the princess

Chapter 2

2.
Adeline

The sun is starting to show it's first light.
Greta quietly whispers to another maid as she helps me get ready. It sounds like something important. But I can't concentrate on what they are saying, my mind completely focused on today and my stomach churning out of excitement.
And probably nervousness.
I woke up when it was still dark, because I couldn't help the feeling of unease, thinking about today.
"All done", Greta says.
I look up. In front of me a big mirror.
I have been dressed in a simple but elegant light blue gown. The dress displaying part of my cleavage and a small silver necklace with a little sapphire as a locket.
My hair is pinned back into a loose bun, strands of my hair dangling out, framing my face. I am wearing a silver little hair band, it almost looks a little like a crown holding my dark hair into place.
My makeup being kept to the minimal.
A little bit of coverage for the under eyebags, a result of being to nervous to sleep through the whole night, and some lip gloss and rouge for some slight color.
My eyelashes have been curled and made longer.
In this small dress, with these little pieces of jewelry everywhere, I almost feel like a porcelain doll.
Small and dainty. Beautiful but empty.

I make my way through the palace.
The corridors forming a big labyrinth.
I remember the first time I'd been to this palace, I couldn't go anywhere without getting lost. Now, I've learnt how to use the different drawings and sometimes the carpets as a way of orientation.
Just as I'm about to pass my brothers door, I hear someone say,
"Princess!"
I turn around.
An old comfortable lady, dressed in a big aubergine plush dress, makes herself my way. Pulling with her an unhappy looking girl about my age.
"Lady Mcforecaster", I say forcing on a polite smile.
The feathers on Lady Mcforecasters monstrous hat, look like they're about to fly away, with her, as quickly as a lady her age and size can, coming towards me.
"It's such a pleasure to see you, your highness", she says, clearly out of breath.
"May I introduce to you, my niece; Ainsley Pippa Mcforecaster"
She slightly shoves her my way, giving her a sign to curtsy.
As she curtsies, she mumbles, " A pleasure to make your acquaintance,your highness".
I almost feel bad for her, she clearly doesn't want to be here.
"The pleasure is all mine", I say smiling politely, as I've been taught to do.
Lady Mcforecaster looks around.
"Is your brother around here, too, your highness?"
Oh. Now I understand,why she's even in this part of the palace, let alone with her niece.
I can't help but smile slightly impish.
"Well I haven't seen him, yet. But if I do, I'll tell him you're looking for him."
"Oh no, there's no need for that! I'm sure he's very busy with what he does", she says not wanting to intrude.
Ha, she probably has no clue what he does. The only thing she wants is for one of her nieces to be part of the season and lure my brother into marriage.
"So then, I should be going, good day mylady", I say turning around to leave.
" Good day, your highness", she says curtsying, seemingly a little less excited than before.
She gives her niece a little shove, signaling for to curtsy.
She unwillingly does the same as her aunt, mumbling the same words.
I can't hold it against her, I don't know if I'd be happy in her place.
I make my way to breakfast, my stomach not only churning from excitement, but also from being hungry.

The big hall where they are serving breakfast today, is packed with people.
Counts, ladies, courtiers, all kinds of, mostly boring, people. A lot of them will also be part of this years season.
My parents haven't arrived yet. To come after all the guests is something only royals can do.
On this day, I seem to be the earliest royal to arrive. I make my way to my seat, it's on top of a little tribune. My brother isn't there yet either. As I take my seat, some people seem to notice my presence.
I try to focus on the food, large platters of it displayed in a big buffet.

There's little cakes, freshly baked breads and all kinds of jams and juice.
Just as I'm about to drool over the food, my brother walks in. His tall toned frame, short dark hair and fiery eyes make him stand out immediately. But also his presence has a certain authority and pride to it. He knows how to be royal, act royal, command others attention and respect without saying a thing.
Contrary to me.
I'm more like a mouse. Hiding from the attention of others. I like to watch, observe. I know a lot more of the world and court than other people would think.
To them I'm just a "stupid pretty little thing". A representative of my country.
Not my brother, Cassio.
He's the crown prince and future king of this country. He knows his things well.
He's smart, no doubt.
He knows all about contracts, war strategies and being sovereign.
But he doesn't know about all the things that happen behind the charade of royal court.
He doesn't know people. He can't read them. At least not like I've taught myself to.
Cassio starts conversing with a group of men, shaking each of their hands.
Looking around, I look for something interesting, when I notice a group of three ladies. They're young, maybe my age.
They're taddling about something seemingly exciting. Then they look over to Cas, each of them blushing and snickering even more.
I roll my eyes but smile, my brother is clearly too inclined in a discussion to notice anything.

I tentatively search the room with my eyes.
There are a lot of new people, strangers I don't know. A lot of them are young.
They must be here for the season.
Most of the different state ladies are yet to come.

I turn my head once more to where my brothers standing. It seems like he has finished his discussion and is now too heading to his seat.
A lot of the ladies look his way, trying to catch his eye. But Cas, if anything, only smiles politely.
As he comes to sit next to me, he smiles, this time genuinely.
"So are you enjoying people watching again, Addy?" I roll my eyes but can't help the little grin spreading on my face.
"I'm just curious. There are a lot of new faces here."
He looks over the room with a swift look.
"Yeah that's true..."
"You know one of these women in this room could be your future wife", I try and tease him. He frowns. Clearly the idea of having to marry somebody who by chance is stuck up and really boring displeases him. I laugh.
" Oh don't be so upset, Cas. I'm sure they'll have tea with you and tell you all about their day knitting and taking tiny little walks in the garden."
He huffs.
"Thanks for that reminder, Addy."
I look at the group of ladies from before.
"Well at least you have a choice."
"If you think that our parents aren't going to have certain favorites among these seasons ladies, then you're a lot more naive than I thought you were, Addy."
This time it's my turn to huff.
" Yes I guess you're right."
I'm not only thinking about his future, but also about the fact that the same will probably apply to me.

Lost in thought, I initially don't notice how the doors swing open and our parents, the king and queen, walk in.

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Hope you enjoyed :) probably posting tomorrow/next couple of days.
Constructive criticism is very much appreciated, if there are any mistakes, feel free to tell me.
-H