A.N. Before you start reading this story I want to point out two things this tale is sadly lacking. The first and foremost being perfect grammar and spelling, because I am about the worst speller you will ever meet. I check my story (believe it or not) but I still manage to miss quite a few errors. So if you are one of these people who can't stand reading a story with errors, even if it might have a good story line, I suggest you turn away now. Furthermore, this story is not 100 solid historical fact. I did very little research before starting this story and I wrote it mainly for the story line and not the history of the times. So if you are a great historian and hate when things are not proper according to history, then you should turn away also. And if you are a grammar fanatic AND a great historian, well then I really have no hope of you reading further than this paragraph. I still hope you at least give my story the benefit of the doubt and read on anyways, and if you’re feeling really generous give me a review as well.

Thanks, Anna M

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One look into the dark sky told me it was going to rain a hard, thick rain that would last all day. I sighed, trailing my fingers across the cool water that flowed from the fountain's depths, listening to the soft cry of birds over head. I had finished my morning duties early, and was now taking the time to relax outside, sitting at the edge of one of the many elegant fountains in the castle garden. I found myself marveling at the beautiful castle for which I call my home. It is the king’s retreat and where he spends most of his time between fighting battles and concurring lands. It is not a war castle, having been built with thin walls and many broad windows, instead a place for the king to show the world his immense wealth and fortune. Every room is embellished with only finest of fabrics and imported silks, with many gold statues and fine paintings.

It’s a place where the king wishes to be entertained with many festivals, balls, and sporting events held for his enjoyment. Not that I have ever been given the privilege to attending any of these events, for I am but a servant in this glorious castle. I know I must be happy with my position in life but sometimes I find myself longing for more. A life other then the one I was granted.

“Sophie?” Came a sharp voice behind me, pulling me out of my thoughts.

It was my cousin Jane Sanford, come to force me inside. I didn’t get up though, instead I continuing to stare into the water’s depths not even bothering to look up as she approached.

“I was sent to fetch you, so you could help with the cleaning. Do you not realize that it is about to rain?” She asked sweetly, knowing quite well that the statement would make me feel like a fool.

I will never be made a fool, though. “I’m quite aware of the fact that it’s going to rain. I just wanted to enjoy the last moment outside before it did. It wouldn’t hurt you to do the same, you’ve been looking rather parched lately.”

I gave her the sweetest of smiles, and she placed a firm scowl on her pasty white face. Rising, I walked briskly towards the castle, leaving a bewildered Jane in my wake.

The scene inside the castle was surprisingly lively despite the weather to come. Many servants were running about making sure everything was ready for the arrival of the King’s only son David and his lovely daughter Elizabeth. It was customary that the royal children be sent away for proper training and instruction until such time that both are old enough and ready to return. David was now 17 summers, old enough to return to the castle and find himself a wife so the king might have an heir. The princess was to be married off as well, probably to a prince in some distant country. In the meantime they were to stay at the castle. By the king’s order everything was to be made perfect for their arrival. Every bed was to be made, every room sweep, every cobweb gone and certainly every window properly washed.

I continued to walk down the crowed hallway toward the washroom where my Aunt always spend her mornings, doing the washing and ironing for the nobles and members of the royal family.

I hesitated before opening the door dreading what punishment might await me for arriving so late. The room was filled with steam and the smell of soap and sweat as a dozen or so women worked. A huge basin was placed in the middle of the room where most of the women stood scrubbing the beautiful fabrics clean. My Aunt stood among them washing a pair of navy trousers.

Looking up she saw us standing at the door, Jane by my side looking especially pleased with herself.

“Sophie! Where have you been? I sent Jane out looking for you ages ago. There is far too much to be done to have you gallivanting around the castle!” She hollered dropping the trousers into the soap water before approaching us her hands placed on her plump hips.

“I am dreadfully sorry aunt. I simply lost track of time.” I said politely hoping the answer would be to her liking.

She raised one bushy eyebrow at me, but said nothing. I was glad for that. My aunt is a rather large woman, who is always quick to backhand me if I give her an excuse that is not to her liking. Thankfully today she was too preoccupied with all the things that need to be done to think about punishment.

“Here!” She said, removing a stack of clean linens from a table near by, forcefully shoving them into our hands. “Take these to the Princess Elizabeth’s room. She specifically requested there to be clean linens on her bed when she arrives. The Princess refuses to sleep on dirty sheets.”

