《My Beauty》 1: “Walk slowly, throw the flowers, try not to hit anyone” Rory sneezed. The reverberating echo of the small noise drew the attention of her Aunts new handmaiden, Zara. Zara glared at little Rory, leaning over and cuffing her on the ear, managing to keep her nose in the air the entire time. Aurora would have been impressed by the handmaidens flawlessly snooty expression, if she had not been busy rubbing her stinging ear. Anyone would think it would be snobby Princess Zara getting married to the king today, not Rorys Aunt Leah. Rory sniffed, trying to clear the pollen from her nose. The pink and white roses she was holding were stinging her eyes and scraping the back of her throat. She wiggled, trying to hold back another sneeze. This earned her another cuff. At this rate, Rory would be walking down the aisle with no ears. Are we ready to start? asked Rorys Aunt. Leah had just entered the church foyer where Rory and the bridesmaids were waiting for the ceremony to start. Zara immediately flew to her new mistress side, fluffing up her excessive veil and praising her dutifully. Leah waved the fussing maid aside impatiently and repeated her question. She looks like a cake, thought Rory as the adults talked. Aunt Leah was dressed in a truly enormous white dress with pale pink trimmings. The huge skirt trembled and rustled with every movement, threatening to set off earthquakes with every step. Every inch of taffeta was beaded or braided or bedazzled until the shining, frosted monstrosity could have passed for a star with its own gravitational pull. Beneath all the glitter and gauzy fabrics was her Aunts familiar heart shaped face, beaming with delight. Rorys heart gave a painful little shudder. Leah looked exactly like her mother when she smiled. The sisters could have passed as twins if Rorys mother were still alive. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.Leah walked towards her little niece who waited, forgotten in the corner. She kneeled as best she could in her hooped skirt, brushing a blonde curl out of her eyes as she did. Do remember what to do? Leah asked. Walk slowly, throw the flowers, try not to hit anyone, recited Rory immediately. Leah smiled and tucked a little blonde tuff back into Rorys bun. Thats right, sweetie. The girl looked so much like her mother. Every time she looked at Rory, the girls round blue eyes and pert little nose resembled her sister Roses more and more. She had died almost a year ago, but the small family was still reeling from the devastating loss of her and her husband, Stephan. You look beautiful, sweetheart. Your mother would have loved to see you so dressed up. Rory had been stuffed into a frothy pink thing that resembled Leahs dress too much for Rory to consider it beautiful. All morning shed been scrubbed, pinched, poked and told that yes, you absolutely need to wear shoes by Leahs handmaidens. Rory was exhausted. Music started and Rory was ushered to the front of the line by the entrance to the church proper. Two footmen dragged the doors open to reveal an unending alise, bordered with row upon row of nobility, dressed in their colourful finery. Every eye was on her. Rory glanced at her small basket of roses and then up at the too long walkway, stretching into the distance. There was no way she had enough flowers for that entire walk. 2. Fed up with the festivities Fed up with the festivities The ceremony was long and Rory had to stand up the whole time. She stood next to her Aunt and listened to the old man in a dress drone on. Rorys tight bun was pulling at her scalp and her dress was starting to itch. About half way through, Aunt Leah handed her bouquet to Rory which was even worse than the basket of roses she had to hold before. The flowers were heavy and her eyes immediately filled with stinging tears. Rory was preoccupied with trying to hold the flowers as far away from her face as possible while simultaneously scratching her nose on her shoulder when she caught the stern looks from her three godmothers. The three, dumpy older ladies were sitting in the second row, currently glaring at their young charge. Rory stopped her sniffing and stood up straight, concentrating on what the old man was saying rather than on her itchy nose. It didn''t last long. The old man was boring. Instead, her attention wandered to the men standing on the other side of the wall of pink and white chiffon that was her aunt. