Apart

Chapter One

Ashlyn sat impatiently on the padded parlor stool, fidgeting with the beads embroidered in its tassels. She couldn't sit still, she simply couldn't. There were so many other exciting things she could have been doing, yet there she was in the pretty pink parlor room having her hair done.

"Are you nearly finished Margaret?" Ashlyn groaned, slumping over on her cushion.

"Sit still dear! Do you want to look nice or not?" Margaret, the quirky parlor maid snapped back. She let out an aggravated sigh and pinned a piece of Ashlyn's wavy chestnut locks into a bun. Ashlyn rolled her eyes, then focused her gaze through the stained glass window to the world outside.

Tzeresdel, my kingdom... Her thoughts wandered to elegant ballroom dances, exquisite cuisine, and lazy afternoons prancing through the open fields. Dandelions brushed her pale skin, and the wind swept her hair back into a wild mane. She imagined skipping through the cobblestone streets, waving to the fishermen and the bakers as they worked. Children would prance along behind her, and they would call out, "Ashlyn! Do you want a braid or a waterfall?"

Suddenly she snapped back to reality and found herself slipping off of the stool. Margaret pulled her back into balance growling, "For the last time, braid or waterfall?"

"Um, waterfall," Ashlyn answered hastily, sweeping her bangs away from her eyes.

"You are certainly distracted today. I just hope you don't go falling out of your seat at the banquet tonight..." Margaret muttered.

"Well, I was thinking, and I..."

"Yes?"

"Well, um... I don't really want to go to the banquet." Ashlyn explained reluctantly, color flooding her cheeks.

"What!?" Margaret cried, her mouth agape. "You most certainly do not have the right to not attend this banquet young lady. This is perhaps the most important meal of your life and you just want to stay here at the castle? Absolutely not! You will attend this banquet and that is an order."

"But Margaret, it's not that important! I've gone to every other meal father drags me to, so why can't I skip a banquet just this once?"

"Ashlyn this is the Banquet of Suitors, and that is not a meal one can just 'skip.' If you protest one more time I'll tell your father about this."

The room went quiet, with the only sound being the swift movements of Margaret's hands as she pieced together Ashlyn's hair. Time moved quickly, and soon Margaret's work was finished. Ashlyn stood and stared at her reflection in the parlor mirror. The glass pictured a fine young girl with large green eyes that shimmered like jewels. A bun sat neatly atop her head, and a cascade of hair fell down behind her neck. Curled ringlets framed her strong cheek bones, and she sported a pale pink sleeveless dress, the top lined with deep pink roses.

"Beautiful," Margaret whispered, beaming with delight. "Do you like it?"

"Yes," Ashlyn replied softly. "It's lovely." She smiled gently at her reflection. Suddenly the door to the parlor room burst open, and both ladies turned in surprise to see who had entered. A young boy dressed in a blue buttoned suit and black leggings stood in the doorway. His heeled boots clip-clopped nervously, and sweat ran down his freckled face.

"Oh, it's only Bret," Margaret chuckled. "What is it dear?"

Bret, the boy, abruptly straightened his spine and stammered, "M-Ms. Follerfri, t-the king would like t-to speak with, err, you." Ashlyn nodded and approached Bret.

"Take me to him," she commanded with a gentle voice. Bret turned and began to walk down the hall, Ashlyn following suit.

A moment later they arrived in front of a tall dark oak door, engraved with a swirling pattern around the letter R. Bret grabbed hold of a large silver handle and pulled the door open, announcing, "Presenting her lady, Princess Ashlyn Follerfri!"

Ashlyn strode down the marble floor and stopped in front of a tall golden throne with a red velvet cushion. Sitting upon the throne was a large man, with short black hair and a stubbly gray beard. His face was bold and stern, with pronounced angles. His deep brown eyes stared beadily at Ashlyn. A tall boy with an outfit similar to Bret's called out, "His Majesty, King Daradai!"

"Hello father," Ashlyn greeted, nodding her head. The man's face broke out into a broad grin.

"Ashlyn, darling! You look marvelous!" Daradai cried.

"Thank you father. Margaret did my hair this afternoon. You called for me?"

"Yes, yes. I wanted to talk to you about tonight's banquet. I thought it would be best if you knew which princes are attending.

"Right, about that. I want to ask you something father."

"Go on."

"What does The Law state regarding The Banquet of Suitors?"

"Ashlyn I thought you had these rules memorized?" Daradai remarked, raising an eyebrow. Ashlyn began to sweat nervously.

"Well, I do father, it's just that I want to make sure that I know them correctly."

"Very well. The Law states that the heir to the throne must attend The Banquet of Suitors. They must dress appropriately, have appropriate manners, and hold proper conversations. They must act in a mature manner at all times during the banquet. Princes or princesses from neighboring kingdoms will attend the banquet in order to give the heir an idea of their marriage options. This banquet is the most important meal of all, as it will allow the heir to decide who they wish to be their partner in ruling the kingdom."

"Thank you father," Ashlyn muttered. She let out a soft sigh, so quiet that only she could hear it. Daradai smiled, and continued his statement.

"As I had been saying, I want you to know which princes will be present at the banquet. Princes from The Golden, Blue, and Green kingdoms shall be attending. I look forward to seeing you tonight."

"As do I," Ashlyn agreed, nodding and smiling, but she had other things in mind.