CHAPTER FOUR

To me, having to fear the morning should have been a common occurrence. The beginning of my predicament occurs at daybreak. And the fact that it's this morning indicates that the ball will be held tonight. I've been thinking about it since I realized I'd be on pins and needles waiting to see what would happen. Because Tremaine often brings terrible news, I'm guessing the ball is nothing like the name itself. 

I get out of bed. My gaze is drawn to the shuffled books on the table that I discovered in the attic. I remembered reading them till I became drowsy, but I have no recollection of what I read.

I jerk my gaze to the window, which is only half open because the other side is damaged. The sun’s upper limb rises beyond the horizon, enabling a ray of light to fall on the lovely trees in front of my chamber. The light was split into many beams, which thankfully helped to reduce the amount of sleepiness on my face. I feel revitalized and energized all of a sudden. With my new-found rebuttals, I’m confident I can turn both Drizella and Anastasia’s faces scarlet.

I yawn one more time before getting out of bed. I don’t want to hear either of those women’s voices today, so I’ll turn up early to beat them. In any case, they dozed off late. Last night, I could hear them scurrying around the castle, debating what to wear, if this or that gown was proper, and whether the Princes would want them to wear gloves or not.

I don’t understand.

What do Princes have to do with their choice of clothing? 

When I see the eating room is vacant, I sigh with disappointment. Tremaine and her daughters, it appears, are still asleep. Even though I’m relieved that their faces aren’t the ones greeting me this morning, I’m eager to criticize their gown choice. I’m sure their outfits are overdramatic, just like the ones they wore for the wedding.

Tremaine likes it when they are the center of attention. She is the kind of woman who will wear red when the theme is black. 

   “Your Majesty.”

I wince. I spin around to see the servant struggling on her feet, her head slightly falling on the floor to give respect to my presence. 

My gaze wanders around the room, making sure no one hears what she just said to me. This is the first time I’ve been approached by a servant.

   “Please, quit addressing me in such way. You will be in deep trouble once Lady Tremaine hears you. You can call me Solstice or Sol. Your choice.”

She cocks her head to the side, as if perplexed and terrified at the same moment.

   “But, I can’t, Your Majesty. You are late King’s daughter. You are supposed to be addressed with utmost respect.”

I’m taken aback. Why is she talking to me in the first place? They’re meant to avoid interacting with me at all costs. Tremaine will reprimand her if she is discovered. In any case, there is nothing more than a punishment. Servants are not dispatched from the palace. If you are hired to work in the castle, you will be obligated to do so for the rest of your life; you will also die here. As a result, the palace’s secrets are kept within the palace. As a result, my true identity remains hidden behind the castle walls.

   “If you insist. You can at least call me Lady Solstice. Would it be enough? I can’t risk putting you into trouble.”

   She bowed a little. “Certainly, Lady Solstice.”

I nod, relieved that she doesn’t mind. But I’m sure her curtsy will come up again at some point.

   “What is your name?”

   She blinks. “Lady Solstice?” 

   “It would be barbaric to call you servant whenever I am talking to you. I am asking about what should I call you if I would happen to request of your service?”

   “It matters not, Lady Solstice. You can call me whatever you’d like to call me.”

    I cross my arms over my chest and shake my head. “I insist. I command you to say your name, at once.”

    She gasps, clearly taken aback by my use of authority over her as a servant. But that’s all I’m doing. When she believes she is upsetting me when she isn’t, I adore her reaction; servants entertain me in every way.

    “Ali, Lady Solstice. My name is Ali.”

I smile, pleased with her response. Her name is short and does not have a lot of syllables. I’m disappointed, but I’m not saying anything. I was eager to give her a cognomen, anything that would set her apart from the other royal attendants, but her name is too short.

    “Very well, Ali. What is your business with me?”

She bows once again. I scowl. I’m starting to worry about how her neck will feel if she keeps bowing like this. I don’t mind if she speaks directly to me. Tremaine and her girls are nothing like me.

   “The ball, Lady Solstice. I would like to ask you if you are willing to come?”

I become still for a moment. “I can come along?”

    She frowns but answers my question, anyway. “Of course, Lady Solstice. The Kingdom of Cromwell requests the presence of Canmores.”

My face flushes. For a brief minute, I considered coming, but I knew it would put my life in jeopardy. Canmore has been summoned by the Cromwells, who are awaiting Tremaine and my two stepsisters. People have no idea who I am, despite the fact that I have the Canmore surname.

Father had gone to great lengths to conceal my true identity. If I decide to attend the ball, I should brace myself for the worst that could happen to me. And it’s not like Tremaine is looking forward to seeing me.. 

I can sense Ali panic upon seeing my  crestfalleness.

   “I apologize, Lady Solstice. I should not have—

  I smile. “It is nothing, Ali. Thank you for asking, I will send you my decision after I’m certain about it.”

   “Are you certain, Lady Solstice? Perhaps, I can find a way to—

    I wave my hand, signing her not to worry about it. “Worry not, Ali. The ball is nothing to me. If you will excuse me, I have somewhere to go.”