I rolled my eyes at the absurdity of the Princess’s request. No one had ever slept in the princess bed, so how on earth could the sheets be dirty?

“You will mind to keep those eyes of yours strait, if you do not want them dug out of your head.” Said my Aunt sternly

I heard Jane let out a little snort of laugher at my expense. I had half a mind to turn around and hit her for doing so, but I knew I had to act like a lady, at least in my aunt’s presents.

As soon as we left the washroom, Jane let out a great wail of laughter that I’m sure the entire court could hear. I tried to pretend as if I did not notice and walked more quickly down the hall.

“She told you,” Jane snickered, obviously not getting the hint that I did not want to converse with her at the moment, or anytime in the near future for that matter. “You will never get the Queen’s favor with you way you act.”

“Oh and I suppose you will.” I snapped turning harshly towards her, “Snorting like a pig at everyone’s misfortune?”

She stopped laughing mid-snort. I secretly smiled inside, she always tries so hard but some how she can never win at a game of wit.

“You are absolutely insufferable.” Jane spat obviously unable to come up with a suitable come back.

“And you are a selfish snorting pig. I would not be surprised if your husband cries himself to sleep every night at the site of you.” I replied smoothly

“At least I have a husband.”

I stopped walking abruptly, feeling as if her words had just punched me in the gut. It always seemed to come back to this, the fact that I was nearly a year older, but she had gotten to marry first. It kills me every time I think about it.

“Yes, and I very much pity him to be forced to wake up every morning and see your piggy face.” I replied after a few moments, and continued walking towards the princess’s room as if it didn’t hurt in the least what she had said. Though it did, worse then she knew.

I was happy when we arrived at the Princess’s room and I did not have to endure Jane any longer, I always feel angry and irritable whenever I have to be around her. She annoys me to wits end and I wish desperatly that I was not related to her.

Nearly a dozen other servants were already cleaning when we walked into the Princess’s room, all talking and laughing loudly as they worked. I saw with great relief that Mary, one of my good friends was among the workers. She was over on the opposite side of the room washing windows. She saw me and waved, I smiled back at her and then rolled my eyes towards Jane to show that she was being extra annoying today. Mary gave me a sympathetic looking knowing well the annoying qualities of Jane.

“Ah there you two are!” Came the exasperated voice of Anne Coldwell, coming over to Jane and I in a rush. “Brought the new linens I see, here give them to me. I will put them on her bed. Here Jane, take these old sheets back to your mother” Anne instructed as she plopped the “dirty” linens into Jane’s arms. Jane scowled at getting such a low job, and made her way out of the room. I sighed feeling relieve for the first time this morning.

“What is it you need me to do Anne?” I asked politely, crossing my finger that I would get to work with Mary. I had some important news that I needed to discuss with her.

“I think window washing would be a fine task for you at the moment.” Anne smiled knowing the assignment would please me. Anne had always liked me for some reason, and it was a pleasant break from my aunt’s constant nagging.

I nodded, smiling as I strolled over to the large window to talk with Mary.

“He asked about you today.” I said as she handing me a rag from the bucket of muddy water.

Mary turned to me barely able to contain her smile of delight. “He did? When? What did he ask about me?” She asked excitedly. Knowing right away I was referring to her lover Thomas.

“He just asked what you were up to today, and when you might be able to steal a chance to see him in the stables.” I said smiling mysteriously.

“What did you say? What did you tell him?” Mary asked forgetting about the window washing for a moment her eager eyes on me, waiting for my answer.

“Oh just that you would most likely be busy getting ready for the Prince and Princess’s arrival and that you would not be able to see him today…”

Her face lowered at this, showing how very much she wanted to see him.

“But, tonight you are surprisingly free.” I finished unable to hide my giggle.

“Sophie!” Gasped Mary, but I saw that she was smiling.

Then she got serious, “Did you really say that? Did you really tell him that I would see him tonight?”

I nodded, and she let out an excited squeal. I thought for a moment that she might jump up and down with joy.

Then she got serious again, “Sophie what do I do? Should I really go to him? Will he be expecting me?”

