The Princess Wars

Chapter One

 I woke from my restless sleep sweating.

"Everythin' alright, my lady?" Agatha asked.  She was near the window dumping the chamber pot.  I sat upright in my bed and hugged my knees.

"Oh, Aggie, I had the most terrifying nightmare!  I dreamt that I had been poisoned!"

Agatha laughed as she dipped her hands in the washbowl nearest to the door and wiped it on her apron.  She then grabbed the towelette from the side of the bowl and came to the bedside.

"Come now, Maura, my girl.  It was only a dream," she said wiping my face with the damp washcloth, "And besides, today' s the big day!"

She was right.  It was the day I was to be sent off to some foreign kingdom for the slim chance I might be able to marry some prince I hardly knew.  I threw my fluffy comforters over my head.  I resented the idea completely.  

"It's so far from home," I said, "and I'm only going to be sixteen in a few months!  Do you not think I am too young to be married off?"

"It is a mere six months!  The days 'll pass faster then you know it,"  Agatha said assuringly.  Though I was far from eased.  

Dozens of noble daughters from all over the land would be going to the Kingdom of Thealith.  After the sixth month of residence, the prince would proclaim which one of us he would make his bride and become the future queen of Thealith.  

Personally, I thought it a bit vain, having us all leave the comfort of our homes for his benefit. Although my parents, Sir and Lady Beaumont of Deril, would never pass up the chance to raise their status.

"We only want the best for you, darling," my mother had said after I protested my departure.

Honestly, the best thing for me would be to lie in bed and read all day.  Mother would never approve, though.  She says a great amount intelligence is too overwhelming for a young lady such as myself.

"Out from under the covers, girlie," Agatha said, "We need to get you ready."

 She set a plain, deep blue gown across the foot of the bed.  It was a bit lavish for traveling, but it was my favorite color.  After Agatha helped me slip it on, I sat before the mirror.  My reflection was pleasant enough.  I had the blue eyes of my father, but fancied my mother who's deep brown curls paired will with her tanned complexion.   Agatha, the only one who could tame the beast, thoroughly combed my hair and pulled it back into a simple fish tail.

"You're going to be the beauty of 'em all!"  Agatha exclaimed.  I laughed.  Sometimes Agatha got so excited about my journey to Thealith, you would think she were the one attending.  I would surely prefer it.

"Now I want you havi'n perfect manners once you step through those castle gates."

I looked at her innocently, "What ever do you mean?"

"I mean don't go flicki'n peas at everyone at the table!"

I smiled, "I was five!"

"That doesn't mean you won't do it again!" she laughed and patted my cheek.

"Go on and get your breakfast then," Agatha said.

  I jumped out of my chair and ran out the door with my mind set on the sweet cinnamon pastries awaiting me in the kitchen below.  Before I could reach the stairs, I heard my mother calling from her room.

"Maura, darling!  Is that you?"

Immediately I changed courses towards her room, smoothing my dress and straightening my back before entering.

"You called, mother?" I asked.

She was shifting through one of her many jewelry boxes while Matil, my mother's handmaiden, brushed her long dark hair.  When she saw me, she gestured for Matil to leave the room.  Her face looked somewhat gaunt without her usual rouge.   A strange illness had overcome her by mid-spring and now she seemed nothing more than bones

With the door shut, my mother took both my hands and looked deep into my eyes.

"Maura, I know how much you do not wish to leave," she said, "but promise me you will at least try to win the prince's heart.  For your own well being, my dear."

I was unsure I wished to endure great extents for a complete stranger, but for my mother's sake, I assured her.  She smiled, reached her hand in the box beside her and revealed an intricate ring with a gold band of garden flowers embedded in interlacing vines.  In the center, a blood red ruby.  I recognized the piece of jewelry.  It was our family heirloom, passed down from mother to daughter.

"You must represent your family well," my mother said handing me the ring and closing my fingers around it, "I know you will make us proud."

My mother could be cold and shallow at times, but these were the moments that made her admirable.  I took the ring with care, and placed it on my finger.  Running my thumb across the precious gem in the center, I took a deep breath.  Perhaps the prince was kind after all and a genuine connection made.  Or perhaps another lady catches his eye immediately and saves the rest from a predetermined future. Perhaps all would be well.