This Is Only the Beginning

This is just an introduction of Winifred, The King and Queen, and Abigail.

 

There was a certain silence surrounding the castle as the Sun rose swiftly above the harvested hills of Gaulle. The peace would soon be disrupted by the opening of the open-air market where merchants would begin to sell their livelihoods in a mere hour. Winifred hadn’t even stirred in her bed, though soon Mary would be in to wake her she did not fret. She had managed to lock the door, giving her an extra fifteen minutes to sleep until they had retrieved the key. Her father would surely give her a lecture upon the importance of being prompt and punctual. What a shame she didn’t listen.

            Winifred knew that the key had been retrieved when the door slid open, a soft voice cussing to themselves as they walked towards the bed.

            “Madam Winifred, it is time to rise.” The voice was soft, but firm.

            Winifred merely groaned turning over so her face could bask in the Sun that came pouring in from the curtains that were being pulled apart. “Alright. I’ll get up.” She gently lifted her feet, swinging them off to the side of the bed. She stood, waving Mary out of the room. She walked lazily towards the balcony, wanting some fresh air. Her room was perched upon the second floor of the castle. How had to Lord planned for her to a princess?

            The market was a buzz at this time of morning, merchants shouting and chickens cooing and squawking. It was a sight to behold if you were new to Gaulle, most other kingdoms held small markets that weren’t as large. Gaulle’s market was the largest of all the kingdoms surrounding.

            It was time for her to dress. She sighed as she spun towards her room, walking towards a large armoire. It held nearly a dozen dresses of different hues of lavenders and blues. It was a day to be happy, she pulled out the most colorful of the dresses.

            It went clear to the floor as normal, covering her bare feet. The bust of the dress was v-necked and laced. The sleeves reached clear down her arms, draping elegantly against her wrists as the dress clung to her slender silhouette. She didn’t bother with shoes, no one would notice beneath the dress. She smiled as she moved down the hallway, servants and maids bowing to her as she passed, she nodded her head in acknowledgement as well, not wanting to be rude. She strolled effortlessly down the long flight of stairs, the stones cold to her feet. The smell of fresh biscuits wafted through the air as she neared the thrown room where her father awaited her, she would not have time to eat now that she was already late. She walked slowly through the large, oak doors as the Harold told the King who was arriving.

            The King grunted, “Finally our sleeping beauty arrives.” He then flashed a genuine smile, merely joking.

            Winifred smiled softly, yet sweetly, “Yes, Father, I have awoken.” She walked to his throne, gently leaning against it as she kissed his cheek.

            The King nodded to the Harold to start bringing in the peasants to complain, a normal thing. Sometimes he would let Winifred deal with the peasants, it was one of her favorite pass times. She would be delicate with the frail looking ones, but strong and forceful when soft-brained fools who would push her temper. Some men loved her temper, though others accused her of being out of place. Women were to keep their mouths shut, but no one ruled Winifred, her tongue was free and would keep going until she had won her verbal wars.

            The best thing about her life was that she wasn’t battered by ugly fools wishing to wed her. She had not once been offered a marriage proposal and she was proud of it, she would wait for a Prince of supreme stature or grace to bid his love for her. Though many of the Princes of the surrounding kingdoms had already been wed and few would even talk to her because of her temper. She was disliked by many but that did not bother her. For to run a kingdom she had to show that she wasn’t afraid to fight, be brave, and sacrifice for her country. Gaulle was peaceful to all countries surrounding it, but yet, they would not offer help in harsh times.

            When wars had broken out amongst the countries they had all attacked Gaulle, but through the King’s orders they had saved themselves. The worst of the countries was Argoda, it had declared exile from the other countries around, never in contact with Gaulle’s royal council. The King feared that war would soon break out between the countries and that Gaulle would lose. Argoda had grown in size over the years, no one could count the masses of people that lived there now. Winifred had longed to see the country of Argoda, but she was not permitted across the territory border. No one from Gaulle was to pass. Her father had kept telling her that time was running out to find her a suitable husband, Winifred waved off his complaints.

