The Princess and I

By Rebekah Eddy

Megan is content with her life, despite her parents' death and her brother Malcolm's job that keeps him busy at the king's castle. However, when she is offered the position as Princess Christine's lady-in-waiting, Megan is glad of the change in scenery and accepts it with the hope that she can spend more time with her brother. The promise from Malcolm in lessons in swordsmanship only adds to her enthusiasm.
But helping keep an eye on the emotional and excitable princess proves to be much harder than becoming her friend. As rumors of war circulate the castle, Megan strives to encourage her new friend even as she tries to settle her own doubts and fears when her responsibility of protecting the princess is put to the test. Follow the unwanted adventure which serves to teach her that loyal friendship, true love, and God's amazing grace will always triumph over revenge, greed, and hate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781365777516

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The Princess and I

The Princess and I

As told by Megan

Written By: Rebekah M. Eddy

THE PRINCESS AND I

©2017 by Rebekah Eddy, March 2017

All rights reserved.

Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Website: www.4rmeddy.blogspot.com or www.simplystories4.blogspot.com

Cover ©2017 by Alea Harper

All rights reserved.

Website: www.elvishpensfantasticalwritings.blogspot.com

This book is not to be copied in any way, shape or form. Otherwise the author will ask her pet dragon to come and get you. Seriously. (Also, her flame-throwing unicorn has been known to accidentally get loose when rules are broken.)

Published in the United States of America

ISBN: 978-1-365-73792-3

I would like to dedicate this book to everyone who picks it up and takes the time to read it. I hope it blesses you.

~Rebekah Eddy

1:

My New Job

I hadn’t known peace like this for quite a while. The sky was blue and the grass tickled my arms and legs. I dreamily watched a bird swoop and dive through the trees. A happy sigh escaped my lips and I sat up, my hair cascading down into its original state of chaos. I felt as if nothing could go wrong, and wished the feeling never to go away.

From behind, a hand clamped over my mouth. The peace of the morning shattered, and I felt a chill of fear.

A merry laugh brought my senses back to me, and I wriggled from my brother’s grasp, spinning around to confront him.

Malcolm! I scolded. You ought to be ashamed of yourself; sneaking up on an innocent girl and almost scaring her out of her wits!

My brother threw back his head with another laugh that bounced off the hills surrounding us. I sat with arms folded until he stopped and sank down next to me with a sigh of pleasure. I did come out here for a reason, Meg. I found a job for you.

I let out an excited squeal, my temporary annoyance forgotten. You did?

Malcolm nodded. Yes, come inside and I’ll discuss it over our midday meal.

With an exclamation of horror, I clamped a hand on my forehead. Our meal! Malcolm, I forgot to prepare our meal!

My brother shook his head. Oh, Meg! Whatever am I going to do with a sister who dreams as much as you do?

I stood, dusting off the bits of grass and dirt that clung to my skirt. Well, I said, I might as well get started sooner rather than later!

My brother grinned up at me, and stood up too. We walked to our small, but dearly loved cottage which sat nestled between the rolling hills of the countryside and a thick forest.

While I prepared our simple meal, my thoughts strayed to how my brother and I had ended up here: alone together in a cottage on the outskirts of a village surrounding the castle of our king.

So many things…I closed my eyes. So many things had happened to rip me from my carefree childhood, and thrust me into premature adulthood. I hadn’t been the only one. The absence of our parents’ wealth to cushion the simple lifestyle they preferred was far harder on Malcolm.

Suddenly, my brother became so much older. No longer was he my playmate, whose sole purpose was to entertain me; he was now a serious provider for us. Ever since that day our parents had died. So long ago it seemed, though but a few years.

Only a handful of times, during the last year or so, had I been able to see the playful part of his character shine through his heavy responsibilities. This morning had been one of those times, and I relished it now as I finished mixing the biscuit dough. Malcolm took an exceptionally long time with the animals, and came in just as I put the steaming biscuits onto the table. He removed his hat and jacket, pulling up a chair to sit in.

Glancing up at me with a smile, he licked his lips, the old twinkle of mischief appearing in his eyes. You must have been really busy to prepare all this while I was gone.

I raised an eyebrow and sat in my chair opposite my brother’s. Perhaps, I retorted, or perhaps you just took a long time with the animals to avoid having me put you to work in here!

He rolled his eyes in a playful manner. As if I would ever do that!

You would, I replied. My brother laughed. After a short prayer over our food, the meal began. There was a long silence, and I felt my curiosity come back. Well? You said you found a job for me!

Malcolm finished his mouthful of food. Oh, yes…I did say that, didn’t I? There was another pause. I felt my impatience begin to rise, but controlled it as best as I could, realizing my brother was trying to excite me more by waiting before telling me the news.

