Ch. 1 “Once upon a time…” (part 2)

The moment the Princess stepped out of her room, she was immediately greeted by the same annoying words, coming from the same annoying person.

- And good morning to you too, Commander - Oriana fought the urge to run back into her room and barricade the door. Think about the apples, Oriana… Think about the pie. She reminded herself. - I see you’re in a jolly mood today. Again.
- It’s almost noon. Elder Quintus is already waiting for you in the study. As the Princess and the future Queen, you have to start acting like one. Starting with with not being late to every single meeting.
- As the Princess and the future Queen, I also have to make sure to present myself accordingly. Getting enough sleep is as important as having my hair done properly and picking appropriate dress. - The Princess took a glance at the Nuisance Incarnate walking next to her. 

The Commander was at least a head taller than her. Her pure white, waist-long hair was tied with a simple black ribbon in a very practical manner, with a few loose strands framing her handsome face, with sharp features. It gave her a dignified look. It bore no sign of any makeup being applied. The Commander seemed to not be fond of jewelry either, as there was only a single earring in her left ear and a pendant, hidden under her dark blue uniform, that Oriana only caught a glimpse of on a few occasions over the past few years.

- Not that you would know anything about that. What would people think if they saw me all tarnished and unkempt?
- They would be impressed by how well you seem to be doing despite being cursed and dead.
- What? I’m cursed? And dead?! Who is spewing this nonsense?!
- I am.

Oriana was speechless. The audacity! The nerve of this obnoxious boor! Not only was she constantly bullying her under the false pretenses of caring, she even openly admitted to spreading harmful gossip among townsfolk. The Princess was ready to go straight to her father’s office and demand justice.

- Have you already forgotten how your last official celebration at the Temple ended? Let me refresh your memory then. - Valeria continued with same cold voice. - We had to lock the entire district for months, after you had the genius idea of holding a poetry competition. Of course, that deranged bunch of fanatics couldn’t stick to battling using their words only. Why they went for the tomatoes is still a mystery to me, but what’s even more unclear is what were you thinking, offering a date with you as a reward? Was this some elaborate plot to convince the King to stop taking you to any public outing? Do you hate having responsibilities that much?

As it usually is the case with Oriana, the real reason was a lot simpler and had a lot less to do with avoiding work, and more with the Princess’ favorite free time activity - reading. It so happens that around that time, she got the hottest novel in the Kingdom in her hands, which told a story of a forbidden love between a Queen of a powerful nation and a poet. After a tumultuous series of events, the two women ran away together and had their happy ending, living in a faraway land under fake identities. Oriana, who had a soft spot for a sappy romance, was naturally under a great impression of the book. She was so infatuated with the “The Quills of Love“, that on a whim, she decided to call for a poetry tournament, silently hoping to find her own Anabelle Rose. 

- I still have nightmares about cleaning the red stains from white silk… - Kyra, who up till this moment quietly listened to the conversation, seemed to be hit by a ricochet, and was now drowning in fruit-flavored memories she wished to never revisit.

Oriana started feeling guilty. She only vaguely remembered being escorted back to Palace with haste and maybe a few tomatoes flying here and there. She was completely oblivious to how much things had escalated and that the maid, whom she always considered her only friend, was caught in the crossfire.

- The King wanted to avoid another disaster like that, so we decided to spread rumors about you in hopes that it would discourage those morons from pursuing you any further. So far, it looks like it worked. 

The Princess felt betrayed. So even her father was conspiring with the enemy behind her back!

- If it worked, then why are there so many guards at the Palace lately? Are we being besieged by fruits again?
- Of course not. The guards are here because of the upcoming Dawning, and since it is also almost time for your twentieth birthday, a lot of important people are coming, hence the need for more security. As for me, I am here to make sure you don’t destroy what’s left of your public image.

A jailer and a nanny. Wonderful. What’s next? A partner in marriage? The Princess dejectedly followed after the sisters while silently lamenting over her terrible luck.