Choices Affect Everyone COMPLETE

Chapter 18

"Did you used to be able to talk? From what I understand, the mute have hand signals they usually use," Princess Katherine says.

Muriel nods. She pulls out her slate and writes, "I was able to talk before they found me."

"You have beautiful handwriting," she says. "I love people's handwriting. It's just so elegant. It reminds me of the rolling waves of the sea."

Muriel smiles. "You like being out on the sea?"

She reads it before nodding. "I love it. I admit it's sometimes a little scary. But when the sea is calm, and the sun is warm." She lets out a long breath. "When I'm in the castle, I enjoy watching the waves hit against the cliffs. The power is amazing."

Muriel is still for a moment before erasing and writing, "Do you have mermaids?"

Princess Katherine shakes her head. "No, no, we don't. We don't live close to water. Besides, I prefer it that way. After the war they waged here, I'd prefer not to meet one. They're as unpredictable as the weather out at sea."

Muriel takes a deep breath. At first, the comment stings, but she realizes that it's true for some merpeople, like Kyla. She goes to work at her needlepoint.

Princess Katherine takes her hand and feels it. "Your hand is smooth like a princess's. You know, the servants do a lot more work than we do." She looks at her. "Are you a princess or related to royalty?"

Muriel blinks a few times, panic building. She looks away before nodding.

"How old are you?"

Muriel writes her age on the slate.

Princess Katherine frowns. "How are you not married? I'm a year or two younger than you, and people ask me that."

Muriel keeps her eyes averted as she forces a shrug.

She is quiet for a moment. "Muriel, I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you after Prince Philip?"

She swallows, and her shoulders droop. She writes, "A little, but he's not interested in me."

Princess Katherine is quiet for a moment. She smiles and nods. "It's all right, I'm sure you will find someone someday. Prince Philip is a sweet man, isn't he?"

Muriel nods.

"He seems concerned about his people and their welfare, which is good. He'll need a wife that can voice her option to ensure he doesn't ever go too far."

Muriel flinches and lets out a shaky breath. She nods.

"Are you coming to the ball tonight?"

Muriel nods.

Princess Katherine smiles. "I'm glad. Just be wary of the men that might prey on you. You're quite pretty, and as you can't speak, you might be more of a target. If you stay near me, Prince Philip or that servant over there, you should be all right, okay?"

She nods again.

Princess Katherine glances at Caroline. "Is she your personal servant?"

Muriel pulls out her slate. "I guess? I think I have her because I can't fully walk or scream if I'm in danger."

She nods. "True. I'm surprised Prince Philip isn't married already. He is so sweet." She gives a small giggle.

"He's a little picky," Muriel writes. "He wants a happy marriage."

Princess Katherine nods. "He must be. I'm also surprised because he seems too sweet to say no."

Muriel gives a silent giggle. She nods, biting her lip, trying to hold back her smile.