Ascending

Chapter Three

I close the lid to my jewelry box and latch it tightly. Kennedy has the rest of my things already packed in the parlor.

But I always pack my jewelry. It's too important to trust anyone else with. Even Kennedy. Once I'm sure that the contents inside are secure, I walk out to the parlor.

"Is that everything?" I ask.

"Yes, Princess. The rest of your belongings are being loaded into the Hydro-Carriage as we speak." Kennedy responds.

"Thank you," I reply handing the box to Kennedy with care. "When do we leave?"

"In just over an hour, Princess."

"Right then," I say, as I straighten my black blazer over my chest. "You're free to go. I'm just going to say goodbye to my siblings, and I will see you once we return."

Kennedy doesn't come with me to the Conference of the Kingdoms. The people of the Court make loads of public appearances throughout the four days, so that gives aspiring makeup artists and hairdressers a fighting chance to put themselves on the map for styling a Princess.

Many fashion designers have reached out to me, they always receive disappointing replies.

I never bother to look up who will style me. Kennedy chooses them and I trust Kennedy's judgment. The stylists are always different and always good. Kennedy hasn't steered me wrong yet.

But while I'm away in Aedifex, Kennedy has no purpose in the palace. So they get a vacation. I'm glad, with all the work they do Kennedy deserves one.

Kennedy walks out with my jewelry to add it to the rest of my belongings. After a few moments, I walk out to the hall of the Children's Tower. Eight doors line the walls. My black heels click against the marble floors as I look at the white double doors shining against the grey paint.

I decide to start with Bobby. His door is to the right of mine, Sloan's is to the left.

I rap my knuckles upon the door. I could very well walk in if I wanted to. I used to be able to when Bobby was still supposed to be King. When Juliet was just an infant. But now my brother and I are strangers. So I knock.

The door opens a few moments later. I expect my brother, but his servant, Ivan, answers the door instead. "How can I help you, princess?"

"I was expecting to speak to my brother," I reply. "I'm leaving soon and I hoped to say goodbye."

"Prince Robert is currently indisposed," Ivan tells me.

"Ah," I click my tongue. I think Genie spent the night. "Well, once he's done with whatever he's doing, could you please send him?"

"Of course Princess."

"I appreciate it," I say. Then the servant turns and closes the door.

The walls are already thick, but I thank the Court that my closet is the wall that I share with Bobby's room. Instead of going to Sloan's room I turn around and walk to Juliet's bedroom. I will work my way backward.

Juliet and I have no disputes. So I enter her parlor on my own. The door to her bedroom is open. I see Juilet bend over her desk, pondering whatever is on her Study Panel. Her windows look down on the front doors. She can see past the Southern wing and has a spectacular view of the forest and lake where the stables reside on the edge of the field.

I try not to make a sound as I walk up behind Juilet. She has her math work pulled up. She's working on a multiplication problem. She looks as if she's struggled with getting the right answer serval times now. I watch her go through the problem again and the screen blinks red.