Princess Eleanor

Chapter I

🌸 The Hidden Princess

The morning sun spilled through the tall stained-glass windows of Eldwyne Palace, painting the grand breakfast hall with hues of gold and crimson. Princess Eleanor Margaret of Eldwyne sat at the long oak dining table, her back straight as a rod and hands neatly folded in her lap. Her golden hair had been brushed to a gleaming shine, cascading in soft waves down her back, and her pale blue gown shimmered faintly with every subtle movement.

The queen and king sat at either end of the table, their regal presence filling the cavernous room. Eleanor's plate was arranged with precision—a perfect portion of eggs, toast, and fruit. She glanced at the food but barely touched it, her appetite dulled by the weight of another day filled with royal expectations.

"Eleanor," her mother said, her voice cool but not unkind. "Do remember to keep your chin raised during the portrait session later. The crown is a symbol of strength. You must embody it."

"Yes, Mother," Eleanor replied softly, her voice barely carrying across the table. She kept her eyes fixed on her plate, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

Her father cleared his throat. "And after that, you'll have lessons in diplomacy with Lady Beatrice. It's crucial you pay attention. You'll need to address the court in two months' time."

"Yes, Father."

The pressure of their words coiled in her chest like a tightening spring. Every moment of her life was planned, every action scrutinized. She was not Eleanor; she was the Princess of Eldwyne, heir to the throne, and she had to be perfect.

Hours later, after enduring the suffocating rigidity of the portrait session, Eleanor escaped to her chambers. She shut the heavy oak door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling a shaky breath. The grand chamber was beautiful—decorated with silk drapes, ornate furniture, and gilded mirrors—but it wasn't where she felt most herself.

Her eyes darted to a smaller door tucked away in the corner, almost hidden behind a velvet curtain. She crossed the room quickly, her bare feet whispering against the cool marble floor. She opened the door and slipped inside, closing it quietly behind her.

The nursery.

Eleanor's heart lightened as she took in the familiar sight. The room was cozy and warm, a stark contrast to the cold perfection of the rest of the palace. Soft pastel wallpaper covered the walls, adorned with delicate hand-painted flowers. A crib sat in one corner, though she never used it, and shelves lined the walls, filled with plushies, books, and wooden toys.

She crossed the room to her favorite plushie, a worn gray rabbit with floppy ears, and hugged it tightly. "Bunbun," she whispered, nuzzling its soft fur against her cheek.

The tension in her shoulders began to ease. Here, she didn't have to be Princess Eleanor. She could just be Ellie, a little girl who didn't have to worry about diplomacy or portrait sessions.

The sound of a soft knock startled her. She clutched Bunbun tightly as the door opened, and Margot stepped inside.

Margot always knocked, even though she had permission to enter the nursery freely. It was one of the things Eleanor appreciated most about her maid—her respect for boundaries.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness," Margot said with a smile, dipping into a small curtsy. Her hazel eyes sparkled with warmth as she straightened. "Or should I say, good afternoon, Ellie?"

Eleanor blushed but smiled shyly. "Ellie," she murmured, her voice small and timid.

Margot approached her gently, her long brunette curls bouncing slightly with each step. She wore the standard maid's uniform, a simple black dress with a white apron, but on her, it looked elegant.

"Would you like me to help you change, my little one?" Margot asked, her voice soft and soothing.

Eleanor nodded, her cheeks flushing pink. "Pwease," she said, slipping into the baby talk that felt so natural when she was with Margot.

Margot guided her to the changing table, her movements patient and careful. Eleanor lay back, clutching Bunbun to her chest as Margot unfastened the buttons on her gown and slipped her into a soft, pastel pink onesie. It had ruffled sleeves and a small embroidered crown over the heart.

"There we go," Margot said as she fastened the last button. "All comfy now, my princess?"

Eleanor nodded, her golden curls bouncing as she hugged Bunbun tighter. "Tank you, Mawi," she said softly, her words slurring adorably.

"You're most welcome," Margot replied, pressing a gentle kiss to Eleanor's forehead. "Now, shall we play?"

Eleanor clapped her hands, a soft giggle bubbling from her lips. She flapped them quickly, unable to contain her excitement. "Yeth, pway! Pway wif me, pwease!"

Margot laughed softly, her heart swelling at the sight of Eleanor's joy. She led her to the plush rug in the center of the nursery, where they sat together. Eleanor grabbed a set of wooden blocks, stacking them haphazardly while babbling nonsense words under her breath.

"Careful, little one," Margot said playfully as the tower wobbled precariously.

Eleanor squealed as the blocks tumbled down, her laughter filling the room. For the first time all day, she felt truly happy.

In these moments, she wasn't the Princess of Eldwyne. She was just Ellie, a little girl who was loved and cared for, exactly as she was.

A/N: Does anyone else use the 'A' in search bar to hear a chapter on wattpad? I love how there is different voices to choose from to hear it. ~ Neecole