Chapter 6 (Cora)

After cleaning up all the broken glass, so Elanora wouldn't get hurt, I helped her out of bed and to the couch so she could eat in peace. I drew her a bath and put an outfit together, an A-frame light floral gown perfect for a hot afternoon like today.

"Cora, please tell the others I'll have tea in the greenhouse today. I want to be alone, so I may paint." She called out while picking at a scone.

"Of course, your Highness, after your bath, will begin the preparations for that," I replied, concentrating on my task.

Once Elanora was all set in the garden, I was dismissed so she could paint in peace. This left me with an entire afternoon to help prepare for the king of Andal.

Checking in on the maids, they had about a third of the rooms open after talking to them about what they needed to open all the rooms and fix up the dining hall. I headed to the knights ' encampment to ensure they didn't need any supplies to host the king's soldiers before heading to the gardeners and the kitchen.

I compiled a list of supplies and goods needed for the next few weeks while talking to Maxi about the menu plan and what would be served over the week. So I could hand it to the head maid and Rupert so they could order things as needed.

This was an unprecedented event, and with my mother no longer able to run things, it was hard on everyone. I stepped up to fill her role as best as possible but could do little with what we had to work with.

By the time lunch had come and gone, I had compiled a hefty list from all of the employees of the annex. When I went to Rupert's office, he was hunched over paperwork going over the budget. I knew we were working with a tight budget, but I was hoping the main palace would up ours this month due to the king's arrival. Judging by his expression, I knew we were in for a tough couple of weeks.

"Cora, were you able to get all the lists compiled? Please tell me it's not a lot of things. The financial affairs office has given us nothing in terms of money to help us." He sounded defeated as I handed over the paperwork

"I was able to compile everything, sir, but judging by the number of things on this list, we may need to have the gardener and the knights cut back so that we have enough money to smooth things over within the bedrooms, grand dining room, and kitchen." Judging what the King of Andal would take offense to was hard, but I hoped we could make it work.

Nodding in agreement, Rupert made an amended copy of what every department would receive, which was menial. Still, it would have to do so we could make it through to the next month with our limited budget.

No one seemed happy about the news, but no one seemed surprised this whole thing felt like a sham. Having the disgraced princess with no political power host the King of Andal was already an offensive thing to do, but to give no budget as well was going too far, even if we had to host a vile man like the ruler of Andal.

By the time I finished everything, I had a few hours to check on Elanora before returning to my mother for the night. I found Elanora in the greenhouse where I had left her for her afternoon tea. She was in the middle of painting a sunset scene when I walked in. I knew how much she enjoyed this time to herself. It was the only time she was content. Letting her finish, I stood beside her, waiting for my chance to speak with her.

"Your Highness, I have made sure all the preparations for the King of Andals' arrival are running smoothly. With the tight budget His Majesty gave us, we are doing all we can to make this event successful for you." I hoped that would make her somewhat happy. I knew how hard it would be for her to entertain such a horrible man.

She made no move to answer me or even acknowledge that I had spoken. Putting down her paintbrush, she stood walking to the other end of the garden where her tea and snacks were still on the table, untouched from the afternoon. Before I could register what she was doing, she started throwing the fragile china on the floor, smashing it to pieces.

"How dare he insult me like this! Not only do I have to entertain and host such a vile man, but now I must do it on my own budget!! Does Father truly wish to see me die!?" She whimpered.

I stood still, not wanting her to turn her attention to me. She took a few deep breaths as she hovered over the table before turning to me.

"Make sure it goes smoothly, or when the King of Andal comes for my head, I'll give him yours instead." Venom dripped on her every word.

Without much more to say, she headed back towards the annex on our way in, and we were intercepted by the king's personal messenger boy. He bowed as he approached Elanora, but the way he stood back up, head held high, looking down his nose at her, I knew he had no respect for the princess.

"Elanora Via Floraden," he used her full name, which wasn't a good sign. " his Highness, King Emerson demands your presence immediately in his private quarters…..please get ready to depart." He added, looking her up and down.

Without a word to him, Elanora huffed as she called back to me to hurry so I could help her get ready. As we rushed to find her a suitable outfit and do her hair and makeup, I wondered what could be so urgent the king could not wait to send for a proper audience with the princess.