Unauthorized Communication

Chapter 1: Selvia

"Your Highness?" there was a knock at the door. "It's time to get up."

I jumped up from my desk, grinning, and ran to the door. Finally, I could get out of my room. I flung open my door to see a shocked Arnold, ready to knock again. I laughed. Arnold should know by now that I'm not one to waste the day.

"Good morning Arnold," I sang, skipping past him.

"Uh. Go-good morning, Your Highness," Arnold stuttered and I turned around to face him.

"I told you, Arnold: call me Selvia," I said, grabbing his hands.

Before he could say another word, I spun on my heel and scampered away. It was eight o'clock and the buzz of the palace was quiet, as usual. Rounding the corner at the end of my private hall (though not as cool or private as advertised), I breathed in deeply and smiled even wider as I passed a giant window that overlooked the garden. I quickened my pace, ready to enter the carefree world I had created. The stairwell appeared and I hopped on the banister, sliding down to the first floor. I jumped down, running into Jane, my personal maid and best friend.

"Hey Sel, are you planning on setting up a date between me and the floor?" Jane joked.

"Sorry Jane," I laughed, helping her pick up some envelopes that had fallen during the collision. "What are these for?"

I looked over some of the envelopes as Jane fumbled around with the others, quickly grabbing the ones in my hand. I stared at her for a moment as she fixed the envelopes and her dress. She was about to lie to me, I could tell.

"Oh, just some invitations your mom is having sent out. You know how she likes her parties," Jane said tensely.

Yep, she was definitely lying to me.

"Mum is throwing another party?" I asked incredulously.

She had just thrown one last week for my third-quarter-birthday. Yeah, I know. Does that even exist? My mom is crazy and what's even crazier is that I was hardly at the party. It was only women Mum's age anyways. She didn't even notice when I left and never came back. I swear she only throws parties for the sake of her image. I almost felt bad for her public relations manager. Jane nodded and I shook my head.

"What for this time?" I watched as Jane's face grew stoic, hiding her true feelings about the "party".

"I'm not one to ask," Jane replied, then she smiled and glanced at my clothes. "I see you got yourself dressed again. You're going to put me out of a job!"

"Come on, how bad could an endless summer be?" I laughed and Jane joined in.

"Oh, by the way, your mom had a special dress made that she wants you to wear today," Jane smiled at me. "But, seeing as you're already dressed, I'll just send it to your room."

"Thanks, Jane," I smiled slightly and glanced over Jane's shoulder as some maids appeared; Jane caught what I was looking at and curtsied gracefully.

"My pleasure, Your Highness," she said, her head bowed.

This type of action made me uncomfortable but, aside from Jane, no one knew that. Once the maids were gone, Jane straightened up, smiling at me.

"I've got to go. I actually have work to do, Sel. See you later," Jane waved and walked away.

I waved, a little disappointed but understanding. As I turned to walk away, I felt something prick my ankle. I looked down and saw an envelope that must have fallen in Jane's quick departure. Picking it up, two thoughts crossed my mind: I could return the envelope to Jane so it could be sent to whoever for whatever or I could keep the envelope, find out who and what it was for, and return it later. I decided on the latter. I was really curious about this "party". The envelope was so tempting to open but as I took a quick glance up, I saw my mother and froze. Before she had the chance to turn around, I quickly tucked the envelope in the waistband of my pants at the small of back. By the time Mum actually did turn around, it was out of sight but not quite out of mind. I walked towards her as she waved away her maids and grabbed my wrist, a bit forcefully might I add.