I gave a little laugh, at how silly she was being. “Oh Mary you worry too much. He adores you, as you do him. He will be there when you go tonight. And as far as what to do, my only hope is that you do not disgrace yourself or him.” I replied jokingly

“Sophie! You know I would never do such a thing, those matter are to be left until after marriage.”

I shrugged turning back to the unwashed window, as if I did not agree.

“Well I’m sorry if some of us can not afford to be as loose as you.” Said Mary in jest.

I gave her a fake expression of shock, “Excuse me but I am not loose, simply experienced. So that I can prepare myself for marriage.” I said smiling. I thought of Theo, and our most resent love affair, he works in the stables with Mary’s lover Thomas. Though recently I have found myself trying desperately to avoid him, not wanting him to think I want to get too involved.

Mary laughed, knowing well my great fear of commitment. “That is if you ever do marry.” She said jokingly.

I know she was only meaning it as a joke, but some how it still hurt. I shook the feeling off though and laughed along with her. She was my friend after all, and didn’t mean to be unkind.

“I will marry.” I said defiantly “I am just waiting for the right man to come along.” I replied turning back to the windows. Though honestly they were not all that dirty, and did not really need cleaning.

“And Theo is not the right man?” Mary asked smirking. “Even after all you have done with him?”

“No” I signed, all traces of laugher gone from my face. “He’s an fine man, do not get me wrong, I just do not feel the spark, he is so plain, I would be bored after the first night.” I confessed, as Mary let out a nervous giggle at the mention of the wedding night.

“What kind of man would excite you then?” She asked going along with my serious nature.

“A man who has seen the world, been to all kinds of places, can make me laugh, and long for his touch. A man who loves to jest and will always stand up for his country at any given moment, a man who loves me and will do anything for me, a man who will stand by me and protected me no matter what. I want a man who is smart and loyal, and will never let me get hurt. That is the kind of man I desire.”

“What is it you want? The Prince of Wales?” Asking Mary smiling “No man alive can fill those standard. Why can you not just settle for a man who loves you, and will take care of you? That’s all I want really.”

I shrugged, “Maybe for you and all the rest of the women in the world that is fine, but I want something more.” I said dreamily, staring out the window at the now rain filled sky. I watched as a richly decorated carriage came up the road toward the castle, and then I realized who had to be inside.

“The Prince and Princess are here!” I shouted pointed out the window towards the carriage.

“Already?” Cried Anne, “but the floor has not even been swept, and where on earth is the mirror? It was to be sent here hours ago! Sophie?!?!?”

“Yes?” I asked pleasantly at the mention of my name, coming over to where Anne stood.

“Go see where the Princess’s mirror has been taken to and see to it that it is brought back here in one piece, the last thing I need right now is seven years of bad luck.” Said Anne, I could tell that she was more then a little frustrated, and very stressed right now.

“I will see that it is done.” I said sincerely.

Anne smiled “I know I can count on you.”

I said a quick goodbye to Mary and hurried out of the Princess’s chamber in search of the mirror.

I walked down the long semi-crowded hallway, making my way towards the front doors. I turned down the main hallway the one that leads to the front doors but found that a crowd of people blocked my path. I heard a trumpet sound and knew that the Prince and Princess were about to enter.

“Make way for the Princess Elizabeth of Wales.” Came a booming voice, as everyone in the crowed cheered for their princess. I found a stool near by and stood on it so that I might get a better look.

First to come in were her five maidens in waiting, walking slowly, bright smiles on their faces. They were dressed richly with long dresses of purples and blues, their hair was held back in identical gold bonnets, and all seemed to be about the same height and stature. Next to come in was Princess Elizabeth herself. She looked absolutely stunning in a dress of deep burgundy and gold that draped effortlessly over her perfectly shaped frame. Her hair was pulled up in a matching bonnet. Her face was flawless, the mere essence of feminine beauty. The princess walked with grace and dignity, she held herself as if she owned the entire world, as a Princess of Wales should. The only thing that seemed off was the look on her face, which was as cold as ice, stiff and expressionless. Everyone bowed respectfully giving honor to our princess.

“Make way for Prince David of Wales.” Came the voice again. I watched as the Prince’s Men came strolling down the hallway, smiling brightly at the crowd, dresses even more richly then the Princess’s ladies. The crowd started to cheer knowing the Prince would be next, but there was no one at the end of the procession. The crowd around me fell silent. Where was the Prince?