I lean my head against the cold glass of the window as my eyes wonder at the outside. Particularly toward the immensity of the blue sky. Observing the shapes of the few clouds transfiguring into anything else in a heartbeat is a pastime that I found quite entertaining, mostly during long journeys while I search for something to spend my time with.
This time was not the case. Although The Royal Palace was located on top of the hill, providing a beautiful sight to the whole kingdom, it was relatively close to the village. Following through the land way among the vibrant meadows and trees, starting to increase in both number and height as we descend, the beautiful horses pull the carriage guided by Mr. Simmons.
As we approach the borders of Aurelia further the woods, my eyes gaze down at the ground where children play with pebbles and some villagers walk through the limestone paths, laughing or simply conversing with each other. As the carriage advances, waves and cheers are heard from the outside while some villagers point at the vehicle in motion to announce our arrival. My parents wave through the glass window behind the velvet curtains, greeting their People with entranced smiles as they recede, opening way for the carriage targeted by all the enthusiastic glances.
The hefty wheels eventually stop at the square near the stone fountain centering the elegant column holding a steel bucking horse at the top glistening with the daylight. A few people - mostly young men and women - were sitting on the edges with their eyes drawn toward the arriving vehicle while Mr. Simmons holds the door open, allowing us to hop down onto the light stone coating the ground.
My eyes wonder as if immediately toward the long colorful dresses the women wore today while the men were dressed in cream trousers and baggy sleeve shirts. Yet, the one thing drawing my attention was the woman walking barefoot along the warm stone with such a peaceful smile that made her look oblivious toward anyone else around her. Nonetheless that my mind couldn't begin to comprehend how someone could be as carefree and seem as serene at the same time, I wished for only a second that I was her.
"What a splendid day for a stroll," The King remarks, breathing in the fresh air of the starting day.
"Indeed, it is," Mother agrees before we join the villagers in their walks along the narrow streets.
The cobbled path welcomed us through an arch used as a tunnel in the midst of two stone cottages. Lovely flowers of several colors blossom from the brownish-red pots adorning the ledges of the left house. On the other side, a bold ivy climbs up a wall, curving along the arch of the small window from where the sweet scent of a fresh cooked chocolate cake draws the attention of a few twitting birds roosting here and there.
"I'll go ahead," I suggest with my appetite whet. "Maybe I can still arrive in time to get the first batch of Mr. Langston's pies!" They both nod in agreement and so I haste along the trail I was so familiar with when a little girl jumps suddenly on the pathway, dashing away from a boy chasing after her. They may be siblings - I thought - for the resemblance between the two of them. Their giggles and the careless glint on their eyes was something to envy from both. Not a single care in the world aside the time they had to return home.
There was always a smile on my face and dreaming eyes when I came down to the village, I admit. At first, I did not quite comprehend what drew me so intensely to this place until I realized that they all shared this one particular characteristic: their freedom. It was what always made me dream about a life outside the palace, free of the strict rules imposed to me within those walls. A life without the constant pressure of one day becoming The Queen of Aurelia and the urgent need to be perfect from the moment I slipped out of bed to the moment I lied back down again. After all, if the Princess had a single strand of her hair out of place, it would be the end for the crown.
Amongst the piano lessons, horse riding, classes with Lawrence and something like 'learn about how to be a proper lady', beside the endless social events we either hosted or were invited to, speaking of which were also rude to decline, I did not seem to find a bit of time for my own needs. Nothing related to the royal duties which were constantly reminded to me as something I should learn before I become The Queen, but things I would like to do as Lydia. Only Lydia.
Royalty is a great weight on one's shoulders that one can never get rid of. I imagine that is what I like the most about coming down here. I could dream. I could pretend for a second I was only that Lydia I have always wished to be.
I, more than anyone, understand the great importance the royal family holds but perhaps it is the same reason why I feel so distant from the world I so supposedly belong.
When I look ahead, I find myself already standing in front of the quaint bakery. Bordering the facility, the few circular tables outside begin to fill up with joyful and pleasant faces shaded by the yellow and white stripped awning.
I take a step forward and push the lited door ringing the bell toward Mr. Langston's ears from beyond the counter displaying of the crusty fresh bread and the luscious pastry that submersed the entire bakery in a delightful smell so familial characteristic. A welcoming smile is swiftly flaunt on the face of the bustled man.
"Ah, Princess! Your brilliance dazzles the room." His friendly eyes go back to the masonry oven in an instant. "I was wondering when I would see that beautiful smile of yours appearing in through that door once again. Please, do have a sit. The customary table is kept for you."
I let out a chuckle. "You're too kind, Mr. Langston. Unfortunately, I'm not staying long this time. However I came in hopes that I could get a slice of pie for the way."
"By all means! You may have a whole if it is your wish."