At last, he finished another mouthful and spoke. King Frederick and his daughter understand if you don’t want to take it.

I jumped up from my seat in surprise, nearly upsetting all the food into my brother’s lap. He steadied the table and I calmed myself and sat down before replying, The king! His daughter! What do you mean?

Malcolm grinned. King Frederick’s daughter, Christine, needs a lady-in-waiting. Her former one married and now has a family, so she can no longer care for both the princess and her newborn child. The king mentioned the problem to me this morning, and I suggested you. Are you willing?

I sat a moment in shock. The king’s daughter wanted me to be her lady-in-waiting? I was thrilled! Of course, I’ll take the job! It’ll give me something to do other than cooking and cleaning.

My brother smiled. I think you’ll like the princess. She reminds me a little of you.

I smiled back at him. I’m sure I’ll like her.

You don’t mind coming with me tomorrow, do you? I thought that the sooner you could meet with her and get to know her, the sooner—

I interrupted him. Of course, I don’t mind! I felt anticipation bubbling up inside me. I would be going to the castle tomorrow! Malcolm went back to his eating, leaving me with much to occupy my mind. A ridiculous smile stayed on my face as the afternoon came and went.

Meanwhile, I kept busy with various household chores. Evening soon fell and I went to bed with a full mind. Malcolm snored softly in his bed on the other side of the room, but I lay awake, my eyes glued to the crack in the ceiling above my bed. I had so much to think about.

Tomorrow I would go with Malcolm to the castle. What would I wear? What should I say? What would I do? So many unanswered questions. My eyes started to feel heavier, and I yawned.

Our life had never been exciting…except when Father had his nobility thrust upon him for saving King Frederick’s life in a storm.

Then they died. It was so unfair. Tears stung my eyes, even though they were closed in protest. My mother’s long hair and dancing eyes—eyes that were the same color as mine—filled my vision, and I remembered what she always smelled like: lavender and the woods in which she so loved to walk. Father had claimed she would be the death of him, after being allowed to marry her because of his new title. But only in jest. Little did he realize how close he was to the truth.

My thoughts drifted to the man who had been both the solid foundation and the holding anchor in our family. Father was a strong, quiet man who mostly stayed at home with his nose in his books. Except when Mother managed to drag him off on a small adventure with her. His dark eyes that changed sometimes in the sunshine to lighter shades were always watching: sometimes with a faint smile of amusement, sometimes in deep thought, sometimes with stern reproof. I had only seen him angry once. He had caught Malcolm and I throwing rocks at an ugly cat that had been wandering through our farm. One look from him, his eyes snapping, and the quiet cease had instantaneously quelled both of us. We never picked on animals, well or sick, again after the talking to he gave us in his study.

Why did it seem like whenever I put my trust in people, God chose to take them from me? I sighed. At least Malcolm was still here. Not that I would necessarily trust him with my life, I admitted with a wry smile. My brother had enough on his shoulders as a part of King Frederick’s Court without having to worry about being responsible for my every action. Not only had he gained our father’s title after his death, but also knighthood for a brave deed done in battle. He held his place in King Frederick’s Court and by King Frederick’s side because of his extraordinary strategizing abilities. Often he had to be absent from our home all day, sometimes more than a day, when he had to be in conference with the king. I missed him, but had come to accept that we would lead different lives.

In a few months I would be turning eighteen… I sighed again. Why did everyone have to grow up? Malcolm would be turning twenty-three just two months after my own birthday. I smiled sleepily. Perhaps Malcolm would marry soon and I would gain a new sister and maybe even become an aunt, if the Lord so allowed. My last thoughts before I fell asleep were muddled, and soon all memories were lost for a while: I was asleep at last.

2:

The Princess

Blinking, I awoke to my brother throwing open the wooden shutters that had effectively kept rain, snow, and all other varieties of weather out for years. The bright morning sunshine streamed into our home, and I let out an involuntary groan, throwing an arm over my eyes in a mute appeal to this disturbance of my rest.

After a few moments of silence, I lifted my arm, reluctant to face my brother. Malcolm was looking at me with the grin I knew so well. Rise and shine, Meg, you have to come with me this morning, so there will be no sleeping in today!

I rubbed my eyes and yawned. Malcolm disappeared outside to milk the cow, and I took advantage of his absence, dressing in privacy.

Recalling that I was to visit not only a princess, but also a king, I dressed into a more elegant, although still simple, gown. I smoothed the folds of the dress and fixed my hair in a practical bun that would keep my somewhat wild hair in place for my first day as the princess’s lady-in-waiting. I gave myself a satisfied nod in the mirror standing beside the wash basin. I looked respectable and sensible. Just as a lady-in-waiting should. With one more excited smile at my reflection, I put on an apron and made our breakfast.

