The Rebel & The Guard

Section I: The Branwen's

*TRIGGER WARNING* Physical Domestic Abuse

People say that women in the royal court are meant to be regal, poised, and silent. I say otherwise. I agree with the fact that we royals have to be a good example for our people, only thing that I do not agree with is the fact that the women in the royals
have to be silent and have no opinions except for organizing formal events.

The thoughts in my mind were trailed away, as the car hit a bump pulling me back to reality. I stared out the small window towards the side of the carriage, as my air was slipping away coming back in short shifts. The corset pressing my body, making my hatred for gowns to grow intensely.

I felt a hand lightly push back a strand of hair behind my ear neatly.

"You know, father will be terribly angry with you knowing that you snuck out before coming here." Anthony warned placing his attention back to his hands that he was fiddling with.

I let the rare short breath that I had, keeping my gaze to the window. "Father, will have to learn to understand that his daughter despises these events"
I snap back.

I felt Anthony's gaze turn to me, "I just do not wish for him to be angry with you." He whispered as if, somebody would be able to hear.

I smile, "Do not worry, he will barely notice me at all today." I say reassuringly.

***

The car came to a halt, as the doors came open escorting Anthony and I out. Coming out of the carriage, I linked arms with Anthony as we walked towards the opening gates towards the garden.

Though Anthony was three years younger than me, he still was my escort for almost every royal event that I was dragged to.

The fresh scent of berries and refreshments hit my face once we entered the grounds walking deeper into them towards a big circular table in the left side corner with a sign reading, Branwen. We walked towards the table, both of us silently hoping that we would not be able to run into father on the way there. We skipped greetings, and if they would come along, we kept them short but still respectful.

Once we reached the table, it was empty. There were no purses or coats placed on the chairs.

Anthony broke the silence wondering the same thing I was.

"How, was it that we were able to arrive before them?" He wondered opening a chair for me. I walked over to the chair sitting down, looking around searching for them in, worry and wonder.

Anthony sat down to my right, taking a pastry from the stand eating it. Slowly anger started to form inside me.

How could both mother and father give me lecture, after lecture, when I am late to events, and here they are; nowhere to be found.

Anger built up inside me; making my leg under my dress start lightly twitching angry from how hypocritical they were being.

As time went by Anthony stayed by me, leaving occasionally to greet others and for food. My anger settled still wondering where my parents were; we had been at the garden party for almost two hours. Anthony and I sat at the table eating and talking, debating whether we should call for a car to come and pick us up, or stick around for a few more minutes.

Finally, I stood walking over to one of the guards who had accompanied us, asking for him to call a car to head here.

On my way back to the table, I saw two people standing by the table getting settled. I knew from an instant by the woman's dress and man's suit that it was mother and father.