Family Jewels | Dream Smp Royal AU

Chapter One, Lady-In-Waiting Ain't be Waiting

   Clayden's mornings were always beautiful, especially from the castle. The second the sun peered out over the horizon, the entire kingdom took on a warm orange hue that glowed like a golden mist. Soft ribbons of sunlight slipped through my window, illuminating the room like a big candle. I used to enjoy eating my breakfast early whilst watching the sun slowly rise and the heavens fading from navy to purple, then to pink, then orange, before a light blue took hold of the entire sky. But now, I use this time to get ready.

     Instead of admiring the beautiful colors that flooded my room, I was stuck slipping into a rather uncomfortable gown and painting my face with an unreasonable amount of makeup the princess gave me for my birthday. But I loved to comb through my hair, because even whilst I cringed as I tugged on the knots in my locks, I could admire the beautiful artwork the gods had stitched together.

     "I wonder how Hesper managed to make it..." I thought aloud, running my fingers through my hair. The goddess was by no means major, like XD or Kristen, but she was to credit for the beautiful sunrise. Without her, I thought as I sat my brush on my vanity, I guess I wouldn't have a reason to wake up so early. I hummed, silently thanking Hesper for the beautiful morning. I wasn't religious in any way, but at least the stories were nice--sometimes, the story of XD and his doubtful servant wasn't exactly pleasant; it was also the reason I quit attending church services.

   My closet hung ajar and as I sat down my brush, I couldn't help but look at the ax sitting in the back of the closet. I didn't need it, I tried to convince myself that I was safe. But the lingering thought of strangers coming into the castle made me doubt my claims. "Just in case," I whispered, grabbing the ax.

   I turned it in my hand, staring at the one thing in my room that no sunset could make beautiful. The netherite weighed like a ton of bricks in my hands, the memories that flooded my mind anything but comforting. I shook off the sickening feeling that crept up my spine and slipped the ax under my dress.

   The halls were as lively as ever, servants and staff rushing around with their hands full and eyes focused on their goal. The sweet aroma of Mars' apple cake tried to draw me to the kitchen like a siren to a sailor, but I had to wake the princess first, making a mental note to swing by the kitchen and borrow some slices.

   My room was down the hall from the princess, a decision from the late King Terran since he didn't want Drista to be alone in the hall of guest bedrooms. The royal family rarely had secondborns, excluding twins, so Drista's room was placed in the closet's wing to the royal chambers.

   I knocked on the door once and, not awaiting a response, I slipped inside. Princess Drista lay in her bed, head clouded by the wild brown mane she called her hair. I sighed, opening the curtains to let in some of the beautiful light; only now, it was much brighter and far less gentle. Drista cried out, flopping onto her other side as she whispered curses at me.

   "Too early..." she grumbled, throwing a pillow at me. I caught the cushion and tossed it to the side. I rolled up my sleeves as I walked to the mumbling teen, grabbing her arms and dragging her out of her bed. She screeched as I pulled her into the sunlight, whining as I sat her in a chair. "Can't you just say I'm sick?" Drista pleaded, eyes still droopy from the lack of sleep.

   "Nope, here, change into this." I tossed her a sage green dress, a "present" from the king for Drista's fifteenth birthday--though I'm still convinced Sir George got it for her. She yawned and stretched, accepting her consciousness with a scowl. She snatched the dress, walking behind her floral folding screen. "We have to meet with the king today for a meeting with the allied kingdoms. Also, Sir George needs a plan for your ball gown or else he said he would go through with the original plan."