Unveiled

Chapter 3

     Princess Ember stood alone in her room of the castle. She slightly shook as she raised the delicate crown onto her fluffy, red locks. She smoothed her hand over a few wrinkles in her dark blue dress with purple flowers. She always wore that dress when delegates came to the castle. Lucille, her maid, informed her that the couple represented Scotland. She looked out her window, and over the moor that could be seen. Miles and miles of grass was visible, along with a few sheep here and there. It looked like a quilted pattern of different shades of green grass, with low hanging clouds beyond. 

    She leaned on the sill, and breathed in the fresh air the atmosphere offered. Gray clouds hung over the moor in wisps and bumps, like the waves of the sea. A fresh breeze soothed her face, and she let a sigh escape her as her features softened. Even though dusk was an hour away still, she would enjoy her moments of solitude. 

    The gentle clearing of ones throat caught her attention, and she turned to face her other maid, Donna.

     Donna did a curtsy and said in her soft Scandinavian accent, "Madame, our company awaits ye at the dining hall." 

      Princess Ember entered the dining hall a few minutes later, and a bagpipe flourish marked her arrival. She took her seat at her appointed spot, and ignored all converse that wasn't directed toward her. She looked out the window at the gardens outside. So many colors in one place, such as royal purple, magenta pinks, and several shades of green. She took a sip of her tea, and looked at the clock just in time to see something disheartening. 

     She jumped out of her seat a little, rattling the tall glasses on the table, and drawing attention to herself. Sunset would be any minute now and she had to get out of sight. She couldn't believe that she lost track of time. The Scottish Couple stared at her in startled surprise, and she quickly apologized, saying she had to leave right then. Her parents jumped in, asking them to excuse her as she briskly walked through the tall doors of the dining hall.

    Princess Ember abruptly shut her door, and collapsed to the ground out of exhaustion from the anxiety of anyone seeing her secret. How could she have forgotten? The change would take place any second now. She watched the sun dip out of sight and prepared for it once again. She squinted her eyes closed, and felt the curse take hold of her body, changing it bit by bit again.