Deceptively Royal

Chapter 1

After twenty minutes of sitting like a proper lady, my leg was starting to cramp. I was throughly debating walking around the table to stretch but one glance at my mother and that idea quickly got vetoed. Politics were messy and I certainly did not want to make them any messier.

"The duke of Earl wishes to purchase another plot of land near the south colonies, speak now or forever hold your peace." An announcement like that always gets a couple of old men on their feet and soon enough all you could hear was yelling from across the room.

"Tell Philip that he can't buy anymore plots of land until he decides what he is going to do with the eight other plots of land he already owns," my father shouted overtop of everyone. A few of the politicians begin to nod. My father tends to have that effect on people, considering he is the king of France.

My mother stands up ringing a glass with her fork "The next item on our agenda is the upcoming coronation which be held on the 8th of May and everyone will be expected to dress formally," She gives my hand a little squeeze before continuing "Now I'd like to open the floor to the soon to be queen as well as my lovely daughter Marley Ash."

My pale cheeks flush a bright red and I take her place at the head of the table. "Uhh so I would love to have you all in attendance and cannot wait to see you at my coronation. This meeting is now officially adjourned."

As the politicians exit, I put on my most polite smile and offer my kind regards to the ones I mildly like. Sneaking up behind me my mother says "Marley we need to work on your speech giving skills. Future queens do not stutter nor do they come unprepared and wind up looking utterly foolish."

I was used to her 'helpful suggestions' by now but I couldn't shake the anger that was rising up inside me. I was raised to be royal and tried my very best at everything I was required to do. However, when it came to royal duties my best was not enough for mother, I had to be perfect. Trying hard not to roll my eyes "Yes mother, I will work very hard on practicing these skills. I'll even ask Daphne to help." Satisfied with my answer she waved a hand and dismissed me to my bedroom chambers.

Up in my room I find Daphne setting a bunch of dresses onto the blue canopy bed. Momentarily confused I ask "What are these for? We gave the seamstress measurements a week ago."

She gives me a look of sympathy and replies "Yes, arrangements for the dress have already been made. Although there were some last minutes changes, thanks to your mother."

I am surprised to find myself disappointed. I hate dresses, but I was actually looking forward to wearing one. I was excited to walk down the stairs and finally feel like the queen I was born to be. I sigh "Okay, let's get this over with."

Daphne claps and hands me an elegant V-neck dress. I slip into the bathroom to get changed. The V-neck droops low, leaving me feeling more exposed then I would prefer to be. Self-consciously I try to pull the dress up and walk out, wondering what Daphne's opinion on the dress is. Technically Daphne is hired help, but no one treats her as such. Her mom used to work in the castle and for as far back as I can remember she would always play with Gwen and I, so I know that whatever she says is always one hundred percent truthful. She takes in every inch of the dress "I like the emerald green on you, but you don't seem happy about the neckline."

She rushes off to find me another dress and comes back with a gorgeous cream gown. Quickly I change and am already feeling better about this option. The dress hangs gently off my shoulders with poufy sleeves. The skirt flows beneath me and the sunlight coming into the room makes the navy stars sparkle. A hand rushes to Daphne's mouth and a gasp escapes. "You look wonderful! And you'll look even better with a crown upon your head." She says with a wink. I cannot help but smile, I will have to consider wearing dresses more often if it causes such a big reaction with others.