Little Queen

Chapter 1

I walk into the hall, my head held high. I need to at least look like I'm put together, I think.
So much has been going on since mum died last year. Dad can't get out of bed, due to his fall down the palace stairs.

My mum died in her sleep. When dad woke up the next morning, he thought mum wasn't moving because she was simply having a sleep in, so he got out of bed as usual to fulfil his duties as king. He was at the top of the palace stairs when a guard came to tell him the news. He tripped and hasn't been able to walk since.

As the eldest, I now have partly taken his place. The catch is, I'm only 16, but, I'm not called queen yet since dad hasn't actually stepped down. I'm just playing the role of queen, so it's still Princess Averi Fadaye.

There is always so much to do, I feel like I'm holding the weight of the world on my shoulders.

I am dressed in a deep red, almost wine coloured dress that is tightly fitted, then bursts out in a flurry of fabric at my knees to the floor. It's stunning. Maybe a little too over the top for dinner, but still.

I sit down at the huge table in the middle of the extravagant dining room. A pang of sadness stings my heart when I look at all the empty chairs around me. My two younger brothers are likely playing video games in the mens parlour and dad always takes dinner in his room.

I feel so lonely. It takes all the energy in me to try and hide it. The few guards placed in the room look straight ahead but I know exactly what they're thinking. Poor girl.
Halfway through eating, I can't take the silence anymore, so I excuse myself and basically run, finding it hard in these stupid heels. I know mum would criticise me for sprinting in an unladylike manner. Oddly, I wish she was really here to do just that. But she isn't. And that tips me over the edge. The tears come.

Elenor and Fawn were cleaning things that were already sparkling clean, as usual, when I walk into my room. They take one look at my tear stained face and fawn, my head maid, starts to run a bath for me. She knows me too well.

She looks pleased to have something to do. I kind of feel sorry for them, they must be so bored all day.

I stare at myself in the mirror while taking out the thousands of pins holding up my long, thick, dark hair. Once all of my makeup is rubbed off, I look like hell. Under my blue eyes are huge dark circles. I haven't slept through one night in ages.

I walk into the bathroom, wearing only my thin robe. Elenor starts adding Lavender salts into the bath. Wow, I think, do I really look that stressed?

I slip my legs into the bath, the hot water stinging my skin as my body temperature adjusts. This is exactly what I needed.

I take my time drying myself, letting the routine of going to bed soothe my scattered brain.

As I open the bathroom door I am flattered. Elenor has lit the room with candles and is waiting for me outside the bathroom with a tub of lotion. She really is a lifesaver.

I sigh in relief. "You read my mind."

I feel a lot better, sitting down on my comfy chair. Elenor passes me a chamomile tea, then her hands work their magic.

Her moisturised hands glide across my fingers and palms. The lotion fills the air with a lemongrass scent that tickles my nose. I gaze out the window.

My room is on the 4th floor, the highest one. My balcony overlooks the garden.

I stare at the moon, that gives the garden and it's grass a soft blue light. The lanterns and fairy lights in the trees light up the driveway and the grand water fountain in the middle of it. The palace garden is beautiful at night.

My vision starts going in and out of focus, so I know it's time for bed.

I thank Elenor and excuse her as well as Fawn, who was cleaning up the pins and makeup wipes I left on my dresser.

They leave with a curtsy, and I can tell they were both exhausted. I am so grateful for them; they could of gone on all night serving me without saying a word about how tired they were. They are the greatest maids.

I blow out the candles and tuck myself into my huge, ravishing bed. Being the princess, I am spoiled. My room is the size of a small house, fitting in my own bathroom, a little living area, my huge bed and a balcony. My dresses are made by the most talented seamstresses, and my crowns with expensive jewels. But along with all the luxury, there is so much responsibility. That is the last thought of the night.

Dear reader,
Thank you for reading the first chapter of my book! Did you enjoy this chapter? If so, please go read my other chapters and follow the story of Princess Averi's adventures.
And don't forget to leave a comment and vote!
See ya!
- Blondie :)