Off through shadows,
Living while dying,
Forgotten in measure,
Carried to foreign loam,
Energy that never wakes,
Power swirls beneath,
Lifeless hearts pound with the tumult.
Madeleine rushed to the second carriage in the procession, Arielle quickly following while holding an umbrella over her head.
Water poured down in heavy sheets, soaking the princess’s shoes and dirtying the hem of her dress. Before she could reach the door, she stopped suddenly, nearly crashing into the queen of Andveltica.
“Apologies.” Madeleine’s voice was barely above a whisper.
Nicole eyed her, pursing her lips. She said nothing and made her way to the first carriage as a servant followed after her.
After a quick exhale, the princess stepped into her own carriage with the help of a footman, finding that Courtney was already situated inside. The older sister held a large handkerchief to her face as she coughed.
Madeleine stifled a yawn as the carriage started forward, hoping the bags under her eyes weren’t visible. She’d finally crashed the night before on one of the desks in the library where a servant eventually found her and woke her just before the trip.
“I’m glad the queen will be riding in her own carriage with the king,” Madeleine said, looking out the window. “I don’t think I could stand a week in a confined box with her criticizing me with that gaze.”
“I take it she is still upset about you turning down the duke?”
“You should have seen her just now, Courtney. I don’t think she’ll ever move past it.”
“What happened between you and Marcel? You never told me.”
She sighed. “I panicked. I saw his face and its lines. I could see the wear of life in those lines, and well, it’s hard to explain,” she put her face in her hands, “but I needed to end it all at once, so I broke things off.”
“That’s it? You decided that just based on his face?”
She shook her head. “He was moving way too fast. I just couldn’t go through with it.”
“But he didn’t even propose yet.”
Madeleine fidgeted uncomfortably, looking up from her hands. “Well, he may have mentioned something while I was being cross with him.”
“A proposal?” Madeleine nodded, barely able to look at her sister. “Oh, Madi…”
“It doesn’t matter now,” she said quickly. “It’s over and I for one am relieved, because he turned out to be very cross and ungentlemanly.”
“It’s probably for the better anyway, since we’ll be in Nebrasia for some time. Imagine if things had gone well and suddenly you two had to be ripped apart. Well, good riddance.” Courtney went into another one of her coughing fits before saying, “Madi, I know there’s been a lot of pressure on you to get married. I feel it too, believe me. There aren’t that many days left when we can have these precious moments together.”
“The prince of Flussland…Have reports deemed him handsome?”
“Dashingly handsome. Not that I really care about such things.”
“You don’t?”
Courtney hesitated. “I-I’ve just never had any interest in courting and I don’t think it would go well if I had the freedom to choose.”
Madeleine considered her in surprise. “Why is that?
Courtney blinked several times before simply saying, “It just wouldn’t.”
“But Courtney, so many men have been interested in you.”
“You’re right. They have.” There was a pause. “I’ve been sick my entire years of courting,” she continued carefully. “I suppose I’ve never had time to think about anything romantic. Don’t worry about me though.”
“But I do, and I will.”
She gave a weak smile. “We both have obligations as princesses and that’s just how things are for us.”
She glanced away at that. “I will be eighteen soon. Once I return, the queen will have me seeing suitors again. My time is running out.”
“Nothing is running out.” She patted her hand with her own. “If anything, this trip to Nebrasia is buying you time. Perhaps you just need to meet some men from Nebrasia. A wealthy duke from Cappeland, perhaps?”
“I…”
Courtney grinned and took Madeleine’s hands in hers, placing her forehead to them in a mock formal greeting that was normally performed by a male suitor. “This trip to Nebrasia may be more profitable to Andveltica than we originally thought.” She raised her eyebrows up and down teasingly.
Madeleine snatched her hands back. “I swear, if the queen hears you talking like that, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Courtney shrugged, and they both laughed until the older princess was violently coughing into her sleeve.
There was silence between them and the blurred, green shapes moving outside the carriage caught Madeleine’s eye once again. She pulled out her poetry journal from her bag and her thoughts turned to the note she had stuck in the front cover. She’d made no progress on the whereabouts or meaning of the strange letter she’d found stuffed in the misplaced library book, but she kept it with her all the same.
She was the keeper of an exciting secret and as they made their way to Nebrasia, she thought about it, and she wanted Adrian to be in on the secret as well. It was a silly thought, but if there was anyone who she could share her secrets with, surely it was Adrian.
