9
Crown Prince Bennettnever liked me.
I knew this the spring I turned eight. Mother had taken me to the palace on one of her weekly visitations to the king. She claimed he was under the weather and none of the servants–or even Queen Cordelia herself–were competent enough to care for him. So, the duty naturally fell to her.
“Narcissa,” Mother said as we rattled through the grand gates, “remember to invite the crown prince to your birthday celebration. The two of you must become good friends.”
“But why, Mama?”
She was Mama to me then, before I learned that Mother was a more preferable title to her.
I tugged at the scarlet ribbon in my hair so my waves fell free. Father always said I looked prettiest that way. The cream envelope on my lap slipped to the floor, denting a gold-embossed corner.
Mama sucked her teeth, a harsh sound she made when she was displeased. “Because it must be so.” She picked up my birthday invitation and put it back into my hands. “You don’t want to be known as the friendless girl who pretends animals understand her, do you?”
She pulled my hair and tied it sharply back with the ribbon. I knew better than to argue with Mama, but animalsdidunderstand me. And I wasn’t without friends. In fact, I made a new one last week—the kitten I found in the palace dumping grounds. She was a darling thing. I had fashioned a cot out of old shifts for her under my bed.
That morning I decided to name her Misty, after the springtide mist that hung over our gardens during sunrise. I promised her we would be together forever, and even though she couldn’t talk yet, I knew she promised the same.
Mama had yet to know about Misty. I’d have to make sure she was well-trained before making the introduction.
Mama finished tying the bow. My hair felt too tight, but I didn’t touch it lest it angered her. “Smile, Narcissa,” she said as the coach stopped rolling.
I pulled on my winning smile. “Like this, Mama?”
She softened a little and kissed my cheek. “That’s it, my darling.”
My heart sang at these pieces of affection. They certainly never came about when she was upset.
Which is why, I told myself sternly,you must always do as Mama says.
Outside, the grand palace spires glistened in the sunlight. The two of us entered the south wing, servants bowing as we passed. That seemed to please Mama. As she clicked down the hall toward King Maximus’s chambers, she stood a little straighter. I did too. It felt good when Mama felt good.
When we stopped before the oak doors, she knelt before me, tutting. “You look a mess, Narcissa.” She straightened my sleeves and rubbed something off my cheek.
I touched the spot. It was the imprint of her rouge when she had kissed me earlier. I wished she hadn’t smudged it away. Mama’s kisses were hard to come by.
“Now, you know what to do,” she said, pointing at the smaller entrance to the left. Crown Prince Bennett’s study. “Give His Highness his invitation and stay there until I come get you.”
“Yes, Mama.” I smiled brighter, but my slippers scuffed against the marble floor. I was glad my skirts concealed the movement.
