Adeleine Winters - casually known as Adele, is a lady like never before.
Unlike most young women her age - raging for wealth and prestige; Adele seeks independence, and suffrage, which in society is considered merrily wishful thinking;
But Adele ha...
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The Queens Garden is magnificent, and even that is an understatement.
As a young girl I always had an appreciation for the outdoors, but the beauty of these grounds is unlike anything I've ever imagined.
Debutantes and their ladies in waiting lurk about awaiting the arrival of the Queen who must be the final guest to arrive.
I walk the grounds slowly searching amongst the groups for a familiar face. "Ugh." no one.
While it may be fundamental to create new bonds, I'd rather not. Many of these girls are here for reasons completely opposite of mine. There is no way a friendship would last if they knew my secret.
On the plus side, I think I've been doing pretty swell on my own anyway. Oh, and of course with Claire by my side.
Suddenly a warm arm interlocks with my own, and I'm glad to find none other than Claire who is grinning like mad.
"What's got you so enthused? You aren't always this giddy in the morning, are you?"
She sticks out her tongue mockingly, "If I weren't, you'd be a cranky grouch all day."
"I would not!"
She rolls her eyes. "If you say so, m'lady."
We walk together arm in arm. "How did you sleep?" She begins.
I sigh in appreciation.
"A-ma-zing. I never knew such a level of comfort existed. If I didn't know any better I'd say I never want to leave." Claire gasps.
Claire stops.
"Have I heard you correctly? Miss Adeleine Winters doesn't want to leave the palace? Now this I never thought I would hear."
"Oh hush." I chuckle, "My mentality hasn't changed despite the incredible slumber I experienced. My motives are just the same as before."
"But they won't be for long."
"Claire."
"Hey, I'm not your enemy." She raises her hands in surrender. "However, you did promise me you would make the best out of your time here."
"I am, I promise! See, I even put on this prissy dress to impress a monarch I want absolutely nothing to do with. That seems like quite the effort to me."
"Oh, Adele. Let loose, maybe you'll actually find someone you like."
I sigh.
"Claire, we spoke about this."
"I know, I know. But don't you think you're going to stress yourself out if you continue on in angst and secret? All I'm suggesting is that you let your guard down. Perhaps you'll find someone who wants for you all that you want for yourself?"