♛♚♛
Nebrasia was cold and the landscape was lined with a thin sheet of snow. Small green stems peeked from underneath the white blanket. Oddly, the cold air felt comforting in comparison to the warmth of Andveltica. The warmth meant loneliness, but this frigid air was full of possibilities.
After passing through the metal gate, the procession filtered into the familiar courtyard where the royals were met with an impressive congregation.
The younger princess quickly exited the now still carriage after her sister, and they both tread gracefully behind the king and queen down the long red carpet. Her heart pounded as they approached the end of it where the king of Nebrasia was waiting for them. King Abel and Queen Nicole bowed, and Madeleine and Courtney quickly followed suit.
Madeleine lifted out of the bow and that’s when her breath caught in her throat.
She met the piercing blue eyes of a young man in his early twenties. A red cloak trimmed with fur was boldly draped around his broad shoulders ending at the knee, and tidy blond hair ended just above his shoulders, straight bangs nearly in his eyes. A glistening crown sat atop his head, and she wouldn’t have known it was him, save for the eyes.
He looked at her with a blank expression. She fidgeted under the powerful stare, feeling her cheeks grow hot. It was then that she noticed the shorter man standing next to him.
Prince Antoine’s messy brown curls bounced slightly as he bowed. Madeleine was taken aback when he winked at her, and she was met with one of his signature grins. The prince was draped in silver and blue, and a ceremonial sword hung at his side. A smaller crown sat on his head, but he looked just as stoic as his elder brother.
The two brothers were truly a sight.
Adrian considered them all for a moment before speaking. “Esteemed and Royal Magistrates from the kingdom of Andveltica.” A thick, booming voice came from the young king’s mouth. “We welcome you to Nebrasia and thank you for coming on such short notice. Your servants will show you to your rooms, and there will be supper served later this evening.” With that, he bowed his head slightly and promptly took his leave.
Madeleine opened her mouth as she watched the stunning king disappear through a corridor leading into the castle.
Antoine stood there, giving an apologetic smile. “Adrian always liked to keep his speeches short and sweet,” he addressed all of them. “I’m afraid that’s the best greeting you’ll ever get from him.”
The anxiety in her chest began to loosen as the prince stepped towards her mother, sister and then her, greeting all of them with the formal Elderian greeting. Once in front of her, she noticed he was slightly shorter than herself. Her cold fingers were engulfed in warmth as he pressed them to his forehead.
“Good evening, Madi.”
She smiled brightly. “You always were more personable, Tony.”
His eyes lit up at the nickname. “Well then, I suppose we’ll have to enjoy ourselves in the absence of the poor, labored king. He’ll be dearly missed, I’m sure.” A mischievous grin played at his corners.
Queen Nicole also grinned, and Madeleine was aware that her mother was watching the two of them smugly.
“You must be exhausted from your travels.” His words were directed towards the rest of the Debois family. “Please, don’t let me keep you from resting after such a long journey.”
Antoine signaled the servants forward and Madeleine was led away from the massive courtyard. She looked back temporarily at the prince and was met with that same smile she remembered so well.
The room she was led to was bright and spacious.
It was different from the room she’d stayed in five years ago, but she immediately took a liking to it. It was in fact within a round tower with windows that stretched entirely up and along a quarter of it. Her bed was draped in every shade of red possible, with dark wood lining the canopy and the sides. There was a great oak chest that sat at the foot of the bed with unique carvings covering the sides.
She sat on the edge of her bed and waited for her ladies-in-waiting to arrive. Soon, she was changing into a magnificent gown encrusted with silver leaves and flowers. Her sleeves were lined with little white frills, and her skirt made of yellow taffeta dragged on the floor in the back. She had a large white ruff around her neck and her hair was half pinned up on the top of her head and covered with a French hood embroidered with the same silver leaves and flowers, while the rest of her hair trailed over her shoulders.
Madeleine gazed at herself in the mirror, excitement brewing her chest. She was ecstatic beyond belief to be standing inside the West Nebrasian castle, finally in the place she had never stopped dreaming about. She did not know how long it was that she stood there, thinking, but she jumped when Arielle broke the silence.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Your Highness?” her maid asked, and she looked over at her lady-in-waiting. “Supper is ready.”
She smiled. “Let’s head out then.”
Every seat at the enormous table was filled, except her own and one at the head. There was an abundance of people in the dining hall. Lords, ladies, princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses, men of court, kings and queens, and all other manner of important figures sat gracefully and conversed in romantic tones.
After properly greeting her sister, Madeleine looked around, considering the rest of the company. At the head of the table, the empty seat stood as a testament of Adrian’s absence and her heart sank slightly. She wondered if he would be arriving soon.
