The King's Beloved

2| Castle

"Here are the flowers, mother." I place five red roses, a few dainty leaves and several white flowers on the table. She nods at me and pulls a few pieces of hair from the the top of my head. 

I'm dressed in a beautiful blood red gown, that flows to the ground. It comes in to the waist, pleated just under my small bust, and elegantly draping my long legs in the smooth fabric. The arm sleeves loosen towards the end, dangling by my wrist. The neckline is cut straight, leaving much to imagination, but enough to leave people with the knowledge that I am no younger than 18 winters. 

My mother has pinned the flowers into my hair, leaving me feeling whimsical. She's even dressed my face with maquillage. A layer of an herbal, chalk based cream my father has worked on. It covers the blemishes and discolouration my face holds. She also lined my eyelids with dark kohl and tinted my lips with 'rouge'. I look the most extravagant I ever have. 

My dark hair has been left in its wavy, loose curl state, but the layers directly behind my front bangs have been pinned back, leaving a few long strands to frame my face, down to my collarbone.

"Mother, where did you find such a gown?" I inquire as I run my hands up and down the soft, lacy fabric. 

"I bought it from a marshal not too long ago, back home. It was too unique to pass up, and I figured I could gift it to you when such a time would come," She places her delicate fingers to my cheeks and smiles at me, cradling my face in her hands, "I figure a visit to the Queen's castle is grand enough." I smile at her giddily and look at myself in the old mirror. 

I slip on the shoes my mother had made for me, dark leather closed toed heels. The heel lasts only an inch, but is enough to boost my height. 

"Oh my goodness, I will have to fight off every last wolf tonight," I hear Anderson sigh and I jump at the intrusion. I turn to him and gasp.

"Brother, you look dashing!" I squeal and run to him. His mature body is adorned in a dark suit, with a tail attached to the bottom and clean slacks. His dark brown hair slicked back, making him look like royalty, not a commoner. 

"My little Bee, you look like a princess. Much too mature for such an event. There are too many men around and I wanted to enjoy myself! I will have to spend the entire night fighting off lust-driven mad men!" He grumbles and I simply wave my hand off at him. I am nothing special, however my dear brother constantly complains of the men who lust after me. He's always been the protective one.

"You are foolish, Anderson." I pester him and poke his arm, "I can assure you it will be a fine night, and I will return a maiden." I laugh as he squirms and shudders. 

"Yes you shall." He gives me a pointed look and I simply roll my eyes at him.

-

"Oh my," I breathe out in awe, as I stare the castle in front of me. 

"Oh my is correct, Bee." Anderson sighs beside me as he stares at the architecture in envy. 

The castle is everything I had dreamt of, and far more. With huge pillars standing on the perimeter, connecting rectangular sections. The tan brick and dark accents make it look enchanted. It seems as though there are multiple levels, and each level has windows with crystal blue stained glass. As if the castle was not grand enough, the entire structure is elegantly perched on bushes and greenery.

"C'mon children, we are actually allowed to enter," My father teases while motioning for us to join him and mother. Anderson and I grin at each other with excitement and trot behind them, as I grab my dress to keep myself from tripping over like a foolish jester.

My family reaches the top of the hill and we walk down a narrow pathway of cobblestone, ending with the never-ending doors to the castle. We all stop for a moment, as there is a line of other commoners, eager to visit the royal home.