To Win the Prince's Hand

Chapter 3

3.

I groaned as Madame Goustav shook me to wake me up. I only wished to sleep longer, not to travel far away right now. She clucked at me and began to pull out a day dress.

“Such unlady-like behavior," she chided. Lazily opening my eyes, I saw the dark silhouettes of my room for the last time. Quickly dressing, I looked out the window to see the bustle of last minute preparations. Madame Goustave had already ran out, telling me to follow along, and I did.

Soon, I had arrived in the dining room. It was a quiet, somber affair. My mother and father were present along with Madame Goustav and a light haired boy who seemed to be comforting my mother.

As I entered, all eyes turned towards me. It was becoming a new pattern whenever I entered a room. With a small smile, I took the empty seat between my father and Madame Goustav, across from the boy.

He looked only a year or two older that me, with light blonde hair and honey colored eyes. He turned to watch me sit and his eyes narrowed in dislike. I was puzzled. Had I done anything wrong?

Trying to ignore the boy, I began to eat, listening to my father’s conversation. “… I’m sure she’ll be just fine with you to protect her,” he agreed with the boy. Turning to me, he said, “Danielle, I would like you to meet Ethan. He is the palace messenger and will be accompanying you to the palace.”

I looked back to the boy, Ethan, who still looked unhappy with me. I could feel Madame Goustave’s eyes on me, judging me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said in a cool, collected voice. I did not even bob my head, for he was only a servant.

Peering out of the corner of my eye, I saw her nod and look pleased with herself. “The pleasure is mine,” he answered graciously, although he did not sound very pleased at all. “We shall be leaving shortly. I have brought my sister to be your maid on the journey. No doubt, if you wish, she will also be your maid once we arrive at the palace.”

I could only hope that she was nicer than him as I replied, “That is quite generous of you.” He gave a curt nod and the conversation ended. I continued to eat in silence, unsure of what to say. Goodbye? I’ll see you again? I’m sorry, even though I could not have helped anything?

Before I knew it, Ethan and Madame Goustav had rushed off for more preparations, and I was forced to say something to my parents. The table sat in an awkward silence for a long time, no one wanting to start. The mood was gloomy and depressing and I could not help but speak.

“Oh goodness, everyone is so upset and fussy over nothing. I’ll only be gone for a year, maybe even less. The prince won’t choose me, I’m sure. I’m going to have to leave eventually. Don’t be so upset.” The words were out of my mouth before I could think them through and I mentally scolded myself for saying something outrageous like that.

My parents only smiled. “I’m sorry,” my mother said as she stood up and we all followed suit. “It’s just, it’s hard to think you’re so grown up.” I laughed a bit, before being pulled into a hug. Father walked out first, and Mother began to walk after him.

“Mother?” I called as she reached the door. “Even if I am picked,” I tried not to think about how terrible that would be, “I won’t forget you. And I will come back, even if only to visit.” The relief on her face broke my heart.

It was the last memory of her I brought with me.

Ethan had barely bothered to speak to me as I got into the carriage. No one else joined me, and I found out why after we had traveled for a distance. He was walking along beside the carriage and his sister was riding on the horse. It upset me that they would have to do that, but I said nothing as it was not my place as a lady. Nonetheless, we traveled all morning until it began to heat up in the midday.