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Standing tall and attentively next to Leah was King Hubert, or perhaps he would be Uncle Hubert now. The king was dressed in purple velvet that was heavily embroidered with blue and gold thread. His shirt had puffed sleeves and a stiff collar. He was dressed just as ostentatiously and puffed up as her Aunt, albeit in a more masculine way. Her gaze lingered on the blue, jeweled necklace that hung around his neck by a thick gold chain. Movement drew her eye to the boy on the right of the king. Dark haired and fair like his father, Prince Phillip stood almost a head taller than Rory and was almost two years older. Rory had met the boy earlier that morning but was yet to talk to him. Phillip looked just as fed up with the festivities as Rory felt. The boy was shuffling his feet and tugging at the wad of fabric that was tied around his neck and tucked into the collar of his shirt. He rolled his eyes heavenward as the old man presiding over the ceremony started another long speech. Rory giggled at the boys expression. Zara, who stood on Rorys left, placed a hand on the girls shoulder and dug her nails in. Rory took the hint and muffled her laughter, but not before she caught the eye of the handsome young prince.
Thanks for reading. Please check out my Chronicles of Genticus: Invasion of the North. It''s mostly complete and updated daily. If you here because I told you to read this on my other work; welcome! Thanks for checking this out. 3. She had thrown her shoes at a prince She had thrown her shoes at a prince Most of the adults were drunk. Of course, theyd been drinking for hours so it stood to reason that most of them were too deep in their cups to keep their eyes open. Rory sat at a table with her three guardians, staring at the some of the men sitting two tables over. They were bright eyed and ruddy cheeked. All three of them kept making loud toasts, mostly towards the newly wedded couple, which went largely ignored by the other patrons. Her three godmothers hadnt allowed her up from the table without supervision the entire night so Rory was forced to find entertainment in watching the other guests. Rorys shoes kept pinching her feet and her dressed itched. She longed to change out of the uncomfortable formal wear but her godmothers had forbidden her from even loosening the tight bodice of her dress. Sweat stung her armpits and the sickly sweet smell of wine permeated the warm room. There was a door that led outside just to her left. She only needed a few seconds of distraction to slip away from her guardians watchful eyes and slip out into the cool night air. Her chance came when the massive cake was wheeled out. The king and his new queen took their place next to the five-tiered monstrosity and, for a few minutes, all eyes were on them. Rory made her escape. As soon she was out of sight of the party she slipped off her horrid pinchy shoes and hurled them deeper into the garden. Her hair pins were next, pulled out without any care. Rory dropped them haphazardly as she wandered through the flowers. Finally, her curls sprang free of their confinement and the blood rushed back to her scalp. She was about to start on her clothing when a voice interrupted her. Arent you Leahs niece? Rory spun around. The little prince stood in a patch of moonlight holding one of her tossed slippers. Rory paled. She had thrown her shoes at a prince and now he was probably going to tell her godmothers. The prince cocked his head to one side thoughtfully, a small tuft of hair falling in his eyes as his did so. Aurora, right? She shook her head vigorously. You must have me confused with someone else. She crossed her arms protectively over her stomach. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Arent you supposed to be with your three aunties? They are my godmothers, actually. Phillip smiled slyly. The soft little grin looked cute on his boyish face. So you are the little princess, then, Phillip said, calmly triumphant. Rory was caught in her lie. Also, she wasnt certain that her Aunts marriage made her technically a princess. Instead of responding, she crossed her arms again, screwing up her nose. Then again, the prince continued, flipping the dainty slipper in his hands. A princess wouldnt be walking around in the mud barefoot. Rory glanced down at her feet. They hem of her fancy dress was dipped in mud where it had trailed along the ground and she could feel the cool sludge oozing up between her toes. She hid her feet with the hem of her dress, embarrassed. My shoes were squishing my toes, she explained in a small voice. She stared at the ground and dug a small furrow in the mud with her newly freed toes. That explains everything, the prince said, reasonably. He tossed the shoe into a bush. Rory peaked up at the smiling boy, keeping her head faced towards the ground. She returned his wide grin with a shy one of her own. Personally, its the shirts that bother me. Rory noticed that Phillip had removed the thick piece of silk that had been tied around his neck and tucked it out of the way into his pants. She giggled a little, pleased at the boys attentions. It occurred to her that he was probably in the garden for the same reason she was; to escape the party. A flash of light and shouting interrupted them. Whos out here? a man, probably a guard, shouted. The two children froze. Bushes rustled as the man came closer. Run! Phillip half hissed, half shouted. He grabbed Rorys hand and they took off the the opposite direction of their hunter, muffling their giggles.
