-November 11th of 1312

Lena gazes out of the carriage window deep in thought as the first early snow falls. By all right, Lena should have departed the day after the battle, but she had sent Holly in her place stating another obscure military law. His majesty had graciously received Holly, but had written a pointed letter giving her ten days to present herself.

The last ten days had been busy as Lena had released the prisoners of Cypress and conducted a prison exchange with their new alley. A peace treaty had been written and signed as the last of Cypress forces happily returned home. And strangely enough, the two groups parted on good terms as the fort sent them with a large party.

The wheels clumped with snow roll to a muffled stop before the palace steps. Lena gratefully waves to the carriage driver and makes her way to the young palace aide. The palace aide wordlessly leads Lena as she notices the curious gazes of the palace maids and manservants who stare at her with a mixture of awe and fear in their eyes.

They were not alone in their thoughts. There were those that admired Lena’s feats and others that were frightened at what she was capable of. Either way, Lena was a curious person to beheld.

At the grand carved doors of the inner council room, the aide stopped as two guards opened the door for Lena to enter. Lena nodded her thanks as she proceeded into the council room that is brimming with wordless tension.

Lena bows and cordially says, “I greet the council and His Royal Majesty. I hope that you are all well,” before rising to her feet as she waits for the council to speak.

Lena stiffens as her solemn father winks at her. With wary eyes Lena keeps an eye on the council and the exit.

His Royal Majesty finally rises from his seat and head towards her. With a soft smile His Majesty halts before her and says, “Kneel, Lady Bartholomew.”

Lena automatically complies as His Royal Majesty declares, “From this day forth ye will no longer be known as Lady Bartholomew, but as Princess Lena Sorrell of Alyssum.”

Lena gapes in understanding at her father’s lack of eye contact. Lena hastily speaks, “Your majesty, though I am honored I cannot accept the honor. I am merely a general. I am not fit to be part of the royal family.”

His Royal Majesty holds his hand out to Lena as she instinctively takes his hand as His Royal Majesty smoothly exclaims, “My dearest daughter, I am sure that this is overwhelming for you, but the council and I have agreed to this.

If you are worried there will be protests, I can assure you there will be not. My queen and your royal younger brother, the crown prince and royal sister have approved of thy appointment as princess.

The official announcement shall be in three days hence and as such, you have more than ample time to prepare. If there are any subordinates that you wish to accompany you, merely ask and thy wish shall be fulfilled.”

Lena is unable to respond as His Majesty firmly seats her next to him usually reserved for the attending royal heirs. The rest of the meeting passes Lena by as a blur as she tries to wrap her mind around the situation.

Never in Lena’s wildest dreams would she have dreamt of such an appointment. After all, it is no small nor easy task to be a royal. One is always in the eye of the public and of the elite.

The council finally concludes their meeting and excuse themselves only leaving his Majesty and her father-, in the inner council. Once the doors close her Father turns to her and mischievously says, “I bet you didn’t expect that, now did you, my Lena?”

Lena snorts in response, because she truly did not expect that.

Her father swiftly interjects, “To our dilemma of allies, the King and I came to the simple solution that has always worked throughout the centuries, marriage. Of course, there is a small problem, the first princess is already happily engaged to Lord Anton of Versailles and would surely elope if the position was forced upon her.

And even though the Queen is yet young, we need a princess now and not later. Although it is unusual for a royal heir to be adopted if there are royal heirs, but it is not unusual in the history of Alyssum itself.

Therefore, after much consideration on potential candidates and seeing as my lovely daughter is currently without an engagement, the only possible candidate was you, Lena.”

The modern woman inside of Lena wants to scream and stomp that she had rights. How dare they appoint her as princess just to marry her off? But the rational side of her, understands their need to appoint her as a princess.

After all the most traditional form to create an alliance with another country is through marriage. Besides, Lena could always run away if need be. And just maybe, if her suitor happened to look like her father, Lena surely wouldn’t oppose going through with the marriage.

His Royal Majesty tries to guess the solemn women’s thoughts and says, “Lena, no matter how we racked our minds, we could not find another candidate who the people would willingly accept but you. There was no one else.”

Lena sighs and unhappily responds, “I will agree to my appointment and need for a political marriage. However, I will be the one to choose my marriage partner. Please present a list of possible candidates for me to choose from.”

Her father and His Majesty visibly relax at Lena’s words. “Now then, I have some questions. Am I to give up my position as General? Will I be able to still reside with my father and mother? And your Majesty, am I to call you father in public?”

His Majesty steadily answers, “Yes and no. You will still retain your position and power as acting general, but you will be giving up your position of General of the Northern Front and of Fort Terra. However, you will have gained the power and authority of a royal in exchange.”

Lena reluctantly nods in acceptance as Fort Terra was left in the capable hands of Captain Darrell.

“Whilst in the Capital, you may reside at the family manor, but when social events are in function you must reside in the palace. And yes, you are to call me father. There are some other details as well, but they shall be taken care of as needed.”

