The Dragon Princess

A Friend

I rush into the restroom and lock the door behind me, ensuring that Caspian, or anyone else, can't follow. I slide down the door, sitting on the ground and hugging my knees to my chest. Why do things have to be like this? Can't these people see that I am a human too? None of us get to decide what family we are born into, those self-righteous bastards just got lucky!  We're not even half way through the night and already my eyes are puffy and red from crying. I can't stand to be treated like this, I won't. With a fire in my belly, I drag myself off the floor and prepare to face the crowd once more. No matter what happens next, I can't let any of them get the better of me. 

One day, I will leave this place. I will make a life for myself, even if I am to be poor, and I will be free. Free from the unwarranted judgement and mistreatment.  The party is still in full swing when I get back to the Hall. All of the young nobles are dancing while the adults stand on the side-lines, watching on with admiration for their 'perfect' children. I notice Alexander dancing with Aurelia and cringe. At least he has forgotten about me. Those two would probably make the perfect pair; both self-absorbed and cruel.  

 "Ella. Happy birthday."

 "Kamala. Hi, thank you." I reply weakly, unable to even feign excitement.  

 "Have you been crying? What's wrong? What happened?"  

 "No, it's nothing. Honestly, I'm fine, Kamala. Let's not make an issue where there is none."  

 "If you insist. But nobody deserves to be upset on their birthday, especially such a special one. Come, my family has been wanting to wish you a happy birthday."  

 With her arm through mine, Kamala drags me through the crowds towards her parents and her brother, Ozias. I don't know why they would be interested in actually talking to me. This is Alexander's family after all, which doesn't leave me expecting anything pleasant to come from a conversation with them.  I have talked to Kamala briefly a handful of times, and though she was always sweet to me, I thought she was just being courteous to the staff. She is the youngest of her family, so perhaps growing up with two older, mean brothers has taught her the value of kindness.  

 "There she is. We wanted to wish you a happy birthday, Ella. Are you enjoying your night?" Asks Marquess Orion, Alexander's father.  

 The two look so much alike that it's hard not to immediately judge the Marquess.  

 "It has been quite something, that's for sure."  

 "Indeed. The Duke and Duchess always throw the best parties." 

 "Kamala, sweetie, why don't you give Ella her gift?" Marchioness Amica smiles.  

 "Oh, you don't have to..." 

 "Don't be bashful. It's your birthday, we were invited to your party, it's only right that we got you a gift."  

 From her pocket, that is not even noticeable in her large dress, Kamala pulls out a small parcel wrapped in paper, a white ribbon tied around it. I reluctantly accept, feeling awfully awkward with everyone's eyes on me. I carefully unwrap the present to find a beautiful gold bracelet. Hanging from the chain is a tiny charm, carved in the shape of the moon. It's exquisite.  

 "Do you like it?" Questions Kamala. 

 "It's...I'm lost for words. It's too much, I can't possibly accept this." 

 "It would be rude to refuse a gift from our family, would it not?" Snaps Ozias.  

 "Of course. Thank you, I am blown away by your kindness." 

 "You're welcome, Ella." Smiles Orion.  

 Everyone leaves except Kamala, who stays by my side, gleaming at me with an expression I can't quite decipher. I look back down at the bracelet in my hands. I have no doubt that this piece is worth a lot, more than I could ever dream to afford.  

 "Kamala, this really is too much." 

 "Oh, quit it already. Just take the bracelet and forget it. I know you might be feeling a bit suspicious, but apart from my deplorable brothers, my family is quite nice, I promise." 

 "Right. Well, thank you, I do appreciate it." 

 Kamala takes the bracelet from my hands and clasps it around my wrist. I stare at it in awe, running my fingers over the dainty charm. There's no way I can wear this on a normal day, I wouldn't want to risk breaking it. Kamala takes my hand in hers and squeezes it tightly. I look up to see that she is looking at me with seriousness in her eyes.  

 "I saw what my brother did earlier, Ella. I am sorry for his behaviour. You're best to just ignore him, okay? Even our parents can't seem to get through to him. He thinks that he is the most powerful man in all of Graka, which is ridiculous! I fear that Ozias is going to be just like him." She whispers. 

 "It's nothing, Kamala..." 

 "It is, Ella. You don't have to act like it is not, just because you are a maid. You are a woman now, and no woman deserves to be treated in such a derogatory manner. I know you were crying in the bathroom, I heard you. Just know that not all of us are the same. You can call me a friend, Ella." 

 I am taken away by her words. My heart is touched. It's nice to have another woman speak kindly to me, it's just what I needed, actually. But after all that has happened, I still don't know who I can trust. I decide to give Kamala a chance. I could do with a friend, and what do I have to lose? Before I begin crying yet again, I nod my understanding. 

 "Thank you, it would be nice to have a friend." I admit.  

 "Friends it is then."  

 Kamala is kind enough to stay with me a while and talk. The reprieve of having a friend by my side allows me to relax for the first time since entering the Hall. When her friends come to take her away again, she insists that I socialise a little more, assuring me that not everyone here will be rude. I walk around the Hall, managing to engage in some conversations with the adults in attendance. As the head of Noble houses, they are all courteous and polite, none of them brushing me off like the others my age.  

 Eventually, I find myself with the Criselle family, Caspian's family. We talk about the party, how I find life in the Jermaine household, and other mundane things. It takes a lot of effort to keep myself from staring at Caspian the whole time, but it seems that he isn't even trying to keep his eyes off me. I can feel his stare as I talk to his parents, and it makes me a little nervous. Surely they will be able to tell that there is something going on between us, the blush on my cheeks should be enough to give it away.  

 "Caspian, won't you offer the birthday girl a dance?" Suggests Duke Cassius.  

 "Yes, of course. Ella, would you like to dance?"  

 "I...sure." I stammer.  

 I bite my lips as we walk onto the dancefloor to stop myself from smiling too widely. If only this were my first dance of the night, I think. The reminder of my dance with Alexander causes me to sigh and Caspian notices.  

 "What's wrong, Ella? You were clearly upset earlier and I can see that whatever it is it's still affecting you." 

 "It's nothing, Caspian. This is all just very overwhelming. Can't we just dance?" 

 "Alright. You look really beautiful tonight, if it isn't obvious." 

 "Thank you." I blush. "Your family seems nice. I've been worried about you, Caspian. I haven't seen you all week. I was worried that maybe you had told your parents about us and got yourself into trouble." 

 "I'm sorry for my absence, Father kept me busy with the glass business. I haven't told them yet, Ella, but I will. Tonight, perhaps." 

 "Not tonight, please. There has been enough drama already, I can't take anymore." I sigh.  

 "Is it Alexander? The cause of drama? I saw you dancing with him earlier." 

 "I don't know if I would call it dancing." I scoff. "He was just rude, that's all." 

 "That bastard! Somebody needs to put him in his place, once and for all." He states, louder than necessary.  

 "I agree, but it's not going to be you, not tonight."  

 We finish the rest of our dance in silence, occasionally looking into each other's eyes with love. I wish so much that we could be free to be together. I would kiss him right here as we sway on the dancefloor. I would be proud to stand by his side. So many words go unsaid as our bodies stop moving.  

 "When everyone knows that you are mine, nobody will hurt you, Ella. Ever." Whispers Caspian before leaving me on the dancefloor.