Hope you like it, what do you think of Phillip? Check out my other work, Invasion of the North. It''s two chapters off being complete and updated daily. 4. It loomed It loomed One year later: Rory was visiting her Aunt for her tenth birthday. It had been a year since she last saw her Aunt Leah at her wedding and a year since she had been to the castle where Leah now lived as Queen. Shed forgotten how big the castle was. It loomed. There was no other word for it. With its tall outer wall, steel gate and huge windows, the castle was an imposing addition to the rolling hills and dark woods that was the surrounding countryside. It loomed. Rory was dropped at the gate and ushered into the building but the awaiting Zara. She hoped she would see Phillip around. After their encounter last year, Rory had plagued her godmothers with questions about the boy. Shed discovered that Phillips mother, King Huberts first wife, had been part fae and Phillip had inherited her skill for magic. At aged twelve, Phillip would still be a novice, but perhaps if Rory became friends with him, he would let her watch him practice his magic. Rory was endlessly fascinated with the older boy, not just because of his magic but also because of his easy smile and strange, dark eyes. No other boy was like him in the village where she was from. Aurora, darling. The queen kneeled and squeezed her nieces cheeks together, kissing her enthusiastically. Happy birthday, baby. Its not my birthday for three whole days, Aunty, Aurora pointed out, her voice muffled by Leahs exuberant greeting. She was long used to her Aunts fussing and truth be told, Rory missed Leah just as much she was missed by her Aunt. She enjoyed Leahs motherly smothering, though she pretended the opposite. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Oh, shush. Im allowed to be excited. Ten is an important age. Leah hustled her young niece through the castle to her rooms. This is where you will be staying, Aurora, dear. She opened the extravagantly huge doors to reveal an entirely pink sitting room. Her feet sank into the plush rose carpet as she took a few steps into the room. The ornate gold chairs were trimmed in a vibrant pink and the soft petal pink walls were painted with tiny golden leaves. There was even a pink china tea set sitting on the salmon coloured side table. Rory made a face. She had nothing against the colour pink, besides its propensity to stain. Rory had a habit of getting covered in muck. No matter how hard she tried, she could never go an entire day without getting dirty. She feared this room would not survive her short stay and she vowed to avoid spending any amount of time in it. Why don''t you spend your afternoon here, child? Though it was phrased as a question, there was no sign of compromise in the queens tone. So much for Rory avoiding this room. I have a meeting with the king that I must get to, Leah continued. I will see you for dinner, darling. But I just got here. Rory couldn''t believe she was being left alone already. She missed her Aunt and wanted to spend time with her. I know, sweetheart, but I have duties now that I am queen. We will go on a picnic tomorrow, just the two of us. Okay, Rory said, barely mollified.
I hope you like it, my other work is officially complete so go check it out if you want to binge 30 chapters. 5. “Ah, the shoeless princess is wreaking havoc in my kingdom again, I see,” Ah, the shoeless princess is wreaking havoc in my kingdom again, I see, Rory had escaped her rooms. She knew she was supposed to stay there till dinner but there was nothing to do. Shed already explored every inch of her suite. To her delight, shed discovered her bedroom to be much more pleasantly decorated than the pink room. It had buttery yellow walls and a soft blue bed. Still, no matter how lovely the decor, the room hadn''t had much in the way of entertainment. Her Aunt was in a meeting so she would be none the wiser to a little harmless exploring. It was only uppity Zara that posed a threat to Rorys fun. She would just have to avoid the handmaiden. Rory headed