“Very well. However, I have one request,” Lena solemnly said.

Her father raises an eyebrow at that as His Majesty merely nods in reply.

“Before you protest my request, please hear me out. Please grant me, Lady Delilah Elm to be my lady-in-waiting,” Lena firmly said as she paused to gage their reaction.

Their eyes widen in surprise but they do not move to speak. With some relief, Lena continues, “I am sure there will be countless rumors at her appointment. The court and masses will say, that I am seeking vengeance. But I can assure you, I bear that girl no ill will.

I am requesting her presence as part of my entourage for two reasons. Firstly, Delilah may be aware of those that approached the crown prince and may even recognize them if placed before her.

And secondly, Delilah on the perchance of having known the crown prince may be silenced by those that remain elusive of capture. Upon the holidays arrival, Lady Delilah will return to her father’s Barony out of the protection of the academy. Once out in the country making Lady Delilah disappear is no great feat.”

But Lena’s primary objective was to uncover the chosen love candidate.

His Majesty and her father nod in understanding. His Majesty coolly replies, “Very well, I shall send the decree out this very afternoon.”

“Thank you. And if that is all, your Royal -, Father I must return to the Bartholomew manor to gather my things and have them moved,” Lena calmly said as she walked past the smiling figure of her father, Duke Bartholomew.

Lena wanders out of the palace into the snow, before climbing into the waiting carriage. The carriage rolls to a slow start as she gazes out into the increasing white landscape. Father surly is pleased, but Lena was certain her mother would be incensed.

And it’s not as though it is a problem as her mother is already 3 months pregnant with twins. She’ll be giving birth in a couple of months to Lena’s new siblings, the Bartholomew family heirs.

~ POV of Delilah Elm (Lena’s Lady-in-waiting/ Heroine) ~

Delilah nervously follow the strawberry haired maid named Holly. Delilah had met Holly before and to be perfectly honest Delilah was terrified of her. Everything time Holly’s cold eyes passed over, Delilah felt the same contempt she had dwelt with all her life. Delilah would like to state she had grown use the cold gazes, but she was sad to state that was not the case.

As a child, Delilah thought it was a curse. No matter how much she tried to speak, no one ever truly listened. Everyone always made decisions for her on their own and assumed that was what she wished for.

Delilah concluded she was simply weak minded. But not matter how much she tried, she could not properly voice her thoughts. Delilah hated that about herself, but it was the truth. She was utter trash.

When Delilah first came to the academy, she saw it as a blessed chance to change. But instead she became even more isolated. Though she was blessed to finally made four friends even though they were all males. Nevertheless, Delilah was still truly happy at being able to make her first real friends.

And when she met the beautiful girl with red hair in the gardens, Delilah almost cried out at her soft embrace. Delilah was so relieved at finally making a female friend, that she excitedly waited to meet her again, but she never fulfilled her promise.

Delilah tried to drown herself in the academy’s pond only to be rescued by her would be kidnappers. Delilah bitterly wished to die, but even that wasn’t allowed. It’s as if the heavens wouldn’t allow such a fate to befall her. Isn’t that rather ironic in the end?

Delilah was appalled when a few days later, the crown prince announced his intention to marry her. Delilah tried to politely turn him down, but the words wouldn’t come out. Delilah tried again to explain herself, but her words fell on deaf ears. In the end, Delilah forcibly found herself engaged to the crown prince.

Delilah had prayed that the crown prince would change his mind, but he never did. Delilah began to be fear him as the crown prince would always be near and try to forcefully hold her. Delilah only found solace, when surrounded by her dear friends. Yet that did little to dissuade his actions as it seemed to further his madness.

Delilah’s familiar nightmares of her childhood returned with full vigor. The feeling of constantly being chased through darkness as someone closes in from behind. Only than to be surrounded by shadowy hands gripping and pulling her in all directions until a pair of white hands forcibly pull her out of the grasping shadowy hands. Before Delilah can sigh with relief, the white hands forcibly pull her struggling figure into the dark inky chest as she forcibly is sucked in and drowns in darkness.

Delilah tried to accept the idea of her forced engagement, but she simply could not see the crown prince as more than a friend. And more importantly, Delilah did not want to marry the crown prince!

Delilah decided to gain some time to plan her escape and pretended to enjoy her time at the palace. Delilah thought maybe she make an alley, but in the end, she was ignored by the maids and palace ladies. Delilah was merely seen as a social climber using her feminine wiles to further her own rank.

Delilah wanted to shout that wasn’t the case, that she wanted flee as far as can be. But even who could have possibly heard Delilah words much less believed them?

Delilah had mechanically been greeting the guests, when she awoke from her stupor at the presence of the same red haired maiden before her. Delilah excitedly rose to her feet, but the maiden swiftly disappeared in the crowd. Before Delilah could follow she was dragged away by the crown prince.

