Wanted - A Pirate Tale

3 ~ The Stranger

Just as promised, here's the movie link in case you think I'm making it up. ;): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038991/ AND, the theme song comes directly out of this 1946 movie. :) I just realized it was made like... 50 years before I was born. :P

As we get closer to the ballroom, my mind starts swirling. I know tonight's going to be hard. Any social event is hard - because obviously I'd rather be riding, cooking, or even cleaning up the dishes in the kitchen, than socialising with the posh, arrogant people we are expected to talk to. And, this night will be especially testing, seeing I'm expected to be on my best behaviour.

"You really do look nice tonight." Evangeline says, breaking my thoughts with a delicate smile. "Your hair is so pretty. What did Ernestine put in it?"

"A simple plait." I answer. "She's amazing with her fingers."

She nods, then starts to giggle like a small girl. "Who do you think is going to be there?"

"Everyone." I groan slightly. "Well - and Leon, too." I tease her, thinking of her secret admirer.

"Shh!" She glares at me, looking around to see if anyone's heard.

"Oh come on!" I smile cheekily at her. "It's not like we don't all know. Of course you like him!"

"Maybe just a bit." She smiles. "So? Anyone you think is going to be there specially for you?"

"Lots of fat men wanting to marry me." I say seriously. She holds back a laugh.

"Shayleigh Elizabeth Bennett! Don't you say such a thing!" She tries to scold me but ends up laughing so hard her makeup runs down her cheeks. 'Now look what you've done. Happy?'

"Evangeline, you're so clumsy." I hand her a square of cloth. Her eyes narrow as she spots the mask in my hand.

"Do I want to know?" Before I can answer she puts her hands up. "No, don't worry. I don't. Whatever it is, I hope you don't get in trouble for it."

"Greetings Your Majesty - Lady Evangeline." The page boy bows. "Shall we announce you?"

"Go ahead." I nod, glancing around the room, trying to see all my suitors.

"Esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present Her Majesty the Princess Shayleigh Bennett, and my Lady Evangeline."

There's a round of applause, and everyone bows as we enter the room. I look around, but immediately notice that Father and Mother aren't here yet - but that's no unusual, they like to make their grand entrance last. A wave of heat hits me, thanks to the roaring fire in the corner. I see the band in the corner, with their instruments, softly playing. And ahead of me, there's 5 massive tables with a feast that could feed an army laid out, awaiting us.

Evangeline and I take our places at the top table, which is raised on a platform (called a dais) for the nobility, and then the noise abruptly stops as the guard at the door steps into the room. "Please stand to pay respects to His Royal Highness King Edward the Third, Her Royal Highness Queen Anna, and His Majesty Prince Charles." Everyone bows, I can see their eyes light up as they look at their rulers, and for once in my life I feel proud of my parents. If only girls had more to do in the kingdom than look forward to a boring life with men just wanting money. My eyes scan over the crowd as they admire the royal couple. A lot of them are fondly looking at Charles, and admiring Anna's beautiful attire. Some are bored of this event already.

"So?" Mother asks quietly, startling me as she comes up behind me and touches me gently on the shoulder as we prepare for dinner. "See anyone that catches your fancy?"

"No." I look around, and all I can see are some peasants being rowdy at the lower table, and the other Lords are all old, married, or fat. Maybe I'm being a little hard, there are a few OK looking ones.