Learning to be a princess 1

Jane's fingers trembled as they brushed against the intricate embroidery of her stunning new gown. The smooth, luxurious silk felt completely different from the rough homespun fabric she had always worn back in her village. The grand hall enveloped her, its soaring ceilings and elaborate decor constantly reminding her of how far removed she was from her humble beginnings.

"You can do this," she quietly reassured herself, her voice barely audible over the rapid drum of her heartbeat. "You've faced tougher challenges than just mastering a few fancy social graces."

Taking a steadying breath, Jane squared her shoulders and moved forward, her eyes fixed on the beautifully carved doors at the end of the hall. The weight of her new life felt heavy, but she was determined to not let it dampen her spirit.

As she approached the doors, they swung open to reveal a stern woman with gray hair neatly pulled back. "Miss Woods, I presume?" the woman asked, her tone sharp and commanding.

Jane nodded, feeling self-conscious about how she spoke. "Yes, ma'am," she replied, trying to enunciate her words carefully.

"I am Lady Amelia Blackwood, your etiquette tutor," the woman announced, gesturing for Jane to step inside. "We have a lot to cover if you want to present yourself properly at court."

As she followed Lady Blackwood into a large room filled with mirrors and delicate furnishings, Jane caught a glimpse of herself and barely recognized the figure staring back at her in the exquisite gown with her hair neatly styled.

"Now, Miss Woods, let's start with the proper way to curtsy," Lady Blackwood said, demonstrating the movement with practiced ease. "Watch closely, and then it'll be your turn."

Jane watched intently, furrowing her brow as she took in every detail. When it was her turn, she inhaled deeply and lowered herself, determined to mimic the elegant motion she had just observed.

Her first attempt was a bit clumsy, her balance shaky as she struggled to stay upright. "I'm sorry," Jane mumbled, heat flooding her cheeks. "I promise I'll do better."

Lady Blackwood's expression softened a bit. "Your dedication is admirable, Miss Woods. But remember, a lady never apologizes for her efforts. She simply tries again."

Feeling grateful for the encouragement, Jane straightened up and prepared for another attempt. As she practiced the curtsy again, thoughts of her parents and her village filled her mind. 'I'm doing this for them,' she reminded herself. 'To create a better life and help others, just as they would have wanted.'

With each trial, Jane became more graceful, her confidence blossoming. Lady Blackwood nodded in approval. "Much better, Miss Woods. Now, let's move on to the art of polite conversation..."

As the lesson progressed, Jane soaked up every detail, eager to master the intricacies of court life. The challenges ahead felt daunting, but she faced them with the quiet resilience that had carried her through so much. Deep down, she knew she would always hold onto the values that had shaped her—kindness, determination, and hope.

The afternoon sun cast playful shadows across the palace gardens as Jane stepped onto the gravel path, her emerald gown gracefully swaying. She inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet scent of roses and freshly cut grass.

"One step at a time," Jane whispered to herself, furrowing her brow in concentration. The heavy fabric of her gown threatened to trip her with each step. "Like a summer breeze; graceful and light."

As she spun around, the hem of her dress snagged on her shoe, nearly sending her tumbling. Jane caught herself and let out a soft laugh. "Well, maybe more like a bumbling autumn wind right now."

She tucked her skirts back in, determination shining in her eyes. "I've faced tougher challenges than just a pesky gown," she recalled the hard days in the fields, the labor that roughened her hands. "This is just another hurdle to jump over."

With renewed focus, Jane began once more, lifting her chin and squaring her shoulders. She envisioned the effortless elegance of the courtiers she had observed, trying to replicate their smooth movements.

"Lady Jane!" a melodic voice interrupted her concentration.

Jane turned to see a small group of courtiers approaching, their vibrant outfits a sharp contrast against the lush backdrop of greenery. Her heart raced, but she managed a calm smile.

"Good afternoon," she greeted them, curtsying more gracefully than before.

A tall woman with auburn hair stepped forward. "We couldn't help but notice you practicing. How are you finding court life?"

Jane hesitated, carefully choosing her words. "It's... quite different from what I'm used to," she admitted. "But I'm learning more each day."

