Allerleirauh

Chapter 22

22

As we traveled through the village just outside the castle walls, I was surprised to see the townsfolk with smiles on their faces. While many of them were going about their daily chores, they looked healthy and happy. The prince acknowledged those around us with a wave of his hand and a warm nod. His kindness towards his subjects surprised me too. I chanced a glance in the direction of Lord Crestwood, who rode on the other side of the prince. I could feel his eyes staring at me curiously, taking in the sight of a strange girl who wore a strange cloak.

We rode through the village and entered a path into another forest. As I took in the sights of the quiet spring greenery, I began to wonder where exactly the prince’s palace was.

“Have you ever been to Saarland der Licht?” the prince asked. I pulled on the reigns a little, keeping a steady pace with him.

“No, sire,” I replied softly.

“I hope you find a liking to it. It’s quite beautiful here.”

I didn’t respond. We came to the edge of the forest, where a dirt path revealed itself, between the line of trees on either side. The sight was majestic—magical. Sun rays glistened down through the canopy, while the soft melody of birds echoed off the tall birch bodies.

“Almost home,” the prince said with a smile, his hand gesturing forward. “See the clearing ahead?”

I replied with a silent nod. We rode on, until the trees on either side of us disappeared, and the clearing revealed two stone statues and a lush green garden. Beyond that were spirals of towers and the white stone wash of his palace.

As I gazed over the rich green grass of the estate gardens, I took notice of a few courtiers walking along the gravel path, lined by potted bushes all the way to the front entrance.

“What do you think?” he asked slowing his horse to an eventual stop.

Did it truly matter what I thought? The palace was beautiful, and his grounds were lavish. Everything about Saarland der Licht was bright and hopeful; nothing at all like Tränen, which seemed to always be rainy and dismal.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmured.

“Come Allerleirauh” he said, tilting his head towards the large, burnished doors. “There is much more to see.”

I was surprised by his cheerfulness. He truly wished for me—an unknown commoner— to see his castle? I followed as he instructed, taking my horse up to the entrance steps. He pushed himself from his horse and came to stand beside me. He lifted his hands for me to take, but I ignored them. I pushed myself down, landing on my feet. The prince lifted his brow, amused.

“Over there,” he gestured to his left as we climbed the shallow set of stairs onto the marble terrace, “is one of my favorite gardens. Orange trees grow there.”

He waited until a servant opened the doors, and led me into the grand foyer. He came to stand next to a large, white fireplace and smiled. Sunlight filled the room, bouncing light against large, glittering crystal chandeliers. The walls were soft, warm colors, decorated by murals of landscapes and unfamiliar faces. I could feel his eyes on me and my cheeks burned under his unwavering stare.

I was nothing but a dirty animal standing in the middle of a lifestyle I had left behind. I knew I could never enjoy such a lifestyle as Allerleirauh. Here, there was life and abundance that Tränen never offered to me. I wondered what my life would have been like if my father’s castle was as radiant as the prince’s palace.

The grand entrance led to a large, sweeping set of stairs that connected the east and west wings of the palace; many of the servants climbed up and down them with arms full of linens and bouquets of flowers.

“Your Highness!” A small, chubby woman came running to his side, grinning from ear to ear. “You’ve returned with . . .” She paused to look at me, unsure. “. . . a girl?”

“Indeed, Adelais.” The corners of his mouth twitched as he looked at me. “An enchanted princess.”

He chuckled to himself and started to pull his coat away from his shoulders.

I couldn’t stop myself from admiring him then. His brown hair seemed like it would be soft to touch, and had a wave to it that was completely natural. His hair was kept short enough to stay away from his eyes and wasn’t nearly as long as the way men of Tränen wore their hair. While boys in my father’s palace often grew their hair to their shoulders, the prince kept his at his neck and just a little over his ears. He had a regal manner to him, and appeared quite confident. I watched the way his jaw moved as he spoke, noticing then the dimples in his cheeks.

“And what shall I do with her, Your Highness?” Adelais asked.

The prince glanced at me and opened his mouth to say something.

“If you provide me food and lodging here at the palace, I’ll gladly tend to any chores you assign to me,” I managed before he could respond. “Just as we agreed.”

His smile disappeared as a look of confusion spread over his features.

“Is that what you truly wish?” he asked.

“It is,” I murmured and hoped Adelais would be quick to whisk me away before I changed my mind.

“Do you have a name, girl?” Adelais asked seeming more confused than the prince.

“Allerleirauh.”