I don’t wait for her to speak up. I walk away after turning around. I’m not sure where my feet have taken me, but I’m on my way to the downtown area. Every morning, the street is quiet, with only a few individuals going by. No one gives me a second glance. No one is even paying attention to me. Nobody is aware that I am the late King’s daughter. No one appears to mind that I resemble their King despite my visible hair and the fact that I am not wearing a hood. No one is interested in learning the truth about what happened to his daughter.

I’m not sure how I feel. My father did everything he could to protect me from another attack. He had already lost my mother, and he couldn’t afford to lose me.

However, seeing people stare at me without knowing who I am hurts me. They just perceive me as a vassal of the castle.

Would it have made a difference if they had known from the moment I was born? Is it likely that Father will marry Tremaine? Would he be living now?

How can I aid my kingdom in this manner?

Why did my father not give me the throne before he died? Why didn’t he introduce me to his people so that life wouldn’t be so difficult? Would they believe me if I told them I was Princess Solstice?

And what comes after that, Sol? Can you even do something more than spark a little hope?

I sink to my knees and close my eyes. My body is being supported by a tree, which is propping my hand into it. I’m not sure how I’m able to be so dramatic so early in the morning. Why am I acting this way? It’s not like it’s the end of the world.

How am I supposed to go to the ball without revealing that I’m Solstice? It would be a complete blunder. How can I be certain there aren’t any witches in the area? How can I be sure witches aren’t following me and waiting for the right moment to attack? Father had done everything he could to keep me safe from them.

   “Did you bring a bread?”

I’m taken aback. I’m almost certain that’s the witch who’s about to harm me, but witches don’t beg for bread.

His voice is also familiar.

I get up and turn around to make sure I’m not mistaken. When I discover I’m not, I frown. Oh, he has no idea how much I hoped I was mistaken his voice for someone else’s.

   “Early in the morning and you are asking for a bread?” my frown deepens.

   He just shrugs. He leans on the tree, forcing it to tremble for a brief while, and leaves fall from the tree as a result of the unexpected movement. While I remove the dry leaves that have fallen above my head, he crosses his arms.

    “Should I ask later, then?” he asks. “Or I can steal. I am a thief, anyway.”

I’ve never encountered somebody who is so arrogant that they steal. Is it anything that they should be proud of? Having quick hands and a lot of tricks in your sleeve?

   “You can be a little regretful for stealing something, brute.”

My remark appears to have gone unnoticed by him. His expression never wavered, as if what I said was directed at someone else rather than him.

   “Why would I? It is my job.”

Oh, the devil. Why am I even bothering to speak with him? It’s not like they can be found guilty of something they’ve been doing for a few years.

I turn away and shake my head. I cross to the opposite side of the tree and sit in the shade.

Regrettably, he ignores the fact that I have nothing to say to him. He sits beside me, a little too near for my liking, but I don’t say anything. It even astounds me that I didn’t complain.

   “Did you bring a bread for me?”

I roll my eyes and fix my gaze on him. I have to blink a few times since his face is so near to mine. I take a few steps back and say.

   “Do I have another responsibility now? You are supposed to know how to find a job. Why can’t you?”

He shrugs. “Believe me or not, I tried everything to live but no one likes to feed another man’s stomach when they can’t even feed theirs.”

I understand what he’s saying. People in this town are too impoverished to pay for someone’s services.

   “Don’t nobles come here often to find servants?” I ask because that’s what I learned spending time on the palace’s library.

   His eyes narrow a bit. “How did you know about that?”

I blink. How can I even forget I am not Princess Solstice here? 

    “Am I not supposed to know about it when I was also like you before? I’m lucky to be able to pick by the late King to be his servant.”

I hastily avert my gaze from his. He now appears to be distrustful of my character. I can’t risk someone noticing a flaw in my façade.

    “Perhaps, no one is as lucky as you. At least, not here in this place,” he looks at me, “Since you are working in the palace, maybe you can talk to Lady Tremaine about this.”

   I grimace, obviously displaying how much I disagree to that idea. “That is impossible.”

    “I am not serious.” He grins. “The last person I know will help this place is certainly the people of the palace.”

    “You hate them?” I ask, casually. My heartbeat quickens as I wait for his reply.

    He purse his lips and shrug. “I despise how they dismiss these people’s screams on a daily basis. I despise the way they rule. The late King may have done something to earn people’s love, but this is something he should have focused on rather than marrying a manipulative woman for the second time .”

I clench my teeth and stare at the situation in front of me. My façade began to disintegrate after hearing what he had to say about my father.

    “You don’t talk ill of the dead, Flynn. And certainly not of the late King.”

My lips gushes out his name like a river. I’m not sure why I say his name or what causes it. Before I uttered it, I couldn’t even remember what it was. 

   “I am merely telling you that the King, in his years of servicing the crown, failed to help his people.”

I frown. I understand I’m expressing too much rage when I look at him. I mean, how could I not? He had the audacity to insult my father in front of me. In the presence of his daughter!