            She was at peace with herself today, her father was hogging all of the peasants today, making her want to rest upon the floor beside him, though she was to stand the whole time. Peasant men caught her eyes, they were handsome, but none of them had a high enough ranking to really spike her attention. She wasn’t sincerely fond of the animal and food offerings the peasants brought to her, but she acted as though she were for their sakes. She had drifted off into a sort of trance, imagining her marriage.

            She would be dressed in a long white gown the day of the wedding, little white flowers tucked into her silky, auburn curls. Her amber hues would be staring into her future husbands, tears welling before they feel down her face.

            There was a tap at her arm, it was her father.

            “Yes, milord?” She quickly spoke.

            “Care to finish off the peasants while I speak with your mother?” He was staring up at her, a long line of peasants still streaming from the castle.

            “Yes, father. Of course.” She kissed his cheek and let him go, resting her own frame into his large thrown. She called forth the next peasant, going through the normal routine.

            It seemed to take hours to get rid of the peasants until she was finally finished. She let out an exhausted sigh before she stood from the throne, walking aimlessly out into the large, stone corridors. Her bare feet were still cold, maybe it was time to put on shoes, but she did not fret, outside the grass would be warm to walk through. She hurried now, just in anticipation.

            The Sun burst through the doors as she pushed them open, her skin pale as she walked out into the tanning light. Her skin goose bumped as she walked into the grass, her eyes looking over the rolling hills that laid ahead. One of these days she would walk them all, simply indulge in her adventurous nature. If she was to take off now the Kingdom would end up in a state of turmoil looking for her. That would certainly enrage her father. She would have to walk with guards from then on, which she definitely would hate for they were all pigs. Trying to get her to lay with them. She would certainly not. She was not some hussy who could be bought for her image. Absolutely not.

            She approached the small stable that held the royal horses. She had owned one since she was seven years of age named Pegasus after Hercules’ horse. She had loved the tale when she was young, making the horse even more magical. She was accustomed to the smell of the stable now but the people who worked there always were surprised when she would visit to retrieve Pegasus for surprise rides into the country.

            She walked straight to Pegasus’ stall, pulling the door open with ease as she greeted the horse with a smile. She gently walked the horse from his stall, pulling on his bridle. She did not need a saddle, she rode bareback. She waited until she was outside of the stable to swing up onto Pegasus’ back, thrusting her heels back against his side as he thrust forward, taking off into a gallop. Her auburn curls flew back, bouncing gracefully along her face as she rode. She was heading off towards the part of the rural country she always visited, just because the people there were nice and respectable for their jobs. They worked hard, not like other peasants who sat on their butts doing nothing.

            Her father and mother called to her from their balcony, showing genuine love for their only daughter and heir. Her mother loved her for her stubborn mind and beauty. Her father loved her because she was compelled to work hard and would be the perfect heir to the throne of Gaulle. She waved before she kicked Pegasus’ side again, speeding onward towards the country.

            Despite her father’s warning, she had made a friend in the country. Abigail. She was a peasant farm girl who treated her normal, not as a princess. It was refreshing to have such an amenity.

           

            Winifred reached Abigail’s gate near noon that day, gently dismounted Pegasus’ tying him to the fence and gently walking towards the small house. She pushed her bare feet into the soft clay before she had reached the door, remembering other times she had spent here. She raised a hand to knock upon the door. She waited a few moments quietly before someone appeared to open it. Winifred smiled wide as Abigail let out an excited squeal jumping towards her. They wrapped their arms around each other tightly, giggling loudly as they spun around. She let Abigail out of her arms so they could speak.

            “How are you, my dear Abigail?” She smiled.

            “I am wonderful, Winifred.” She was still giggling a bit.

            “I am glad to hear. I have brought wonderful news.”

            “News of what?” She was quite inquisitive.

            “My father agreed to let me make you my maid in waiting.”

            “Really?!” She threw her arms about Winifred. “This is great!”

