Queen of the Castle

The Rite

We entered the city, and I couldn't help but stare out the carriage window. The cobblestone streets were surrounded by tall stone buildings filled with colorful shops, and beautiful merchandise. I watched as people bought and sold, fabrics, food, and all manner of beautiful oddities. Women in brightly colored gowns wandered the street with exotic animals on dainty leather leashes. Pageboys in blue uniforms ran around carrying all sorts of items and letters. I sighed, taking in the wonderous city around me. Soon, our carriage passed into the higher districts. Glorious mansions stood proudly, guarded by wrought iron fences and enrobed in lush green gardens. There were a few pageboys on the streets, but not much else. Finally, we reached the palace gates. Twenty feet tall, and made entirely of iron, they could keep out even the most vicious of foes. The grand gates opened, and my small procession proceeded into a large courtyard. A marble fountain stood in the center, bubbling and laughing in the midday sun. the water sparkled like diamonds, and I felt the sudden urge to feel in against my skin.

"Seraaaa" Amira's annoyed voice pierced through my head.

"what?" I asked, trying to keep the annoyance out of my voice.

"I think were supposed to get out now" she said in the most matter of fact voice.

I sighed "no I think im going to live in the carriage for the rest of my life" I snapped giving her a nasty smirk.

"don't be a bitch" she scolded, turning to open the carriage door. Before she could reach it, the door flung open without warning. Trumpets sounded, screeching a loud symphony to herald our arrival. I gingerly stepped out of the carriage and into the courtyard.

"announcing the duke of Aylin, Lord Frederick Errad Constantine the fifth, and his Wife the Princess of Aylin, jewel of the north, Her Royal Highness, Serafina Alaria Constantine."

Ugh I hated this place already, and I especially hated that herald for including the damn jewel of the north part, and did he say wife? It made me sound like a stuffy simpering lady. I straightened my shoulders and held my head high as my guards surrounded my father and me. We were herded towards the front doors of the palace. My guards parted once we completed our thirty second journey to the palace doors.

Standing in front of me was a picture of pure aristocracy. A tall and skinny man with pale skin, greased black hair, and a disturbingly bouncy mustache greeted us at the door.

"your grace, your highness." He said as he bowed low enough to give me a view of a very shiny bald spot on the crown of his head. "I am the head butler of Barrington castle, and as such, it is my duty, and great honor to show you to your suite"

"just one suite?" I asked, secretly hoping I wouldn't be sharing a room with my father.

"yes, your highness, it is customary for husband and wife to share the same quarters. Is it not?" he asked looking taken aback. At this my father erupted in laughter and clapped the poor man on the back.

"you simpering fool" he thundered with laughter. "this is my daughter, not my wife."

The butler paled a little, if that were even possible given his nearly white skin.

"my deepest apologies your grace. We seem to have made an egregious error." He said as he struggled to maintain the dignity he had lost.

"not to worry my good man" my father laughed. "I'm sure you'll find suitable accommodations for my daughter."

"yes, indeed" the butler replied, giving me a look up and down. "erm if you would follow me, I will get you settled immediately."

I laughed to myself. Not five minutes here and they had already made a mistake. How would I survive in a court that didn't even know I was coming? No doubt, the ladies would be gossiping about the duke and his grotesque daughter who was mistaken for an old woman within the hour. The head butler led us into the palace, and I marveled at the obscene finery surrounding me. Glossy marble floors stretched in both directions. The walls were filled with gilded paintings, and finely woven tapestries depicting the great battles of old. I looked up at the ceiling which was painted with beautiful frescos and adorned with gold leaf.  This place was a beautiful cage, but a cage nonetheless I followed my father and the rather odious butler into the cavernous halls of the palace. We took many twists and turns, up and down staircases, and through so many hallways, I lost count. I was surely trapped in this beautiful place. Finally after half an hour of droning from the butler, we reached my fathers rooms.