Looking up at me the queen scowls, lifting her head she pinches her nose in disgust.

I watch as her blond ringlets tumble off her shoulders as she barks, "What in God's name have you been doing child? You smell like a barnyard! It's simply repulsive."

Taking a step towards her I bring my body closer to hers and watch in delight as she recoils from me.

"This might be hard for you to understand considering you are a queen who is sloven by nature. But I was helping your knights learn how to better their sword skills,” I inform her.

"I do not care how you got the way you are, go and bathe, lunch will be served soon. If you are not clean you will not eat. Your presence is already a nuisance, no need to make it worse,” she commands.

I roll my eyes scowling at her.

Placing a hand on her shoulder I shove her aside, watching as she stumbles.

"If you'll excuse me I'm going to bathe, you might want to consider it yourself, your perfume is absolutely putrid. I've been around dogs that smell better than you,” I remark.

I walk away without another word leaving the queen to stand there gawking.

I pass a couple of maids on my way to my quarters and ask them to send someone to prepare a bath for me.

Arriving in my room I find several maids already filling a tub with warm water and scented oils. Well they certainly work fast. Turning to me, a maid with dark brown hair walks over and try's to undress me. I swat her hands away startled by her actions.

"Everyone get out,” I command causing some of the maids to jump in fright.

"Your highness, we're only here to help." The maid with brown hair says to me tentatively.

Looking her up and down I say with a snort, “Thank you, but I do not need any of your help now if you would please get out."

At my words, the maid's curtsy and leave the room.

Stripping out of my clothes I stretch out my arms and legs. Walking over to the large oak tub, placed in the center of the room I slowly step in. There are hundreds of rose petals floating in the light pink water.

I release a sigh of relief allowing my body to relax into the warmth of the water. Grabbing a sponge that's sitting next to the tub I begin to clean myself off, scrubbing until my skin turns a bright red.

Climbing out of the tub I dry myself off. Going over to the tall wooden dresser seated next to my bed, I pull out a pair of brown leather pants, a bra, and a black cotton drawstring shirt.

After changing I throw my hair up into a ponytail. Leaving I notify the maids that I've finished, and to remove the tub from my room.

I take my time walking to the dining hall. When I get there I push the doors open talking a seat in my usual spot next to Geoffrey.

"Took you long enough, if I had to wait another moment I would have had lunch served without you,” Evalene snaps at me from across the table.

"If you'd like next time I'll ignore your order and show up without bathing,” I respond annoyed.

At this, the king laughs causing Evalene to scowl, "Gregory stop feeding into this child’s misbehavior,” Evalene says frustrated.

The king who I now know as Gregory narrows his eyes at Evalene.

"What do you mean?" He asks in a strong voice.

"If you continue to dismiss Eleonora's blatant disrespect for me, I fear that others may see this as an allowance to disrespect their queen,” Evalene explains.

"Evalene I believe you have deeply misunderstood Eleonora's behavior, she is simply expressing how comfortable she is around us. I think you should apologize for always trying to find fault in her," Gregory says this to her pointedly, briefly giving me a wink.

I smile to myself, this old man is covering for me, how unexpected. I'm beginning to like him.

Evalene sits there looking baffled, before giving a stiff smile. Turning to me with that smile plastered on her face she says, "Princess Eleonora, I'm so very sorry for coming off as rude to you, please forgive me,” she forces the words out.

"Can we please just continue with our meal?" I reply dismissing her apology.

Without further words, we all begin eating.

Clearing my throat I look up at, the king, Gregory.

"While I was looking for your training room today I took note of all the artwork displayed in the castle. I must say it is all quite beautiful,” I say.

Gregory’s face lights up at the mention of the artwork.

"Yes, I've been a collector for many years. My collection started small but soon grew to the point where I could no longer keep it all in one place,” he explains excitedly.

"I feel that the works of art make this castle seem more like a home, I loved looking at them,” I say.

"I'm very glad you like it, Evalene has always hated the paintings, she says that in time they will be worth nothing,” he says.

"I'll have to disagree with your wife, I feel that in years to come to your castle, and the artwork it harbors will be revered,” I gush.

Gregory smiles at me fondly, "I am so happy that someone shares my love for art."

We go quiet again for a moment or two before Gregory speaks once more. "That reminds me, Eleonora-"

"Please call me Nora," I say cutting him off.

He smiles at me then continues, "Nora, I had forgotten to tell you, I've called my granddaughter Gwen to court, and assigned her to be your lady in waiting. Since there are few young women living in court I thought you might enjoy the company,” he tells me.

While I appreciate the old man's sentiment, I really wish he hadn't done this for me, I would have preferred to be with as little company as possible.

"Thank you, Gregory, when is her lady Gwen due to arrive?" I ask trying to sound as grateful as possible, the old man is the only one who's made me feel comfortable while being here, the least I can do is give him my respect.

"Actually she should be arriving at any moment, I've placed her in the bed-chamber next to yours. When you're finished with your meal she should be there waiting for you,” he lets me know.

I quickly finish my meal, eager to meet my new lady in waiting, whatever that is.

Walking through the halls I easily find Gwen's chambers. I don't spend too much time in front of the door before I slam it open with a bang. At first I am taken aback by the strong jasmine and cherry blossom perfume wafting in the room. I cover my nose cringing at the smell. Looking into the room, I see a small dark-haired girl jump with fright, making a squeaking noise. She sounds just like a little mouse.

"Calm down little mouse I'm not here to hurt you,” I tease.

When the girl turns around I'm met with two scared green orbs wide as saucers. Looking deep into her eyes I see more than fear, there's something else there. Something dark, but I just can't quite put my finger on it.

"W-Who are you? And what are you doing just barging into my room?" She quakes, her words come out meek and defenseless, but the fire burning in her eyes tells me that she's not as weak as she's making herself out to be. So why is she pretending?

"If you are my lady in waiting, then there is no reason that I should be waiting for you," I respond cocking an eyebrow.

The little mouse puts a hand over her mouth to hide her gasp, "I'm so very sorry my lady, I was not expecting you so soon, please forgive me." She curtsies then continues, "I am Gwen Evergreen, and I am here to serve you whenever you need me."

"You may call me Eleonora’,” I tell her.

"Very well, it is nice to meet you, Eleonora,” she responds.

Her face looks soft but her eyes are fierce. There's just something about this girl. Something that makes her different from the others here, I'm determined to figure out what it is.