Arden, the meek and innovative daughter of an Artist-For-Hire hides behind an admiration of her father's works to conceal her own (unencouraged) love of painting. By chance, Arden is discovered by the Queen Elza, a lover of art herself. Arden is whi...
Just as quickly and unexpectedly as her secret was discovered, Arden finds herself packing up her few belongings in a sort of dulled state. A bittersweet sense of atonement settles over her. Valienta has gone to her room, unable to face her daughter. The younger girls have also made themselves scarce, leaving Arden with her father.
"Arden," He begins. "I don't know what this means for you. I want you to promise me something."
Arden looks up at her father, her eyes red from crying at the loss of her paintings. "Yes?"
"Promise me that if you have the chances to make a name for yourself, you'll forget all that nonsense about women marrying and settling down as rudimentary figures of housekeeping." His eyes are full and sincere. "You are meant for much more than that."
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Everything changes. From the moment the sun rose to the way it glistens on the horizon, lowering its golden head for the night. It was all turned inside out. So much has been gained and yet so much lost. The comfort of homely familiarity disintegrates into what feels like the true end of childhood while the unknown lies at Arden's feet in the form of a new bed, welcoming her into her life as a woman independent from the routine of family.
She has never slept in another bed apart from the one in her home miles away. Now, warmed with heavy satin comforters and enshrouded in draperies of royal blue, this bed calls to her. Across the tiled floor is a great hearth, larger than the one at home. The architecture of the room is decorative and frescos on the walls tell stories in quaint colors. A window, opening to a very small balcony allows a view of the city, glittering glimpses of candlelights being snuffed in the windows of homes sheltering families such as Ardens. Somewhere in the city, her father surely drifts off to sleep, now a lonely artist with no one but Patrons to approve of his works.
As Arden stands absorbing every detail of the room she is no to call home, a knock sounds at the door. "Come in," She answers, pulling a wrap around her shoulders and across her breasts. The Queen enters, wearing a smile and a lovely red dress.
"I trust you are finding your arrangements comfortable?" A nod from Arden is sufficient. "Is this the first time you've been away from home?" Again, a nod suffices as an answer. "I have sent for fresh supplies- the finest paints and canvases. Tomorrow will be a busy day so rest tonight. We will begin planning for a new series of pieces. I want to redesign my chambers and paintings will be the main focus."
"I look forward to it," Arden replies with a sincere smile. "I want to thank you for this opportunity. I am ever so grateful."
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Queen Elza returns the smile. "I am glad to have you. I shall formally introduce you to the King and our children tomorrow after you and I have discussed your work." She pauses, studying Arden. "Perhaps you have always thought your birth status was to be perminant in your life. However, there will be opportunities beyond profession offered to you here if you prove yourself a plesant asset. I look forward to seeing how you immerse yourself in life at Court. I hope you find it a pleasing elevation."