for the sunlight. She would escape the watchful eyes of the palace servants amongst the plants and trees in the gardens. She sprinted for the trees, kicking off her shoes as she went. She loved the grass tickling her bare feet and she especially enjoyed digging her toes into the damp earth. There was a liberating freedom to running barefoot. Ah, the shoeless princess is wreaking havoc in my kingdom again, I see, called a familiar, teasing voice. Rory stumbled as she attempted to go from top speed to a dead halt while simultaneously twisting to see who had spoken. It was Phillip. She stared, unsure of what one says to a twelve year old boy. Phillip chuckled pleasantly at the small girls shyness. His stepmother had told him that Rory was visiting for her tenth birthday so he wasnt surprised at her appearance. She looked to him to be much too small for a ten year old with her thin arms and small, heart shaped face. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. I believe a happy birthday is in order, Phillip said after a moment of silence. My birthday isn''t for three days, she said, without thinking. Almost immediately she snapped her mouth shut with an audible click. That wasnt the sort of thing one should say to a prince. Phillip only smiled broader. There was another long pause. Rory stared at her dirt encrusted toes and Phillip stared at Rory. Im off to practice with my slingshot, Phillip said eventually. Rory noticed that he carried a Y shaped branch with a piece of leather stretched between its prongs. She hadnt a clue what a slingshot was but nodded as if she knew. I will see you at dinner, little princess. Phillip half waved and turned to walk deeper into the trees. Wait! Rory called. She blushed when he glanced back at her. Aunt Leah said that I should stay with you. She said you could show me around. Leah had said nothing of the sort but if Phillip thought that he had to babysit her, maybe he would actually let her tag along. None of the boys from her village would tolerate the company of a girl unless forced to by an adult. Alright, Phillip agreed easily. Lets go then. Rory blinked, shocked at how easy it was to get the boy to agree and followed behind him. 6. Rory’s little smile was rather like the sun coming up Rorys little smile was rather like the sun coming up They spent the afternoon exploring the forest surrounding the castle. Phillip repeatedly pegged the trees with rocks flung from his slingshot while Rory watched. She didnt speak much but Phillip chattered more than enough for the both of them. The sun was just beginning to approach the horizon when Phillip suggested they turn back. We need to get cleaned up for dinner, he said. Rory looked at her dirt streaked dressed and pinched her lips in distaste. She would need to have a bath. Rory hated baths. Phillip led them back to the castle, stopping in the entranceway to deposit his slingshot on the table there. I will see you at dinner, Aurora, Phillip said as he dashed off down the hall. Instead of following him, Rory eyed the abandoned slingshot. She wanted to try it but had been too shy to ask. All the boys in her village would have refused to share and probably have pushed her over. Her godmothers had always said that boys did that because they liked her and were too shy to show it. Rory wasnt so sure. There was still a bit of time before she was due at dinner. Perhaps she could try out the slingshot in the palace gardens and still get back in time to wash up for dinner. She made her decision, swiping the slingshot and darting back out the door. The rock thumped onto the ground a metre in front of the tree she aimed for. You need to aim a little higher, said a voice from behind her. Rory jumped at the unexpected noise and spun to face the interloper. It was Phillip. He was making a habit of sneaking up on her when she was breaking the rules. She stared at the ground guilty and held out the slingshot to the boy. There was no way Phillip was going to be her friend now that hed caught her taking his stuff. Phillip walked up to the small girl, put his hands on her shoulder and angled her body towards the target. The stone will drop in the air, he said. Aim a little above the target to allow for gravity. Rory blinked but did as she was told, taking her stance. Phillip pulled on her shoulders a little more so she stood more side on to the target. