Hazel's Royal Plight

Chapter 17

Jasper and I walked back to the ball. Before we entered the room, Jasper leaned close and stole a kiss from me. We then waltz to the music. I was having so much fun, I forgot about the time. It was getting late and I had work to do in the kitchen.

"Forgive me Jasper." I said sadly looking up at him "but I must go. I things I need to....."

"Say no more, all girls have secrets. I understand. Will I see you tomorrow night?" he asked. I stood on my toes and kissed him deeply.

"Yes." I answered. I then turned to leave only to be pulled back for another kiss. I then headed to the Courtyard, passing Devon with the drinks for the toasting.

"Hello Lady Hazel" I stopped at the mention of my name. I turned around and saw the spoiled princess for early.

"Hello." I said. She looked mean and angry. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"Hands off My Prince!" she snarled threw her teeth. She grabbed my finger and then tugged at the ring. I tried to pull my hand, but her grip was strong. "This Belongs To Me!"

"Stop you are hurting me" I said trying to get away from her. I pulled my hand back as quickly as I could. She got the ring and the pearls from my wrist went flying. I watched as they landed in Jasper glass. I turned and ran out to the courtyard I had to get away from this spoiled child before she took anything else from me.

I quickly ran to the kitchen's back door. Before I opened the door I could hear singing behind the door. I looked around and saw a few Burley sacks. Hiding behind the woodpile, I took off my moon dress and put it in one of the sacks along with my shoes and jewelry. I then took another sack and wrapped myself in it. Before entering the kitchen I put my hair in one sack and then took a bucket of rain water for this morning and dumped it on my head. I picked up my sack with the moon dress inside and then entered the kitchen.

"Poppy! There you are!" it was Earl. He was at the sink washing the dishes. "Jason was looking all over for you."

"I wanted a bath." I replied remembering to using a lower voice tone.

"How was the creek water? You smell just like it." he asked.

"Cold" I replied going to the smallest food chambers to change back into my furs. "I will be but only a small moment."

Earl went back to singing and washing dishes. I pulled out the moon dress and the hazelnut. I whispered the words and watched all the items disappear back into the shell. I quickly put on my furs and hazelnuts. Making sure all was in place I took my place by Earl in the kitchen clearing up.

*****

The next day time flew. Sam was still ill and I was kept busy in the kitchens cooking, cleaning and talking. Many nobles came down to see me this time.They all thanked me for the wonderful food I served for breakfast or lunch. Some suggested changes and some gave me recipe I smiled and thanked each one for their suggestions.

Earl and Devon did not return, but Jason came to help, along with 2 other maids, Elaine and Lynn. Elaine had a beautiful voice, she would sing along with Jason while she worked. Elaine had dark skin like chocolate, with beautiful black long hair braided down her back.

Lynn was plump short lady with shoulder length blond hair and blue eyes. She laughed, complained, and talked about almost anything. I found I didn't have to say much with her around. Soon the kitchen was again filled with sweet treats, and delicious foods. Jason and Lynn left to help set up the ball rooms and the banquet halls. Elaine stayed with me cleaning the rest of the kitchen.

"There," sighed Elaine. "All that is left to do is, wash the dishes and the floor after the ball."

"Yes," I agreed,"that is why I am going to take this time to bath in the creek and maybe take a much needed nap. Your help was most useful, thank you."

"Oh it was a pleasure." Elaine said, "May I come back and help you tonight?"

"Yes, off course"

"Then I too will take a nap." With that Elaine left. I on the other hand started to get ready for the last ball. I took my bath, dried off and was about to pull out my last dress when the kitchens door opened. I grabbed my fits and quickly threw them on.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

"Hello Poppy." It was Devon. "The last ball started early, we are going to put the food out now and serve super."

"Oh." I ran around the table to help. I gathered the food he needed and helped with the plates. Other servers came into help as well. They chatted amongst themselves. I caught some of what they said, but not all.

"She has not arrived." Said one of the servers I did not know.

"The young princes is afraid she might not show." Said another, I recognized as Lynn. I needed to get ready for the ball. I needed to hurry. They all need to leave.

"Poppy?" Called Earl. I looked up at him. "What is this water for?"

He was pointing to the big pot sitting on dying embers. "I was going to take a bath. Here, the creek is too cold."

Earl laughed, "ok, ok every one out, Poppy finally wants a bath." He then turned to me and smiled, "wash those furs too please."

I smiled and nodded. Once the place was clear of people and food, I quickly locked the kitchen door. Playing no one would surprise me this time. I pulled out the last hazelnut, the necklace with the sun dress.I said the magic words and the dress materialized right before my eyes.

I reached out to touch the silky fabric once again. Quickly I dressed putting on the golden dress. It was very tight with an umpire waist, there was a a row of sun stone just under my breasts, the stones made a small trail down form the waist to my ribs, there was only one small strap over the left shoulder leaving my whole right arm bare. The floor length dress was extremely tight if it were not for the slit in the left side, going up to above my knee, I would not be able to walk.  When I did walk there was a 3 inch train following behind me with more smaller sun stone. The dress was other wise so much more beautiful when compared to the other two dresses, the shoes were the same golden color as the dress nothing to fancy about them at all. I then placed on the jewelry and brushed my hair.

I will was suddenly pulled from my thoughts when I heard a gasp from behind me. I turned to see Elaine.