The Unwanted Princess

Navigating the Court

The next few days were solitary. My parents were soon moved back home and were only to return for the coronation that was set to occur in a month's time. I had never been so unbelievably lonely, not even when my brother married and moved out of the castle for good.

He married a princess from Morocco. We never got to meet her, but from what I hear she is just lovely. A good match for my very particular brother. Let's just say, he has a certain taste for women. He prefers a darker skinned lady with more meat on her bones.

That's the main reason he moved to live with her instead of traditionally having her come to stay in our palace. He didn't want her to face the same scrutiny he and our father endure. A nice sentiment, but it still doesn't cure my raging curiosity about who this mystery woman is.

Anyways, I am getting distracted. I am meant to be telling you my story, not that of my brother's.

My days were consumed with these god-awful etiquette classes the Queen made me take. I had to learn the ins and outs of what it means to be the Prince's lady. I was also tasked with memorizing London's long history and its extensive list of alliances and enemies.

Britain's history is marked by both grand alliances and intense rivalries. The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, established by the Treaty of Windsor in 1386, is one of the oldest enduring alliances in the world. Burgundy, Navarre, and Flanders have also been reliable allies at various times, particularly during conflicts with France. The Holy Roman Empire has shared alliances with Britain against common adversaries, strengthening their bond through mutual interests and shared threats.

Yet, Britain's past is also dotted with significant conflicts. France has been a primary adversary, particularly during the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453). Scotland and Wales engaged in numerous conflicts with England, including the Wars of Scottish Independence and various uprisings until their eventual conquest. Spain's hostility, especially during the later medieval period, further complicated Britain's foreign relations. Denmark and Norway were at times enemies due to Viking raids and territorial disputes. Continuous conflicts with Ireland and shifting alliances with Castile added layers of complexity to Britain's diplomatic landscape.

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The etiquette teacher, Lady Beatrice, was a stern woman with a penchant for perfection. She drilled me relentlessly on proper posture, speech, and the intricate protocols of courtly behavior. Each day felt like an eternity of curtsies and tea ceremonies, all under her watchful eye.

She was an older woman with wrinkles telling her age of sixty-eight. She never wore makeup; according to her, once you reach a certain age, no level of cosmetic concealer can hide the truth of your years. Her demeanor was austere, her gaze sharp and unyielding. Despite the absence of embellishments, there was an undeniable elegance in her presence.

Her wardrobe was a collection of meticulously chosen garments—simple yet sophisticated, often in muted tones that spoke of timeless refinement. Each lesson was conducted in a room adorned with antique furnishings and delicate tapestries, enhancing the sense of formality and tradition.

Her voice, though often stern, carried a weight of experience and authority that commanded respect. While I occasionally chafed at her rigorous standards, I couldn't deny the importance of her teachings. Each session, though exhausting, was a step closer to mastering the art of courtly decorum—a crucial skill in navigating the intricate world of British nobility.

As I endured these grueling lessons, I tried to focus on the broader goal. The Prince's court was a world of its own, filled with unspoken rules and hidden agendas. Lady Beatrice's training was, in many ways, a necessary preparation for the challenges that lay ahead. Despite the discomfort and fatigue from tight corsets and dancing lessons, I resolved to embrace them and emerge not just as a dutiful lady but as someone capable of holding her own