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The stone thumped onto the base of the tree she was aiming at. Thats it! Phillip was enthusiastic about the small improvement. He spent a few more minutes coaching her and after a half a dozen more attempts she hit the tree she aimed for. Phillip was delighted. Rory turned to him seriously. Im sorry I borrowed your slingshot, she said in a small voice offering him the slingshot again. He didnt take it. Aurora, you can borrow whatever you like, Phillip smiled at the shy girl. Just remember to ask next time. Phillip? Yes? Now that she was being honest, she may as well get everything out in the open. Aunt Leah never said that you needed to show me around. I just said that because I wanted to spend time with you. I know. I wanted to spend time with you too. The boys face was so earnest that Rory couldnt help but smile at him. She thought about all the times she had gotten herself into trouble and lied and done the wrong thing. Phillip wanted to be her friend in spite of that. She resolved to be better. She liked this boy and wanted to be worthy of his friendship. Phillip turned towards the castle and started walking. Rory followed him. Phillip? Yes, Aurora? You can call me Rory. She fiddled nervously with the sling shot she still held as they walked. My mother used to call me that. My mother used to call me pumpkin. Rory made a face at him. Im not calling you that, she declared and then blushed at her confidence. Phillip threw his head back and laughed at the girls uncharacteristic comment. Rory was quite cheeky once you get past her shyness. Rory smiled at the boys boisterous laugh. She liked being the one to make him laugh like that. Phillip thought that Rorys little smile was rather like the sun coming up. 7. She laughed in delight She laughed in delight One year later: You need to learn how to hit someone properly, Rory. Phillip held up his fists and started shadow boxing playfully. Rory patted away one of his fists and sat on the sun drenched grass. It was a beautiful day and Rory was determined to enjoy it in spite of Phillip disturbing her peace. Why? She smiled at the boy who was preoccupied in ducking and invisible foes swipe. I see those bruises. Phillip stopped punishing the air and glared at one such bruise gracing the girls skinny shin. Rory blushed and hid her leg with her skirt. The bruised had been made by a neighbours hard shod foot the week previously. It was still healing. Dont think I don''t know what those village boys get up to. What if I don''t want to fight. Rory sensed the whine in her voice and pouted. She didnt say any more lest she present herself as even more of a child. You need to learn how to defend yourself, Phillip said to Rorys prone body. She had rolled herself over and pressed her face into the cool grass. Her only response was to groan in objection. She was disinclined to move on such a lovely morning. She would much rather spend it basking in the morning sun. Phillip grasped Rory under her arms and pulled her easily to her feet. At thirteen he had already started to gain some on the strength that his father was renown for. His young muscles were hardened by the sword training he had begun some months before. Bare with me for ten minutes and perhaps I will give you your birthday present a day early. Rory complied reluctantly, allowing Phillip to deposit her on her feet and position her fists in line with her face. The promise of her gift forestalled any more argument. Keep your thumb tucked outside your fist or youll break it. An eye roll threatened her composer but her earlier resolve not to act childish held it at bay. When Rory had thrown enough mock punches that showed proper punching technique (whatever that was), to satisfy Phillip, he called a recess. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Unseat just one of those boys with a punch like that and Ill bet my castle that the rest of them won''t bother you anymore. Phillip ruffled Rorys blonde mane, sending it into even more disarray than usual. Rorys small face was surrounded by a halo of curls lit up by the sun. She gave him a playful grin through the mass of frizz and held out her hand expectantly. Phillip pretended not to know what she meant. You owe me a present, Sir Prince, she said with a cheeky little smirk. I dont know what you talk of, Mistress Rascal. Phillip clasped his hands behind his back and whistled innocently. Give me my gift or Ill use my new found fighting skills on you. She made a halfhearted swipe towards him, giggling cutely. He dogged her easily and mussed up her hair again. Rory battered him away impatiently. Fine. Phillip pulled a wrapped bundle from where he had tucked it in the back of his belt, under his shirt and handed it to her. Rory pulled the leather and string away from the present. She was delighted to find that it was a slingshot of her very own. The wood had been sanded and lacquered until it gleamed and the grip was engraved by hand with her name in flowing