A proud looking black-haired man with the Cappeland crest shining on his shoulder and chestnut-colored skin caught her eye. He sat to the left of the king of Cappeland and interestingly enough, looked far kinglier in comparison. The actual king was smaller than she had expected, with small beady eyes, a large belly, and ivory skin. His crown appeared small on his large head and he hunched slightly as if he was nervous.
A deep voice addressed her from across the room, making her start. She forgot about the mysterious Cappeland man and looked over in surprise to see none other than her brother.
“How long it’s been, Madeleine.” A man in his late twenties with a skin tone similar to her own, spoke from the corner of the room.
The frazzled sister stiffened, mumbling, “Evening, Brother.”
Prince Bryson Debois had his father’s green eyes and his mother’s black hair. He sat beside a beautiful woman with a disinterested face that she recognized as his wife. His vague, bemused face ignited a small, furious flame inside her.
“I was just talking to Charlotte about you, Dear Sister. We heard how you refused Duke Marcel. It’s quite a shame really. He’s a good friend of mine.”
“Of course, he is,” she mumbled, reaching for a piece of venison from the center of the table in mock disinterest.
“What’s that?”
“Nothing. I had no idea you two knew each other.”
“He’s the most eligible young man in Andveltica. Of course, I know him, which is why I was so shocked to find out you turned him away without a second thought.” He took a sip from his goblet. “An act such as this, I’m sure you’re aware, does not bode well for your future prospects.”
“Perhaps this duke was the most eligible man in Andveltica,” it was Antoine who entered the conversation, “but this is Nebrasia. There are far more, and in my opinion, more suitable options to choose from.” He gave her a wink.
She blinked at him, then gave a silent smile of gratitude.
“Be that as it may,” Bryson continued, seemingly unperturbed, “Nebrasia would be no different than Andveltica when the initial problem is still there.”
Madeleine bit her lip. “What you’re referring to, I can’t imagine, but I see no problem in being particular. It’s preferable, in my mind, to being forced to tie myself down to someone of little interest for the rest of my life, regardless of how arrogant they are.” She glanced at Bryson’s wife challengingly.
The young woman’s expression hardened, and she looked away.
“Oh Madi,” Bryson said calmly. “One day you will understand what it is to be dutiful and not childish.”
“Rather a child than a blind servant to obligation.”
“You keep telling yourself that, little sister.” Bryson lifted his nose up and promptly turned away from her to speak with a stern fellow sitting on his left, clearly done with the conversation.
She glared at him for a moment before exchanging a glance with her sister and sighing.
“That was a heartfelt family reunion,” Antoine said from his end.
She looked at the prince, shaking her head slightly. “Trust me when I say that it was more heartfelt than usual. He acknowledged my existence this time. That’s something.”
“It only makes me more grateful for the relationship I have with Adrian, even if it is strained at times.” The prince rubbed the back of his head as he said it.
“Strained, yes, but I don’t imagine either of you despise each other.”
He chuckled. “That’s true. I don’t completely despise him.”
She let out a puff of air, grinning. “Your personalities differ, that’s for sure.”
“You’re comparing a tombstone to the actual sun. That’s the contrast between our personalities.”
She laughed. “You’re as cheery and lighthearted as ever.”
“Someone has to be in this shadow of a family.”
“Perhaps there is more light than you may consider?”
“I agree,” he said with a grin, “now that you’ve arrived.”
She blinked, considering the daring expression. There was a moment of silence and Courtney looked between them, her corners upturned.
“I take it the king will not be dining with us tonight,” Madeleine finally said.
Antoine’s smile fell slightly. “Oh, he’s, you know, doing kingly things as always, fussing over political matters. He usually eats privately in his chamber anyway.”
“And by fussing, you mean ruling a kingdom.” She raised an eyebrow making his corners turn upward.
“You really like putting people in their place, don’t you, Madi? I’ll have to watch myself while you’re here.”
“My sister has a rough exterior,” Courtney cut in before giving a short cough, “but underneath lies a secret soft side. Once you reach that, she can’t help but dote on you.”
“Courtney,” the younger sister hissed, nudging her arm in embarrassment.
“Is that so?” Antoine mused.
“I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough.”
Madeleine roughly elbowed her this time, glaring daggers but Courtney only smiled evilly in reply.
Antoine laughed as he grabbed a drumstick from the plate in front of him. Madeleine glanced at it, her mouth watering. She’d forgotten about the food, and wanting to escape this conversation, she quickly grabbed a roll for herself. She plopped it in her mouth, suddenly distracted by a voice, her father’s voice, breaking through the buzz at the table.