By the time, Delilah could escape, the beautiful maiden was long gone. Delilah excitedly asked, who the maiden was and to her utter horror realized her identity. Delilah felt utterly ill and retreated to her room. The one person who wished to be her friend, was the ex-fiancé of the crown prince. How could she possibly become friends with Delilah?

Delilah was in a numb daze until she heard word that Lena was to return to the capital. Delilah would chant her name to herself like a prayer and it seemed to work. It’s almost as things were going to well until as usual they fell though.

Lady Bartholomew did not return and not only that but the crown prince was rude to her maid. Delilah tried to speak up, but nothing came out. Furious with herself, Delilah retreated to her chambers. Exhausted and tired, after that Delilah kept to her chambers as much as she could.

Weeks later the crown prince was fighting with Flint in the gardens, but Delilah could not overhear what it was all about it. In the end, neither returned as the crown prince and flint perished in a foolish assault.

Delilah was horrified by the relief she felt at being free, but it was sadly true. Delilah passed her days in a quite daze and was quite surprised to find herself asked to serve Lady Bartholomew. Delilah was so very relived, but so very tired. She wondered if just maybe, Lady Bartholomew will be the one to end her suffering.

The sound of the door awakens out of her brooding thoughts. Delilah enter the study room to see her laying down on the couch reading a book as her loose hair tumbles onto the carpeted ground.

Holly, the maid stomps over to her and without fear grabs the book out of her hands and places it on the small table to the aside. Holly loudly huffs as she returns to Delilah side as Lady Bartholomew bats her eyelashes at her. Upon seeing Delilah, the teasing expression disappears from her face and is replaced by a coolness.

Delilah trembling bows and stutters a reply, “Greetings, Lady Bartholomew. I am Delilah Elm. I am grateful to be in your service.”

Lady Bartholomew studies Delilah for a second before firmly saying, “Holly, leave. I wish to speak to her alone.”

Holly stiffens and opens her mouth to protest, but she quickly shuts her mouth at seeing an intent look on Lady Bartholomew’s face. Holly somewhat angrily bows and brushes past Delilah. The door closes a little too forcefully behind her.

Lady Bartholomew leans back on the couch and pats the seat beside her. Delilah quietly shuffle over to the seat as her thoughts scramble on how to ask Lady Bartholomew her forgiveness without sounding insincere. But nothing comes to mind as the silence merely continues to grow.

Delilah clutches her skirt in my hands as she opens her mouth to speak, but not a single word comes out. Delilah bites her lip in frustration as she tries again, but not even a croak emerges. In self-loathing Delilah wraps her hands around her throat as tears threaten to stream down her face.

Delilah felt firm gentle hands pull her hands away from her throat. Delilah raises her trembling gaze to see a gentle smile appear on Lady Bartholomew’s face as she gently pets Delilah head and says, “You’ve suffered much, haven’t you? It’s alright, I am willing to wait.”

A childlike cry emerges from Delilah throat as she begins to cry. Lady Bartholomew pulls Delilah into her arms as Delilah proceeds to weep nosily in her arms for some time. Blushing furiously Delilah straightens up and opens her mouth to apologize.

Lady Bartholomew shakes her head and ruefully says, “It’s alright, Delilah. Speak when you are ready.”

Tears threaten to come out again as Delilah clamps her teeth together and blinks away her tears. Delilah nosily wipe her nose, before opening her mouth once more. Nothing comes out again and again, but Lady Bartholomew does not become cross with her as she patiently waits.

Maybe, if it’s her and if Delilah follows her, she surely will change. And so, she will.

A cold block that had been inside of Delilah suddenly melts as if by fire. For the first time in her life, Delilah felt as though a terrible burden has been lifted from her. Delilah opens her mouth and say, “Lady Bartholomew, I am so sorry. I am too blame for everything! If you wish to kill me, please do so, I shan’t protest. I will willingly embrace your punishment as a kind mercy.”

Delilah gapes at herself for speaking so much at once. In all the years that she lived, she never spoken so much.

Lady Bartholomew tilts her head to the side and says, “Please explain in further detail.”

Too Delilah awe she proceeds to explain the events that transpired and her inability to communicate properly.

Once finished, Lady Bartholomew finally speaks, “Delilah, I will extend the same courtesy to you as I do my own men. I will not judge you by your past, but whether you obey me. And if you can, I promise that I will give you a place to live and make friends.”

Tears come from unbidden into Delilah eyes as she scampers to her knees. “Lady Bartholomew even if you did not say such words, I promise to follow you to the very ends of the earth.” Delilah solemnly vowed.

Lady Bartholomew smiles gently at Delilah and pats her head. “Thank you. Now then shall we go meet everyone else?” Lady Bartholomew softly said as she helps Delilah to her feet, before heading out the door.

With hope filling Delilah heart, even though her hands tremble she firmly walks forward. This time, Delilah will introduce herself. And this time, she’ll open her mouth without fear.