script. She traced the etched patterns and watched as they sparked gold with magic. She laughed in delight, swiping the wood with a single finger to send the curves of her name glowing a soft gold again. What do you think? Phillip was uncharacteristically nervous, staring at a spot above Rorys head. Rory blushed. She loved the gift. She hadnt received anything so personal since her parents had died. She opened her mouth to tell him as much but instead choked on her emotions. Her face was hot and most likely beet red. She shuffled her feet and stared at the intimate present for a long, awkward moment. I think I can hit a target from further away than you could, she finally said in a teasing voice. Phillip grinned and the awkwardness immediately dissipated. You shouldnt make challenges you cannot meet, brat. Phillip took off into the forest towards their usual haunt, Rory following close behind him, taunting him mischievously. 8. “Catch me, Phillip.” Catch me, Phillip. One year later: What are you doing? Rory was picking the petals off flowers as she watched Phillip take off his shoes. They were spending their afternoon by the palace pools. They were the coolest place to spend warm summer days without leaving the confines of the castle grounds. There was a hunt scheduled for that day and the children were forbidden to disappear off to their favourite forest haunts. Instead, Rory lay in the shade of a cherry tree, picking apart its flowers as they fell. Phillip was preoccupied with rolling his pant legs up by the deep, ornamental pools of water. Water bubbled up from the bottom of the pools to create cascading fountains of water that glittered in the sunlight. They had set up camp over at the deeper end of the pools where the fountain was far enough away that it wouldn''t spray them with water. I learned that some mages could walk on water, Phillip explained enthusiastically. Rory made a disbelieving noise in the back of her throat. Its true! he insisted. My teacher told me about it last week. And so you are going to attempt it by yourself in a fountain? Rory shifted to find a more comfortable position. It looked as if she was going to be provided with plenty of entertainment. That sounds like a very good way to get wet. Phillip rolled his eyes, long used to Rorys teasing. He moved to the edge of the deep pool and gingerly placed one foot on the surface of the water. Are you doing it yet? Rory called out. Phillip pulled his foot back from the edge and glared at her. She held up her hands in surrender. Sorry, I''m done distracting. Just wake me if something interesting happens. She lay back in the shadow of the tree and threw one arm over her face. Phillip could see that she was peeking out of the corner of his eyes and rolled his eyes heavenward. It was just like Rory to pretend to be uninterested to take some pressure off him. His tried again. The water felt cool against the bottom of his foot. For a second he held his foot on the surface of the water, hesitant to put any weight on it. Rory had risen from where shed slumped onto the ground and was leaning forward in anticipation. She waited with baited breath as he shifted his weight gingerly and leaned out over the water. He didnt plunge foot first into the cool water, which Rory was mildly surprised at. It looked as if the thin skin that separated the water from air had congealed enough to hold the weight of the teenager. Rory had watched bugs skim across the surface of a pond in much the same way. Phillip made a triumphant little noise and cautiously place his other foot beside the first. He wobbled slightly but the water held his weight. Rory clapped in delight, shifting closer to the waters edge to get a closer look. Phillip took another cautious step, looking carefully at his feet. He shouldnt have looked down. His foot half stuck to the surface of the water, half sunk beneath it, twisting by the ankle. He staggered, panicked and plunged one foot knee deep into the water. He twisted and lunged for the edge of the pool. None too soon as his other foot was losing its grip and slipping off the top of the water. Phillip pulled himself over the edge of the fountain, his pants half sodden. Rory giggled a little at the sight. You almost had it, she said encouragingly. Phillips expression was a sour one. He attempted to wring out his pants while prodding the water experimentally with his toes. They broke through the surface immediately. Phillip drew back from the edge. You probably shouldnt have looked down, Rory suggested. She walked over and stood beside him, careful to avoid where he was dripping. You just need to be a little more confident. You really did almost have it. How do you propose I get more confident then, smarty? Rory tilted her head thoughtfully. Try it with me. You can''t swim, Phillip pointed out. That gives you a little more incentive to keep me above the water then, doesn''t it? Rory danced out of his reach, towards the pool. Rory There was a tone of warning in Phillips voice. Catch me, Phillip. Rory threw her arms wide and stepped backward confidently, right out over the water. When she didnt plummet into the water, she took another three steps back, out of Phillips reach. If he wanted her back on dry land, he would need to come out and get her himself. