The Princess' Second Chance

CHAPTER 3

Mary and I quickly ran through the rain, taking a short cut to Sir Ayden’s house. Although Ayden was not aware of my businesses, he was one of the few people I had allowed to become close to me. He was my trainer and a close friend—I considered him to be an older brother. By the time I had arrived at his house, Mary and I were drenched.

“Ayden!” I shouted banging on his door. I knew Ayden would yell at me for being very unladylike, but this was more important. I was excepting him to open the door already yelling. However, it was his butler that opened the door.

“Miss? What can I help you with?” The old man asked as he bowed.

“I have come to speak with Sir Ayden. Is he home?” I politely asked him.

“Sir Ayden left yesterday evening for the capital Miss.” He responded.

“Do you perhaps know when he shall be back?” I quickly asked. Of course Ayden would be out now of all times.

“He did not say.” The butler informed me. “—if that is all Miss?” He asked. I knew he was politely dismissing me.

“Yes.” I sighed. I guess I could always send Ayden a message when I get to the capital.

I turned to walk away as I heard the door being shut. Mary, who was waiting for me a few steps back quickly came to my side.

“Ayden wasn’t in. Let’s go back for now.” I told her.

The sun was starting to set by the time we sneaked back into the castle—just in time to host dinner with the butler.

“Should I draw you a bath Princess?” Mary asked as she took my drenched cloak from me.

“Please—” I nodded my head. “You can just prepare the water; I can get dressed on my own. Help Mercy with dinner preparations and have Steven escort the butler and his entourage when everything is ready. I should be there shortly.” If I had known, we would be having guest I would have had Red find me temporary servants. However, it was fine; the butler had come with only four other people—making it easier to accommodate them.

“Very well Miss.”

Mary rushed off to help Mercy once she had prepared my bath. I could not help myself but to sink into the oiled scented hot water; letting my muscles relax for the first time since earlier this morning. I made sure not to get too comfortable, knowing that I would fall asleep if I did. Quickly finishing up my bath, I stepped out and wrapped myself in my robe, walking to my closet. Slipping into my undergarments I eyed the corset, dismissing it immediately, and picked out a baby sky blue dress that complimented my tan skin and dark curly hair. After taming my curly mane I did a once over on my appearance nodding my head in approval—I presentable enough.

By the time I had reached the dining room Simon had yet arrived. Making my way to the kitchen, I eyed everything to make sure there was nothing out of place.

“Are we all set?” I asked and I opened the door. Mercy and Mary nodded as they finished plating the last plate for our appetizers. Looking around, I noticed that Steven was not in the room; he must have gone to fetch our guest.

“Alright. I guess I should check to see if our guests are here.” I said, turning to leave.

Five minutes later my guests had arrived, and we waited in silence as our first dish was placed in front of us. It has been ages since I had to entertain—actually the last time I had it was in my past life. I was by far the same, but I knew I had to at least conversate.

“I hope your stay has been well so far.” I addressed my guest, raising my glass to take a sip of my water.

“It has Princess.” The butler responded for everyone. I am not sure if I am being sensitive, but I felt as if the butler was trying to associate as little as possible with me.

“How is the King and my brother?” Although I had reports on them, I wanted to know what the loyal butler would say.

“They are well.” He responded, not indulging any more information.

It was quiet the rest of supper. Every conversation I brought up was shot down as quickly as it left my mouth. By the time dessert had came around, I was exhausted from the tension.

“Thank you for dinner Princess. We should retire to our rooms to rest—we have a long day in store for us tomorrow.” Simon said after he set his dessert spoon down. This is perhaps the most he had talked all night, and it was to dismiss himself and his entourage. However, I was grateful for him ending this tortuous meal.

“Very well.” I dismissed them, still not getting up from my chair. Once I no longer heard anymore footsteps behind me; I got up and helped Mercy and Mary clean up.

“Miss! Please, got get some rest we can handle this.” Mary said as she tried to push me away.

“Nonsense—” I laughed at her weak attempts to get rid of me. “Let us clean this up quickly and then we can all get some rest.” I said, dodging her push.

By the time I had gotten back to my room it was well past midnight. Removing my dress, I climbed into bed with just my slip not bothering to throw on a nightgown. Mary would have a heart attack when she sees me in the morning. I sighed as I let sleep consume me—refusing to think anymore about how I would be meeting my father in a matter of days.