She glanced up to see that he had joined Queen Nicole’s conversation. His posture was friendly and almost flirtatious as he leaned towards his wife. He would not take his eyes off her, flashing teeth Madeleine had rarely seen. She found herself staring at him in astonishment.
“Princess,” Antoine’s voice cut through her thoughts, and she glanced back at him. “If it’s not a bother, would you and Courtney accompany me for a ride tomorrow morning? I remember how much you loved riding, perhaps too much if I recall correctly.”
She grinned. “Your memory does you credit. I’d be delighted to oblige you. Will Adrian be going as well?”
He paused. “I can invite him, but Adrian rarely does anything enjoyable, much less leave his chamber when he’s not in political meetings. He’d probably be a bore anyway.”
This small chance she had of seeing the king made her grin. “Maybe he’ll change his mind.” Antoine snorted. “Either way, it will be a delight just to catch up with you, Tony, and to spend time with Courtney.”
“Actually,” her sister interrupted, “I probably shouldn’t go riding when I’m still recovering.” On cue she hacked into her sleeve.
Antoine blinked. “You’re unwell?”
“I am always unwell. Ever since the sweating sickness I’ve been weakened. You two have fun at the stables without me.”
“Nebrasia has the best physicians and doctors in Elderian,” Antoine said gently. “I would be happy to have them look you over if you wish?”
She nodded. “That is very kind of you, Tony.”
“Of course.” He turned back to Madeleine. “It’s settled then, Madi. I shall see you in the Nebrasian stables tomorrow morning.”
She grinned, excitement flaring up inside. Her face fell at once when she made eye contact with her mother, who was again grinning between her and the prince. Madeleine averted her eyes and tried to find somewhere else to look.
She instead found herself locking eyes with a woman across from her, around her age, with blonde curls pinned up all around her head. The blonde had been silently listening to their previous conversation. Green, complacent orbs stared back at her, and a grin played at the woman’s mouth.
“You must be the princess of Cappeland?” Madeleine asked her.
Antoine and Courtney looked over at her as well.
She did not change her expression but lifted her pale chin slightly. “Princess Yvette Allard of Cappeland, daughter of Adele and Jean of Cappeland, to be more precise.” Her voice was even and confident. “And who might you be?”
“Madeleine.” The Andveltican princess cleared her throat, her voice weaker for some reason. “Madeleine Debois, Princess of Andveltica.”
Yvette sat so easily in her chair, while Madeleine squirmed in her own. There was something about her apparent conviction that made the Andveltican princess cower inside.
Another woman sitting next to Yvette with black hair and brown, slanted eyes with single-folded eyelids cleared her throat. “Yvette, you seem to have forgotten to introduce your dear sister again.”
She rolled her eyes. “We are not sisters. Not really. This is Amabel the Bastard. She’s technically the second eldest, but we do not share the same mother, obviously.”
The dark-haired sister sat confidently the way Yvette did, but her expression was more approachable and just from looking at her, Madeleine thought she seemed more collected and mature. Amabel did not seem phased by her title and smiled at all of them. “It’s nice to meet all of you.”
They all gave a small, bowed nod in reply.
“I understand your predicament,” Courtney said cheerily. “I too get overshadowed by an older sibling.”
Amabel considered her with sharp, clever eyes. “I’d complain, but I rather enjoy the shade.” Courtney laughed, placing a hand under her chin. The Cappeland princess gave a small smile in response.
“I suppose we will be seeing a lot of each other then,” Yvette directed her words to Madeleine, ignoring her half-sister, “while the men have their political squabbles.”
Madeleine perked up at that. “You mean the meetings of negotiation? Are you not permitted to attend them either? We can at least discuss politics outside the meetings I suppose.”
The blonde princess turned her nose up at the enthusiasm. “Oh dear, no. Not only are politics such a headache and women need never be acquainted with such things unless they simply must, but those who do take part in the negotiations take on a binding oath to never discuss political matters outside of the scheduled meetings.”
“Oh, I see.”
There was silence between them, and Madeleine bit her lip. She was grateful to end the conversation there when Antoine stood from his chair, holding a goblet in his hand.
“I’m afraid the king will not be joining us this evening,” he boomed as the room quieted. “I shall do the best I can at welcoming all of you to Nebrasia during this arduous time.” Everyone stood and lifted their cup. “I say, success and victory to our united kingdoms!”
