Kingdom Call

Chapter 3

~Sorine~

I'm not supposed to be out here, Sorine thought.

Still, she picked another flower from the garden. Her clothing was stained and she knew for a fact that if her mother caught her, she would no doubt be scolded for even wearing such an outfit, let alone one that was covered in dirt. Pants, Mother would say, are not for a lady of your caliber. And that shirt is hideous! Never wear brown again.

Sorine sighed and stroked the many yellow petals of her bouquet. What she would give to hear her mother's scoldings right now.

"Princess!" She looked up to see two guards run up to her. They seemed tired and out of breath, as if they had been looking for her for a while. They probably were. She never tells anyone when she leaves her room.

The taller of the two kneeled down and bowed his head for a moment before looking her in the eye with a gentle expression, almost worried she could shatter like glass. "Please come in. It's cold outside." It seemed everyone in the palace was either afraid of her, or for her.

The second one held out his hand to her, a similar look in his eyes. "Your Highness, it is way too dangerous to be outside alone. Come inside. His Royal Highness wants you with him at dinner within the hour."

Sorine nodded. It was nice of them to use the term "wants you" instead of "expects you." It made her feel like her brother really cared about seeing her. Perhaps the guards decided to say that instead for her sake. It seemed the lower of the staff cared about her more than the prince. Or maybe Kangel actually wanted to see her. Though not likely, the thought made her stand up with a small smile.

In any case, there was no use in fighting it. Whatever her brother wanted he would get, and it was better for everyone if she obliged when asked nicely. It could get her on his better side. His good side, even.

The two guards led her through the main corridors and she tried to ignore the stares from the staff. She could tell that they were whispering whenever she passed, no doubt about how she looked. Muddy pants, black stains all over her brown shirt.

The princess motioned for her escorts to leave her side. They seemed reluctant to leave, though, and Sorine was sure they did not believe her to be safe with her own self. They saw her as unstable, as everyone did. Her curse made them think that.

Nevertheless, they left her side and she made her way to the throne room. She wanted to see her brother before dinner, maybe spark conversation.

"Where have you been?" Prince Kangel Frost groaned, bored. The princess trudged into the throne room with a sigh, her muddle pants dripping upon the expensive carpet. So much for a pleasant conversation.

She opened her mouth to reply but her brother held his hand up. "Do not use your words, Sorine Hebenus-Frost. You know what will happen. Remember this morning?"

She said nothing.

"You almost knocked the North Tower to pieces!" The prince rolled his eyes. "That would've cost a fortune to repair. What would my father have thought."

Hurt, Sorine pointed outside. Kangel nodded, not seeming to care any longer. "I hope you can relax within these walls this time. Perhaps instead of joining me for tonight's meal, you can stay in your chambers."

Sorine nodded, biting back her words. His eyes shone with something other than disdain, only for a moment. It made her feel somewhat elated to know he had other emotions besides that when he sees her. Maybe, just maybe, her old friend was still hidden within the callous prince.

"Come to think of it, I'm having guests over," he continued, "so maybe it would be best if you didn't bother coming back out tonight. Please do not embarrass me."

I spoke too soon, she thought. She nodded again and quietly left to her chambers. It was not as if she could reply, as her voice would create even more chaos in the palace. No, it was best to just go and sit in her tower and silently pine for a life that had not bestowed her thunderous sound upon her. It was what was expected of a lady of her stature. Of a princess.

Maybe Kangel would appreciate her quiet courtesy.