A Tale of Two Princesses by V. Ashenden Read Free Book Online Page B

ordained by God! Love is nothing to compare it to."
         "Yes, but wouldn't I be happier and the kingdom be greater if it was built on the rock of love, rather than devotion of kingship?"
         "Who is to say you will not grow to love the golden-haired Princess Celeste? She is beautiful, and if her heart is cold, let yours warm it. Trust me, your highness."
         Court sighed. "I suppose I must, Wellington. What choice do I have?"
         "Only the dragon, your highness. And what man would choose a dragon over a princess?"
     
    * * *
     
         Homa, Betilly, and Kathree were scrubbing Sienna's hair with powder and chalk, working it deep into her scalp.
         "Whatever you do," Homa said, "do not bathe. It'll come right out."
         "Tis a shame to hide such beautiful hair," Betilly said.
         "Wise to hide it," Kathree said. "If her majesty sees a golden-haired maiden not her daughter, this poor lass' head will hang."
         "My head will hang?" Sienna said in horror.
         "She's teasing you, child," Homa said, glancing at Kathree. "It's just best not to upset the queen, but she never comes down to the kitchens, nor to the servant quarters, so as long as you stay put, you'll be perfectly well and safe."
         "With my head unhung?" Sienna added.
         "Precisely."
         "It was a mistake to even bring her here," Kathree said. "Dangerous too, for us!"
         "Quiet, Kathree," Homa said. "It was the princess' wish."
         "And where was her lady-in-waiting to deny such wishes?"
         "Hush now, Kathree," Homa said. "I couldn't very well let the girl be sold to a scoundrel."
         "Yes, this is much better," Kathree said.
         "On with it, you two," Betilly said. "She's all white. Let's get her out."
         They pulled Sienna out of the tub, wrapping her in a robe, even softer than the one at Ms. Geanne's parlor. It smelled nice too. "Mmm, everything here is so clean and so nice. And I slept so well last night. I've never been in a bed so comfortable."
         "Don't get used to it," Kathree said, running a brush through Sienna's long, white hair.
         "But do enjoy it while it lasts," Betilly added, elbowing Kathree. She began braiding Sienna's hair.
         "I will," Sienna said. "I'm so thankful to all of you for the work. And the money will help my uncle so much. I don't think he'll try to sell me again so soon."
         "Pray he never thinks of it again," Homa said, moving to the door. "Stay with Kathree and Betilly, child. I'll check up on you later."
         "Okay, bye, Madam Homa," Sienna said as Homa left. "Isn't Madam Homa the nicest lady ever?"
         "I certainly think so," Betilly said with a smile.
         Kathree hurried over to a cabinet, opening it and taking out a black and white uniform, as well as a bonnet, setting them down next to Betilly. "Dress her in these. Make sure the bonnet hides her well enough from the servers. We don't want loose lips flapping about with stories of a white-haired maiden in the kitchens."
         "Don't boss, Kathree," Betilly said.
         Sienna dressed after her hair was finished. The bonnet was the first thing on, covering her whole head, the mantle passing around her face to obscure her even from the side. The uniform consisted of white leggings with a black skirt, which fell to her knees, and a white blouse with long sleeves, over which fitted a black vest.
         "For goodness' sake, she'll need gloves," Kathree said. "Those hands are a young girl's hands."
         Sienna looked at her fingers. She did not know why they were so different, but they were stuffed into a pair of white gloves all the same. Then she was led through the castle, with orders to keep her head down. It was hard to obey, as her eyes demanded to wander over the walls, the murals, the artwork, the sculptures, the chandeliers, and the furniture. Kathree slapped the back of her head. Sienna was used to the