Twilight Skies

Amelia ran down the stairs barefooted as her maid, Rosamond ran after her with her shoes begging Amelia to stop. She was usual not this much of a nuisance. She was a quiet polite princess whose daily life was directed by her father. Her parents had gone out for a soiree so it was safe to run around. She ran into the garden and fell on the soft grass enjoying the feel of the sun on her and the sweet smell of blooming flowers. It was spring, her favorite time of the year.

She was going to be betrothed on the night of the spring ball the palace held every year just like her sisters and she was excited and at the same time nervous.

" My princess." Rosamond panted as she finally caught up to Amelia. " You should wear your shoes."

" Not just yet Rosa, I want to feel the soft feel of the grass on my feet. It's been so long." Amelia said smiling up as her maid. " You should join me." Rosamond had been her personal maid ever since she turned thirteen, an age when she had started her training on marriage. In the society they lived in, a woman was considered marriageable from the age of sixteen to the age of twenty, any more than that was considered old and out of use. On that note, most girls where made to meet with different men before sixteen so they are married off immediately they come of age.

" My lady, you stop sitting on the ground and wear your shoes please. The king would be mad if he meets your like this." Rosamond pleaded.

" He's never my father but the king and he's daughters are just assets given away for politics, his sons to keep the bloodline." Amelia said. She had always feared him.

" My lady." Rosamond immediately hushed her. " You shouldn't say that and please get up."

" He's not coming back now so.........""

" Amelia!!" Amelia could not complete her words as a loud voice thundered her name.

Shocked to hear the voice she had not expected hear, she quickly jumped on her feet and lowered her head not bothering to check who it was.

" Y... Yo..your Majesty."

The king stepped into the garden following his oldest wife, Amelia's mother.

He raised his hands to hit Amelia, slapping her across the face.

" What a disgrace you are, a princess sitting on the floor. This is the sole reason you remain unmarried. I wonder why I pay a governess for you when it's of no use. Look at your sisters, you are such a shame. You are of no use."

Amelia's eyes began to tear up. " I'm sorry, your Majesty." Amelia managed to apologize as tears threatened to fall, her head still hanging low.

" You will be locked up in your room till the day of the spring ball. If I don't find a betroth for you by then, I will send you off to Heathfield." Heathfield was a far away land that was just like exile. The king said and walked away before Amelia could reply.

She raised her head to see her mother still standing there, eyes looking at her in disappointment, like she was the worst mistake.

"Mother." Amelia called out, her voice cracking at the end.

" Wear your shoes." Came her mother's almost cold voice. " You are my only flaw Amelia." Queen Evelyn said.

" Mother, I'm sorry."

Ignoring Amelia, Evelyn said to Rosamond. " Take her back to her room." And left.

The tears that pricked her eyes finally spilled. Turning to Rosamond, Amelia smiled ruefully.

" My shoes." She requested.