The Coward's Daughter [An OUAT Fanfic]

The Gallery

Y/N's knees ached against the cold marble tiles as she pressed her ear to the keyhole, trying desperately to make out anything the queen and prince were saying.

"But Mother," Florian's muffled voice argued "the storm isn't safe to travel in! She's from the Southern Kingdom she wasn't aware."

"Young prince, answer me this: if she's truly from the Southern Kingdom why would she be in the Moors? With no escort, nor lady in waiting, nor entourage, might I add."

"I'm certain Princess Beatrice would be more than happy to explain."

"Oh I'm certain as well. So certain it wouldn't shock me if she has twenty explanations prepared."

"Mother please."

"Florian I will not stand for it. Dozens of princesses have passed through these halls and not one of them has been good enough for our kingdom. I sincerely doubt this... vagabond will be worthy."

"Mother she's from the Southern Kingdoms! A princess of the Southern Kingdoms is hardly a 'vagabond'."

"A stolen dress and crown can get you far in this life, but not far enough. She's an imposter I'm certain."

"How? Just how ow are you so certain mother?"

"Mind your tone." Narissa said curtly. "When she saw me she neither bowed nor offered to kiss my hand. Even the most ignorant of princesses would offer those simple gestures, she's common at best."

Y/N cringed, of course she should have curtsied! Of course!

"Mother, have some patience please, she's been through a horrible ordeal, her carriage crashed after all." Prince Florian's voice shifted to a pleading tone. "Give her one more chance, let her stay just until it's safe for her to return home, please mother it's been so long since we had guest here."

Queen Narissa went silent.

"Fine. I'll give her one more chance to prove herself. One little test and I'll know."

"Oh mother not one of your tests! After all she's been through-"

"We will discuss it tomorrow." Queen Narissa's footsteps began drawing closer to the door.

Y/N drew back, straightened her self up and adjusted her tiara. The door flew open as the queen's eyes locked onto the nervous young girl.

"You may stay the night, Princess Beatrice."

"Thank you, your highness. I'm ever so grateful." Y/N gave a deep and enthusiastic curtsy.

"It's no trouble your grace. In fact I'll have the servants prepare a special room for you. Florian please ask the maids to prepare our guest a hot bath and a warm meal." Florian looked at his mother warily, then gave Y/N a brief bow, which she returned, before the young prince left the room. Narissa gently curled her fingers in a 'come here' gesture "Follow me Princess."

Y/N clutched the fox pelt tightly to her chest and trailed behind the older woman as they navigated what seemed like a maze of hallways, before the pair stopped at an ornate looking door.

"I'll find one of the servants to fetch you a night gown, Princess. For now please wait in here." The queen pointed to the door with a cold smile. Y/N grew nervous, her mind racing with a thousand horrible possibilities at what might be behind the door.

A dungeon, a torture chamber, a giant snake!

But she couldn't give into fear, she had to act as a princess would. She turned to Narissa, smiled and said only.