Allerleirauh

Chapter 11

11

The next few days passed in a blur. They were spent full of quiet mornings in the library while I tended to my studies. Myriah would find me for my mid-day meal, and by nightfall, I was roused from my room to attend resplendent suppers with my father in the dining hall.

Most of the evenings, the courtiers would drink themselves into a stupor and my father was delighted and amused by their folly. His icy-cool gaze would find me across the room and he’d stare at me as though he could see right through the gowns he gifted me.

Each night brought a new gift, whether a new jewel or gown, and he always insisted on my wearing it. His hand often brushed against my back and remained there as we finished eating or we’d watch that night’s entertainment in the grand foyer. I could hear the whispering of those who lingered close by.

Wild stories about his seduction of me and of my becoming his mistress flittered through the corridors like fire. Myriah would scowl at such rumors and bark at the servants to get back to their chores.

“There must be some truth to these rumors,” I murmured with shame over our shared meal one afternoon.

Myriah lifted a spoonful of stew to her lips and wrinkled her nose. “Truth?”

“Yes,” I replied with a nod. “There must be some truth. Can’t you see how this might appear? How his behavior towards me has changed?”

“It matters not how they see things, Princess. As servants of the castle, they have their place. They should be careful with their words when it comes to you and the König.”

I lifted a spoonful of stew to my mouth and ate silently, keeping the rest of my thoughts to myself.

“The König is fragile. We all see it,” Myriah finally replied as she lifted her handkerchief to her lips. “He is desperate to find a wife and consummate the marriage in hopes of having a male heir. After all this time, and after everything that has happened, we all think the promise your father made to your mother will be impossible to keep. Her final wish was very exclusive. And she made it so difficult on purpose. She did not wish to be replaced.”

“But he will—”

“He will continue to look for a new bride until he feels he has fulfilled his promise.”

“Even if it means me?” I lowered my spoon to the table and stared at her. “If the rumors are true, he is looking to place the crown upon my head, isn’t he?”

“The rumors are not true, child,” she insisted, shaking her head. “And even if it were so, I’d never permit such a thing to happen.”

“But how could you prevent it? I’m just a girl. I hold no power here in the Königreich. I am at my father’s mercy, just as everyone else. There is nothing you could do to stop the König’s will.”

Myriah shook her head with a stern glance as I bit my bottom lip.

“You listen to me, Aurelia,” she began. “If there was one thing I always tried to teach you, it is that you are more. You are so much more than a delicate crown upon your head. Or fine, beautiful gowns. You are more than just a girl. No matter son or daughter, you are powerful and wise enough to rule the Königreich. You are good, kind and passionate. You hold a strong heart and a fervent spirt. Perhaps you are the daughter of a König, but by birth and right, you deserve respect. And even more still, Aurelia, you have earned that reverence by being exactly who you are. It is my duty to honor that.” She reached over and touched my hand gently as she continued. “You know my love for you knows no bounds. My true child or not, ich liebe dich.”

“I love you too,” I replied and felt her fingers squeeze mine.

“So, there will be no more talk of unworthiness.”

“Yes, Myriah,” I said with a small smile.

She seemed appeased and gestured to my bowl before me.

“Gut. Eat then.”