“A peculiar name,” she replied wrinkling her nose. “Fitting, though, it would seem.” I wondered if she recognized the name. Myriah had told me many hunter’s wives were nicknamed Allerleirauh for their fur cloaks. Was she familiar with the old term? She glanced in confusion at the prince. He, in turn, nodded and grinned, seemingly amused and naïve of my choice in name.

“I see no need to treat you any less than a guest in the palace during your stay here. Adelais will take you to a room and will supply you with all you need. I do not require more servants, for I have plenty here. I would rather you stay here comfortably. We shall also give you clean clothes to change into.” He gestured towards the fur cloak, but I quickly shook my head in disapproval, digging my nails into the pelts and backing away from him.

“I have no need for such things. I have all that I require, but I thank you,” I snapped.

His gaze darted to Adelais and then slowly back to me with a firm nod.

“As you wish,” he replied, unflinchingly. “But if you change your mind, you will let Adelais know and she will tend to your necessities.”

“I thank you, Your Highness,” I responded and gave him a respectful bow. I knew I would need to live in my fur cloak until I was sure of my safety—until I was sure my identity would not be recognized.

Adelais quickly grabbed my elbow, causing me to take a step back. “I’ll take you to your room,” she said in a stern voice. She led me out of the large room and down a long hallway. On either side, windows from floor to ceiling were open, providing the most beautiful view of a running river, which flowed right underneath the palace.

“The palace is built on water?”

“Only partly,” Adelais explained as she rested her hands on her hips. “Several decades ago, when another König was alive, this estate was shared with their mistress. She had the place expanded for her . . . nightly pleasures. Not only did she extended the palace to capture the view of the river, but to accommodate for the many lovers she took in discreetly. Through the years, the palace was taken in as the main estate of the royal family.”

A slight breeze washed against my face as I looked out over the glistening water. It was beautiful, weaving through the lavish forest greenery. Everything about this place was warm and bright; hopeful. The painful twist in my gut reminded me of the horrors I had left behind, and the people who died because of me. I was undeserving of such a majestic place. I heard Adelais clear her throat, and I turned to see her fumbling with her skirts.

“Come on, I haven’t got all day.”

The prince had promised to allow me to do what I wished. Perhaps, later, I could return to this hall to enjoy the breeze again. I continued at her heels, pulling my cloak tightly around me. Adelais looked over her shoulder at me and frowned.

“Where did you come from, girl?”

I lowered my gaze to the floor and bit the inside of my cheek.

“Don’t make me repeat myself,” she insisted.

“The forest,” I answered curtly.

“You smell like it,” she sniffed.

I heard her mumble something about my ‘hideous cloak.’ I paused in the middle of the hallway and glared at her. Adelais looked at me and lifted her hands.

“Is there something you wish to say?”

I could see the challenge in her eye. I bit my bottom lip and decided to keep my words to myself. Myriah’s voice echoed in my mind, telling me to bite my tongue. I shook my head.

“Good, come along then.”

Adelais turned the corner and began to walk down another corridor until she stopped at the last door, at the end of the hallway. There was a large stained glass window near the chamber entry; a blooming white rose with twisting leaves and vines encircling it. I paused to admire the intricate craftsmanship. Adelais let out a sigh as I sucked in a breath.

“The prince had the glass window placed in honor of his late mother, the Königin of Saarland der Licht. She was the most beautiful woman in the Königreich, and had the most charming of hearts,” she explained. “Her favorite flower was the white rose. You’ll find he has several pieces in the palace to honor his mother like this.”

So, the prince had lost his parents too. As I looked upon the window, bitter jealousy filled me. He had experienced a mother who had loved him; loved him enough for him to honor her in this way.

“When did she die?” I asked softly, and Adelais clicked her tongue.

“Many years ago. It was quite a sad occasion.”

Adelais did not continue. Instead, she opened the door and gestured for me to enter with a rude flick of her hand. She moved into the room and opened the large curtains above one of the corner windows. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating the large four poster bed, with a beautiful coverlet of white silk and embroidered colorful flowers. The walls had a soft yellow hue with delicate gold accents near the ceiling. The chandelier in the center of the room dripped tiny crystals and diamonds that shone brilliantly in the late morning light. I was afraid to touch anything.

“You also have access to a private room,” Adelais explained. “If you look here.”

She stood in front of one of the walls and gently pushed on it, revealing a new adjoining room. It was decorated with soft blue and gold trimmings on the walls. In the corner was a large window seat with a set of bookshelves, crowded with brown and white spines. On the other side, a large bathtub had been placed and already filled with steaming water by the servants. How did they work so fast?

