The bastard and the princess

chapter 7

Chapter 7

I spun around, making my ball gown twirl. Normally, I would wear simple dresses, but it felt nice to dress up every once in a while.

"Stop spinning and let me do your hair!" Mariam said impatiently.

I sighed and sat down in front of the mirror so she could start. My fingers traced the silver embroidery on my dark blue dress as I felt her pulling on my hair.

"Do you want the pearl or blue hairpins?"

I thought about it for a minute, before opening my jewelry box and handing her the blue ones. They were shaped like little flowers, and had been a gift from Samarah, my older sister.

Samarah had married two years before to the king of the East, and I hadn't seen her since. From the letters that I received from her, I gathered that she was very loved by her husband and people. Shed also told me that she was expecting her first child.

As I was lost in thought, Helena walked right in without knocking.

"Hello, Mariam. Can you do my hair, too? My maid is hopeless at it."

Mariam placed the last pin in my hair, and crossed her arms as she turned to face Helena.

I tried to hide my smile, knowing that Mariam had made time enough to style both of our hair flawlessly. Helena made a puppy face, and I could see that Mariam's poker face was already crumbling.

"Alright, fine. How do you want it?"

Helena jumped in delight, dancing over to Mariam and kissing her on the cheek.

"I'm happy with any hairstyle thatll get a man to fall for me. Mariam, my fairy godmother, make me beautiful, but please let it last longer than midnight."

I couldn't help laughing at her answer. Helena has always loved fairytales, especially those where the peasant girl got the price and became a princess. I don't know how many times I have tried to tell her that life as a member of the royal family isn't just fun and games, but hopefully she'll find out on her own.

We were walking through the halls when Helena pulled me to the side.

"You have some explaining to do. I wasnt sure if Mariam knew, but youre not getting out of this talk easily. Now, tell me everything."

I sighed. I had really hoped she had forgotten.

"Okay, okay. But lets find an empty room first. I dont want anybody to hear what I'm about to tell you."

We walked into the first room that I knew would be empty, due to the fact that it was my sisters old room. I looked around to make sure that we were alone before I began explaining.

When I finished, I could almost see the wheels turning in her head. I grabbed her arm and looked her straight in the eyes. "Helena, you must promise not to tell anyone."

She looked at me for a minute before answering.

"On one condition: take me along next time you go. You know I love children."

I could feel the weight lift off my shoulders as we both started to laugh. I nodded, and we started to walk out of the room.

"What should I tell Randa Miranda?" I loved calling her that, especially because she hated it.

"Why don't you tell her that you'll show her your secret if she promises not to tell anyone? Then you have her follow you, and accidently lose her in the slums."