A few minutes passed and I worked quietly, humming a few bars of a favorite folk song, Greensleeves. My brother came in with a bucket of milk. I carefully strained it, and we sat down to eat.

Malcolm glanced over my outfit approvingly. That’s the dress I bought from the peddler, William Price, last year, he said, smiling. It becomes you well.

I blushed, remembering the delightful surprise I had enjoyed when my brother had gifted the gown to me for my sixteenth birthday. Thank you. I keep forgetting what his name is. Does he still peddle in this village?

My brother shook his head. No, he became an excellent swordsman, and now gives lessons to nobles of the king’s court.

I gasped. A peddler?

Malcolm nodded. One would not think that a peddler could teach swordsmanship skills to nobles, and yet I am being taught by William, and can attest to the fact that he is truly a great swordsman. I don’t think there is one in the kingdom who could best him with their blade.

I smiled. You take lessons in swordsmanship?

My brother laughed. Of course I do! How else would I know all I do about wielding a sword?

A teasing light appeared in my eyes. I just assumed you were a born swordsman, just as you were a born strategist. I’ve only seen you practice outside amongst our chickens, so how should I know you were being taught actual lessons?

You might have drawn a logical conclusion from my steady improvement each week, Malcolm answered with a raise of his eyebrows.

Perhaps, I said, a sudden idea coming to me. You don’t suppose I could learn, do you?

Malcolm looked doubtful. I’m not sure…you’re a lady.

I shrugged. A lady should be able to protect herself. My eyes twinkled. There’s not always a handsome knight in shining armor to be had when I’m alone here at the cottage so often.

My brother smiled at my jest. True, and I’m sorry that I cannot be here with you as often as I should like. A slight frown creased his forehead. I did make you a bow, and arrows with which to shoot. You are very skilled with them, why would you desire to also learn swordsmanship?

Well, a bow only works for long-distances, Malcolm. What if an enemy was to come close? There are such things as surprise attacks. Then how would I protect myself if no one were near? If I knew how to fight well with a sword, imagine the surprise it would give them! An enemy would not suspect a woman to have a sword, let alone know how to use it. I would feel much safer.

I felt slightly ashamed of myself for begging to learn in such a fashion, but I did wish to learn how to use a sword. I watched my brother practice upon occasion, my eyes wide as he swung the gleaming weapon around with so little effort, the blade flashing in the sun. I am a hopeless romantic at heart and I confess to idolizing my older brother. After seeing him with his sword, I had set my heart on learning how to use the sword just like Malcolm.

My brother rubbed his chin as he did when thoughtful. Very well, Meg, I’ll see about having you take lessons.

I smiled, grateful to him for letting me, and perhaps with a small feeling of triumph. I really do think it will come in handy someday.

We went back to our breakfast, finishing it in silence. I cleaned up while my brother saddled our horses. My horse was all black except for a single white stocking on his left hind-leg. His name was Duke, and we often went on long walks together through the woods and fields, a passion I inherited from my mother. My brother’s horse was a handsome bay, with a blaze. His name was Prince.

After the horses were saddled, we mounted them and rode toward the castle, which sat high above the village and was surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful valleys.

As we rode closer, my mouth dropped open at the size of our king’s home. No matter how many times I was taken to visit the king throughout my life, the awe never faded when I looked at the castle’s majesty.

Multiple towers raised their mighty heads into the sky, and intimidating walls connected each pair. I could barely make out the heads of passing soldiers as they marched their rounds on the top. I felt my neck snap a little as I gazed upwards in astonishment, and quickly jerked my attention forwards again. I snuck a look at my brother, and found him watching my reaction to the castle in silent laughter. My cheeks burned, and I ducked my head in embarrassment.

The guards let us in after an exchange of greeting with my brother whom they knew well. We left our horses in the care of one of the stable boys, and walked through the fortress’ gate.

The castle was far more magnificent on the inside than it was on the outside. Stubbornly, I kept myself from looking around me in astonishment, though I wanted to, and it was difficult to keep myself from gasping out exclamations of delight. We walked through huge hallways lined with tapestries illustrating gory battle scenes, or portraits of kings and queens in past generations.

One in particular caught my eye as we passed it: a painting on stone of King Frederick’s wife who no longer lived. Her face held both grace and beauty as she smiled down upon me as if blessing me on my way past. With a sting of sorrow, I realized that the queen reminded me of my mother. All too soon my brother took me beyond it, but the face would remain etched in my memory forever.

