AMBERGILL: What Lies Within

CHAPTER 01

“Don’t you think you’ll embarrass yourself there, girl?”

The lady’s maid whispers bitter comments under her breath as she dresses me in a long luxurious gown in purple.

I fully understand her spite. She looks old enough to be my nan, yet she plausibly has worked here her entire life dressing royalties that treated her like a slave. And now, she is bid to serve a commoner.

“You should thank your mother for her genetics. I’d say this gown can never be used again after you, poor thing, but you’re beautiful,” she suppresses a small laugh that made my frown disappear.

“You think so?”

She gave me a nod of approval when I gave her a smile. Verily. I was on the verge of regretting my decision, yet at least I did appear fair in an old woman’s eyes. Although, this corset is a true instrument of torture.

Moreover, this is a big part of my scheme to infiltrate the world of the nobles. At the banquet, I shall meet many of the royalties with whom my mother conducted business. What could go wrong when a commoner like me gets the chance to attend a royal feast? This is the first step toward unraveling the mystery of my mother’s passing—knowing who my enemies are. Specifically… the Prince.

Ever since it was confirmed by the royal bulletin that the King had a legitimate child with Queen Sylvia even before the first Queen Josephine had died, my mother began digging deep into their family matters. His whole existence, the Prince, is a mystery to me. His living created a lot of rumpus in our world. He just might be the actual foe. I must meet you tonight.

“Now, now, girl. The party must have started an hour ago. You must run now if you dream of catching a Lord,” the maid jests.

Oh, I am running late.

I gaze upon myself in the grand mirror one last time. It is my first time wearing such an opulent gown, with a snug corset that doth hinder my breath, and huge crinolines that accentuate my bottom. It even comes with silver jewels and a pair of pearl earrings. Oh, wow. I wonder what would mother’s reaction be if she had witnessed this.

“Alright, now, I’ll get going. Thank you… Missus?” I asked.

The elderly woman casts her gaze from my feet to my eyes before she responds: “Miss Donna.”

“I am pleased to meet you, Miss Donna.” I offer a final smile to her before venturing towards the bustling halls. It is difficult to move in these. Perhaps the only lucky thing about being poor is not having to wear these suffocating dresses every day for the sake of our images. Oh, the things the rich do for fun.

Since the feast has started an hour ago, I assumed that the grand reveal already took place. There might have been a lot of performances and speeches before the King revealed his son’s place, therefore being late isn’t much trouble for me.

I hear the lively music echoing in the ballroom, yet the myriad halls branching off confuse me as to which way to run.

I cannot be lost today.

I opt to tread towards the brighter-lit corridors, moving cautiously to avoid any disturbance. I thought I must carefully blend in with the nobles. Tonight, I am a royalty, not a maid.

After walking for what seemed like an eternity, I found myself in an empty chamber that appeared to be the rear of the ballroom. There were no other doorways, but a big red curtain was right by the side, covering the other part of the room. I am here, but not quite in the right place. I can hear the speakers readying a toast. Goodness, where must I go?

“Are you lost, m’Lady?”

I hear a man’s faint voice from behind. Thank the Lords. I knew there would be a server somewhe—

My gaze narrowed as a tall gentleman emerged from the shadows. And he does not… look close enough to be a server.

“The curtains lead to the ballroom, but you are not bidden to open it just yet,” he remarks while walking towards me slowly.

I could hardly hear his voice because of the noise from the party, but I could see him very well. He is covered in regal attire adorned with intricate embroidery and jewels that shimmered under the lights. His tall frame was accentuated by his broad shoulders and his expression. Hah, what a description. In short, he looks like one of the kingdom’s Lords.

“Oh… Then, are you also on your way to the entrance? I’d appreciate it if you can show me the way.” I smiled.

He shakes his head solemnly. “No, I am supposed to be here. But I can take you there, of course.”

“...Only if it does not trouble you… uh… Lord?”

Ugh! Would it be rude to ask his name? Am I rude that I don’t know his name? What do I call him?

My eyes travel along the chamber, scanning through it. It seems like an empty narrow room with nothing but chairs. This might be a cellar, but I am not so sure. I sense vibrations in my feet as the king starts talking from behind the curtains, mingling with the loud chatter of the assembled guests, unsettling me deeply.

“I have never seen you here. Are you perhaps from Nettleham?”

“Oh, actually…” I hesitate to answer. I must conceal my identity. Yet, doing so might lead to misunderstandings if other nobles from Nettleham are here!

“Sorry, that was rude of me. I am not supposed to ask a Lady without introducing myself first,” he adds.

Great heavens, I did not think of this plan precisely. How am I supposed to deal with the Prince, when I can barely speak to a Lord?

“My name is Archie. And you are Lady…?” He asks for my hand.

I leave his hand hanging in the air for a solid minute, deeply thinking about the consequences of my possible answers. But, f**k, I must not disrespect a Lord like this!

My hand reaches his for a shake. “I am Eloise, Lord Archie.”

“No, no. Just Archie.”

“You’re… not a Lord?”

His sudden smile made my heart quicken its beats before he answered no, and proceeded to lift my hand to reach his lip, giving it a soft kiss instead of a shake. What? He’s no Lord after all?

He does not let go of his stare while he presses his lips against my hand. I know it is a sign of respect for the Ladies, however, his eyes were gleaming so bright at me.

