Chapter 1
Loud pounding on my door jerks new from a restless sleep. “Lady Lauren? The King requests your presence in the dining hall.” I take a deep breath as I get dressed, my old servant dress seeming drab compared to the rainbow of gowns I see daily in the castle, then put my locket on, the only piece of jewellery I’m allowed to wear. The Lady in front of my name is a lie, meant to disguise the fact that I’m a servant. My heart pounds as I leave my room, forcing a smile to my face. I keep my head down as I walk to the dining hall, trying to remain as quiet and anonymous as possible. I see other servants as I arrive at the dining hall, all rushing to prepare breakfast. Mom greets me with a sad smile as I walk past her. Princess Juliette smiles as she sees me, waving. I quickly wave back as I walk to the royal table. All conversation ceases as I arrive, multiple faces turning towards mine. “Good-morning, Lady Lauren,” Queen Adelaide says, a smile on her face. “Your Majesty,” I say, curtsying. The king pointedly glances at his empty plate. Forcing that smile to remain on my face is a sheer act of will. I quickly walk to the kitchen, piling the plate high with the king’s favourite: French Toast with a side of bacon. My heart is pounding so loudly as I walk back to their table, I’m amazed they can’t hear it. My eyes are wide at the sight of the food, but I manage to keep that same expression on my face the entire time. Without a word, he waves his hand, quickly dismissing me. I curtsy, then hurry back to the kitchen, managing to grab a plate just before they finish serving. I walk back to the servant table, sitting down with a sigh. Breakfast seems to last an eternity. After forcing down as much as I can stand, I excuse myself, clearing the royals’ plates before walking back to my room. Unfortunately, the quickest way to my room involves walking past the royal table. Prince Fabian, the rain to Juliette’s sunshine, smiles wickedly before sticking his leg right out in front of me. In my haste, I trip, falling hard onto the ground, my ankle twisting painfully. Laughter erupts from the hall as I stand up, brushing myself off and forcing the tears to remain at bay. Juliette glares at Fabian while glancing at me with sympathy in her eyes. I force a smile at her as I limp to my room, slamming my door behind me. Tearing off my dress, I quickly change into underclothes and collapse onto my bed. Multiple emotions swirl around inside me: anger, sadness, pain. The tears I’d held at bay come in full force as I press my face into the pillow to muffle the sound. What feels like hours later, a knock sounds at my door. “Come in,” I call out, forcing my voice to sound normal. Juliette opens the door, sticking her head in. “Are you okay?” She asks, walking inside and closing the door behind her. I nod, knowing she can see right through me. “If it makes you feel any better, I heard Mother talking to Father about arranging better living conditions for the staff. Which also means better work opportunities.” My heart leaps, but I force myself to keep my face impassive. “That sounds wonderful,” I say quietly. She nods. “If you need anything during the night, don’t hesitate to ring me. I’m always here for you.” I nod gratefully as she leaves. Juliette’s words remain in my head that night as I lay awake in bed. My mother has always dreamed of a life outside the palace. I haven’t expressed my opinion, but I feel the same. I want to see the world. Hours later, I fall asleep clutching my locket.
