Some people argued that Princess Arianthe didn't exist.
Some said she only came out on the full moon.
Some said she wasn't King Eustace's daughter at all and she was just a myth to let him keep the throne.
Some said she was cursed by a witch when she was a baby so she was tragically deformed and ugly.
But others were closer to the truth and stated that Princess Arianthe wasn't allowed out of the palace due to her father's terror of losing her.
Whatever the rumours were, no one ever knew the truth exactly; King Eustace kept his daughter under lock and key all day everyday for everyday of her life.
However, despite her imprisonment Arianthe had grown into a beautiful, intelligent and resourceful young lady. She was an avid learner and put all of her time into learning new skills as well as the lessons her tutor set her.
Of course, like any girl of that age she was constantly curious about her home as well as the land outside it. Although she had access to the whole castle and the grounds, she longed for just a glimpse of her father's kingdom or even the subjects that lived there.
Our tale begins on a beautiful day in May, where the sun beamed down on the castle like a glistening golden coin and the trees in the castle orchard were blossoming like snow flakes.
Princess Arianthe had been awake for several hours but had lain there slowly watching her bedroom grow steadily brighter in the morning light. Knowing she couldn't keep pretending to be asleep for her maids she rolled over and sat up, yawning.
Someone must have heard her because quick footsteps clattered down the passage to her room, Arianthe quickly stood up and reached for her dressing gown.
"Good morning, Princess." smiled Agnes, her handmaiden.
"Hello, Agnes" replied Arianthe
Agnes crossed the room and drew the curtains.
"It's a lovely day today." she said
"Yes." answered Arianthe simply, watching her maid make her bed and put her dress on top.
"Ooh, I forgot to say; your tutor Mr Clarke said he's going into the next village to visit his sister so you have this morning off."
"Excellent, when you've finished dressing me tell the stableman that I'll be down to visit Heloise soon." Arianthe instructed.
"Very well, My Lady" said Agnes, dutifully.
Once Agnes had dressed Princess Arianthe, replaced the candle on her bedside table, and emptied the chamber pot she exited the room to go to the stables, leaving Arianthe alone again in her room.
She sighed as she began to brush her long dark hair and gazed wistfully out of the window and at the world in which she could never belong to.
YOU ARE READING
Her Portrait
FantasyYoung Princess Arianthe has never stepped foot outside the castle. Her father, King Eustace is determined to keep her safe due to the disappearance of her mother years ago. But what he doesn't know is Arianthe is slowly learning his secrets and find...
