Chapitre Six
738 Words
Princess Adela comes today. Today. Not having slept the night before, my muscles feel sluggish. Like every move I is going against an opposing force. I ignore it as I glide down the castle stairs. The carpet catches my boots and slip on the last step. Just as my life flashes before my eyes, someones hands pull me back up.
"Are you alright, Your Highness?" It's Manuel, my father's advisor. The heat of embarrassment rises to my ears.
"Yes, thank you. I just slipped." It feels good to be talking in my native language again.
"Are you sure? You are looking pale." Manuel tilts his head as he examines me.
"Yes, I'm just a little nervous for today." I go to turn away, but he snatches my arm before I can move.
"Do no be worried. It will all go as planned. I'm sure your father was worried during times like these, but he survived!" Manuel smiles through his fuzzy beard. I find it strange that a young man, such as himself, is able to grow a beard like that.
"You're probably right. Thank you, again, but I must be on my way." He lets go of me as I take off. I rub my arm where he gripped me and note that I am more than certain Father never has felt like this in his life. I make my way through the labyrinth of hallways, finally coming to the servants quarters. Its a long hallway with a row of white, paint chipped doors. The sound of my footsteps echo through the abandoned hallway as I search for other lifeforms. My eyes land on a door with a silver knob, whereas the other ones are brass. I muster my courage and knock. I'm usually not this nervous when talking to the servants, but today is a special day I suppose. The knob twists and the door creaks open.
"Good day." I say to the young boy now standing in the doorway.
"Good day, Your Highness." He bows and looks at me like he's bored already. There's a short pause of silence before I continue.
"You seem rather young, does your mother live here with you?" He nods, then turns into the room and yells "Mama!" A few seconds later, a rather tired looking lady appears in the doorway as well.
"Your Highness! How can I be of service to you?" She bows and shoves her son to the other side of the door.
"I was just wondering if, perhaps," I tug at my shirt collar, "you could help me pick out some flowers?"
"Flowers?" She stands, an eyebrow c****d.
"Yes, for Princess Adela."
"Why me?" Her face recoils as soon as the words escape her mouth.
"I figured a lady would know what to...and your door handle..and so I-" I fumble with the words, realizing I sound crazy.
"I can ask someone else." I turn away and quickly walk back up the hallway. I'm at the corner when the lady appears at my side.
"What kind of flowers does she like?" She smiles, making me feel more comfortable.
"I do not know. She's...hard to understand." I smile at the thought of Adela without thinking as we reach the palace garden.
"Well, I know a few flowers you can never go wrong with." She leads me to a row comprised of lilies. She bends down and plucks some that are white and some that have an elegant orange hue.
"My husband used to pick these for me. Even after we were married. He's was the romantic type, ya know? Plus, these flowers are quite dazzling on their own. Her highness is a lucky lady! Oh, well I'm talking too much." She hands me the bouquet of lilies and brushed the dirt off her hands.
"Thank you very much!" Relief hits me. Once again, I am disrupted as I go to turn around.
"It must be difficult to have lost your mother. Her Majesty would have known the perfect flowers to choose, that's just the way she was! Everyone was genuinely sorry when she passed. What a shame."
"Good day." I don't bother turning around to look at her, but I feel her eyes on my back as I escape. I drown a new feeling rising in my chest before I have time to know what it is. Princess Adela comes today. Today. I must make everything perfect.
- Writer
