The Maiden's Song (draft-editing)

Chapter 8 Preparations

Chapter 8
Preparations

"You look adorable Amalthea, doesn't she. It fits perfectly", with rough French accent,  Madame Bisset spoke to the maiden while staring in awe at her, dressed in one of the gowns brought by herself. "You're a lucky girl, you know. Every dress you've tried was as it's been made for you. Such a darling you are. You're father must be watching you from heavens above with a wide smile on his face."

"You too knew him, ma'am?"

"Of course I did meet him. Everyone in court did. Smart and handsome, a nobleman from a foreign country who established as far as he could from a sorrowful past... too sad destiny always conspired against him. One thing I can tell you, the time he lived in Abhain, he was most welcomed by everyone and beloved by most... I remember buying fabrics, some Spanish embroidered silk Anibal once brought me... the Spaniard was a friend to me."

"I didn't know so many people knew my father this way. It humbles me to hear so many nice stories about him... that's how I remember him, kind, smart and loving", Am stared at herself on a tall oval mirror, her lips curved up slightly, holding tears heart to talk about her father. "Why good people die so soon?"

"There's always a purpose in one person's life or death. It's marked in the stars, our destiny. The thread of life might be cut short for some, but when you live so intensely and you give so much like Anibal did, believe me, it's worth it... he's now living in you and what you've achieved it's just by being who you are my dear. It's your time to make his legacy last forever. Amalthea, I've dressed many women in my life, all of them rich and powerful. I barely know you, but let me tell you, there's a spark in you, almost regal... you'll achieve great things in life, I assure you."

*****

After five days of rehearsals, Maestro Romanelli an Italian famed musician had only nice words for Am. Cheering her up and telling her she'd been one of the best students he had it made easier for her to memorize the songs lyrics and the tunes. In just a few days they've arranged a mighty repertoire, some of them folkloric, others in foreign languages.

Everyday then and Am still didn't buy it. The way she embarked this journey was far from predictable. Singing in the woods, like she always did, granted to attend the Prince's birthday party, as a performer. Getting new and fancy clothes and meeting important people, artists and musicians filled her with joy and excitement. Knowing that her mother would be at her side at the feast took all insecurities and nerves away. Jocelyn was her token, a lucky charm of a mother, the best in the world.

One day from the presentation Am had it off from rehearsals. In her room she contemplated, almost in tears, the beautiful dress she was going to wear for the ball. It was a dream of a gown. Sitting by the window, the lady grabbed a book from the side table and began her lecture. Outside the posed above the mountains and the birds chirped in the birch trees. The poems read, brimming in romance, made her think of Maik. She had little time to think of him and since the last day they were together in the Stone Pillars, something different, a pleasant feeling grew in her only to recall the handsome boy. The light touch of his skin, his deep cooing voice, the warmth of his lips. She placed her hand on her lips to remember that kiss. Her first kiss... She chuckled, it was not a big kiss, like the ones Luanne described with Vlad, but a kiss itself. Not sure of what she was feeling for Maik, Am only new she missed him and every time spent with the hunter, was special to her.

Her trail of thoughts was interrupted by a commotion in the courtyard. Trumpets sounded at the castle making her stop her reading to look outside the window. A display of soldiers, carriages, horses and flags had arrived. Five chariots, all of them blazoned a different kingdom's flag; Abhainn's coat of arms was the first on in the row.

Like busy bees dozens of servants hurried to assist the guests, in special to the stunning mid-aged lady climbing down with so much elegance that seemed to float over the gravel. She must be the queen, Am thought. Followed, the page helped a young blond damsel out of the car. This one she'd never seen before, a true beauty, like a princess.

Giving instructions to the servants, a young and very attractive man met the ladies, and escorted by the soldiers, the three headed to the castle.

"Perhaps a captain, a lord... too young. Must be the prince", Am spoke to herself. "Too handsome"

And the girl? A cousin, a princess... his fiancée? Well, it was a matter of hours to find out. Meanwhile, it was time to go back to her poems and to set feet on the ground. Princes are to princesses... maidens are to hunters. She smiled.