Three Pretty Princesses

Chapter 2- Pauline

Pauline was magical. Not in the same way that the cults of Frostvale defined 'magic', but everyone at the Kyriahall Town Orphanage was convinced that the gods smiled on her. She didn't have a family, and she didn't have money, but she did have luck. Every time a situation would be dire for her, a solution would find it's way to Pauline. 

"Pauline-y," a young voice whined from across the other side of the sleeping quarters, "Can you help me do up my kirtle?"
Pauline reluctantly made her way towards Veronica, making sure to check her auburn hair in the rusty piece of iron that served at the orphanage's mirror. At fifteen, she had lost all hope of being adopted by a noble family, but perhaps had a chance of being selected to sing at a court of some kind. Pauline had a magnificent voice and a pretty face- things that she dreamed would one day catch the attention of a handsome prince.

She began tying up Veronica's kirtle, as Madame Dingle waltzed in, looking slightly more neat than usual, but not at all glamorous.
"As you are all well aware, this is an important day for this orphanage," she began, nodding a warm 'hello' to Pauline, "Last week I was informed that representatives from the Palace will be coming to take a look at some of you. I can only assume that they are considering taking some of you as maids or as performers."
As Madame said the final two words, she gave a knowing look to Pauline, whose heart was already beating with the possibilities.
"Be on your best behaviour, all of you. This day could change your life."
Madame didn't really have to say that- the orphanage was already buzzing with excitement. The boys and girls practised greeting royalty, as if the King and Queen themselves were to come visit. This was of course, unlikely- as the most esteemed visitor to such a lowly organisation was the Countess of Kyriahall, who only visited once a year to appear charitable to her people.

"Perfect! They'll be sure to pick you with such beauty, Veronica!" Pauline marveled as she gave the finishing touches to the twelve year old's bun.
Veronica wasn't convinced. She pouted and said, "I'm too young to be a maid, anyway!"
Pauline bent down and held Veronica's delicate face in her hands, "The Countess has maids younger than twelve. I'm sure the palace has younger maids to do more simple chores."
And with that, Pauline kissed Veronica's forehead, and began climbing the ladder to the attic. Despite the visit being arranged for 11 o'clock, at 10:30 children had already began their vigil at the attic window, looking to see any signs of a royal carriage coming down the hill.

Half an hour later, and there was no sign of a carriage. The children had begun to mutter among themselves about bandits and rebel intercepting the group.
Pauline began to feel as if the attic was far too crowded and far too warm for her liking. A trail of sweat ran down her face. This was going to be one of her last chances of finding a life beyond Kyrahall. The carriage must come.

Sure enough, a carriage did come, although it was not a beautiful glass coach like the orphan's dreamed it would be. Instead, it was plain and wooden. Seated upon it were serious looking soldiers, dressed in primary blue uniform. The children began to scramble down to the foyer. Pauline didn't want to seem childish so she didn't run, but she tried her best to walk as fast as she could.

By the time the Madame Dingle had greeted the soldiers and led them into the foyer, the children had already lined up in perfect rows for inspection. Pauline hadn't made it to the front, but as she was one of the eldest at the orphanage, she was tall enough to be seen. Besides, no one could really miss her hair.

"Ah yes, here are my lovely children. They're so well-behaved and respectful- anyone one of them would be perfect for a job at the palace!" Madame Dingle rejoiced. She was one of those women from whom love never ran out. She unconditionally loved each of her orphans.
The senior officer, who was easily distinguished with his red uniform, ran his eyes down the line of children. He locked eyes with Pauline. She immediately expected him to move on, but he didn't. The officer pointed at her, saying, "That's the one."

The soldiers began to swarm Pauline, taking little care of the orphans surrounding her.
"Am I to be a performer?" Pauline asked, as they pushed her forward towards the door.
The officer considered this question for a moment. "Almost."
The brigade immediately began to leave the building. The horses were readied for departure, and Pauline was shoved upon the carriage, and sat beside by two armed, soldiers. Madame Dingle bounded towards the door, which would truly be an amazing sight to see at any other time, but just fueled Pauline's distress. The children gathered at the window, some of them thumping the glass with desperation, other just fascinated with what was happening to Pauline.

"Wait," she yelled after a botched attempt to get up, "Aren't you taking anyone else? Veronica would be a wonderful maid- she can sew, and cook, and clean. Peter can play the piano- he brings tears to my eyes every time!"
"We're not looking for maids or piano-players," the senior officer replied.
The carriage-driver, a younger pimpled boy of about sixteen turned around with a smile. "Sir, don't you think she really looks like her?"
The officer gave the driver a curt nod, and ordered him to get back to work.
"Look like who?" Pauline pleaded, "I don't understand!"
But not even the bold carriage-driver replied, and Pauline was left to ponder the question on the long, uneven journey to Fairfax Palace.