For everyone who keeps asking: Kristen is Massie's loyal maid. Dylan is the example of a proper lady. Neither of them will be main characters, but they will have a couple of scenes.
Missing. She was missing. Princess Massie Elizabeth Block was gone. Who knew what could have happened to her?
Derrick knew HRH Joshua Hotz was a scumbag. He wouldn't care whether or not Massie had left. He'd go to Dylan Marvil, the fairest lady in the land, and ask for her hand. And, of course, there was Skye Hamilton, the Duchess of Jefferson, who was famous for turning down any man who came to her.
Derrick stood up. It was up to him to track her down.
"Today's your chance," Claire told Massie as they stirred batter in the kitchen.
"For what?" She was thinking about Derrick's beautiful caramel eyes, and how they did not enthrall her.
"Derrick! Did you not say you were in love with him?"
"Of course I did," she scoffed, clipping Claire on the shoulder. "But what do you mean, today is my chance?"
"Work!" A middle-aged with lady with unkempt yellow hair and wide blue eyes forcefully turned Massie back toward the counter. "Pull your weight, Molly!"
"Yes, ma'am," Massie mumbled. "Shall we talk later, Claire?"
"Sure," she agreed, shrugging. "Meet you at noon in the courtyard? We have break today."
"That sounds nice." Massie forced a smile.
No need to keep your head up, princess. Your tiara fell off a long time ago.
"Derrick!" Queen Jessica swept inside, fixing her crown with one hand and holding her skirts up with the other.
"Yes, Mother?" He bowed, then straightened and looked her in the eye. "May I help you?"
"Yes, you can, Dear. I was thinking it is time to introduce Lady Alicia as your fiance to the populace." Noticing his expression, she added, "Please, Derrick, do not argue with me. I am busy today organizing tonight's dinner party. King James and his wife, Queen Kendra, are arriving with their daughter tonight as our guests of honor."
"Their daughter is missing, Mother." His tongue felt like cotton.
"Oh, rumors, rumors!" she cried. "Where did you hear this, Derrick? I hope you weren't associating with the village scum that begs at our door."
"No, ma'am. I heard from Lady Alicia." The faintest trace of a smirk played up his handsome features.
"Surely she must be misinformed; I would have heard... Anyway, Derrick, you must announce Lady Alicia sometime this week. I will have our scribe create posters."
He sighed. "Yes, ma'am."
I'm starting to get a little stuck with this story. I know exactly what's going to happen, I just don't know how to get there. So I guess next chapter will be Alicia's introduction, and then their wedding the chapter after that? And then he'll really start his search for Massie, even after he's married? Tell me if you have a suggestion!
Heart ya,
Joy