Seized by the inferno,
an eternal burn,
eats away flesh,
and gnaws at bone,
Forever emblazoned,
the sullen and tormented,
widen and carve,
a pit of everlasting—
The young girl, no older than twelve years of age, paused, pushing a quill to her lips. “A pit of everlasting demolition,” she finished aloud with a grin, tucking a stray piece of hair into the French hood pinned around her head.
The woman sitting next to her shook her head, letting out a sigh. “Princess Madeleine, this is not the time to write your dismal poetry.” The lady-in-waiting put a handkerchief to her nose, her face as wound up as her tightly curled, honey-colored hair. “The carriage is rocking terribly, and you’ll get ink everywhere. Besides, your poetry is too intense for a young lady. How will you ever marry a fine suitor one day if you continue writing such dejecting things?” She looked down her pale nose at the princess and sniffed.
“It’s not all dejecting, Danielle,” Madeleine said, rolling her eyes. She tugged at the white ruff wrapped around her light brown throat. “Each of my poems embodies an intense human emotion. You can’t tell me the human mind isn’t a fascinating mystery. I could never write poetry about the scenery anyway.” Her quill dripped, leaving a black splotch on the parchment.
“You spend all your time writing, but you don’t seem the least bit concerned about your sister who needs your prayers right now. Who knows how she’s doing. Sweating sickness is extremely serious.”
“I’m well aware, Danielle,” she snapped. At the mention of her sister, a lump began forming in her throat. Swallowing, she sat up straighter. “I don’t see how mourning Courtney’s condition will help her get better anyway. I should like to enjoy my journey to Nebrasia and count myself lucky I did not contract the sickness myself.”
“Insolent child!”
“Madi, that’s enough.” It was her mother who spoke then.
The handmaiden and princess fell silent as they stared at the beautiful, mature woman sitting opposite them. The queen was elegantly dressed, her long black hair pinned up around her head beneath an ornate French hood with jewels stitched into it. A massive white and golden ruff wound around her neck, standing out against her bronze skin.
“Why don’t you put your notebook away for now,” the queen continued, “and work on the studies Charlotte gave you? We are in too close of quarters for there to be any arguing and I know your tutor assigned you lessons for the trip.”
Danielle lowered her chin slightly. “A wise suggestion, Queen Nicole.”
“I might also add,” she went on, lacing her fingers and setting them on top of her beaded skirt, “that you should be more respectful of your sister.” Madeleine averted her gaze. “It’s not her fault we were forced to travel. Hopefully, the epidemic will soon subside, so we may return to Andveltica.” There was a pause. “Oh, Madi, do as I say and put it away.”
The young girl glared. “Yes, Mother.”
Reluctantly she handed over the quill and notebook to Danielle and was in turn given her lesson books.
The queen’s lady-in-waiting tried to hide a smug grin during the transaction. The princess looked down at the books in her lap but did not move to open them.
“What are you learning right now, Madi?” Queen Nicole asked gently.
She gave a small sigh. “I must read this book about the first settlers and their search for Elderian.”
“This does not interest you?”
She shook her head. “I’ve barely begun the first chapter, about the settlers who came from another land before discovering Elderian, but it’s awfully boring. I’ve already grown tired learning about the political and social issues of the old world. Why do I need to know all that anyway, when I live here in Elderian where we no longer have contact with the old world?”
“Madi, the settlers, or Les Renards, were very brave to leave their homes in search of this free land. Have you read of Hans Fox yet?”
“The founder of Elderian? Not yet. I know he brought the first settlers here and wrote a new language or something.”
A twinkle appeared in her mother’s eye. “Before that, he faced an impossible storm and sea to discover the portal to Elderian. It was located in this great, massive sea pyramid he lifted from the depths of the ocean with ancient incantations he translated himself.” She made a big gesture with her arms as she spoke.
The girl’s eyes widened. “Incantations?”
“Oh yes, from the ancient Elderian Alchemists.”
“The Alchemists built the great sea pyramids, right? Isn’t there one still located in that Elderian country; I don’t remember what it’s called...”
“Venwick?” Nicole offered, and the princess nodded. “There are two sea pyramids that connect to one another. The first settlers entered the sea pyramid in the old world and appeared in the other in Venwick through the portals.”
“But the portals are no longer active, so what happened to them?” she asked loudly, clasping her hands together, drawing out a loud sniff of disapproval from Danielle. “Couldn’t Hans Fox just activate them again with the Alchemist chants?”
“The portals closed when only half of the settlers had made it to Elderian. It is said that the ancestors of those left behind in the old world still wait to be reunited with their Elderian brethren, but I mustn’t say any more, Madi. Keep reading and I think you’ll find the history of Elderian is less dry than you had originally preconceived.” She winked, and Madeleine glanced down at the book, blinking with curious eyes.
She pulled the cover open quickly and began reading furiously. The queen glanced between her daughter and the lady-in-waiting, giving Danielle a knowing look. Danielle, impressed, bowed her head in regard.