A butch of crusty pies flies from the wood fired oven warmed by the flaming loins to the countertop before my eyes. He presses his lips together causing the plentiful mustache of his to rub on his upper lip. Then, with his mind on the righteous pie, the baker wipes his hands on the light yellow vest that accentuated his belly before proceeding to take my order.
"Here, this one's a new receipt. Margot's inventions, of course, but hopefully it is to your taste."
"Oh! How could it not be when you are the best baker I have ever heard of?" The delicious smell of pastry tempts me to devour each of the delicious pies displayed in front of me. "It's a pity you do not wish to move to the palace with us."
"You honor me, Princess, but there is nothing in this world I would trade this bakery for. The business runs in the family for three generations now! I couldn't possibly. Besides, how would Mrs. Savignae react? It would certainly drive her insane if she had to share her beloved Kitchens with somebody else." I laugh, well aware that it would be the true nightmare for the perky woman.
I watch the knife cut firmly through the cooked dough, leaving a trace of reddish-purple cream. "I can't even start to express how much your compliments fill me with pride, but I intend on pursuing my propose here, making of this bakery the oldest of the kingdom and, perhaps, who knows, of its surroundings as well." He offers me the considerable slice over the napkin and leans upon the counter, his coffee brown eyes glinting as he whispers, "I haven't told Margot yet but I will pass the managing to her." I glance through the large window at the young woman contentedly serving at the tables outside. "This place will belong to her someday, in any case. It is good that she learns about the business soon enough. Did you know my daughter went to university to study those matters? Well, business and... management and... that kind of stuff they usually teach in the big schools."
"I am certain she will be delighted with the good news." I assure him, and although of his endure, I end up paying him with a few coins. "Please, do tell my parents I went for a walk."
"I will, Princess. Have a nice day!"
"Have a nice day as well, Mr. Langston!" I open the door, making the bell ring through the bakery once again. In the meantime, a villager finds her way inside, holding the hand of a little girl with a braid falling down from each of her tiny shoulders. The woman thanks me with an appreciating smile but the child, hugging her cloth doll tightly against her chest, fastens her gleaming eyes on me, even when she was nearly dragged forward the shop by the oblivious woman.
"Look, mummy," she points toward me, "the Princess!"
Their eyes follow the little girl's gaze and exclamations of awe echo behind my back upon listening to her ascertain statement.
I would always attempt to come in simple clothes - the best the royal wardrobe would allow me to - not to drag any undesired attention. It was unworthy while walking beside the great monarchs of Aurelia, of course, which was the exact reason I walked in before them this morning. I did not mind people acquainting me most times, except, of course, when they tend to be a little bit intrusive, and all I wanted for today was to catch a bit of fresh air without that weight on my shoulders. At least until it is time to get back on my duties.
I shut the door behind me, finding myself back on the stone pavement of the plaza. Before anything else, I taste the beetroot pie I held in my hand, regretting not having bought an entire pie as Mr. Langston so kindly suggested. Luckily for me and every person working on the palace, we regularly take a few home.
Amidst the stops at gadgets and brooches stalls along the main street, the pie was gone in a matter of minutes.
"Ma'am!" a young voice beckons for my attention. In a flower stall, a boy holds a lily suggestively in my direction.
"Oh! For me?" He nods with a charming smile when I happily reach for the flower, thanking him with a curtsy.
I tilt it near my nose and inhale, absorbing myself in its magnificent scent. We have officially entered the lily's season!
I breath out and close my eyes for a moment, allowing the light-hearted people and the children's laughter to comfort me. Following the morning breeze blowing through Aurelia, I see myself swirling through the Main Street where the sunlight warms my body.
The peal of the church's bell brings me back to the real world with the nine... ten... eleven chimes.
I open my eyes in a sudden.
As schedule has always been one of the most important things for the crown, it was unimaginable for The Royal Family to arrive late anywhere. It meant a flaw on the crown... or something similar. For my solace, they would never part without me. On the other hand, I knew I would not get away without a lecture along the ride.
I dart down the streets, following in large steps the same path that brought me here until I turn the corner of a narrow street, colliding with someone.
"My apologies," I hurry to say.
"Oh, princess." I stare down at the old woman that harshly grabs my wrists. She's enveloped in a black cloak, her head, sinking at the level of my chest, covered with the dark hood. The few visible strands of hair as white as the flour and the bones were raw on her hands. "You will be our end." The voice sounds eerily deep, able to cause a shiver to run down my skin.
"Excuse me?" I take my hands off of her grip but she holds my forearm tighter this time, almost hurting me. "I- I do not know what you are speaking about, Mrs. You must have confused me with somebody else!"
"Do not trust them. Do not trust anyone." The old lady finally lets go of me. I stare back at those bulging eyes for a second, I could swear she has not blinked once. But I also did not want to wait and confirm my thought, dashing away from the strange woman at the first opportunity I had. I stop on my tracks only upon the sight of the lustrous carriage on the square.
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