Royalty at Sea

The Perfect Lady

Adella rolled to her side, the morning sun seeping through the curtains. Her fingers grabbed unto her book, exploring new lands with an eager heart. She and her crew trekked lightly on the white sands, she pointed to a jungle and began leading her crew into the unknown. Here, she was no princess, she was a captain.

The servant door swung open.

"Good morning, your Majesty," one of the handmaidens said, sliding the curtains to the side.

"Ugh," Adella groaned, squinting as the sun brightened up the room.

"Have ya' been reading by candlelight again?" the other handmaiden said, grabbing her melted candle and placing it on a tray. "Tch, if ya' keep going, you'll go blind, miss."

"Lies," Adella said, swinging her legs off the bed.

"Y'know you're not supposed to be readin' that kinda stuff?"

Adella scoffed. "It is a book like any other."

"A book with killin' and stealin' and danger," one of the handmaidens said. "Ladies aren't supposed to read that, puts ideas in your 'ead."

"I don't see anything wrong with that," Adella murmured.

The two handmaidens set to work. They bustled about, rushing Adella into the bath and preparing her for the rest of the day. Braided hair, light makeup, tight corset, heavy skirt, heels.

As soon as she exited the room, she saw Simon's familiar face waiting for her at the door. A subtle smile settled on her face, but before she could speak, Simon bowed.

"Good morning, Princess. I have been instructed to be your personal escort from now on," he said, straightening.

Adella fought the urge to laugh. "Personal escort? Since when do I need a personal escort?"

Simon's gaze dropped to the ground, slouching slightly. "The King told me to do so, said he'd make me a knight if I did my part."

Adella guffawed. "My father picked a stable boy for my personal protection? How honorable of him." Simon made no sound as he followed Adella. "I assume my sisters do not have personal escorts. It seems this is my father's way of keeping me in place. Promising a servant of no noble blood he will become a knight? Wait until I speak to him."

Simon cleared his throat. Adella looked back and noticed his stern gaze. "Are you alright?" Adella whispered. Simon stared ahead, pointing to the dining room.

"Your family waits, your Majesty," he muttered, his eyes refusing to meet hers, his jaw clenched.

"I-" Adella absentmindedly stepped into the room, unused to Simon's attitude.

The King merely glanced at her, the Queen's eyes remained plastered on Simon, while Soraya's eyes remained glued on her. Soraya was an extremely elegant woman, her presence was the most striking of them all. Her red hair was tightened into a bun, highlighting her sharp jaw, fair skin, and plump lips. She wore a golden circlet with a small panther's head in front, one of her most worn accessories, given to her by the king. Quite frankly, the King had given her everything she had, including her place at the table, by offering her titles such as "Countess of Castardia." There may very well be many countesses in their country of Castardia, but Soraya wears the Countess of Castardia title.

Edith, the middle child of the three, smiled and shook her head.

"You're late," she said in her usual matter-of-fact tone.

"Less late than usual!" Constance replied, waving at Adella and pointing at the empty chair next to her. Constance was easily the most pleasant of the three. At the early age of twelve, she knew how to carry a conversation far better than the other two, and her womanly features were seeping through at a rapid pace.