One for Cards

Chapter Nine

25/4/2020: omg I am so sorry that the updates for this story have been so haphazard! I have apparently lost the discipline to post weekly + the fact that I am currently working a full-time job definitely does get in the way of writing sometimes! No excuses though, and I promise that I will be better about updating. You'll start seeing these every week, either on Friday or on Saturday.

Here's today's chapter – happy reading! As always, do leave your votes and comments, they really make my day!

ADDIE HAD FOUND A NEW SPOT TO WATCH THE SUN SET. IN THE WEST WING OF THE Palace – five hundred and thirty-seven paces from her chambers, and three floors up – there was a small circular room with a window facing the sunset. It was minimally furnished, with only one sconce on a wall and a rug on the floor, but that didn't bother her; it was an upgrade next to her old roof. Now she could watch day turn to night even when it snowed.

Yet, the new location didn't measure up. The one thing it lacked was the one thing she'd enjoyed the most – privacy. Back when Addie was only landed gentry, she'd get to go up to the roof alone; now that she was princess, two guards were always right by the door. She'd asked that they stand outside, but it still didn't feel the same. Though Lydia might've come up the stairs calling for her at any time back at the townhouse, there had never been anyone paying attention to her while she ruminated. Not even listening out in case she called. (The staff back then had known that her time on the roof was her time alone. She wouldn't ask for anything.)

The sky faded from orange to navy and she drew herself to her feet. It would be time for dinner, soon.

"Your Highness," the guards greeted as she stepped out of her little retreat.

"Officer Aamir. Officer O'Conor." They'd seemed surprised when she asked for their names, but she found it odd not to know what to call each member her close guard. It was only natural to her that she should learn.

"To dinner, Madam?" Aamir asked, following her along their usual route to the dining room.

She turned her head to smile at them. "Yes. Let's go quickly; then you can be on our way to your own meals as well. I'm sure you're famished."

O'Conor grinned. "You're very kind, Highness. Only you would think of us."

Addie laughed. "Flatterer."

The guards saw her to the dining hall, where they bowed and retreated downstairs. A different set of guards, stationed along the walls of the room, watched over the royal family and members of the court as they ate.

"Father, Mama; my lords, my ladies." Seeing that her parents and all their dinner guests were already seated and waiting, she offered an apologetic curtsy. "My apologies. I wasn't aware that you would all be waiting already."

Queen Anne smiled at her, a kindness not often granted when she was late to a meal or a meeting. "You're forgiven. Come and sit, my darling."

Addie slipped into her seat at the edge of the table, opposite her mother and beside Mr Williams. The King, who sat at the head of the table and to Addie's other side, motioned to a servant, and soup was brought to the table: a hundred servants and a hundred plates streaming into the room. She watched in anticipation as a bowl was placed in front of her. Once her father picked up his spoon, she was at liberty to do the same, and dug in.

"I hear you spoke with Prince Hasan today," King James remarked.

"Yes, Father. Lord Arbough and I both think we might be able to come to a consensus that both sides are happy with."

"Really?"

She would've filled her father in on the spot, but she noticed that the Duke of Couronne, from his spot beside Mr Williams, had leaned in to their private conversation. Beside him, Lord Weavely continued speaking, but it was clear that Lord Couronne's attentions had long shifted.