“Prince Archer Florence Carter, heir to the throne of Ambergill!” I hear applause from across the room, leaving me bewildered. Then, the curtains slowly part on both sides, revealing a crowd of nobilities… And the mighty King.

I hurriedly took my hand back from the boy before I heard collective gasps of surprise from the onlookers—lords, ladies, and everyone in the ballroom. We were in the front, the centre of attention. I was there with him, my hand on his lips! And everyone was watching. The ballroom stretched vast and grandiose, it was a real royal revelry wherein the commoners were easy to distinguish from the actual nobles. Chandeliers hung aloft, casting a shimmering cascade of light upon the gathered throng. Musicians stationed at every corner filled the air with melodies that intertwined like ivy upon ancient walls. Amidst this symphony, all eyes turned upon us—

“What the hell?” I muttered a curse before looking back at him. What the f**k?! The murmurs of the courtiers ebbed into a hushed susurrus, their expressions were filled with astonishment and… anger.

“Who is she?”

“Who is that girl with the Prince?”

“What a w***e! She already made her way to the Prince before the reveal!”

The murmurs grew louder and clearer in my ears as I stood in front with the Prince. Even the King looked at me with surprise!

Bastard Archie!

I glanced to the side and spotted an exit leading to the halls, but it was at least ten steps away and crowded with glaring ladies. Blast it all, how am I to escape this predicament? s**t! forget it, I’m running!

I prepared to flee while all eyes were upon me, but a tug on my arm diverted my attention and thwarted my escape.

“Good evening, royals and nobles of Ambergill! I am pleased to introduce myself as the heir to the great King’s throne,” he starts to deliver a speech while grabbing my sleeves, keeping me by his side!

“Oh my god, what are you doing?!” I whispered furiously at him. You’re going to get my head chopped off!

The crowd refused to clap seeing me still by his side. Yet he continues his talk regardless. “Please do not misconstrue what you have witnessed. This is my friend, Lady Eloise. I have personally extended an invitation to her for this feast. She is a far relative of my mother.”

The crowd hushed after his lies. All heads, including his own, turned towards me to verify his claims. Oh god.

I gracefully bowed with a strained smile, praying they wouldn't see through our deception… And there goes a round of applause again, along with shouts and cheers for him.

He let go of my arm when I got off the hook. I took the chance to flee when he continued his speech and all eyes were on him fully. What a scene! The King will kill me!

I eyed to reach the exit yet a woman in a slim dress blocked my path with her fan pointing at my neck. “You!” Oh, what now?!

My eyes widened as I beheld my malevolent grandmother before me. It is not the time to deal with this old hag!

“Please let me through,” I pardoned.

“You know the Queen?! And the Prince?!” she interrogates me with her fury eyes. “And where did you get that dress? Did you commit theft?!” The accusations came swift and sharp, laced with the bitterness that had long characterized our fraught relationship.

“Oh, this is ridiculous! Move out my way!”

People begin to look in our direction, despite His Majesty's ongoing speech. Please. As much as I want to get this plan done smoothly, I badly want to hit her in the cheeks!

Her face was traced with shock upon hearing my demand, also because she had probably noticed that we were getting attention. “After everything I’ve done for you and your mother, you did not even bother to tell me you’re friends with the Prince?! You, devil! You’re a witch!”

More and more of the nobility gathered around us, eager to witness our argument. But, verily, nothing is interesting about my mother’s evil mother-in-law. I never had foreseen that this woman could ruin my great plans. I have had enough!

Just as my hand was poised to push her, the Prince stepped in front of me, leaving everyone once again in shock. “A… Arch—”

“I have finished delivering my speech. Therefore, the dancefloor has opened. Would you care to be my first dance, Lady Eloise?”

What is he doing?!

“Prince Archer Florence Carter! I believe you are bound to ask a royalty for your first dance,” a Duke reminds him.

“I believe I am free to choose my Lady,” he replies, offering his hand for the second time.

I hear more gossip behind us of possible Princesses and Marchionesses who could have traveled days to get here. I know their sole purpose is to be paired with the Prince during the dance. And I know very well this sight tortures their pride. But this is separate from my plan!

My sight made its way to my grandmother, eager to see her displeased expression. I know, this is not part of my plan, but, oh, how I love this sight!

“Are you going to keep me waiting?”

I locked eyes with the Prince and discerned his unmistakable eagerness for me to take his hand. What could he possibly desire from me? “Your Majesty.” I bowed before finally taking his hand.

The crowd parted to make way for us until we stood at the center of the ballroom. His hands, strong yet gentle, settled upon my waist with a firmness that belied the weight of his lineage. In turn, my own hands found purchase upon his broad shoulders, I asked: “Why do you want to dance with me, Prince Archer Florence Carter, heir of Ambergill?”

“I told you, it’s just Archie.”

“I’m afraid I may not call you that.”

Before I could protest further, he drew me closer, his hands firm yet oddly gentle around my waist. What is he doing?

“It’s my command,” he declared with a quiet intensity that brooked no dissent.

“Why do you want to dance with me, Archie?”

“I was ordered to take the hand of the first woman I find beautiful in this party,” he chuckles.

I catch a glimpse of the crowd staring at us dance in awe. “The first woman you find beautiful. Not the first woman you see,” I corrected him.

“You are the fairest amidst them all.”