8

I could feel all the eyes on the room on me and my palms began to sweat. The only thing I could do was the thing I knew how to do best. 

"My tale starts in a faraway land, where mystical creatures roamed the streets...," I started. 

I had created a story in my head, on the spur of the moment, and I could feel everyone listening intently. Despite my nervousness, I could feel that I had the room's attention. 

"And Princess Verna flew off into the darkness," I closed off, looking around the room. The Ladies leaned forward, listening eagerly- except for Esme, who rolled her eyes and examined her nails. Queen Amelia had an undecipherable expression on her face while Princess Barbara raised an eyebrow. 

Had I made a mistake? 

"That's it? Where is Princess Verna going?" Princess Barbara demanded. 

I had made up the story on impulse and had no idea myself what Princess Verna's next steps were going to be. 

"As much as we would like to hear the rest of Lady Madeline's story, I'm afraid the salon has come to an end. Thank you, Ladies; this time has been quite...interesting," The Queen made eye contact with each of us before leaving, Princess Barbara not too far behind. 

"Are you trying to get kicked out, Madeline?" Esme whipped around, once the Queen was safely out of earshot. 

"Excuse me?" I tried my best to arch my eyebrow like Caroline did countless times. 

"That little story you told was disastrous. I'm sure the Queen hated it," Esme said. "And we all know that the Queen has a strong power over who stays after The Cut and who doesn't." 

"I think the Queen liked it. I mean Princess Barbara did- and I did as well," Fiona said, surprising me. 

Esme rolled her eyes and scoffed, "You have so much potential, Fiona. Instead of hanging around losers like Madeline, you should be with us." 

"I'm sure Fiona isn't ready to be a lap dog just yet," I snarled. 

"I am not a lap dog!" Ashley protested. 

"Shut up, Ashley!" Esme snapped, before flouncing out, Ashley, Petulia and the other ladies not far behind. 

"I know I made a fool of myself," I sighed. 

"No, you didn't, Maddie. Your story was mesmerizing. Princess Barbara certainly loved it- in her own way and you could see the Queen listening intently. Esme is just jealous," Fiona reassured. 

I snorted, "Jealous of what? I'm nothing compared to these other girls." 

"That's what you might think," Fiona shrugged, as we walked back towards the Ladies' wing. 

*** 

The next few days after the Queen's salon were painfully uneventful save for dance lessons. I was dreading dance lessons plainly because there was not a graceful muscle in my body and I knew I was going to embarrass myself in front of the other Ladies. 

We were lined up in what I assumed to be the Dancing Room. The room was extremely spacious and could pass off as a smaller ballroom. It had large windows and I couldn't help but wonder what a lovely day it was. The sun was shining brightly and I was tempted to run away and climb a tree. 

"Bonjour mademoiselles," A lean man with an imperial mustache eyed us up and down as he walked across the ballroom, hands clasped behind his back. "I am Monsieur Alfric and I will be teaching you l'art de la danse," He said, emphasizing the last phrase with a twirl. 

"I can't dance to save my life," I whispered to Fiona, who giggled in response. 

"Does anyone here know ze polka?" Monsieur Alfric asked, looking around expectantly. 

Fiona's hand shot up and I noticed the jealous stares she received. 

"Zhen démontrer," Monsieur Alfric clapped. I didn't know what 'demontrer' meant but Fiona did because she began to dance so perfectly with Monsieur Alfric that they almost looked rehearsed. 

"Anyone could do that," Ashley scoffed, as Fiona got back into the line.

"Where did you learn to dance like that?" I whispered. 

"My dance instructor was Czech," Fiona explained. 

"Maintenant, we will be zoing a dance I am sure most of you are familiar with. Oui?" Monsieur Alfric asked, his voice heavily accented. 

The Ladies nodded eagerly though I was afraid there was no dance I was remotely familiar with. 

"Let's begin with La Valse," Monsieur Alfric clasped his hands together, watching us expectantly. 

"He means The Waltz," Fiona explained. Apparently, Fiona was fluent in French as well. Was there anything she couldn't do?

I watched as the girls began to dance to the music and tried my best to follow suit. 

"La Valse is a tripler time dance," The dance instructor stopped at me. "What are you zoing?" 

I ignored the giggles that resonated from the other Ladies. 

"Encore," Monsieur Alfric clapped and I tried my best to master the steps, which only resulted in me tripping and falling flat on my behind. 

"She's completely hopeless!" Esme shook her head incredulously. 

"There are just those that should be here and those that shouldn't," Ashley echoed, rolling her eyes. 

Fiona helped me up. "Don't listen to them." 

"This time, they're right Fiona, I can't dance to save my life," I sighed. 

"Maybe you just haven't learnt the right way," Fiona suggested. 

"I don't understand," I said. 

"I could teach you," Fiona smiled, her eyes twinkling. 

"Seriously?" I asked, eyes wide. Not many people had offered to help me. 

"Seriously," Fiona grinned.

