Honor

Chapter Three: Goodbye Home

Clad haughtily in a plain, black, crushed velvet gown, Princess Annie descended the large marble staircase towards the main banquet hall. She was trailed dutifully by her new knights, Sir Auggie and Sir Arthur. They had insisted that their guard duties began the night before she left and promptly stuck themselves to her like glue. They only left her presence when she announced loudly and pointedly that she had to change for dinner. Her wardrobe choice, the solid black gown with no garnishes, ruffles, lace, or other flippantly, was one last defiant stand against her father.

Danielle cast a quick glance behind her. She gave her sister a small smile. In an effort to support her younger sibling, Danielle wore a dress identical to Annie's in a shade of deep blue. Annie had serious doubts that Danielle even owned something black, so she took the blue dress as her sister's way of trying to stand with her. In normal circumstances, they were required to dress up at formal dinners such as this, but this was Annie's farewell banquet and she intended to dress however she felt like.

Annie and Danielle's choices of dresses did not fail to catch the attention of their father. As they entered the room, he gave them both a dark look from the head of the table. Annie smiled sternly at her father. She saw Danielle's uncomfortable shift out of the corner of her eye. Annie understood her sister's discomfort; Danielle was usually on their father's good side and didn't like the look he was giving them. Deciding to show him that she wasn't afraid of his wrath, Annie stepped boldly toward her place at the table on her father's right side. Sir Auggie pulled out her chair for her and she sat. She pulled her napkin down to rest in her lap. Another guard gave Danielle similar treatment.

The King rose and banged his goblet on the large oak table. This caused the entire room full of nobles to jump in their seats and switch their attention to their King.

"Welcome everyone! We are here to celebrate to engagement of my youngest daughter, Princess Annie, to Prince Jai of France!"

The mild applause that sounded died out quickly as the entire room caught a glare from Annie.

Her father continued like he hadn't noticed, "I would like to propose a toast," He raised the goblet, "To Princess Annie, may you have a happy marriage, many heirs, and a wonderfully fulfilling life in France!"

"To Princess Annie," the crowd echoed in unison as they raised their own glasses. Danielle peered intently at Annie though the crystal goblet she herself had raised. She watched her sister's face for any show of emotion. The younger princess looked off into nothingness, not even bothering to look up as the servants entered and placed their food in front of them. Moving like on autopilot, Annie picked up her fork and began eating.

Self-consciously, Annie brushed at her skirt with a satin-gloved hand. This dress had been specially made for the trip, it was a deep blue satin with a thick petticoat underneath for warmth. Annie tucked a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear. She turned to Reva, who was adjusting her own dark green dress, which was also new.

A knock sounded at the door. Sirs Arthur and Auggie entered without waiting for someone to answer their knock.

"Your trunk has been placed in the carriage," Arthur announced.

"Are you ready to leave, Princess?" Auggie asked.

Annie nodded resolutely, "I-I think so. Let's go, Reva."

Arthur and Auggie led the way out the door and down the large marble staircase to the courtyard.

Danielle and the King were already in the courtyard when the group arrived. Upon seeing Annie, Danielle ran forward and threw her arms around her.

"Be careful, sister dear," she whispered. Annie could hear that her sister was beginning to cry.

Annie managed a small smile, "Of course. You won't always be there to protect me, you know."

Danielle nodded. She stepped back and fumbled for her kerchief.

Annie turned to her father, "Farewell, father," She made no move to hug him.

He stood stiffly, unsure of how to handle her, "Farewell, daughter," he gave her a swift nod and a stern look, "And do try to behave yourself. The fate of this alliance rests on your marriage."

Annie didn't respond. She instead turned to allow Sir Auggie to help her into the carriage.

Moments later, Annie heard the sound of the whip crack. She felt the wheels start to turn beneath her. Annie gazed out the window as the castle drew further away. A single tear trailed down her cheek.

"Goodbye, home."

"Are you alright, Princess?" Sir Auggie asked gently.

Annie just looked out the window and said nothing. She hoped the guard would understand her silent language. Apparently he did because she heard him scoot away from her side.

Then the tears began to fall from her eyes.