Hazel's Royal Plight

Chapter 9

"Congregations Princess Hazel," said yet another lady I did not know handing me another gift. She had long blond hair and beautiful soft blue eyes. She looked close to my father's age. In.a soft whisper I heard her say, "If only it were me he chose."

"Thank you." I smiled accepting the gift. "What did you say?"

"Nothing important. Sorry." She started to walk away.

"Where are you staying?" Just had to get to know her.

"Rose Inn." she answered. Rose's old house turned into an Inn when she left. It was much too big for the owners to use as a everyday house. They turned it into an Inn.

I waved to William, "William this is...."

"Amber Winders, I am a widow" replied the lady.

"She is staying at Rose Inn." I smiled then looked at William, "Would you please arrange her things to be brought here to one of the guest rooms. That is If she agrees to be my maid of honor?"

I then watched Amber's expression. She was shocked I asked her such a question. "OH Princess Hazel! I would be honored!!"

"It shall be done at once." William smiled then ran off. Amber was all smiles and talking a mile a minute. I smiled and order a server to bring a chair. I greeted more guest and thank them for coming. It was my duty to do welcome everyone to my pre wedding the ball.

"Lady Amber Winders," I said standing up after the last guest was greeted. "Please tell me about yourself."

"I will answer all your questions Princess. What would you like to know?" she asked taking my arm and leading us to the ball room.

"How long ago did your husband pass?" I asked.

"Four years ago," she answered with a sad heart. "He was out fishing with his friends on their annual fishing trip. He loved to fish. But there was, a mother bear was near their campsite, no knew knew. My husband and one other didn't survive."

"I am so sorry." I said, bears were normal around here.

"It is what it is."

"Can you tell me about him?" I asked. We walked through the ballroom to a sitting room, others were already there talking. I chose a chair by the window, Amber sat in with me. I learned that her marriage was arranged, by her parents. She grew up with her husband and they formed a bond unlike any other. They were friends first and then they became lovers. They had 7 boys. The youngest was my age. And the stories she told about them had me laughing most of the night. She met my father 8 months ago when he was look in for a bride.

"I came to the castle in hopes he would pick me. My sisters and mother convinced me I am as pretty as the former Queen." she sighed. "there were dozen of women when I arrived."

"I remember that day." I said.

"When your father came into the room, my heart stopped." she gazed out the window as if the memory were still fresh in her mind. "It was an overcast day. I wore a green and black dress. I chose green because I know your mother loved green. I was hoping the king would notice me. Your father came into the room, he was the only male at the time. He looked around at the other women, then he saw me and I saw him smile. It was not much, a fraction of a centimeter, but I saw it. His hair was shorter that day, the blonde hair had a slight wave to it, his gray eyes had a sparkly to them. He wore a green and black suit. The two of us stood out, it was like we planned to match."

"Amber, do you love my father?" I asked.

"Yes." she then hung her head in shame. "I did not mean to," she started to weep. We talked more about life and other things. At dinner I had her placed on the left of my father, I was on his right. I gave her permission to flirt with him throughout dinner. She accepted the challenge, because she too thought he was mad for wanting to wed his daughter. She would never wish to marry any of her sons. I looked up at one point then I winked at her. She smiled back.

"Please excuse me Father. I am tired and wish to be excuse from the ball." I said before I stood up.

"Why would you want to leave your own party?" he asked.

"I am getting married tomorrow, and I have to start early." I answered getting up for my chair.

"Then don't sleep" came his reply.

"Then you shall have a crankie bride and no wedding night." I whispered in his ear, his eyes went wide with my words.

"My Bride wishes to sleep." shouted my father. "I wish to party. Please say goodnight to my bride" my father raised his glass high.

"GOODNIGHT PRINCESS HAZEL" sounded the hall. I nodded and left, leaving Amber to my father. Hopefully she can change his mind.

Once I left the dining hall and walked quickly past the bathrooms, I then took off my shoes and sprinted to my room. Ruby was waiting for me. We tore off my dress and put on traveling cloths. I then grabbed my cloak of furs and the two of us made it down the servers stairs to the kitchen and out the door. Robin was waiting for us. His back was turned to us but his cart was full and ready to go.

"Hazel, wait." said Christopher. I had not seen him since we discussed the plan. "I made you something." he handed me a sack with a strap made of animal fur, like my coat. I took the bag from him I noticed it was heavy.

"What is in here?" I asked.

"2 pairs of working boots made for men in your size, some bread, cheese, apples, dry meat, a flask of water, and a few other essentials," he answered. "I hope it helps."

"Thank you!" I had not thought of shoes. I did not own a good pair of walking shoes all I had were my flat slippers. I put the sack over my head and ran off to Robbins cart. I threw myself on and under my cloak. I then heard Ruby's voice.

"You are well hidden. Good luck." the cart pulled forward and I was off.