Princess and the Handmaiden

Chapter 1 (Celina)

The carriage rattled gently against the road. There was something almost enchanting about the bumpiness. It was like a lullaby, gently coaxing her to sleep. But Celina would not allow herself to sleep. Not when today was the first time she would arrive at the castle. Today was an event that was unlike any other; today was the day she would live in the castle for the next few months--maybe even years--of her life.

She stared out the window, watching as endless pastures of grass blurred passed. The sky was a vivid blue shade today. The clouds were fluffy and soft. It was a painting with all the colors that filled the scenery. Birds sang a cheerful tune. She stuck her head out of the hole, smiling as the air kissed her skin with cold, gentle lips. Her heart soared.

A breeze picked up, dragging a leaf along into the air. The wind turned chilling to the touch, more frigid than soft. Bumps ran along her skin. A pit of worry and despaired realization sat in her stomach. She retreated back into her seat. She observed the world the way she admired a painting. No matter how close she got to a portrait, she could never truly be in that world.

"My lady?"

"Yes?" She glanced up to and made eye contact with one of her older maids, Elizabeth. She had forgotten that she wasn't the only one on this carriage ride.

"We're here."

They were? How time moved so quickly and without hesitation. She glanced out the gap again.

She released a small gasp. They had entered the palace courtyard. A sandy and dark beige wall made of bricks and clay surrounded the massive enclosement. Each section of the wall was separated by columns and arches. The large windows overlooking the courtyard had their own little balconies. The round, sloping roofs were adorned with menacing gargoyles.

There were long stretches of gardens filled with a wide array of flowers and bushes, a contrast to all of the stone she had seen before. Statues and small fountains added extra flavor to the garden.

The carriage followed along a smooth, stone path led directly to the central door--a massive, arched door. Guards, dressed in red surcoats, were positioned at intervals along the path, watching with wary gazes as the carriage trudged along.

Her insides twisted and turned. Her hand reached to her stomach. Was this a feeling of excitement or anxiety? She couldn't tell. She should be happy. At least, this was what her father wanted. With her position at her court, she could help bring status and honor to her family's name. Perhaps she could win the hand of a suitor as well and continue her line.

Being the only child of an unremarkable household yielded a lot of pressure on her. But Celina was brought up to be a prime example of what a Meuric lady was-- quiet, obedient, patient and hardworking, traits that she exemplified. She was to be a role model for the young princess Bathilda. She was going to be her new handmaiden.

And a good Meuric lady would keep calm and composed. She would not let her anxieties get to her mind. Everything would be fine, she reassured herself.

The carriage door swung open. Golden sunlight poured into the room, flooding her with warmth. She pulled up the hems of her long, purple dress, and stepped out of the carriage. Being outside relieved all of the tension from her muscles, if only for a short while.

From this angle, she could get a better view of the castle. Gazing at the rest of the palace, she gaped in astonishment. Dome-shaped towers shot up at the corners and behind the central building. The front entrance was a dazzling display of marble sculptures and an assortment of ridged pillars. It was a marvelous sight to behold. She could hardly believe that she was going to live here.

It was a dream. A fantasy. None of this was real. None of this could be real. All Celina needed to do was wake up, and she would be back in her room... She closed her eyes and--

"My lady." Elizabeth's voice cut through her thoughts.

Her eyes opened. Her cheeks flushed pink. She must have looked stupid, just standing there like that.

"With all do respect, my lady, I believe we ought to move. I'm certain Your Highness will be waiting for us. It would give us a better impression if we arrive on time. "

"Oh, yes. Of course." She nodded quickly.

Elizabeth gathered the other servants from the carriage. Together, her servants filed behind her, bearing the load of her personal belongings.

"I believe we have everything, my lady," said Elizabeth, bowing her head. Celina nodded.

"Thank you," said Celina.

The carriage drivers stayed behind. Her servants had been told to leave after they brought her possessions. It wouldn't be long before she would have to part with them.

She made a few tentative steps toward the door, her small group of servants following closely. She stared up the length of the door, eyes widening in bewilderment. She was a mouse in the presence of the door. Approaching a guard, he gave her a nod of acknowledgement.

"What is your business here?"

Elizabeth stepped beside her, taking out a scroll with a golden tassel. "We've come here at the request of His Majesty, the good King Hammond. My lady is to become a handmaiden of Her Highness, Princess Bathilda."

She handed the scroll over. Panic seized her heart as the guard read the letter. What if this was a mistake? What if the king had intended for someone else to take the position? What would that mean for her family? The guard finished and then looked back up at her. She felt herself melt under his scrutiny.

"Ah. So, you must be Lady Celina of the House of Meuric, correct?"

"Indeed," she said, breathing in relief. She was in the right place.

"I'll tell my men to open the door, and then I'll get someone to lead you through the castle," he said. Celina nodded. A moment later, metal and wood shifted and groaned as the door open. The ground quivered a little. A young servant, dressed in quilted, red robes appeared.

"This way, my lady," he said.

This was it. Her first day at the palace.

She could only pray that her first encounter with Princess Bathilda would go well. The princess was not known for her patience