    “That is absurd. You do not know how much time fa—the late King had devoted for this kingdom. Even his family knew about it. I witnessed it,” I emphasize. His expression doesn’t change but I see it softens. “Perhaps what you said is right on the money. That he overlooked this situation. Only you can never say that he failed to be a King. He’s done his best. He married Lady Tremaine for nobility and his Kingdom. This Kingdom.”

Is that how other people feel about my father? Instead of assisting the needy, he got self-centered and married and lived happily ever after? That is not the case! Father… Father had always seemed like such a great king.

   “Hang loose, Sol. I am but telling my sentiment. I don’t mean to outrage you or disrespect the late King.”

I didn’t realize I’m already about to cry. I wipe my tears and sigh. 

   “I apologize. I am overreacting. I just…”

    “I understand. You are working on the palace. You, as like as not, cultivate a good relationship with the palace people. I don’t take you to task.”

I nod but my forehead creases. The way he said it feels so wrong but I refuse to point out what. 

    “He worked hard, you know. The late King, he was kind and calm. He loved his daut—he loved his family so much. Even the daughters Lady Tremaine has. He loved them all the same,” I look at him and smile, sadly. “He was a great king, Flynn. You have to believe me.”

   He nods and taps my head.“Of course, Sol. I believe you…”

   “I was crestfallen. When he died, I was—”

I stop talking because I am about to pour my agony as Princess Solstice and the last thing I want right now is for someone to know I am my father’s daughter. “He was kind to me. He didn’t treat me different from him.”

He stays silent and lets me cry a bit. He doesn’t say anything but I can feel him tensing. 

   “I think you are the only exception.”

I look up at him and frown. The way he said it again. There is something he wants to ask me but he’s restraining himself.

   “There is nothing like that. King loved his people all the same,” I say.

He never speaks and simply stares at me. As if inspecting me. I become aware of his look, and he appears to recognize that he is staring too long.

   “Are you not keyed up Lady Tremaine will demand of your service?” he asks.

   “I believe they hardly need my service tonight,” I reply, remembering the ball. 

   “Why is that?”

   “There will be a ball they need to attend to. I’m certain servants are not permitted to go there.”

    He nods. “I heard of it. The ball at the Cromwell’s castle?”

    “News are flying fast, I see.”

    “Everyone knows there will always be an Annual Ball.”

I am confused. “Annual Ball? What of it?”

   “Are you certain you don’t know about it?” he asks, not convinced. 

   “No. I heard about it. But, the ball I am talking about is not the ‘ball’ you’re trying to say. It is just a casual ball.”

I’ve heard a lot about Annual Ball. Every year, a ball is organized in which the Princesses of each court assemble in one location and the Princes choose their consort from among the Princesses. After the selection, it turns into an engagement party.

   “How do you know it is just a casual ball? Do people on the palace share those kind of words to a servant?”

   I ignore his insult. “So, you mean to say, there will be an Annual Ball and it will start tonight? Are you certain?” I asks, anxiously. 

   “I can’t be wrong. May I ask how does that concern you?” he asks when he notice I’m panicking. 

   I look at him. “Lady Tremaine summoned one of the families of Winter Court. What does it mean to you?”

   He growls. “I don’t have anything to do with Winter Court.”

I choose to ignore him. Tremaine invited one of the Winter Court households to the Annual Ball. Anastasia and Drizella are giddy with anticipation. The ball will take place at Cromwell’s palace. Is it possible?

“My affiliation to the Winter Court is for alliance.”

Oh my god. She can’t be thinking that! Is she marrying one of the Princes of Winter Court? Does she want to marry off Anastasia and Drizella to the Princes of Cromwell’s? That’s why she decided to hold the Annual Ball to the Cromwell palace instead of here?

   “This is ridiculous. Is she serious?” I can’t help but to voice out.

   “Whomever are you talking about?” Flynn asks.

    “I have to go to the ball,” I stand up. I completely forget he is here. 

    “Perhaps, you’re talking about yourself. That is ridiculous. Are you serious?” he grins, mimicking me. But when I stay serious, his playful expression fades. 

    “I am. And I don’t need your help.”

I walk away but he blocks my path. 

     “You, by all odds, need a real leg up. Are you confident you can pussyfoot around the Cromwell’s castle? I heard a lot of their defenses being highly impenetrable a rat couldn’t even pass.” 

    “Sneak,” I say, trying not to grimace of his inappropriate use of terms. “And yes, perhaps you could be of help. Are you certain you want to come with me?” I ask. 

He shrugs. “Better than bustling around this boring place.”

I try so hard not to grin. “Very well. I will meet you here tonight.”

I stroll right by him. He doesn’t hinder me in any way. But when I remember something, I turn around, and he’s still standing where I left him, as if waiting for something to happen, so I approach to him and ask;

    “Do you know where the Cromwell palace is?” I’m certain my cheeks turn into crimson.

    “And earlier you were insisting working alone,” he grins. 

More heat crawl its way to my cheeks. 

  “I thought you wouldn’t ask. Of course, Sol. That is where I came from.”