The Blue Queen

Chapter 4

I wake early and prepare breakfast. Elizabeth examines the dress and I sew it some more for her, fixing imaginary imperfections. Father informs me that I will be bringing a small bag for us that will be left with the coats so Elizabeth makes me re-pot some of her cosmetics into smaller containers so we can reapply there if necessary.

Luckily father also says I do not need to make lunch as we will be fed aplenty at the banquet, Elizabeth says she wouldn't eat anyway, so her corset may be tightened further. I am grateful, I need to prepare myself.

I fix Elisabeth's makeup and then her hair, finally tightening her corset and gown as tight as possible as per her request. If it wasn't for the white paste I think her face would be growing purple. It reminds me of how I entered this world. I was simply short of breath for a moment. I shake the thought, this is my life. I have to be content with it.

Father says the carriage is on its way and Elisabeth finally lets me get ready. I put on my gown and use the makeup I was given when Elizabeth decided she didn't want it anymore to make myself look better. I simply put some shimmer on my eyelids and paint my eyelashes black; using a brown powder to make my eyebrows thicker. I put some balm in my hair to soothe the curl and allow its elegance to show; I take two curls and pin them behind my head. I pin some lavender on my dress almost like a broach and I take a book and hide it in my coat; perhaps I can read there. The carriage arrives and we head to Hampton court palace.

"Now, Anna. You are to be quiet all night, do not speak unless spoken to. There will be people to serve us so we will not need your assistance." My father says.

"Just fade into the background. It won't be hard with me in the room." Elizabeth says father laughs proudly and I nod slightly, looking out of the carriage as the buildings grow more frequent and grander.

My eyes widen as we get to the palace, the red and black brick is mesmerising, the white mortar just extenuates the grandness, and it is only the outside. Guards line the entrance and we wait in a line of carriages to enter the place. I watch as the people enter, I feel underdressed. Women with bright dresses smothered in gold walk in with tall hair and countless jewels. Men walk in with swords on their hips and I get nervous. When it is our turn my father exits first and then Elizabeth. I walk out and walk into the grand courtyard. Everything is so grand and perfectly designed. I have to consciously keep my jaw closed. We all convene in the waiting room and my eyes look at the grand tapestries as my father and sister mingle. Servants come in and take our coats and bags.

I stay close to my father and sister but stay far enough away as not to bother them. We are called into the grand hall and we are greeted by music and a large U shaped table with a long table at the back of food. With the hall being bigger we all disperse and I look at the grand stain glass windows.

The doors open and men in grand capes enter. We all bow as they take their seats and they allow us to rise. We take our seats and servants come and start plating food for us. Some of the more noble guests reserve their seats before ignoring the food and going to dance. Wine is poured and I sip it as I nibble at the food. The food is wonderful, perhaps I can ask for the recipe. I have the urge to explore, maybe to the kitchen, the outside calls me more.

It takes an hour before a councilman stands. The fur he is carrying looks so soft I wonder what it is. No one seems interested in any one of the noblemen in particular so I assume they are all known, so I feel confident that the Prince has not attended. The music is silenced and we all turn to look at the councilman as he smiles down at us.

"Dear guests, it is my honour to invite you to explore the grounds, while I assure you the fun is in here the grounds are yours to explore this evening but while the cooks prepare the dessert feast I would like to lead in a dance; for those who stay anyway." He says the wine has already taken effect. My father and sister disappear and I also stand up. I go to a servant and ask to get my coat to make sure I have something. I am taken to the coatroom and I get the book from my coat. I am left alone and I head out to the garden. There is a maze that I have figured out from upstairs so I walk through it, expecting it to be more private. I read as I walk through to the other side. Looking up to be greeted by rolling hills and trees so large I allow my jaw to slack.