Anna

Miss Haggerty said the King will allow me to have privacy and peace tonight.  Sleep wasn't difficult to catch between sorrowful moments of grief.  My lady in waiting said bathing and a clean shift will help me relax but that doesn't seem to be the case. 

Just as each day after Daniels murder, his face comes into mind and the sorrow makes it hard to breathe.  My cries are kept silent so the guards don't confuse them with weakness.

I am grieving.  Grieving for my husband, my lost dreams, our future children and the loss of my faith.  A good Christian woman forgives but I have no desire to forgive the people that reside in this prison, especially a certain young king.  I am willing to risk the loss of my own head if it means that very king struggles for his last breath at my feet.

Miss Fitzgibbons taught me about different herbs and ways to create potions, that's when it occurred to me.  I want to send for my own lady in waiting.  One that can help me devise a plan to take back Lámhach in my husband's name and restore peace among my father's empire. 

By the light of the morning sun, I was woken to face the sting of my loss once again.  I pulled the covers up to me and sobbed for my lost love, my sweet Daniel. 

My door opened and I heard footsteps.  The curtains were opened slightly more and I heard Miss Haggerty's voice. 

"It's a brilliant day God has gifted us.  It's time to rise and enjoy his light." She walked around the room pulling things from the chest and making herself busy.  "The King has requested your audience after his morning rant with the council.  So up with you now." She pulled the sheets off of me.

"I do not require His Majesty's audience, now leave me be." I pulled the covers back over myself.

"Your Highness, forgive me for being blunt but only the dead are allowed such sleep.  You are far from the dead so up with you." She pulled the sheets off me one more.  "The King's patience only lasts so long.  I am to have you dressed and in his quarters promptly before he returns." She said and it occurred to me, this is my chance to see what's outside the walls of this one room.  To study the layout of the castle and gain my bearings. 

"Fine!" I snapped at the woman.  The moment I stood she tried dressing me.  "I have personal business to attend before dressing." I snapped again. 

After taking care of my morning business I allowed her to dress me in outdated threads.  "This will not do for me," I said.

"The King will see to it that you have new threads very quickly." She said as she tied the last ribbon. 

"Now to your hair and some rouge." She said as I sat down in front of the vanity. 

"The King prefers flowing hair but for the moment I see it best to tie it up.  What do you like, your highness?" I smirked with a new idea.

If I can seduce the young King, get into his good graces he may let his guard down and that's when I could strike.

"Leave it down, please," I said and she nodded before picking up the brush and brushing my hair. 

She commented about its softness as she ran the brush through it and I reached over and picked up a bottle.  The scent smelled like my own lavender so I brushed the scent against my skin. 

She tied the front portion of my hair away from my face which was accepted because it showed more skin and left the outline of my slender neck. 

She offered to paint my face but I declined as Miss Fitzgibbons once warned me the herbs to use them were harmful to my skin.  If the King prefers the unnatural look of the women in his court he may not look at me. 

I stood and looked in the full-length mirror, satisfied that I look like someone's grandmama from decades ago and submitted to what is only available.

"Please direct me." I looked at her and she curtsied before I followed her out the door.  My two armed guards followed and soon I was led to yet another guarded door where a young man stood aside and opened the door. 

"His Majesty has not yet returned but I was given strict instructions to make you comfortable." He pulled out a chair to have me sit at a table filled with food. 

"I am to taste all of your food before you are to eat." He said as he took a small sample of the bread and fruits in front of me.  A quick nod told me the food was safe and he made a plate before setting it before me.

"Please do enjoy, Your Highness." He bowed then stood by the doors that were left open.  Unfortunately, I realize that I am not to be left alone to my own wits, most likely anywhere but my own quarters.  I ate slowly in front of the crackling fire, fulfilling the hunger that finally returned to me over the passing day. 

The port was of a white variety and matched well with the fruits of the morning.  I felt quite filled by the time I heard footsteps so I rose and curtsied to a man that looked nothing like the hairy and unkept man of war I met just days earlier.

He stopped and bowed.  "Your Highness, I see my mothers dress fit you beautifully but I'm afraid her outdated threads will not do for a princess such as yourself.  The dressmaker will be here soon for your measurements and I assure you new more proper clothing will be delivered." He then kissed my hand.

"I do thank you for your kindness," I said and realize there is still contempt in my voice.  If I want to win him over I must control my hatred for the man.