitchens.
I prayed the cook wouldn't get any late night (or rather, early morning) requests as I searched through cabinets. I pulled out a wheel of cheese, several loaves of bread, an assortment of fruit and a flagon of water. Then, in a moment of weakness, a flagon of good wine- I always had a weakness for red wine. Soon, the food was resting snugly in my rucksack along with possessions from my room- a candle and flint, an old map from my dresser, as many coins as I could fit into a velvet moneybag, and brush. I was, after all, still a princess at heart. Years of pampering couldn't be tossed away as easily as my crown. Regardless of the fact I was about to give that all up.
Deep breath. I was ready to go. A part of me felt like I should leave a note, something telling my parents I was safe and I had gone. But that wouldn't do any good; they'd find out soon enough. The clock struck four- I knew I should hurry. I had wanted to put an entire night's travel between me and the castle, but this would have to do. It was weird, actually taking charge of my life and leaving. I had thought about it more and more lately, but I never thought it possible or acceptable to actually run away. Now I didn't care. I'd had enough of pretending that what color ribbon I wore in my hair was a big deal, of impressing dull Princes so they'd sweep me away and be married. I didn't want to live like that, I needed to break out. This castle was suffocating, and only once I climbed over a low garden wall and saw the gates in sight did I feel I could breathe. I nearly broke into a run, using a side path around the wall I had discovered as a child. I climbed over, eyes frantically sweeping the area, making sure no guards were looking my way- they all appeared to be having some fierce argument by the front gate, so I was safe. In one catlike movement I jumped from the wall, landing on all fours and looking at the stretch of grass before me. I hopped up quickly and began to walk away, motivated by the sudden rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. This was it. I was leaving. I was really going to-
"Hey, who's there?"
A dark figure stood in my path. I froze on the spot, my mouth going too dry to respond.
"I said who's there? Show yourself!"
---------------
Aaaaand I'm spent! That's my attempt at a cliffhanger, if you didn't catch on :DDD R&R! (I'm shameless, I know.)