32 Moving Day (1/2)
Isilla frowned at the men who stood awkwardly at her bedroom door. They wore the clothing of workers and seemed as surprised at finding her still in bed as she was at seeing them in her doorway. Ilun, used to to the coming and going of the people in the castle, did not react more than lifting his huge head from his paws to stare at the men.
”Ma'am, ah, hmm,” the oldest of the four started, ”we're here to move your things.”
Isilla raised an eyebrow, confused.
Hanna muscled her way through the doorway, ”Princess! Why aren't you dressed? You're supposed to be at breakfast!”
At breakfast, she thought, I take all my meals in my room. She spread her hands and tilted her head in confusion.
Hanna groaned as she crossed the room to her closet. Flinging it open she removed a heavy dress in dark green fabric and laid it over the chair.
”Do you plan on watching the Princess dress? Get out!” Hanna yelled at the men. Quickly they turned, pulling the door shut.
”You were told yesterday! That your living quarters were changing today and that you were expected to accompany your husband on an outing while the move took place! Honestly!” Hanna exclaimed, clearly frustrated with her mistress' ”forgetfulness.”
Isilla sighed. The message must have been intercepted by Elixabete, she realized as she climbed from the bed. The woman had made herself scarce around Isilla since the incident with the King two days prior but the pettiness of the action seemed too much like her to be otherwise.
But why wouldn't Arren tell me directly he wanted to see me today, she wondered as Hanna fixed her hair, the braids simple, leading into a tight bun at the back of her head. The entire matter held together with pins.
As they had discussed, she had gone to Arren in his dreams to release the energy. Each night, something different but she was careful with her words, choosing instead to bring back the things she found in other dreams. She searched the Veil for places that were fading, such as the one she found Ilun in, where whatever she took wouldn't be missed. So far she had woken up clutching a ring of tiny, jeweled keys and a glass which held a beetle that glowed softly, the colors changing throughout the day. The latter didn't seem to need to eat.
In the waking world, he sent Julen to check on her in the morning, to ensure she was alright. The boy took his duty very seriously and she showed him the treasures she found, to his delight.
This morning it had been the workman who woke her though and in her sheets, somewhere there was a handkerchief that she had dropped in surprise. I'll get it later, she thought as she pulled on the heavy gown.
Dressed, Hanna presented her with a pair of boots. She looked at the strange shoes curiously, noting that they slid over her feet, covering them completely and that there was no heel, they were flat, like sandals.
She took them from Hanna, sliding her feet into their soft embrace. Standing she tried them out, taking a few steps and smiling. I like these much better than the other shoes, she thought.
”Come on! Come on! Your breakfast is waiting, the prince will be here for you soon!” Hanna said ushering her out of the room and down the hall to the sun room where she had first been presented with Elixabete.
A small table sat ready for her, Ilun's meal already on the floor. He yipped and pounced on it, shoving his face into the plate.
Sighing, Isilla sat at the table and picked up her fork. ”Quickly,” Hanna scolded.
”There's no need to rush,” Arren said from the door, Julen peeking from behind him.
Hanna bowed low as Arren crossed the small room and took the seat next to Isilla. Julen watched Ilun, wide eyed.
”You may go,” he said to Hanna. The woman nodded and left quickly as he turned to Isilla. ”Why aren't you ready?”
I didn't know I was being called on today, she wrote quickly before picking up her fork again.