In the Darkness of the Night

Chapter 4

"Alright children Time to wake up!" a sweet voice called from the other room. Aralynnsat up and rubbed her eyes. She was still tired and her muscles were tight. Standing she steched and she poked a foot into her brothers ribs.

"Time to get up." Aralynn said loudly.

"Five more minutes." He whined from under the blanket. Grabbing the tail end of the rough blanket she tugged and pulled it from his bed. He jumped up and chased after her as she ranwith the blanket laughing.

"You'll pay for that you creten!" He rounded the corner and jumped at her, she easily side-stepped her attacker and he fell face first to the floor.

"James is up,Mother." Aralynn cooed sweetly. Her mother laughed at their antic and shook her head.

" Put that blanket up Aralynn. James get Layne,please." They both nodded and obediently did what they were told. As they walked into the other room James whispered,

"How are you going to give her the money?" James asked.

"I'm not sure, she'll ask questions, and she'll want answers." After folding the blanket and placing it back where it belonged, they tiptoed over to Layne still sleeping soundly. Smiling they both started tickling her. James tickled her toes while Aralynn lay claim to the girls stomach. The youngest girl giggled and woke quickly. "Stop! Stop it you two!" She was gasping for breath when a neighbor upstairs stomped on the floor above them. Signaling they were being disturbingly loud. They all held their mouths shut as they walked to the table together.

"Again, I am sorry we don't have more to eat children. But Mrs. Larken gave us a loaf of bread this morning. I expect you all to thank her when you see her." She smiled at her children as they all said they would. The small woman sat down and looked at her three children. Layne the youngest, smiled at her mother, "It's been a while since we've had bread. Is it a special occasion?"

"Acually, yes." she said as she broke the bread and passed it to each of her children. They each looked at their mother in curiosity.

"What is it Mother? What happened?" Aralynn asked ecxitedly.

"Well, darling it involves you actually."

"Me? What about me?" Aralynn looked at her brother who looked just as confused and surprised as she felt.

"You're going to the palace." Her mother clapped excitedly.

"WHAT?!" The three siblings said in unison.

"Why?" Aralynn asked

"When?" James chimed in.

"For how long?" Layne wondered. The children all looked at each othe then at their mother, waiting for an explination.

"Well it turns out the princess' lady in waiting was caught stealing from the palace. and since your grandmother was a hard worker there for so long, and your father worked there as well, your name came up. They say your fathers family have had generations hired in the palace for as long as anyone can remember. You have been requested to arrive tomarrow. But today a man is being sent with money to buy you new dresses jsut like the ones in court!" Aralynn stared at her mother, glowing with happiness.

"That's.....great mother." Aralynn forced a smile. They ate while their mother chatted on about what an adventure it would be. How her daughter would get to become a Lady. After eating they all set to cleaning the apartment, when it was time for the three siblings to clean their room they shut the door and Aralynn dropped onto her bed.

"I don't know what to say."

"Ary! Please don't go! You can't leave us!"

"Layne she can't refuse the king either. Besides maybe this could be a good thing."

"What do you mean?" Aralynn stared at her brother, "Do you want me to leave?"

" No! Of course not Sister. But you'll be at the palace." He said stressing the word.

"Yes, and?"

"What else is at the palace?"

"The king, the queen, the prince, the princess, servents, cooks, the Royal Guard...." Aralynn stopped listing and looked at him, she smiled. "I would be at the palace, with the royal guard!"

"Maybe you could set terms with the king? Allow you to be trained, or you won't work for them."

"It's kind of a bold move. But maybe that will work." Aralynn stood. "Lets get this place cleaned i have a dress fitting to get to!" they all laughed and threw themselves into cleaning, everyone excited for the days ahead.