Tense

24 - The next Helen of Troy

••••
"You Majesty, we have confirmation that the Spanish have left the airport."
"Thank you, Gerald. You are dismissed."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, Lady Charlotte is here to see you."
"Let her in."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"What brings you here today, my Lady?"
"The girl, Your Majesty. I believe she is not who we thought she would be."
"Then who is she?"
"I believe her to be the former crown Princess, Lilliana, of Spain, Your Majesty."
"That is absurd."
"I am afraid it is not, Your Majesty. And right now I fear for my country and the girl."
"If she truly is who you believe her to be, then they will want her, right?"
"I am afraid so, Your Majesty"
"Do you think they know?"
••••

"Ladies, listen up"

Lady Charlotte's voice rung through the with bickering buzzing hall, as we young Ladies of the court were taking in our breakfast. I was still trying to wake up after only a few hours of sleep.

"As you know the prince's intended are from this week on allowed to take a lady in waiting to the events, as you will spend more time without the group and with the prince - so it is better to get used to the idea of at least one lady in waiting. Also during the group activities all young Ladies will join together as the Spanish prince still resides in Angeles and will do so for quite some time. I expect all of you to be on your best behaviour and support an political alliance with Spain over petty drama."

With that she sat back down and the hall remained silent for a moment, before the women started up murmuring and talking even louder. The girls seemed giddy with excitement.

"I think Cassandra is a favourite"
"No, Tatiana will definitely be high up, look at her beauty. I call shotgun on her"
"I rather call dips on Sarah, she is probably the best bet as the daughter of Duke Gerrit"

I listened to the women around me discussing names of women I had never even heard of.

"Why are you betting on the women, and 'shotgun-ing' who to wait on ?" I ask into the round.

"You wouldn't need to understand, but if we support the right women, and she becomes Queen, then we are in a way more favourable position, you see?" Eve said to me, sitting a couple of places down the table from me.

I nodded solemnly not letting her pettiness rile me up and not yet realising how tough of a competition these girls made this for themselves. I looked over the hall, spotting Yana, looking bored as she drank from her cup of coffee. When her eyes scanned the perimeter as well, we made eye contact and both smiled. I had never seen her at the grand events, mostly because I was never actually granted time to search her out. When we both exited the Dining hall to go to our morning lessons - this time coincidentally Spanish - we met with a hug and linked our arms together as we walked.

"Girl, I when saw you at the ball yesterday! Oh my God!! It was just so awesome!.."

She couldn't contain her excitement and it made me smile.

"..You looked like a princess. Holy macaroni! I still can't believe it - and when you danced with the Spanish prince and then with Prince Eric. The girls lost it, it was so funny!.." she rambled and rambled on making me laugh at her blunt and sometimes even crass word choice.

"Are you enjoying yourself, though?" Her face faltered a bit at my question and her smile became sad.

"Not really. Don't get me wrong, all of this is freaking amazing and I am just so overwhelmed with all of this greatness, but I miss our little house, the horses, the square, Thomas, and I miss my Familiy, they won't let me call on them. I only have letters to write."

I didn't know how to respond, so I squeezed her hand in support and hugged her tight trying my best to console my friend.

"All the girls vying for the prince. Always stirring up drama and bullying each other. I feel lost in all of it. Even at the balls, I feel lost. Men coming up to me to dance, bragging about their military accomplishments and stuff. Like what do I care?" She threw her hand up in a small fit.