COULD'VE BEEN ME

third chapter

Laura

Five months before the incident

The clock's hands were pointing to four in the afternoon. At that time, I was wandering around the palace, carrying some history books. I wanted to complete studying them even though class time was over. I walked my way to my private wing. I have lived in this palace for about twenty years, but I do not know all its corners and I did not find anyone to explore it with me.

I kept looking around absentmindedly until my body bumped into someone. I raised my eyes to find that it was Duchess Shirley. She was a woman with sharp behavior, a slender figure, and a harsh appearance. Her eyes were brown, and her hair was always tied back. I always saw her like this.

She directed her words to me and looked away in a way that I found arrogant and haughty.

"Aren't you used to having servants yet?" she said, frowning. She looked at me from the corner of her eye, then continued, "You carry your books in your hands and wander with your eyes as if you are seeing this palace for the first time." She then grabbed my books and threw them on the ground.

She called one of the servants and ordered him to bring the books that she had thrown on the ground. As soon as he bent down to retrieve them, she put her foot on his neck, insulting him.

"How much time did you spend looking at the princess while she was carrying her books?" she asked him, still keeping her foot on his neck as he was bent over.

"He did not come to help me because I did not order him. I preferred to carry them myself," I explained to her despite my anger flaring up. I did not want things to get worse.

"Do we need to order them to do their job?" she said sharply.

"I apologize. This mistake will not be repeated, he said, his lips trembling with fear.

"There is no second chance for the reckless in this palace," she said sternly.

"Mrs. Shirley, I am the one who determines the existence of a second chance," I said, my anger taking hold of me.

"You are right, Princess Laura. I apologize for overstepping my bounds," she said, bowing her head and removing her foot from his neck.

"You can go now," I said, addressing the servant who continued to bow even after Mrs. Shirley removed her foot. He stood up, apologizing repeatedly. I continued on my way, totally ignoring Mrs. Shirley's sore expressions.

"We are having some tea with Lady Marian on the glass balcony. Do not be late," Mrs. Shirley said, raising her head arrogantly before sorely smiling and bowing.

After I entered my room, I put my books on the table.

"I don't think I can read them now," I complained. "I don't want to go meet Mrs. Marian. I feel an unpleasant feeling every time I meet her."

I tried to clear my mind of thoughts that centered around not going.

"Linda," I called.

She ran to me, and then said, "Yes?"

"Can you help me put on my dress?" I asked her, then continued talking. "I will go to the glass balcony to meet Mrs. Marian."

"You will go to meet the arrogant Mrs. Marlein? What does she want this time?" she said.

Linda has been my maid since my childhood. She talks a lot but she is kind-hearted.

I laughed at her words and answered, "I don't think it's important. We will just have tea and criticize other kingdoms. This is what they usually do."

"I hate them and Mrs. Shirley," she said while bringing the dress I would wear. It was a sky-colored dress, the color I used to love, surrounded by some white lace fabric.

Linda helped me put it on. She let my wavy hair down, and I went out towards the glass balcony.

The two ladies were sitting on the glass balcony on chairs plated with gold and studded with some precious stones. On the table was a crystal vase filled with white jasmine flowers. The table was also laden with many types of sweets. There were three white cups engraved with gold.

I approached them. They stood up and bowed. I sat on the chair, and one of the servants came and poured us tea. The two ladies spent their time talking about other kingdoms. I did not join them in the conversation; I preferred to listen.

"There is only a little time left until your coronation as queen," Lady Marian said as she brought the cup of tea to her lips.

"Yes, only a few months," I said.

"Do you think you are ready for that?" she asked in a way that I considered rude despite her pretense of politeness.

"Yes, I am ready for that. I have studied history, geography, and politics, and I have the information that qualifies me to lead a nation. I am not a lady who enjoys gossiping. I have more important things to do," I said.

I got up from my seat and went to my room. I took my geography book and started reading it. I spent hours until I finished reading all the books I had brought. Then I felt like sleeping was embracing me so I slept.