The woman exchanged amused glances with her companions. "I can imagine! What do you miss most about your... old life?"

For a moment, Jane felt a flicker of defensiveness but quickly brushed it away. "The simplicity, I guess," she replied honestly. "But there's beauty here as well—the gardens, for example, are breathtaking."

A younger courtier, a bearded man, leaned closer. "And what about the prince? Have you had the chance to speak with him yet?"

Jane's mind drifted to Prince Dubois, lying still in his chambers. She swallowed hard, forcing the thought aside. "I'm afraid I haven't had that privilege," she said softly. "But I'm looking forward to that day."

The auburn-haired woman raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Well, we all look forward to that. It's been too long since anyone has had a proper conversation with our dear prince."

Jane felt the challenge in the woman's words and straightened, meeting her gaze directly. "I believe in the power of hope," she said, her voice steady. "And in the resilience of the human spirit. Who knows what the future holds?"

A brief silence followed her words, broken only by the distant chirping of birds. To Jane's surprise, the bearded courtier smiled. "Well said, Lady Jane. Would you join us for tea tomorrow? We'd love to hear more of your... unique perspectives."

A surge of triumph mixed with caution washed over Jane. "I would be honored," she replied, her smile genuine this time. As the courtiers moved on, she returned to her practice with renewed determination. While she hadn't mastered court life yet, she was making steady progress, one step at a time.

Jane's footsteps softly echoed through the quiet hallways as she approached Prince Dubois' chamber, clutching a leather-bound book. Pausing at the ornate door, she took a calming breath to steady her racing heart. Even after visiting him daily, the nerves still fluttered inside her.

Gently pushing the door open, Jane stepped into the tranquil room. Sunlight bathed the space in a warm glow, filtering through delicate curtains and illuminating the peaceful figure of Prince Dubois. His handsome features remained unchanged, locked in a serene slumber since that fateful day.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness," Jane murmured, letting warmth fill the air. Moving to the chair beside his bed, she carefully arranged her skirts. "I've brought a new story today. I hope you'll enjoy it."

As she opened the book and traced the elegant script with her fingers, Jane's thoughts wandered. What adventures had this spirited prince experienced before his accident? What dreams might lie behind those closed eyelids?

"Once upon a time," she began, her voice weaving a melodic tune as she spun the tale, "there was a brave knight longing to explore the world beyond his kingdom..."

As she read, she stole glances at him, searching for any flicker of life in his expression. Though he remained still and silent, something deep inside her told her he was somehow listening.

"Do you like the story, Your Highness?" she asked during a brief pause, her voice hopeful. "I picked it because I heard you enjoyed adventures. I can only imagine the thrilling tales you must have."

Silence lingered in the air, but Jane was undeterred. "I'd love to hear about those adventures someday—the places you've traveled, the people you've met... You must have stories that would make this book seem dull."

Setting the book aside, Jane leaned forward, adjusting the prince's pillows with gentle care. Her soft touch revealed her nurturing spirit beneath her rough exterior.

"There, that should feel better," she murmured, smoothing the silken sheets. "It's not much, but I hope it provides some comfort."

As she tidied up, Jane examined his face more closely. Despite his stillness, there was an undeniable nobility in his features, a hint of the vibrant young man he once was.

"You know," she spoke softly, almost in a whisper, "I believe you're still in there, waiting to wake up and continue your journey. And when you do..." she paused, her determination brightening her eyes. "I'll be right here, ready to support you in any way I can."

Hovering her hand over the prince's, she hesitated before giving it a gentle pat. "Until then, I'll keep reading. And hoping. Because if there's one lesson I've learned, it's that hope can guide us through even the darkest times."

As the afternoon sun began to fade, Jane got up to leave, though she seemed a bit hesitant. "I'll be back tomorrow, Your Highness," she promised, her voice firm and filled with determination. "Make sure to get some rest and have sweet dreams."

After casting one final glance at the sleeping prince, Jane quietly left the room, her heart overflowing with the hope she clung to so dearly. Tomorrow would dawn anew, offering yet another chance for a miracle. And Jane Woods would be there, waiting as long as it took.