Continuing from the journals of Princess Iantheia . . . .
"What is it now?" Lady Hildegale scuttled over to us. Prince Flairon swept her a low bow.
I lowered my face trying to hide my embarrassment at Prince Flairon's outburst. As I curtsied to Lady Hildegale I said, "I wished to speak to you Lady Hildegale, regarding a private, personal matter."
It was the wrong thing to say if I hoped to have a private conversation with Lady Hildegale, now everyone near us would want to listen in.
Lady Hildegale came closer to me. "My dear Iana, are you all right? What's wrong?"
"You see I - It's - " All of a sudden, to further my embarrassment, my throat seized up. I couldn't speak. I bit back tears. My chin wobbled.
I couldn't have planned it better if I'd tried. I'm sure I would have put everyone off bumbling around with words. As it was my near breakdown had a remarkable effect on Lady Hildegale.
Continuing from the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding . . .
Finding Lady Hildegale was the easy part. Off season she practically lived in her sitting room. She was always entertaining; food and drinks at the ready, exotic fruits and delicate sweets. I could go to Lady Hildegale's any hour of the day and expect to see people there. Important people sometimes, the up and rising, the latest singing sensation or the brightest new poet. No one entertained more than Lady Hildegale, except maybe the King.
The hard part was getting to speak to her. Everyone wanted to speak to Lady Hildegale. She was exactly the kind of woman I wished was my godmother. She knew everyone, and could introduce you to anyone in the Circle Kingdom. Since we arrived in Catha I'd been trying to get Lady Hildegale to take me and Joli under her wing. Every day I got a little closer to her. Now would be my last chance.
I took a deep breath as the footman announced my name and I entered Lady Hildegale's sitting room.
From the journals of Ianathia, Princess of Winding...
"My life is over Joli, completely over." I dropped mother's letter to the round table. It didn't matter how many times I read it. It had ruined my life and I couldn't unread it.
I moved to the window, wishing we had a pleasant view to distract me.
"It's not over." Joli said from her cozy chair. She curled her feet underneath her and her hands were busy stitching a dress. "We just have to go home. At least its not a bethrothal."
"If it was a good match then I wouldn't mind a bethrothal." I said leaning my head on the window taking in the bleak view. The oval window looked out to a narrow stone stairwell, and the tall walls of the castle keep, only a small circle of sky was visible above them.
Hardly anyone used these stairs, no one important I might wish to see. Only distant relative of Catha's king were housed in this part of the castle, like us. We had no choice but to live here. We couldn't afford to rent rooms in town. Just as we couldn't afford a footman, or even a maid. Joli had taken on that role, and she served as my handmaiden whenever I needed one. We hadn't fooled anyone by it, it was plain to see Joli and I were sisters, only a year apart in age.
"Extravagances." I muttered, looking back at Joli and our tiny room, with one bed in the corner, a wardrobe of minimal portortions and a cracked looking glass over the dressing table. Mother's letter said we had too many extravagances. I could pull my hair out. "What extravagances was she talking about? We live on breadcrumbs and sleep on box springs." I kicked at the bed we shared, sending a stabbing pain through my foot. "The only reason our clothes are half way decent is thanks to you."
This letter has been enscribed by the Queen's own scribe, Olwen the Scribe, sealed by his hand and given to the head guardsman for his review.
Reviewed and stamped by Captain Olwen, head of security, and taken on his patrol to the Postmaster.
Signed by Postmaster Olwen. Everything looks in order. This is merely a formaility, really. Taken by Postermaster Olwen to the local runners guild.
Armless Art, runner. Am writing wit teeth. Run from Windin Guildhall to Catha. In all good speed.
To the daughters of the Kingdom of Winding
Formal Greetings from the Queen and King of Winding
Ancienia, Spring Year 217
To our dearest, sweet divine daughters, my angels,
May this letter find you in good heath. It has been nine weeks, and four days since we last saw each other, and our time apart has left me and your father ample time to ourselves. The chimes do not ring as brightly without your shining faces. In fact they barely ring at all.
How I long to see you again, my dear darlings. I know your father feels the same way. Perhaps you do as well?
My girls, I shall be blunt. It is time to come home. You've had your fun, and your festivities, the fine food and late nights dancing, but enough is enough. Winding needs you. I apologize for my frankness, but the debt collectors knock at my chamber doors even now. We cannot afford your extravagances any longer.
I say again, time for you to come home.
Iantheia and Jolianita, my angels, how I do miss you. Come home to your mama. Come swiftly.
No detours Iantheia.
I'm serious.
your dearest, dearest mama
....to be continued.
