Chapter 3

I carefully pushed the steam from my large vanity mirror as I wrapped the towel tighter around my small frame, barely able to see the form that stared back at me in the glass.  My deep coppery hair cascaded in damp waves down across my shoulders, moulding with my pale skin as it slipped down my back. The bright colour of my hair caused my skin to look almost white, the shade white and seemingly lifeless, the dark freckles around my nose and cheeks more distinctive. Though I was not the only one with fair skin, my sisters having a similar skin tone to mine; though slightly darker as they spent more time outdoors. Leaving me to my lessons in etiquette and mannerisms, yet; with all the time that I spent with my private tutor, I never seemed to get anywhere. To learn anything more than I already did about being in my standing of society. But I never fully saw the point, the hours spent learning how to stand or speak as my sisters did only drowning my mood in the urge to run; to escape from it all somehow. 

I sighed deeply, noticing once more that my petite frame could barely be classed as that of a woman, what little curves and breasts I possessed hidden within the oversized towel. I had reached womanhood over a year prior to now, only; nothing had changed. From what I see of the ladies in waiting, at fifteen most had large breasts and prominent curves; when I had that of a small child. Making it seem as though I was barely a woman, not worth the time of many who came into my father’s court.

No wonder the handmaids look at me in disgrace – I thought bitterly – I can’t even grow breasts like a normal person; let alone act like a princess.

I looked away from my curves in anger, focusing instead on my eyes. I smiled at the light shade of baby blue, the colour reminding me of my father and his own eyes, though his shade appeared darker and more aged; changed somehow by his experiences of being king. Yet, whenever I saw him they gleamed with love for me and all of my siblings; his smile lighting up any room that he entered, comforting anyone who came close to him. But as a complete contradiction, my father’s voice bellowed, thundering through any room in the castle like a roar; capturing the attention of all those in the castle whose presence he required.