A few hours passed, and Queen Nicole rested her eyes as Danielle silently stitched her needle work. Madeleine stared out the window at the farmlands that seemed to stretch endlessly, her hands clasped together in her lap. Her lesson books sat on the seat next to her.
Farmers in the distance worked the fields with their sickles and hoes. She wondered how they were able to gather every last crop of what seemed to be millions. The Nebrasian landscape appeared barren and endless in comparison to Andveltica and yet she found it all very exciting. A glimmer of hope filled her chest.
“Mother, what is there to do in Nebrasia?” she asked loudly.
The queen blinked her eyes open, and Danielle jumped with a start. “What’s that, Dear?”
The lady-in-waiting glared at her.
“It all seems like nothing but farmland,” Madeleine continued in the same volume. “Do Nebrasians pick crops for fun?”
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The queen grinned, seemingly unperturbed after being woken. “The royals in Nebrasia do all the same things we do, Madi, though since you’ve mentioned picking crops, the folk here hold a festival to celebrate the harvest when the trees change color. The entire village is decorated in red and gold, and there are countless harvest themed activities like games and dancing.”
Madeleine’s face lit up as she listened. “Oh, Mother, that sounds wonderful. I’ve only ever read about trees changing color. I can’t wait! When is the festival? Will it come soon?” She stared at her mother who gave a warm smile.
“It’s only a month or so away, and I’m sure we will stay in Nebrasia much longer than that.”
Madeleine bounced in her chair. “I can already imagine all the colors, and the markets, and the dancing!”
A small tsk of outrage escaped Danielle’s mouth as she furiously worked her needle into the fabric.
“The Nebrasian monarch, King Luc, has two sons around your age,” the queen continued. “The eldest, Prince Adrian, is three years older than yourself and the younger brother, Prince Antoine, is thirteen so, only one year older. You will be in their company during our stay there. They could be potential playmates for you.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I’ve never had friends my own age before! Not any real friends anyway, unless you count my lady-in-waiting, Arielle, but she never wants to play with me. Will the princes want to go to the Harvest Festival?”
“I’m certain they will.”
There was silence. Madeleine once again let her thoughts drift away with the passing view. Pleasant dreams of the possible adventures to come filled her head as she gazed out. They were almost immediately interrupted by intruding emotions of fear and nervousness causing her to frown.
She wondered if the boys would accept her. What if they didn’t? The only relationships she had experienced were the stiff formalities she exchanged with her siblings and the castle staff. Deep down, she’d always wished for something more.
Gazing at some trees in the distance, Madeleine’s eyes became heavy and some time or another, the small girl fell asleep. It was a light sleep, and she awoke to Danielle’s rigid voice.
A sigh escaped the servant’s mouth. “Will the girl’s rambunctious behavior never cease?”
Madeleine kept her eyes closed as she listened.
“Madi is just like I was when I was young,” Queen Nicole’s soft voice answered. “She will grow up in her own time, but she will always be full of life and curiosity.”
“That’s what worries me. The curiosity. The desire to step where she should not step. A step that you were willing…” Her words trailed off.
“She won’t make the same mistakes I did, because I will watch over her carefully.” She made an exasperated sound. “What really worries me is the king. He cares more about his citizens than his own health. Why he remains in Tein as the people’s ‘symbol of hope’ as he says, instead of coming away with his family where he would be safe from the sweating sickness is beyond me.”
“Nebrasia is dangerous.” Danielle’s voice was sterner than ever. “You know he is still there and yet you’re going anyway? It’s a bad idea and to be safe, I would strongly suggest you not answer any messages from—”
“That’s quite enough, Danielle,” the queen spat. “Do not mention this to me again.”
There was silence, and Madeleine’s body ached from being scrunched in the same position for so long, but she dared not move. She hadn’t the slightest idea what they were talking about, but her mother rarely used such a harsh tone.
The silence prolonged for what seemed forever when Danielle touched Madeleine’s arm gently. “Princess, wake up. We are almost to the castle.”
Madeleine, pretending she had just woken from a deep sleep, stretched dramatically then peeked out the window.
It was late in the evening and the sun had long gone. There were timbered buildings with thatched roofs lining a deserted street where only a few lamps stood, small flames glinting inside them. Beyond the road and the looming houses that seemed to sink in and out of the darkness, there was an enormous stone castle. It stretched far into the distance, seemingly without end. Parts of it were hidden in shadow.
Little keyholes of light poked out of gaps cut into the stone to make windows. Staring at these pockets of light, Madeleine caught a glimpse inside one particular gap of a young boy with blond hair, reading a book. He looked about her age, though his eyes had dark circles under them. She stared until she could no longer see him.
A large gate towered over them as the carriage halted, and a light rain began to fall. Madeleine realized she could not see the moon. It was hidden behind ominous clouds that blanketed the sky. She jumped as the gate lifted slowly with an aching, creaking whine and the carriage moved forward through the dark entryway.
Madeleine noticed a great many banners hanging everywhere, hundreds of lit lamps placed in even rows, and a great multitude waiting at the end of a vast courtyard. There were servants, footmen, and maids standing in beautiful, still lines.
