Chapter 1: The Feet Must Move (-5-)

-5-

Miriel opened her eyes and was greeted with an unfamiliar ceiling. Light seeped through the curtains and brightened the room.

She felt her fatigue had largely drained overnight.

'Should I rest more?' She considered resting for the day in the princess' palace…

Miriel jolted and sat on the bed,

"Ow." Her limbs still ached, courtesy of the carriage ride.

She trotted to the bathroom, washed her face and wiped it with a towel.

Miriel went to the wardrobes to choose her attire and settled on a black dress and dark leather shoes to pair, then went for the mirror to do her makeup.

She looked better, still worse for wear, but better.

'Should I leave right now?' Crausel was likely in the stables, the horses would be well rested and vigorous.

Her stomach growled. Perhaps it would be better to have a meal first.

She paced to the doors and opened them. Vien and Niact were waiting outside.

"Her Highness wishes you would join her for breakfast."

It seemed she could not leave either way.

"I shall. Lead the way."

They turned and left with her in tail.

They led her to the yard behind the palace. The garden extends even further.

The princess was enjoying her meal. There were many dishes on the table and a vacant chair across her with a teacup on the table. A parasol covered her and the two maids who stood beside her.

"A blessed day to you, your highness."

"Likewise, Lady Miriel, likewise. Quickly sit and join me with all these sumptuous delicacies. Take your pick."

Miriel bowed and sat on the vacant chair. She chose a simple soft bread and nibbled. It was especially sweet.

"You need not nibble like a small critter, Miriel. Just bite into it." The princess said.

She took a cookie and bit half of it off, closing her eyes as she chewed.

"Mmm, how sweet!"

Miriel stared at her bread then did the same, and drank her tea to wash it down.

She saw the crumbs on the princess' lips and stifled a giggle, then wiped hers with a cloth.

"I must return, your highness. There are matters I must settle, heaps of them even."

The princess wiped her face with a cloth as she chewed.

"Would that I could, I would keep you forever. Alas, it is most unbearable that I must send you so soon. Nonetheless I must. Would you return in a week? Or no later than two? Any longer and I might fail to appease my heart." She had one palm to her chest, the back of the other to her forehead, and her head tilted up sideways.

Miriel bit her lip.

"I shall make haste then, your highness. If I may." She stood and bowed. Then turned to leave.

"Lady Miriel, a moment."

Miriel paused. She turned and saw the princess seated on her chair with her head bowed.

The princess raised her head. Her eyes were moist and her mouth curved down.

"You never called me Elle." 

The maids clasped their hands over their mouths, eyes glistening as they watched their master. They barely hid their glares when their eyes went to Miriel.

Miriel's mouth twitched.

"Your highness Elle, I shall take my leave."

"Sun's light be with you, Miriel." The princess beamed as she waved her hand.

Miriel strode as she followed the maids out of the palace.

-

Outside the gates she saw Crausel near the carriage, waving his cap with his other palm to the side of his mouth.

"Over here madam."

As Miriel walked to the carriage, she noticed he had an odd look on his face.

"Are you fine, Crausel?"

"All straightened and taut with a day's brunch and rest, madam. Even the horses are stronger after the trip."

"Is there a problem then?" She inquired, turning to the carriage.

"Well, it's best you see for yourself madam." He opened the carriage doors and a bundle of pillows spilled out. There were still enough in the carriage to cover the floor and the seats.

"Some of the maids came early morning with servants carrying these pillows behind them. Said it was the princess's orders so I let them do whatever."

Miriel stood for a moment and shrugged.

"This is a welcome blessing, nonetheless. Let us return swiftly, though we shall rest midway for this return." She said. Perhaps the journey would be more bearable now.

Crausel escorted her up the blocks and closed the door.

She stepped on the pillows as she made for the seats. Then arranged the pillows and sat down.

It was snug and cosy indeed.

Crausel collected the pillows outside and went to his seat.

He swung the reins and they were off.

They had two sojourns before finally arriving at the fief the day after.