            “It is, but it is time to pack.” She pulled the girl towards the house. Knowing that this would certainly please her parents, because Winifred had also had her father agree to send them some money once a month as a sort of payment for their daughter. Today she would be paying them for a horse for Abigail to use as her maid.

 

            She had been right about her parents, they were excited for Abigail, though her mother wept. She was going to miss her daughter, but they would visit often. Winifred would be sure of that, she loved the little country cottage they owned. It was quaint but was up to her standards for minimum living. Maybe she would stay here sometime in the summer for a night. Get to know the peasants as they truly were.

            Abigail was riding beside her now, bareback as well. They galloped down the rocky path towards the castle, she was going to surprise Abigail with a few new dresses and shoes. This would certainly please her for all she wore were deep gray dressed that were mud covered. Winifred wanted to make her presentable for her father, who she would introduce her to later.

            As they neared the stable Abigail let out a squeal of excitement as she spotted the castle. She had never seen it, this would be a wonderful experience. Winifred dismounted gracefully before walking Pegasus into his stall, latching the gate before telling a servant to feed him and Abigail’s horse, which they would need to make room for. She grasped Abigail’s arm, gently wrapping it with hers as they strolled up to the castle, her feet still bare and clay covered. They spoke softly to each other, Abigail was lucky enough to receive a few glances from male servants and guards. She certainly was a beautiful girl and was not as stubborn headed as Winifred was, making her all the more likeable. She was a sweet tempered girl with a soft nature. She would do anything at a moments notice to help her princess. Though she treated Winifred as though she was normal. The main advantage of having Abigail as a maid in waiting.

            Abigail was filled with certain bliss as she was dressed in a dark violet dress and a long golden chain hung around her neck, the end holding one delicate emerald. She was as elegantly beautiful as Winifred now. It was time for her to meet her father and mother. The King and Queen.

 

            They disappeared down a hall towards the formal quarters of the royal matriarch and patriarch. A servant opened the door for them, the King and Queen awaiting their arrival. Abigail followed at Winifred’s heels, in awe of the room. Winifred stopped, gently curtseying to her parents, Abigail followed suit before they advanced, Winifred kissing both her father and mother’s cheeks in greeting. The King and Queen were focused upon Abigail though, looking her over. Winifred’s father nodded in approval before turning to look at his wife. Who now was going to ask some questions.

            “Dear, I pray, what is your age?” The Queen asked.

            “I am but fourteen, milady.” She answered quietly.

            “Oh, so young?” The Queen turned her head to look to Winifred.

            “She may be young, mother, but she is a hard worker and truly capable of being a royal figure.” Winifred replied.

            “I do not doubt it.” The King inserted.

            He received a icy stare from the Queen knowing what he inquired as well, but luckily the Queen turned back to Abigail.

 

 

 

 

            “What is your name, dear?”

            “My name is Abigail, madam.” She squeaked, quite nervous.

            “Such a beautiful name. Welcome to our home, dear.” The Queen smiled.

            “Thank you, madam.” Abigail curtsied before Winifred and then vacated the room.

            The King and Queen left the two be alone while Abigail got accustomed to her new home. It was to be a long process, though Abigail was quite comfortable already, by giving her new clothes, shoes, jewelry, and a warm bed to sleep, definitely a blessing.

 

            The King had been right when he thought that war was coming because Argoda had invaded the Northern frontier. Soldiers had been sent to fight but most came back dead for they were not trained well enough to fight the Argodian army. Winifred and Abigail stayed up in her quarters most of the time, because that was where the King had ordered her to stay. Abigail kept Winifred enough company, keeping their moods happy and cheerful rather than sulky and sad. Though the war drew closer to their home, to the one place they were supposed to be safe. This façade of being safe would son end and shatter to the cold stone floors that lined the castle they hid in.

            It wasn’t bravery that drove the Gaulle troops, it was money. The royal treasury was quickly depleting as the King paid more and more peasants to lay down their lives to feed their families. Times were growing dim in Gaulle, people were dying at war and in the fields. Peasants and nobles a like were suffering.

Author's Note

Honesty please.