Hazel's Royal Plight

Chapter 15

Devon, Earl, and Jason were talking, singing and shouting up a storm. I was able to keep up with them, but only just. I fell into fits of laughter when the three ended a song with different words at different times. When Devon finished the dishes I put him to work on chopping vegetables and fruits.

Earl and Jason were amazing. I got all the sweets done and had 3 hours before the ball. I then had the two of them start cleaning the kitchen. Once again we used my sleeping quarters to store food. They got me to talk, but I used a lower note in voice. They asked about my family and I told them very little.

"I don't understand Poppy, why won't you tell us about your family?" asked Jason.

"Please we would like to know," encourage Earl.

"Let's make a deal I tell you about my family, Jason tells you about his and Earl tells about his." suggested Devon. I nodded. "I will go first. I am an only child, my dad blames me for my mother's death, until I was 10. Then I saved his life while ice fishing. Now we are the best of friends. He is the Kings 3rd advisor. I hope to follow in his foot steps one day. That is why I am a Squier at this moment. Earl your turn."

"Right! I am the 9th son of a poor wheat farmer. I have 8 older brothers and 4 older sisters. I got this job when the Prince borrowed my horse one morning. I had to bring his back to the castle after it had a days rest. He offered me a job, and said to think about it. I went home, and my parents kicked me out. Growing up I was know as the unlucky Son! Nothing went my way until the Prince browned my horse." finished Earl. "Jason."

"Bananas!" started Jason. "Your parents had 13 KIDS! that is mad, that is!"

"Yes, it was mad growing up." said Earl.

"My family, is a Smith." said Jason. "we make swords, armor, and stuff. I'm not sure. I was never in it. I am the oldest of three. I have two younger twin sisters. They are a handful, and love the shop. I asked the king for a job when I turned 10. He said to come to the castle in 6 years. So I did, and here I am going on 5 years. Poppy, it's your turn."

"I lost my mother giving birth to my twin brothers. Then a few years later my father forced me into a marriage I did not want. So I ran away. I got lost in a forest, a cave, and a desert. Then your king found me and brought me here. I lost my mind I don't remember how long I was lost for. I lost the ability to speak aloud, be civil, or normal," I said keeping my voice a little lower.

"Who did your father want you to marry?" asked Earl.

"Someone his age." I answered. "Gray hair, old, and gross. I was 16 and my husband to be was 50."

All three boys dropped their jaws and their eyes popped out, then they all shivered in sync.

"I am so glad you ran away," said Jason. Earl and Devon agreed with nodding heads. I looked around the kitchen and noticed that everything was done. Three hours before the ball started and we were done.

"Thank you for your help squires, but your job is now done." I started to shoo them out of the kitchen but they did not want to leave.

"Please don't send us back up there," begged Jason.

"Can't we hide out down here a little longer?" asked Earl.

"I guess we could prep for tomorrow morning," I suggest.

"Wonderful!" hollered Devon. "What do we need?"

"Firewood, water in the soup pot and the fireplace needs to be cleaned out," I said thinking off the top of my head. Earl chopped the wood, Devon filed the large soup pot with water, and Jason cleaned out the fire place and added the fresh wood. I would just have to light it. The boys took their time and asked me more questions. Most were about my time being lost. Before we knew it the ball was starting in a hour. More servants come into the kitchen, each took out a tray or two of treats. When the kitchen was clear of food, I dismissed the three helpers again.

I smiled and turned myself back to the kitchen. Lighting the fire to warm my bath water. I quickly washed and dried myself like the night before. I then put my hazelnut bracelet in front of me.

"Qing Ercheinen" I said after I opened the hazelnut. There was a blue glow in the room. Next to the table stood the moon dress. I reached out to touch it.  A beautiful pearl dress, the selves were small straps and came together in a sweet heart neckline leaving the back bear and open just above the top of my waist. I quickly put the dressed on very carefully. It was tight and showed off all my hidden curves, the skirt then flowed out at my mid thighs, but not as wide as most mermaid dresses. Around my hips was a navy blue belt, in the center of the belt was a cluster of pearls.  I slipped on the navy blue shoes matching the belt.  Placing on the jewelry, and not wanting to be any more late than I was I hurried out the back door. I wanted to arrive at the same time I did the night before.