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Rory, come back here. Phillip stood as close to the edge as he could without actually going into the water. Why? Rory lifted her skirt so she could look at her bare feet. The waters surface dimpled where she put her feet but refused to burst. It felt cool beneath her feet, like standing on a stone floor early in the morning, before the fires were lit. You could fall. The water in the fountain was deep enough to be a worry if she fell. I trust you. She did, explicitly. She didnt entertain any thoughts of falling; she knew that Phillip could hold her up. He was very talented at magic, all of his teachers said so. It was a weakness being so good. It meant that when something didnt go absolutely perfectly the first time, Phillip would overthink things and doubt himself. More often than not, when something didnt come naturally to him, Phillip would avoid doing it. Its a little lonely out here, Phillip, Rory said as she walked towards the fountain at the other end of the pool. No. Come on, spoil sport! Rory stuck one of her hands under the spray, enjoying how the cool water bounced of her palm and sprinkled on her overheated face. No, I cant do it. You already are. Rory bounced a little to make her point. Its not the same thing, not with two people. Rory rose a skeptical eyebrow. They stood there for a few minutes, just watching each other. Rory crossed her arms and suck out her hip stubbornly. Phillip copied her gesture. Eventually Phillip rolled his eyes and threw up his hands. Fine. He moved to stand at the edge of the pool. But the minute either one of us even so much as dips a toe in, we are both out. Rory agreed, clapping her hands in excitement. Zara went looking for the two teenagers a little while later. It was time for lunch. The cook had mentioned seeing them head towards the north gardens so that was the direction she started her search in. Zara heard shouting and laughing as she neared the gardens. She frowned at the noise. Really, two children were much too disruptive for just the one castle. They would disturb everyone with all that carrying on. Zara much prefered it when it was just the boy prince under her care. The fact that there was no one about this part of the gardens to be disturbed didnt stop Zara from scripting the lecture she was going to give the two children when she saw them. She rounded a bend and Rory and Phillip came into view. The two were dripping with water and screaming inarticulately in delight. As she watched, Rory bent over and slapped a wave of water into Phillips face. He responded by redirecting one of the fountains stronger streams of water with his palm so it hit the girl. Zara flushed angrily; they were almost grown, they should know better. It wasnt until she got closer that she realised that they werent playing in the water; they were playing on it. She screamed in fright. She could do nothing else; it was too strange. Rory and Phillip both started at the unexpected noise. Phillip was so shocked that began to sink before he caught himself and once again stood on the skin of the water. This prompted another startled noise from Zara. For a moment she only stood, hands pressed to her mouth as she stared at the odd sight. Good afternoon, Miss Zara, Phillip said, after a long pause. Youre late for lunch, Zara squeaked. It was the only thing that occurred to her to say. She abruptly turned on her heel and stalked in the opposite direction, all thoughts of a lecture forgotten. Rory and Phillip exchanged amused looks and followed the startled maid to lunch. They left soggy footprints the entire way back to the castle.
