The Trust

Chapter Two

Only an hour after I had been left in my room, a knock at the door startled me. Without waiting for an “Okay,” a thin, stern-looking woman let herself in.

            Her tight, gray hairstyle matched the skin on her face, and two gray eyes stared me down.

            “I am Monica. During your stay, up till the wedding, I will be in charge of your schedule. Rosalina will help you.”

            A younger, brown-haired, brown-eyed fairy stepped through the doorway and curtsied, her freckled face lighting up at the sight of me.

            Politely, I returned the curtsy, trying my best to be gracious.

            “You are to report to Prince Rupert in one hour. An escort will take you to him. Good day,” With that, the uptight older fairy left, the door slamming behind her.       

            “Your majesty, it would be an honor for me to work for you,” Rosalina spoke, her voice shy and soft.

            “Thank you very much,” I replied, turning to my wardrobe. Selecting a casual blue dress, I started to change. Rosalina gasped. “If it’s alright for me to say, Prince Rupert better likes dark colors.”

            “Does he now?” I frowned, continuing to slip into the simple dress. The only difference I could notice from my other dress was that the sleeves were cut off at the elbows.

            “Might I do your makeup?” My new maid asked. Sighing, I agreed, and at the end of the hour I was prepared for the meeting.

            An escort met me at the door, after which I was guided to the palace gardens.

            There was Rupert, seated at a table laden with food. He motioned for me to sit, his cold eyes watching my ever move.

            His long, silver hair had been tied back, and his gloved hands took mine.

            “Hello, love,” he hissed. I smiled uncomfortably, directing my attention to the tea party setting.

            A strawberry tart grabbed my attention, and I took it, secretly happy.

            After a butler had poured our tea and left, Rupert glared at me.

            “What?” I finally burst out.    

            “You think you’re the only miserable one in this relationship, don’t you?” He snapped. “Well I don’t want it either, you hear?”

            Speechless, I nodded, then took a sip of tea.

            “You don’t have to go around like such a damsel in distress, though. It’s selfish,” He scolded me.

            Gawking at him, I set my tea cup down with a clank. “You’ve been nothing but rude since we first met! If you were a bit more charming and polite, maybe I could have been more accepting!”

            The prince stared at me blankly, then stood and flew away.

            I stormed back to my room, suddenly very lightheaded. As I reached the door the room began to spin, and I collapsed.

            The last thing I remember was a voice saying, “Good night, princess,” and the sound of the door being locked from the outside.