Kingdom Raiders

Chapter 2 - Ada

I WAITED FOR the announcement behind closed doors. Hands clammy and mind racing. Social events were never my forté. However, my mother and father would have chastised me if I ever said such a thing out loud. The only thing I really looked forward to is seeing my Lady's face as she would be formally introduced to society. That and the sweets.

Today was the day. The Princess' eighteenth birthday ball. She was to dance with all the suitors in the land as she was yet to be betrothed and married off. I'm glad I'm not a royal. Similar expectations were put on me, yes, however, I didn't have the whole kingdom breathing down my neck, waiting for me to get married. Only my parents and the princess, which I know they all mean well, however I enjoy being a Lady in Waiting

"Her Royal Highness, Princess of Cazelle." Boomed a loud voice from behind closed doors.

The large oak doors slowly swung open to reveal candle lights hanging from all corners of the room, wax dripping from each one, red velvet drapery suspended from walls and tables and pooling at the uneven stone floor beneath. Food was laid out over some of the tables. Sugared fruits with honey, figs, dates, grapes and strawberries on one. On another was sweets and desserts, crepes with sugar, sweet custards, fritters, and my favourite, ginger comfits. Small enough to sneak a couple without being an improper lady, but also small enough to stash away in your pockets to nibble on later.

Ladies with imported jewelry, their clothes embellished with silver. Men with their fur lined clothing and woolen cloaks accompanied the ladies, offering the crooks of their arms as they walked. Silk fabrics glided across the room to get to their designated spot as the princess walked in.

Dressed in purple in gold silks with sleek black hair tucked under her headdress, the Princess Isabelle walked in with her head held high and a slight mischief in her eye. The room went silent, all eyes on her, waiting for her to speak.

"My Lord," She addressed the King, her father. "I express my gratitude towards tonight, my eighteenth birthday, and all the preparations that went into it." He smiled and nodded at his only child.

King Roland would have burned the Kingdom down on his daughter's say so. It didn't take much convincing on the Princess' part to persuade her committed father to throw her a birthday ball.

"I also thank thee my Lords and Ladies," She was now speaking to the guests that had travelled miles to get a single glimpse or dance with any of the Royal Family. "I thank you for coming to the ball held in my honour on this day. I thank everyone who has generously given gifts and set apart the time to be here tonight. Now that all the pleasantries are over, I implore you to start dancing and enjoy your time here."

As she finished, she gave the slightest nod to the musicians who were waiting for their queue. At once the band began to play, the Lords and Ladies started joining hands to dance a carole.

I followed behind the Princess as she placed herself next to the King and Queen, talking in hushed tones as she glanced around the room. She seemed to already be enjoying herself.

"Ada." She didn't raise her voice like her father did to command servants, however, it still had authority with no room to question.

"Yes, Your Highness." I curtsied, not just to her but in the presence of the entire Royal family. Most people would possibly be intimidated by this, however, I had grown up living in the castle. The curtsies and the proper addressing of the Princess were just formalities, we mainly did this in the company of others. Otherwise, we would almost act like siblings. I would chase her around her bedchamber with her hairbrush, and her giggling maniacally teasing me as if she was still eight years old.

"Would you go to Father's study and ask the Scribe for the letters - he will know what I am talking about- and start handing them out to all the ladies and gentlemen that have been invited?" Her eyes were not on me, but watching the men dancing as if picking out her next meal to eat.