Nice long one for you. I hope you enjoyed it. The next chapter is one of my favs! 9. “That was terrible, and two, three!” That was terrible, and two, three! I know there is something you are supposed to be doing right now, said Rory in a singsong voice. Phillip had just entered the clearing where they usually picniced. He was obviously escaping his duties at the castle because that morning Rory had been told, in no uncertain terms, that the prince would be too busy to accompany her on their usual trip to the forest. Werent you supposed to be attending a dance lesson this afternoon, My Lord Prince? Rory tucked her feet under herself to make room for the sooking prince on her blanket. You wouldnt be ditching, would you? Rory was deviously delighted. Phillip, who wouldn''t even walk on water for an hour after eating, snuck out of the castle against his fathers direct orders. This had to be the first time shed ever seen him break a rule. Perhaps she was a bad influence on him. Shush, you little terror. Phillip made a swipe for her hair which she ducked. She refuse to soften her thrilled grin, wiggling like a puppy on their small picnic blanket. A smile threatened to break through Phillips annoyed frown when he saw the expression on his best friends face. I find my lessons tedious at times, he admitted. Rory snorted in disbelief. Shed seen pour over historical texts for hours without moving and sit attentively through numerous lengthy royal speeches. She hardly believed that he was weary of school. Are you escaping your lessons or are you escaping your dance lessons? Rory rose her eyebrows at the boy who wouldn''t look up from his hands. He mumbled something unintelligible. What was that? Dance lessons, Phillip said a bit louder. He suddenly threw himself on his back on the grass, spreading his arms out beside him. My teacher is boorish, the music is dull and dancing is useless. Rory laughed, seeing his complaints for what he really meant. You are no good at it! she declared. Something doesn''t come naturally to you for the first time ever so you are just going to give up. Thats not it, I just have a bad teacher. Phillip sulked. I bet you have two left feet! This was even better that Phillip ditching class! She lay down beside him, resting her head on his outstretched arm and looking up at his glowering face with a cheshire grin. I could teach you, she offered. He glanced down at her, his sulking momentarily disrupted by incredulity. You know how to dance? Rory got up from her place beside him and brushed the wrinkles out of her skirt. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Of course, she said. I have lessons just like you; dancing, singing, piano. She made a dramatic twirl, sinking into an exaggerated but surprisingly graceful curtsy. I am a very accomplished young woman. She pretended to flutter a fan in front of her face and simpered outrageously. You have dirt on your cheek, Phillip said dryly. She scrubbed the side of her face with her sleeve and shot him a look full of venom. Phillip declined to mention that it was her other cheek that was streaked with dust. Get up, delinquent. She pulled on his arm until he reluctantly rose. This is what you get for skipping class. We are going to dance! Rory began spinning around him. Using his reluctant arm for support and flicking her skirt about in dramatised flares. Phillip couldnt help but laugh at her antics. She pulled him around in a circle by his belt loop and stepped in close to him. Hands go here and here, she directed, adjusting his stance and prodding his arms into some semblance of the correct position. She took his hands and began shoving him into a turn by angling her hips and tugging him by their clasped hands until he began moving in the right direction. She hummed a waltz and launched right into a bewildering pattern of steps, letting Phillip stumble after her. Apparently Rory believe the best way to learn was by doing. She didnt bother to explain the steps, just bullied Phillip into doing them. Wrong foot, she said cheerfully in the tune of the waltz shed been humming. That was terrible, and two, three! They laughed and spun around the little clearing. Good, and step. Get, ready, to twirl, two, three. Phillip gradually became more confident. He still occasionally stumbled but it wasnt necessary for Rory to wrench him in the right direction or continually jerk him around. He drew her closer when his dancing became more fluid and her eyes slid shut as she lost herself in the movement. She continued to hum a lilting waltz and Phillip plunged her into an outrageous dip that would never have been seen in court. She giggled girlishly. Dont drop me, you dope. Phillip immediately loosened his grip threateningly and sent her wobbling towards the ground. She grasped his collar and laughed louder. Dont give me any ideas, he said, jerking her again. He pulled her up and spun her in one last slow twirl. She sunk into a graceful curtsey, still grasping his hand. He bowed formally, as if they really were at court. For a second they just stared at each other, hands clasped. Then they burst into helpless laughter.