"Rise and shine, You've got a big day a head o' ya!" our maid, Ava exclaimed. I groaned and flipped my pillow over my head to indicate i was not to be messed with. "Oh come on ya big lump! Ya have much to do, much to see!!" Ava ripped the pillow from my grasp and pulled the covers back. If it was any other maid i would have fought for my sleep, but Ava, she was a different story.
She moved to England from Ireland. Always saying the "ya's" and "o's". I tried to correct her on her slang whenever i could, but she still made mistakes. Honestly, she wasn't as bad as she used to be. "Come on now. Your dress is on the dresser. Don't make me get the water bucket!"
"Oh Ava, don't be silly, i thought we already discussed that you'd be fired the next time you did that. Am i right?" I said.
"Of course, Ms... but-"
"No 'buts'! Tell mother i will be down in an hour or so," I commanded, cutting her off. She nodded and scurried out of my room leaving me in peace. I was not a morning person. But, as a princess, i always had some special occasion or reunion to get ready for. Today, finding a prince. I got out of bed and walked over to the dresser. Atop it was a white cardboard box with pink bow rapped neatly around it.
I always got a new dress when it came the day to find a new prince. Unfortunately, for me, i've never had luck falling in love with someone my father chooses for me. His choices are always fat, senseless, ugly men who had no idea how to treat a women.
He wants me to get a husband as soon as i can so this year, we are going to do what we had never done before. My father was to get 20 men to present to me. Out of those 20 they would have a competition for my hand. There would be 10 finalist and out of those ten, i would get to chose who i marry. Although it isn't complete freedom, I was pretty excited about at least having a choice on who i married. I was much more privileged than other princesses.
Grabbing the box i went back an sat on my bed and unwrapped the bow. I lifted up the lid slowly for dramatic affect. What i always did when i was tired. I did not know what the garments inside looked liked but i had a feeling. A good feeling. I lifted up the rapping and in the box was a beautiful garment made of lace and silk, the best you could get. It was white with a blue floral bow attached to the waist part. I gasped. It was, indeed, worth a good feeling.
I pulled it out of the box, ran behind my dressing folds and ripped my current clothes off. After putting on my gown I turned and looked in the mirror. Believe me when I say, I'm not a conceited person, but I really did look good.
Moments later, i was downstairs sitting at the table with my mother, Abilene, while Ava was off to get our breakfast. "Your dress is absolutely beautiful, Eugenia!" my mom exclaimed.
"Oh, isn't it! Father always has the best taste!" I replied. My mom gave me a look. That's how she was when i complimented someone and not her. Recovering, i said, "But you, mother, are the better at it."
She smiled back unpleasantly, "I thought so."
Ava was more of a mom then Abilene. She knew i was sensitive and i could tell her everything i needed to. Abilene, on the other hand, didn't understand why i was sensitive or any of the other things and i was her own daughter! I felt as if i had more love in my heart for Ava than my own mother. Then again, i thought that was fair. She didn't have time for me, I could make her second in my heart. "Eugenia, are you listening?" Mother said.
Snapping out of my gaze i replied, "Of course. Umm..what are your plans for today?"
"Well, i was thinking we'd get your hair done and then we'd gather up your choices to compete for you hand and i'll think of more from there. What do you think of that?" She asked. Not really wanting to get into an argument i agreed and that was that. In a few hours, i'd have to find the one that i'd have to live with for eternity. All i was hoping for was someone that would change my life. And that's exactly what i got.
