The maid behind me tightened my corset, probably too much, but I barely noticed anymore. A new day, a new dress, same absence of expectations.
“Anything else I can do princess?”
“That’s all Martha, thank you.”
She looked surprised for a moment, but nodded, turned and walked away. They always looked surprised when I knew their names, especially when they were new. I didn’t blame them, though. In their eyes I was just a snobby princess.
They weren’t fully wrong. Not only was I a princess, but I was also the youngest.
Sybil, my oldest sister, was destined for the crown, and she was meant for it.
My second older sister, Sorcha, had always caused a bit more trouble, but she had been determined to be a knight. She had a purpose, something to work towards. Though I always believed in her and knew she would get there, it took a ridiculous stunt with Zarios, the King of Valcor, to do it. It all seemed to work out in the end. She got the man and the job she always desired, and while I was happy for her, having her gone felt like something was missing.
Then there was me. I had no ambition to run a kingdom or join the ranks of knighthood. But how was I meant to have any ambition? I could stand there and breathe and I would be rewarded for it. Though some people might find that pleasant, it made it hard to want to work for anything, much less do anything.
So I spent my days the way any other spoiled royal did: strolling around court, talking about the latest drama, and attending balls at night, and the after parties.
I’d gained quite a reputation for the afterparties, but at least when I was scolded for whatever damage I’d done, I wasn’t being praised simply for existing. It made me feel something, albeit after being scolded so often it had lost a bit of its sting.
When I finished braiding my long blonde hair behind me and putting on a dash of rouge and some kohl on my eyes, I went over to my balcony to check on my garden.
I called it a garden, but there were only a few planters around the landing of the terrace. They had lots of things in them, from colorful yaisys to voluminous ordelias whose vines wound around the railings, the white and green spotted leaves covering it completely.
I checked on them all each day, trimming the leaves that were dying and ensuring they all had water. One basket of turmalyns looked a bit droopy. I inspected it. They were directly in the morning light and had delicate pink petals that looked to be frying in the sun.
I lifted the large pot, careful not to spill any dirt on my dress, and moved it to the other side where it was more shaded.
“That should help,” I said out loud to no one. The plants, I supposed. This was my safe space. Taking care of the plants made me feel some kind of purpose. And they seemed to appreciate me, flourishing under my care, even though they couldn’t tell me. I liked to think they might. While it was a silly thought, it was one I had often.
“There you are,” a voice said from behind me, making me jump. Paige stood there, her brown hair perfectly styled and her maroon silk dress looking wrinkle free and perfect. “I couldn’t find you in the dining hall this morning.”
I plastered a smile on my face. “Sorry, I got a bit distracted.”
“I see,” she said, her nose scrunched in distaste. Paige was my closest friend in the palace. We’d taken lessons together when we were teens and had been stuck together ever since.
“You know there’s no need to be playing in the dirt. There’s plenty of staff who can look after your plants.”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I didn’t just care about how pretty they looked, I cared about them and enjoyed caring for them, but Paige wouldn’t understand that, so I didn’t bother. “What are you doing here?” I asked, changing the subject.
“I can’t come visit a friend?” Her face looked perfectly innocent.
While we were friends, no she couldn’t. Paige never talked to me unless she needed something, or had nothing else to do. “Of course,” I placated. “Would you like some tea?”
“I can’t stay that long,” she said. “I did want to see if you got an invite to the ball in Stonevale in a few days.”
I bit my tongue so hard I thought I may make myself bleed. I get an invite to everything. Having the reputation I did along with being a princess got me an invite to almost every occasion. I had to be selective or else I would never get a break.
“I did.”
“Excellent!” she said, clapping a bit. “I heard it will be the ball of the year! Everyone is going to be there. Can I get a ride with you?”
I heard the true query hiding beneath her words. She had not received an invite and wanted me to bring her. A part of me wanted to say no, but Paige was my closest friend, no matter how transactional that friendship was at times.
“I don’t think I’m going,” I said, turning back to my plant pot. “I’m busy.”
“With what?”
“Things.” The answer was nothing. There was never anything for me to do, but that was none of her business.
