Princesses, Ladies, and I, Oh My!

Astra knocked on my door once again. "Coming!" I answered finally getting out of the tub. When I opened the door I could not help but laugh at Astra's attire. She had arrived wearing one of my threadbare dresses but was now in full black and white, apron and all, maid attire. "Where did you get that?" I said barely being able to control myself.

"Very funny," she replied sarcastically. "I made it, thank you very much. Delilah asked about my uniform and I reckoned I would look a little out of place without one. At least I am trying to play the part."

"Aw, I'm sorry Astra. I was just joking." She smiled. "Where did she go?" I asked looking around the massive room.

"To see where breakfast would be held. She said she would be right back." On cue, the door opened.

"Hello," Delilah said curtsying. I nodded and Astra smiled. "Breakfast will be held in the south gardens. I will take you there once you are ready." I nodded again. "Do you know what you would like to wear? Your maid and I unpacked your things. The dresses are hung in the closet by style. I hope it is to your liking."

"Thank you," was all I answered, already making my way to the immense closet with Astra in tow. I opened the door and quickly pulled Astra inside with me. The closet was roughly the size of my makeshift room at home. "Where are Sir Lawrence and Blue Jay?" I asked hurriedly. We had snuck those two in by putting them in one of my trunks.

"I have no idea."

"What do you mean?"

"There were not in the trunk. We left one latch undone remember. They probably snuck out." I breathed in deeply. "Don't worry, I am sure they will not get themselves into too much trouble." With that she picked out a soft blue dress with an a-line skirt and opened the door. "I think this one should be lovely," Astra announced to Delilah, who just looked puzzled.

"Very pretty," she answered. Then they dressed me and I mean dressed me as if I was four years old. Astra took to styling my hair and Delilah stood by her side. I tried to make small talk with her but she seemed unsure on how to address me. Finally after much pushing on my part I was able to get some valuable information, the kind that only maids can provide.

"It has been a positively stressful week. But I must say it has also been most interesting to learn about the other districts most distinguished bachelorettes. Lady Marisa of Dons is …" Here she trailed off, unsure on whether to continue.

"Oh come on," I begged. "Out with it. My father keeps me locked away at home so I know absolutely nothing of the other girls. Are they agreeable?" Delilah nodded, her lips firmly shut. "Please by honest, I would like you to treat me as a friend." Delilah nodded again but this time her lips were in a smile.

"Well, Dons is a county in Faylinn, which is why Lady Marissa believes she has the best chance to become Crown Prince Chadwick's bride. Lady Autumn of Nichen and Princess Margaret of Terras are Lady Marisa's entourage. They follow the girl's every whim. Then there is Princess Lila of Ager and Lady Vivienne of Faris. Now those two are joined at the hip, they do everything together. Princess Marigold of Aurum sticks to herself." She smiled at my reflection in the vanity. "I think you are ready Lady Jacqueline. You look beautiful."

"Thank you," I said softly. We left the room swiftly. Astra and I struggled to follow Delilah through the numerous corridors. Finally, we reached a set French doors that led outside. Six young women dressed in the latest fashions were already seated at a long rectangular table. Pastries and fruits were piled high in the middle of the table, yet no one was eating. I quietly took my seat and almost cried out to Astra when Delilah motioned that she follow her. All of these girls looked so intimidating. Instead of looking at them I took to twirling my figure around one of my curls. After a couple minutes of awkward silence, one of the girls spoke.

"Good morning," she said. Her voice was very high and sweet, like a songbird. I nodded taking a sip from my water glass. "I am Princess Lila of Ager."

"Lady Jacqueline of Talia."

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." The girl she had been talking to turned to me.

"Hello, I am Lady Vivienne of Faris." I smiled. They then went back to their conversation. I now felt a little more at ease and decided to pass the time by scouting the table. Princess Lila and Lady Vivienne were deep into their dialogue. Princess Lila had on a soft pink dress with a boat neck. A set of pearls settled on her chest, the color of the pearls almost fading into her ivory skin. Her light blonde hair was tied back into an elegant bun and her eyes were an attentive blue. Lady Vivienne of Faris was dressed in a dark violet dress that was cut short. It had extravagant sleeves that went to her elbows and a modest v-line neck. Her skin was the color of cinnamon and her hazel eyes were striking. Her hair was in a messy bun with several curls dangling from it. They were sitting directly across from me.

To my right was a small girl with bright crimson hair that was trying to be held back with a clip. I could not see her clearly though since she was looking at her lap. I assumed she was Princess Marigold of Aurum. Before I could move on to the next girl everyone stopped what they were doing. The Prince had arrived. He walked to the head of the table and stood behind the empty chair. The girl to his right got up first.

"Good morning Crown Prince Chadwick," she said curtsying.