“A bath,” Adelais explained. “I’m sure it’s been a bit since the likes of you has seen one.”

I resisted the urge to make a face.

“I can tend to myself,” I grumbled. Adelais crossed her arms impatiently. I felt anxious to slip into the inviting warm water, to wash away the grime of the forest and the debris of the burning castle.

“Right,” Adelais said. “If you need assistance, I’ll have a servant stationed at your door.”

“It’s not necessary,” I answered quickly. “Please, don’t worry yourself with me.”

“You’re a very strange child,” she said with a sigh. “You may leave your cloak and belongings outside the door when you’re finished. I will have them washed and readied for you if you so prefer. There are gowns in the main bedroom and in the armoire nearest the window,” She gestured towards a panel in the wall near the window seat. “I’ll leave you to tend to yourself as you’ve requested.”

Adelais gave me the kindest smile I was sure she could muster, and a small nod. I watched as she turned and carefully closed the door behind her.

I stood alone, surrounded by all of the beautiful and delicate things. I turned to stare down into the water, where I was met with my own reflection; my fur coat, a cumbersome, dark shadow. The water looked warm and inviting and my tight muscles were aching for any kind of relief. I peeled the coat away, letting it fall into a pool around my feet.

Carefully, I pulled the frail dress I wore underneath down over my hips until it too, was in a heap beside my cloak. I could see the few bruises I had accumulated from stumbling in the woods and was relieved there weren’t as many as I thought. With a heavy sigh, I let myself sink into the hot water, tucking my legs up against my chest.

Everything here was new and clean. The room was alight and happy, as was every other part of the palace I had seen. My heart felt heavy as I sunk further into the water, wishing for Myriah’s company. What would she have said about this place? About Adelais?

Myriah . . .

As I closed my eyes, I could see her smile behind my eyelids. I could feel the warmth of her hug. I longed for her. I longed for the only person who had ever loved me. The only person who knew the truth about my circumstance. Tears sprung to life as I lifted my hands to my eyes.

“M-Myriah,” I began to sob, her name slipping past my lips.

The loss of her seemed so real in that bright, unfamiliar place. Perhaps it was her spirit who led the prince to find and help me. Perhaps this was all her doing. I cupped water between my palms and lifted it to my face, allowing the warmth of the water to wash away the soot and dirt that had collected under my eyes. But my mind continued to race with thoughts of my home, my father, and Myriah.

The tears flowed freely as I lifted my hand to stifle my cries. All of this was caused by my mother’s selfish final wish. An image of my dying mother lingered in my mind; the beckoning of her promise tormenting me like a scar upon my skin. If she had not compelled my father to marry someone with her hair, perhaps he would not have looked to me. Perhaps then he would not have stolen my maidenhood. Myriah might still be alive, and I would not be in the foreign palace with strangers I did not know.

Or maybe it was my fault, and my fault alone. If only I had agreed to my father’s terms and surrendered. It was my fault the castle had burned down around my family; it was my hand that slain the innocent guard at the gate. It was my own desire for love and affection that caused my father to invite me so freely to his chambers. If only I hadn’t been so foolish . . .

I stayed in the water until it began to cool, and the skin on my fingers began to wrinkle. My eyes felt heavy and sore. I pulled myself from the tub and dried myself. I took the time to enjoy the comfort of the warm, soft linen against my roughened skin.

When I was finally ready, I took my satchel and removed the simple gown Myriah packed for me. It was modest and grey, made of soft fabrics. It felt clean and comfortable against my warmed skin and I could finally breathe. I gazed at the small walnuts lingering in the bottom of the bag, thinking of the strange magic they possessed and the enchanting gowns that remained inside.

The gowns that were to be my wedding attire.

I pushed the bag to the floor and took a seat near the window where I began to comb through my hair. I missed Myriah more with each stroke through my mussed curls. Closing my eyes, I could almost hear her humming one of her lullabies to me. The pain in my chest was profound, and my eyes felt weary.

When I was finally finished, I lifted the cloak from the floor and slid it back over my shoulders. It felt safer to be hidden away underneath my furs in this strange place. No one would have the chance to know me, or hurt me. I couldn’t spare the chance of being discovered. I was too afraid to be myself—to face myself after all I had done. I tucked away my satchel, pushing it under the plush cushions of the window seat. I wanted to be sure Adelais would never find it.

Finally emerging from the adjoining room, I found Adelais making the bed with a new set of linens. Her eyes were disapproving as she caught me wearing the cloak again. With a huff, she gathered the assortment of old linens and left me alone.