The caravan of Andveltican carriages came to a halt, and a voice boomed out boldly against the silent air. “Announcing the arrival of Queen Nicole Castellane of Andveltica and Princess Madeleine Debois of Andveltica!”
The doors on Madeleine’s carriage opened and she stepped out onto a red carpet that was entwined with gold. The queen’s skirts were immediately scooped up by her maids and she walked ahead of the procession, Madeleine trailing behind her.
When they reached the end of the carpet, and after much bowing had taken place, a large, tall man with a glittering crown on his head appeared at the front of it all. The king wore a magnificent fur trimmed cloak embedded with jewels, an intricately embroidered tunic with split sleeves, and a large hat sitting boldly on his head with a bright blue feather sticking out of it.
His name was also formally announced as King Luc Rousselle II. This king had gray hair, skin so pale it resembled untouched porcelain, and a tired expression on his face. Prince Antoine’s name was also called and a small thirteen-year-old boy with brown, curly hair, ivory skin, and clever green eyes stepped forward.
The young prince wore similarly dazzling clothes to his father, his shoes fashioned with gold, shining buckles that glistened as he tapped his feet together. When Prince Adrian’s name was called, no one appeared.
“It is an honor to welcome you to the west Nebrasian castle,” the king said gruffly. “I’m sorry to say my son Adrian will not be attending tonight. The prince has fallen ill.”
“No, he hasn’t!” Prince Antoine squeaked at once, his curls bouncing as he spoke. “He’s hiding in that tower room again, reading his gloomy novels.” He folded his arms. “The servants have been looking everywhere for him.”
Madeleine could faintly hear Danielle gasp in disapproval at the prince’s outburst, and she tried not to grin.
The king sighed. “Hush, Tony.”
“Reading can often provide an escape from one’s situation,” Queen Nicole said, lifting her chin confidently. “I wonder if the prince may be trying to escape his own right now.”
The king nodded sadly, and Madeleine noticed his eyes were slightly sunken-in with dark circles surrounding them. “We are still mourning my dear wife,” he said, his voice tapering off. “Even though it has been over a year, her presence never seems to leave this castle.”
Madeleine recalled hearing mention of Queen Gabrielle of Nebrasia and her sudden death from an issue with her lungs. The king’s words did not, however, seem to have any effect on the small boy that stood in front of her. Prince Antoine had not once stopped grinning at her. If he was upset, he did not show it now. When she made eye-contact with him, he winked at her, and she quickly glanced away.
“That is truly grievous to hear,” the queen said softly. “It’s difficult to say goodbye. I am sure we will have plenty of chances to meet the young Prince Adrian while we are visiting.”
“That’s right,” the king replied, looking off somewhere unblinking. “He will be joining us at mealtimes.”
“Ah, yes,” the queen’s voice lightened. “I am intrigued to experience the difference in Nebrasian cuisine. An everyday Andveltican meal is quite different, I’m sure.”
“Yes, indeed.”
The adults continued their drudging small talk, and Madeleine’s mind wandered elsewhere.
She stared at the ground then the bright decorations laid everywhere, her eyes wide. She wondered what it would be like living in this new land, since nothing reminded her of home. The air was dry in comparison, even with the light rainfall. The landscape was flat and from what she could see had no end save for the thin outline of the Andveltican mountain range far in the distance. She stared at the green trees that stood in the courtyard and thought she saw a few leaves yellowing at the tips.
Antoine had stopped listening as well, and she was shaken from her thoughts when he flashed her another smile. She looked from King Luc whose countenance was dark and dreary to this strange boy who shone brightly in contrast.
After what seemed forever, a maid appeared in front of her, informing Madeleine she would be led to her quarters. Her ladies-in-waiting followed after her as the Nebrasian maids led them through countless hallways inside the castle.
In a blur, the princess tread slowly behind them, gazing at endless rows of torches on the walls until she was finally brought to a large, furnished chamber.
There was a blue silk bed with a bedstead covered in jewels, and a large fur rug was spread over the ground. On the wall was an enormous tapestry that Madeleine only had a moment to glance at before more Nebrasian maids entered the room, one carrying a tray of bread and herring while the other brought a goblet containing a red liquid.
Madeleine stared at the items, unsure about the foreign foods, but hunger won out and the little girl gobbled up the humble meal. The Nebrasian maids bowed then left and Madeleine’s ladies-in-waiting from Andveltica quickly helped her out of her dress until she was wearing just her cotton chemise.
The princess looked around at everything, noticing that the Nebrasian castle was much more ornate than what she was used to. The exquisiteness of it all distracted her as she was tucked into bed. She could hardly settle down as she stared upwards at her ceiling that was covered in delicate carved patterns.
The thick, wool blankets had an unfamiliar smell and she felt quite alone then, more than usual. The warmth of Antoine’s face filled her thoughts, and she wondered if the strange boy would play with her during her stay.
As she imagined his bouncing curls, her eyes itched with fatigue, and she slowly blinked in the darkness. At last, she gave into the pull of exhaustion and the last thing she thought of before falling asleep was the curious blond boy in the stone window secretly reading his novels.