"Good morning Princess Lila," he answered bowing. Then the girl to her right, Lady Vivienne, stood up and curtsied. He answered the some way. Princess Margaret of Terras followed Lady Vivienne. Princess Margret was very tall with golden brown skin, brown eyes, and wavy black hair. Lady Autumn of Nichen followed Princess Margaret. She was dressed in a burnt orange gown with complemented her stormy gray eyes, fair complexion, and chestnut brown hair. Lady Marisa of Dons followed Lady Autumn. I could tell I would not like her as soon as she spoke. Her high winy voice attempted to feign innocence but it really just brought on annoyance. She gave the Prince a flirty smile but I am sure he did not see it. Her chest was so indecently exposed he probably could not torn his eyes from it. Maybe she should not have used all the fabric on the ridiculously long train the dress had. When she sat down the table was silent. I looked around and then realized that it was my turn.

"Hello," I said my voice shaky. I got up slowly and curtsied clumsily. "Good morning Prince Chadwick." I looked right into his blue eyes trying to be confident. The Prince stayed silent, his eyes studying me.

Prince Chadwick was surprising ordinary. He had dirty blond hair and dull brown eyes. His nose was much too large for his face, as were his ears. It was not that he was unattractive I just had expected more from Faylinn's most sought after bachelor.

"I am most sorry for your loss," Prince Chadwick said bowing. It took me a moment to realize what he was speaking about. Then he smiled at me shyly and unlike Lady Marisa I knew that I would like him right away. You can learn a lot from a person's smile, Chris' boasted that he was confident and caring and Ben's said that he was an optimist. I smiled back cautiously, lengthening our intimate moment.

"Pardon, Prince Chadwick, but you have not introduced this young woman to the rest of us," Lady Marisa called.

"You are quite right," Prince Chadwick replied, faint irritation noticeable in his voice. "May I please introduce Lady Jacqueline of Talia," he said to all of his guests." She has traveled a long way from Nerida, and the kingdom of Faylinn is very pleased to have her here." After giving them a small curtsy I sat down. Finally Princess Marigold of Aurum said her greeting and breakfast began.

"You have quite an appetite," Prince Chadwick said to me once the conversation of the weather had turned stale. I looked down at my nearly empty place and realized that no one else was eating quite as heartily.

"My journey here was very long and full of very bad food." He chuckled.

"I have heard your head chief makes the very best lobster tails." I stayed quiet for a moment going over the many things I had learned about Nerida in my head. Lobster tails were one of Nerida's delicacies. I then nodded.

"I have heard it is quite beautiful," Princess Marigold said more to herself then the Prince.

"Yes," I merely stated. Then everyone turned back to their meals.

"What are we to do today?" Lady Autumn asked Prince Chadwick after a while. He sighed, the dark circles under his eyes noticeable. It must be hard entertaining seven different women who are all fighting for your attention.

"I regret to inform you, Lady Autumn, that you will have to go on to your activates without me." A chorus of protestations was heard. "Do not fret. I am sure my mother has a wonderful day planed for you all, and I promise to join you occasionally." With that the discussion was closed.

After we all had finished eating, well, I had finished eating, the rest of the girls had finished nibbling at their food, the Prince took his leave. As soon as he was gone the atmosphere became hostile. This really was a competition to these girls.

Thankfully our handmaids all appeared at the same time and we all got up to leave. It seemed that the ladies were in the west wing of the house and the princesses were in the east. I, for some reason, was with the princesses. Delilah later explained it was because I had taken Princess Olivia's room. I wish I could tell that to the ladies that had looked at me with resentment and to the princesses that had looked at me with scorn. All I wanted to do for the rest of the day was relax in my room. It was taxing being a Lady, having to always be charming and regal. I was mentally exhausted from it all.

Unfortunately there was a knock at my door as soon as I sat down in one of the lavish chairs in the sitting area of my room. I got up, making a face at Astra as I made my way to the door.

"Oh, hello Lady Jacqueline," Prince Chadwick said surprised.

"Hello," I answered, not sure what to say. We watched each other awkwardly before I decided to speak again. "Is there, um, anything I can help you with?"

"Actually I was wondering if you might wish to accompany me on a walk of the grounds." A door down the hall opened tentatively. It was Princess Margaret of Terras.

"Prince Chadwick, what brings you?" she asked waltzing up to him. I could not help rolling my eyes.

"I was speaking to Lady Jacqueline," he answered rather harshly. The Princess looked taken aback. Still she would not relent.

"I heard you say something about a walk of the grounds, I would love to accompany you Prince Chadwick."

"Very well," he said finally.

"And you Lady Jacqueline, I would be most pleased if you came."

"Of course," I answered all the while wishing I could just stay in my room. When I re-entered the room to "freshen up" as the Prince had offered, Astra greeted me with a sly smile.

"You!" Was all I said.

"It's all part of the plan," Astra explained laughing.

Hey, everyone! I know I took forever to update sorry. Hope you all are having a great summer, mine has been busier then the school year. I hope you liked this chapter. NOW, PLEASE tell me what you thought of all the new characters. I especially want to hear about what you think of Prince Chadwick, I am not sure if I like him yet, that is why your opinion is so important. So Happy Reading and Please Please Pretty Please Review or leave me a PM. ~Iris Lily