A Royal Affair

Lydia. "Hey, don't you think you look a bit like me?" I stared intently at the beautiful blonde-haired girl, with long curls and crystal blue eyes, too stunned to come up with a response. Her name was Lady Belle Mere and she was no stranger to us common folks. Not only was she the daughter of the Earl of Mere, but she was acknowledged by the queen herself when she was only twelve for her grace and intellect. Standing in front of such a person made me feel the urge to lower my head, her radiance was utterly blinding. "Oh, Pardon me. You look to be older, so I'm the one who must resemble you." Lady Belle swiftly chimed, waving her white-gloved hand in front of me. I nodded in response, although that was not the case, she was seventeen and a year older than me. But that was no surprise, compared to her strikingly good looks and healthy skin, my ordinary features and pale skin could not compete. So why? Why would someone like her think we look alike? She looked behind me at the carriage prepared for her, "Isn't father ready yet? The banquet will start before long and I want to arrive early!" She pouted and folded her arms across her well-endowed chest. "Lady Belle, I was delegated to inform you that your father will be working late in his study and will not be able to accompany you," I told her, finally able to relay the message I was assigned. Her cheerful gleam darkened, "That so?" Her voice quieted, the dismay was clear in her eyes. They were so sincere that it made it impossible for the Lady to hold secrets. The banquet in question was a yearly event thrown by the wife of the Viscount of the Twright family. And this year a special invite was sent for Lady Belle and her father the Earl. But it was as always, the Earl was usually couped up in his study, and sometimes would not come out for days. I pitied the mistress, I truly did, but I understood the Earl's plight. The manor was quite large and rumor had it, that he owned five others of the same size. He managed the stables and kept tabs on the flow of rent, all singlehandedly. After losing his only son to the flu, the Earl intoxicated himself in his work and neglected Lady Belle. A pity. "Then," her tone picked up, "Why do you say to coming with me this year?" "P-Pardon?" I blinked twice, unsure if I had heard right, or if it was the day-old cheese I had stolen last night from the kitchen. With excitement in her eyes, she reached for her dirty hands and held them in hers. Although it was contact through gloves, I feared the scent of horses and laundry would taint her, so I pulled away. But Lady Belle latched onto me firmer, "Pray tell what is your name?" She asked, sizing me up with her eyes, taking in every inch of my inferior self. "It's Lydia Miss." I shyly replied a satisfied grin painted her lips. "Since you're older, can I call you big sister instead?" I felt my chest tighten, "W-What?" I was too flustered to make a full sentence. Just what was this girl going on about?! "Then it's decided! Big sister, will you come to the banquet with me?" Lady Belle asked in a willful tone, her grip on my hands tightened, as her eyes seeped the anticipation in them. I stood in front of the large oval mirror hanging on the mistress' door, with a silver frame made out of real silver. Unlike the natural beige colored work dress, with black pants I always had on, I was draped in a dark purple dress with white frills. My hair was packed into a high ponytail, with a silver ribbon for fancy. And on my feet, was a pair of shoes I could sell myself for and still not afford. "This must be a dream," I mumbled under my breath, gazing at the girl who looked somewhat like Lady Belle, save for the mole under her right eye. "I assure you Big sister this is no dream. Now tell me which you prefer. The red or the blue gemstone?" Lady Belle asked from behind me, holding two beautiful necklaces in each hand. Before I could give a response, a knock on the door stole both our attention. "You may come in." Unceremoniously, the door was pushed open, and in came a tall dark man wearing a brown cap that draped his eyes, and black boots that seemed to have been wiped in a rush before he entered. He took off his hat and lowered his head, "Lady Belle, the Lord is calling for you." He announced and stepped aside. She sighed and placed both necklaces on the dresser, "Pick the one you like best, once I'm back from bidding Father goodbye, we'll set out at once. Time is upon us." I couldn't help but nod, the dress was surprisingly heavy on the shoulders and naturally restricted my movements to just waving and nodding. On her way out she took the handkerchief on her waist and passed it to him, "Appearances matter a great deal Eden, do better to take care of yourself." Once she left, the polite expression on his face dropped, he squeezed the trinket in his palm, then sent the most unforgiving scowl my way. "Lydia." He gritted his teeth, gliding into the middle of the room, stepping on the rug with his muddy boots. "Care to explain what it is you are doing in the little b***h's room?" He cursed and seized my elbow, attempting to pull me away. "She's not a b***h, father." The word was uttered with complete indignation. He groaned, still holding onto my elbow, "It's only your first week working here and yet you're already causing trouble. What are you wearing that dress for? Do I need to take it off your back?" I retracted my arm and took a step back, "The lady wanted some company since the Lord was busy, she asked me to go in his stead." I explained, no matter how silly it must have sounded. "And you agreed?" "Did I have much of a choice to begin with?" I retorted sharply, "If anything you've always taught me to listen to whatever the nobles tell me to do." He narrowed his eyes, "I thought you were smarter than this. That's why, when they sought out an extra hand I recommended you. Stupid girl! What do you think the Earl would do if he heard his daughter gallivanted the capital with a stables cleaner?" His words were sharp, but I had grown accustomed to them and steeled myself from my father's verbal abuse. I just wished today of all days he would at the very least indulge my fantasies. "She was the one who asked me." I reiterated, but he didn't seem convinced. "She doesn't know any better, it's merely an infatuation the noblewomen go through at one point in their lives. Once her interest wanes, you'll be the fool in the situation. Don't you understand I'm doing this for you child?" He took a step forward, towering over me. "I-" "You're poor, and that's the fate you were born into. So get a grip and don't make me do something we both will regret." Before I could catch the undertone he was sending, the sound of Lady Belle approaching, halted our conversation. Father straightened his back and shoved the handkerchief into his long pockets. The second lady Belle entered the room, his lips curled up into a polite smile. "Good news! I just got the go-ahead from father, we can spend the night at the Viscount's manor!" She excitedly announced, rushing over to me and hooking her arm in mine. "We can't waste any more time! Eden! Go get the carriage ready again, and Lydia…" she sighed, "Why haven't you chosen a necklace yet?!" The Lady reached for the drawer and picked up the blue one. "I think this suits you more." She helped me put it on and smiled. "Guess what else? I hear that some young noblemen will be in attendance. Maybe you might charm a Count's son…or a rebellious duke! Or who knows, maybe even a prince! I hear the princes are making rounds with the royal tutors." She teased, locking her arm in mine. That sounded not only preposterous but highly unlikely. The only thing I had successfully charmed was my father's spite. I stole a glance over my shoulder at him, only to see him mouth two words to me on my way out. Happy Birthday. Yes, that was right, today was my birthday, and the day I turned seventeen. It was the day that the beautiful girl I had admired from afar took me to see a sight I could only dream of. And it was the day I saw something I would have been better off not seeing at all…