The Queen's Whisper

Chapter Three - Cordelia

After my clases the next morning,, I walked towards my room in the East wing of the castle,, wanting only to get out of the stuffy dress and put on some more casual clothes and wallow in self pity but I was intercepted by Fred, my right hand. The older man looking stoic as always, “Your mother and father wish to see you in the parlor your highness.” I scrunched my brows together " Does it have to happen right now?" Though the castle was large with many rooms, that room in particular meant I would have to keep the gown for the time being. Fred still stood there, arms clasped behind his back, he gave me a small, apologetic nod. “And I am to escort you madam.” I sighed but knew it was better to just go rather than argue, but I desperately wanted to argue.

Fred has been with me since I was a child, he knew me well. "I'll take care of it for you madam. I'll send Rue to escort you to your room and inform the King and Queen of your exhaustion." He sent me a small wink. I may be troublesome but I wouldn't have gotten away with half the stunts I pulled without Fred. "Thank you Fred." I smiled at the grey haired man. His eyes glazed over as he sent a message to my lady-in-waiting and then to the King and Queen, excusing me from my duties for the afternoon.

Fred stepped aside and and I continued my trek while my faithful servant walked behind me. I passed a corridor and was joined shortly after by Rue, my head lady maid and my closest (i.e.only) friend. She was of similar stature to me, but was 2 years older. Her brass hair was tied neatly to the base of her neck and her simple maids uniform was spotless.

She opened the door to the large bedroom for me, nodding to Fred who took his leave. Rue started a fire in the stone hearth and began opening curtains letting in the bright afternoon sun. I wandered to the en suite, beginning to unbutton the large formal dress. My companion began the process for a bath and helped me to undo the dress which moments later fell to the floor unceremoniously.

I sank myself in the large porcelain tub and a sigh of content escaped my lips as I laid back to enjoy the soothing oils and scalding water. "Are you okay Renee?" Rue asked, concerned by my broody silence.

I allowed only close companions like Rue and Fred as well as my parents call me by my middle name. It was a simple form of trust and friendship, and possibly the only one I've mastered. I am well aware of my social ineptitude. Though, Fred always refused to use such an informal name for a member of the crown.

"I met him." I said simply, referring to the visiting Prince. "Your future husband?" She asked, earning a glare. Rue smiled at me innocently, unbothered by the negative attitude. She has been with me for over 5 years now, since she was 18 and I was 16.. She knew what her limits were at this point and pushed them frequently.

As she washed my hair, I told her about the meeting. "Honestly, I don't see why I need to have someone to rule with me. My mother ascended the throne by herself and didn't meet father until years later. Why can't I just wait for my mate? Why do they feel the need to tiptoe around what this ball actually is. It's my engagement party and they don't have the decency to say it out loud." frustration boiled within me as I spoke. Rue nodded her head appropriately letting me vent my frustrations out.

After I spoke my piece, it was quiet for a moment. "Just remember, the Prince is in the same predicament you are in. He isn't the enemy here so try to go easy on him." Rue broke the ice. I mulled over her words, not responding for the rest of my soak.

Once clean and dry, and now slightly happier after venting my irritation, I slipped in to a gold day dress that settled to the floor. The waist cinched with a satin ribbon and sleeves with similar ribbons at the wrist. Rue answered a knock at the door which revealed a tray of food. When in doubt, food will ease my foul mood. The plates were piled high with my favorite snacks and an ice bucket with two bottles of wine.

"To the balcony please. She will have her lunch there." Rue directed the kitchen staff. After dropping off the plates of food, we sat on the balcony, enjoying the therapy session it provided. Rue recieved a mind link. "I'm sorry, butI've got a few things to attend to, Will you be okay?", I nodded, "I may just go for a walk." I assured her. Rue hesitated for a second before flinching and then rushing out. most likely having been scolded by whoever was on the other end.

Alone once more, I gathered the dishes, leaving them on the balcony table before pulling my hair up and leaving the room. I settled on the bridge that overlooked the river. I crawled down to the bridge trusses and situated myself in my favorite spot. I watched the bustling city that ran both sides of the river watching the boats move in and out of the canal. Daydreaming about living an average life in the village.

Being royal has it's perks but also it's limitations. I have scheduled days that I can run in my wolf form. I'm not allowed to do or eat anything before first consulting my daily itinerary. I don't have a group of friends to meet at the tavern. I can't even go to the local tavern. It's daily classes for royal social events, proper etiquette, politics, etc. It's nauseating and my parents are so wrapped up in the same things I'm training for they cant even see that I've spent the last 21 years in absolute misery. I don't really want the royal duties. I want a quiet life with a mate. But I know I am born and bred for this job and I will do great.

A familiar voice brought me from my daydreams, "Princess. I know you're here " he called out. I sighed at the interruption, "I'm down here Neville." Soon after I heard the creaks from the trusses and his grunts as he climbed down to sit with me on the metal ledge. "Wow. How'd you manage to find this ?". "It's actually left from when they built the bridge. The men used to sit on these ledges for breaks. This is just the easier one to get to." I explained, pointing out the two other ledges. "Hm.Interesting. But why are you here?" He locked eyes with me. "You of all people must know the stress of 'this" I waved my hand towards the castle "and this spot is the furthest Fred will let me get without a palace guard sitting on my lap.." Neville chuckles as I raise my voice, politely shouting " Isn't that right Ginger?". A females voice returns equally as loud, " Yes your highness." Neville and I both burst out laughing at the sprinkle of mischief in her voice.

"Well Princess. I am here to drag you back. The Queen has ordered us a private dinner date. " I scowled at him as he stood up on the ledge."Wanna see something cool?" he asked with a sparkle in his eyes. Curious I stood up and he held his hand out to me. " Ginger, I'll take if from here. You're relieved."He shouted out. My intrigue piqued again. Suddenly a puff of smoke blinded me and I squeezed the hand holding mine. Terror building up when I couldn't see or hear anything. Just as soon as the smoke appeared, it was gone and we were in the hallway in front of my chamber doors. I looked around for Neville, spinning in circles as it seems he had completely vanished. In the midst of my confusion, my bedroom dour opened and Rue peeked out. She caught site of me and grabbed my arm pulling me in. " Hurry or you'll be late for dinner." she griped before we disappeared behind the door.