Dance dragged on for quite a while and I was relieved when my suffering was put to an end. I retreated to my room where Lucy and Imogen helped me freshen up. I was sore everywhere and all I wanted to do was curl up into a ball and fall asleep, as it was one of the few free times we had. 

"A telegram for you, Lady Madeline," Imogen handed me an envelope. 

My heart leapt up when I saw my family's stamp. Excited, I tore the envelope open and pulled out the letter. 

Dear Madeline, 

I trust that you have been doing relatively well at the competition and you remember that your main purpose at the palace is to get sent home at The Cut respectfully- not in disgrace. I have ordered a few more dresses for you and your ball gown for the Welcoming Ball will arrive soon. 

Madeline, I know how hard it is for you to behave appropriately, but for once in your life, be a Lady and not disgrace the family. Remember to keep your chin up, wear your corsets and don't chew with your mouth open. 

Sincerely, 

Mother. 

"Lady Madeline, is everything alright?" Lucy inquired, concern masked her features. 

"I-I'm fine," I cleared my throat. "Why would you think that?" 

"Well, you're crying Lady Madeline," Imogen shrugged. 

I hadn't even realized that my cheeks were stained with tears. I wiped them off quickly. 

"It's just allergies," I sniffed. 

I didn't know why I was crying. I might have expected my mother to at least ask how I was feeling or express how much she loved me. Which she didn't. It was apparent all she cared about was the competition. 

"I need to get some air," I said, before leaving Imogen and Lucy in the room. 

I didn't know where I was going. I walked through hallways until I realized I was lost. I was in an entirely different part of the castle, a quieter part with more intimate designs. I tentatively walked further along the hallway, praying a servant would appear to direct me back to the Ladies' wing.

But, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the pictures and art work that lined the walls. There was a mural of Greek myths I recognized from my reading. Icarus, Medusa, even Zeus and Hera. It was absolutely beautiful and I had never seen anything like it before. 

Footsteps startled me out of my admiration and I turned, only to walk into the hard chest of a stranger. 

The impact sent me to the floor and my vision blurred. 

"My apologies, my Lady," A man's voice echoed in my head. He grabbed my hand and pulled me up and as I blinked the confusion away, I realized I was face to face with probably the most handsome man I'd ever seen. 

He had warm grey eyes, dark hair and a his lips tugged in a lopsided grin. 

"Are you alright?" He asked. 

It took me a while to form words so I nodded quickly. 

"I don't think you should be here," He looked around quickly. "Are you a maid?" 

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm actually one of the Nobles' Daughters." 

"My apologies," He laughed awkwardly. "I'm Lord Amancio." 

Oh, so he was Lord Amancio. 

"Lady Madeline," I curtsied quickly. "Now, can you please tell me where I am?" 

"This is the royal wing- where you're not allowed to be," He shook his head, smiling. 

"I'm sorry," I sighed. "I'm completely hopeless." 

"I don't think you're that hopeless," Lord Amancio chuckled. "But you might want to leave before someone sees you." 

"Thank you so much, Lord Amanico," I breathed, relieved. 

"Please, call me Amancio," Lord Amancio nodded before walking away. 

I walked quickly, trying to retrace my steps as my heart threatened to beat out of my chest. 

"This is our most important job yet. No one must know," A voice spoke in hushed tones. I was tempted to hide behind a corner and listen but I could sense the voices coming closer and I begun to panic. I looked around for a way out but there was no other way I deemed suitable. 

"Yes, I understand." The other voice said, this one getting even closer. 

Quickly, I opened a door and rushed into the room. I leaned against the door and let out a relieved breath, but when I opened my eyes, I couldn't believe what I saw. 

Rows upon rows of books. Books lined the walls from top to bottom. Books of every shape, size and color. I was utterly fascinated. Even though the voice in my head warned me to leave before I was caught, my feet seemed planted to the library's carpeted floor. 

I was drawn to the books, I pulled out book after book, staring at the covers, flipping through hungrily. There were books I didn't even imagine could exist. 

I pulled one out. It had a velvet cover and its title read One Thousand And One Nights. The title alone was enough to make me want to read more. 

"You shouldn't be here," A deep voice startled me. I quickly put the book back and turned to see a tall man, with piercing, yet cold green eyes. His lips were pressed in a thin line as he looked at me with what I could only describe as annoyance. 

"I'm so sorry- I was lost," I mumbled. I was planned to rush out of the room and never speak to this man again, but he stood in front of the door, blocking it. 

"Who are you?" He asked. 

"L-lady Madeline...sir," I added quickly. 

He looked like he couldn't care less what my name was and his gaze alone made me want to squirm. 

"And do you know who I am?" He asked, walking slowly away from the door, running his fingers along the spines of the book, before he turned and stopped just a few metres away from me. 

When his green eyes met mine once again, I couldn't help but feel like the biggest idiot in the world. I wasn't standing in front of just anyone. I was standing in front of His Royal Highness, Prince Carlos.