“Here, here!” they all chanted in reply.
Madeleine drained her cup.
“For those of you that fall into this category, the council will meet tomorrow afternoon to begin discussion of negotiation and affairs of state.” Madeleine looked down, wanting more than anything to fall into that category. “I will retire now. I suggest you all do the same.” Antoine set his cup down.
He sent a wink Madeleine’s way as others at the table stood from their chairs and began leaving the room. “I will see you in the morning, Your Highness,” he said gently.
She nodded in reply, a warmth filling her breast.
♛♚♛
The next morning, Madeleine crossed the castle grounds. She lifted her skirts to avoid getting caught in the tall grass, taking in the familiar sights and smells.
Wandering into the stables, she greeted the horses whose names she still remembered. “Good morning, Marionette!”
The roan shook her mane at the princess’s touch then nuzzled her hand. Her nose wandered to the dress in front of her in search of treats. Madeleine giggled and pulled an apple from her pocket. “Of course, I brought you something.”
The horse bit the apple in half and chewed for a bit before accepting the rest of it. Wiping her palm on her skirt, Madeleine settled herself down on an overturned bucket.
There was a soft breeze that whistled through the barn and blew loose hairs across her face. Tucking them behind her ear, she sat contently, letting her eyes close for a moment. Her worries and the longing she had felt for so many years began to drift away. She remembered the castle gardens and the secret passage behind the tall bushes. Her eyes shot open, and she stood quickly. She picked up her skirts at once and rushed from the stables.
As she ran, a large strand of hair came undone from where it had previously been pinned up, whipping across her cheek. She approached the entrance of the secret passage excitedly and felt around for the hidden lever. After some struggle, the wall opened. She swept past rows of hedges, passing the green lantern relic, making her way to the secret little room.
She would have skipped right in, but something stopped her in her tracks, or more of, someone.
Adrian was kneeling before a large white statue of a beautiful woman with a circlet around her head. His back facing Madeleine, the king’s blond head was bowed respectfully in front of the marble monarch with an inscription at the bottom. The image of Queen Gabrielle gazed down at him lovingly, and the statue must have been only a few years old, since Madeleine clearly remembered it not being there before.
She stood frozen on the spot and watched as Adrian placed his hand over one of the statue’s.
“Mother,” he whispered tenderly. “I need you. Please.”
Madeleine slowly backed away when her dress caught on a branch, rustling some leaves.
Adrian turned in surprise, meeting her with wet eyes and tear stained cheeks. A young boy stared back at her then, his look sad and longing. “Madi?” The look immediately melted, and he quickly wiped his eyes. “What do you think you’re doing here?” He sounded almost angry then, his face flushing.
“I...uh.” She hesitated, untangling her skirt. “I-I wasn’t trying to barge in. I was just exploring. I had no idea you would be here.”
“This is my private garden.” He stood, approaching her. “Should I not be here?”
“No, of course, you should. My apologies. I wanted to visit this place because it means a lot to me. Don’t you remember when you brought me here all those years ago?”
He hesitated. “I do, but that does not make this place your own. You can’t come and go as you please.”
“I understand.” She considered him. “Are you alright?”
Adrian bit his lip. “That’s none of your concern. I am the king of Nebrasia. Don’t be so informal with me.”
She frowned. “Adrian, we’re friends, are we not?”
“We are not children anymore.” He glanced to the side, the rouge still in his cheeks. “I’ll see myself out then.” He quickly went past her, bumping her shoulder.
Madeleine gently took his arm, stopping him. “Why were you crying?”
He looked back at her, something like shame crossing his face. “Enough. You don’t know me. I suggest you leave before I order you out.”
She blinked at him in shock, letting go. “F-fine.” The loose strand of hair blew across her nose as she swallowed. “Sorry to have bothered you, Your Highness.” His expression wavered slightly, and he still couldn’t seem to meet her gaze. She gave a small bow and left, pushing the secret entrance open and retreating quickly.
Once out of sight, she headed back to the stables. Finding a secluded spot behind one of the stalls, she sat on the cold ground, chest heaving, trying to maintain her composure but a few tears leaked out.
As she sat there staring at her hands, she wondered if anyone was in the stables who might see her having this unbecoming moment on the floor. She recalled the terrible memory of Justin Chevalier and her mother. She remembered his tear-stained face and a great anxiety filled her chest as she realized he might be in the stable with her at that very moment.
“Hello?” She jumped nearly out of her skin when she heard a man’s voice, her heart beating faster. She held her breath. “Madi, is that you?”