Page 20 of Glass Hearts
They are here. In the townhouse.Shit.
That was probably what Petra was trying to tell me. That’s when I realize what I am wearing. I am not in a sparkly, gorgeous ball gown, nor am I decked out in form-fitting fake leather. I am in a tattered, dirty tan dress with an apron. My greasy, unwashed hair is in a top bun. I wear no makeup, and I probably have purple bags under my eyes from tossing and turning all evening in worry. Lovely. Looking ever so much like the servant I am. Maybe that will make the Princes take pity on me? Or maybe they really are just here for my stepsisters.
After placing the tea and biscuits on the tray, I bring it to the parlour. I can feel four sets of eyes on me as I make my way to the center of the room. I don’t bother making eye contact. The tray shakes slightly, and I can’t seem to help it. I need to exit, but before I can, Prince Koi speaks up, breaking the silence.
“Who is this? Your servant?”
“Oh, that drab girl. Don’t mind her. Arabella is my stepdaughter. She is of no consequence. Once I get her married off, she will be no trouble. It will have to be moved up to this evening since we will be heading to the castle.”
Panic creeps up my spine; her eyes gleam with malice meeting mine. It takes everything in me not to cry.I was so close.
“Hmm, now that won’t do. I am afraid she will have to come with us. Postpone her arrangement for now. As lady of the manor, I had assumed you knew you must bring one person from the household help? We are short-staffed. We need all the help we can get.”
It shocks me when I hear Prince Archer make the suggestion.
Turning, I leave the parlour, wiping away my errant tears. I need some space.
“Don’t go too far, Belly. You might as well pack too, it seems.” The sneer in her voice is sinister; she is just as displeased. I rushed to the laundry room, the click of the closing door echoing as I leaned against it, the tears flowing freely.
I cry for a moment, feeling the impossible weight of defeat. Truthfully, I also cry in shame and embarrassment. The Princes knew I wasn’t a duchess, but they probably didn’t realize I was a lowly servant to my stepfamily. The selfish part of me wanted them to keep thinking that I was a cunning thief. That I was a confident badass. Not… this.
“Arabelly, are you okay?”Kip and Bert are here, scampering up my bent legs.
“No, my little friends. It’s a hard day today, isn’t it? Looks like I will be leaving for the castle today. Can you please inform the rest of the crew of my departure?”
“Of course, Arabelly, though we are coming with you! No arguments. I belong in a castle! Always kind of saw myself as a royal.”
“Royal pain in my bum,”Bert replies to Kip, making me giggle.
“Thank you, you two. Now go on, I don’t want to leave without you.” They skimp off to inform the team.
I get up from the floor and try my best to dry my eyes. I hung the undergarments, but they definitely won’t be dry in time. Another thing for my stepmother to blame me for, I am sure. I almost don’t notice the door opening with a large presence looming in the doorway.
“I do like my women in lingerie. Though, sunshine, I don’t believe those bras are your size. They look a bit too small.”
“Prince Koi.” I curtsy. “I-”
“Nope. You didn’t curtsy then, so why start now? I came to check on you. Your stepmother is… a real piece of work.”
I snort. “You can say that again.” We both stand in silence. His fresh musk scent envelops the room.
“If this is-”
“Arabella-”
We both start at the same time. Like awkward teenagers. He smiles bashfully, motioning for me to go first.
“My Prince-”
“Koi. Just Koi to you.”
“My prince,” I state again. “It’s a pleasure to have had you four pick my stepsisters to court for marriage. I will happily serve the crown.”
I tried to push past him, but to no avail. He stops me with a concerned look on his face, his large hand cradling my bicep.
“Arabella, don’t. We need to-”
But before he can finish his sentence, my stepsisters bumble down the stairs.