Malcolm didn’t seem impressed at all and kept walking with confidence down the hall as if he belonged there. I followed him through hallways and up staircases. The castle was alive with people, rushing to and from unknown jobs and appointments. Servants, nobles, and ladies swept by without giving me a second glance. Another guard let us in, and Malcolm continued toward the throne while I hung back, standing behind my brother’s sturdy figure.

King Frederick greeted my brother with a warm handshake and smile. Malcolm turned to me, and I took the cue, stepping out from behind him and introducing myself.

I’m Megan, Your Majesty; Malcolm told me that your daughter, Princess Christine, needed a lady-in-waiting.

King Frederick smiled warmly at me, melting my shyness. Yes, she is in need of a new lady-in-waiting to replace Sophia. I’ll summon her now, and then you can be free to get right to work. The king whispered something to a nearby guard, and the guard responded by exiting the room.

My brother and the king walked over to the throne together, leaving me standing uncertainly. To my surprise, the king didn’t sit on his throne though, instead taking one of four seats around a table to the right of the throne. My brother took another and motioned for me to take a third.

They were both soon lost in a political discussion, which went over my head, so I was able to observe my surroundings undisturbed.

If only Father could see me now, I thought. Here I am in a castle, not ten feet from the king, in order to become a lady-in-waiting for Princess Christine herself! I tried in vain to understand what on earth my brother and the king were talking about. Their voices were lowered, and I felt guilty of eavesdropping despite having been invited to sit next to them. After catching a few words like the Duke, Princess Christine, and tribute, I gave up trying to hear what was said and returned to looking around me.

A detailed tapestry of Christ on the cross adorned the stone wall above the doorway, and my unblinking gaze watched the long-suffering face of my Savior until tears came to my eyes. My thoughts turned heavenwards even as I beheld His suffering. Why did my parents have to die? Why did that fever that killed so many people come to that village just when they happened to be visiting my grandparents? Couldn’t You have waited until they had left? Ashamed, I let out a quiet sigh and closed my eyes, turning away from the king and my brother so they wouldn’t see the turmoil in my face.

I know You’re in control…You always have been. But I still don’t understand Your timing sometimes. I wrestled with my emotions, pushing them down and back into a safely locked part of my heart. I could be strong. I had to be. With determination, I turned to face the door and kept my mind free of such sad thoughts until the princess arrived. Perhaps this job with the princess would help me forget the pain I still felt from losing my parents.

In a few moments, the guard reappeared. A beautiful young woman followed him. She looked about my age, and every inch a princess. For this, without a doubt, was Princess Christine. She advanced toward the throne gracefully, and I suddenly felt plain in comparison to the rich beauty of the king’s daughter. She had long black hair that fell in waves over her shoulders. Her gown was long and full, and around her neck were sparkling jewels. However, after I finished surveying her gown and jewelry, I caught a look at her face. An impish smile arrested my attention, and I caught a twinkle of fun in her eyes.

Malcolm and the king stood ceremoniously when she entered, as did I. The princess walked up to the table and greeted her father with a kiss on his cheek.

You wanted me, Father? she asked with a sweet voice.

The king nodded. Your new lady-in-waiting came this morning with Malcolm.

My brother turned on his charming smile he always had ready for use and nodded, introducing me to the princess as if I were also the daughter of a king. Christine glided over to me with a warm smile, much like her father’s. Her eyes continued to twinkle, and I found myself beginning to like her.

So you’re Malcolm’s sister. I’ve heard a lot about you from your brother.

I raised my eyebrows with a suspicious glance towards my brother, who managed to look like a perfect angel of innocence while avoiding eye contact. You have, Milady? I see…

The king looked from me to his daughter and back again. My dear, perhaps you should have this first day with your new lady-in-waiting be a day to get to know one another, and begin work tomorrow.

The princess clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. That’s a wonderful idea, Father!

I followed the princess from the room, and walked to her quarters. The princess chattered on as we went, but I do not think she really expected any reply, so I just nodded every once in a while and smiled upon occasion.

We arrived at her rooms, and the doors opened to reveal a room far more magnificent than even the throne room. The stone walls were almost completely covered with beautifully woven tapestries, but these mostly pictured blooming roses and intricate designs from some faraway land. I was a little glad there wouldn’t be soldiers with missing limbs or weapons sticking out of them decorating the room where I would be spending the majority of my time.

A fireplace crackled in the center of one of the walls, and a large bed took up a great deal of space in the middle. Four wooden chairs cushioned with soft furs of an unknown animal were arranged around the fireplace, and a table with a few more chairs sat in another of the corners. To complete the luxurious quarters, a washbasin and pitcher sat atop a dresser on one