Chapter 5
A New Room, A New Life
Ariella’s heart raced as she stepped into the palace wing that would be hers. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, bouncing off the polished floors. She blinked, overwhelmed. Her room was everything she had imagined and more.
Clara and Claire, the twin ladies-in-waiting assigned to her, bustled around, fussing over every little detail.
“Welcome, Ariella! Your very own room,” Clara said, smoothing the bedspread. “We made sure it’s perfect for you.”
Ariella hesitated. “Perfect?”
“Absolutely,” Claire said. “And today, we’ll introduce you to palace life, step by step. You’ll love it.”
The first stop was the dressing room. Rows of gowns shimmered in every imaginable color, shoes sparkled on velvet shelves, and delicate accessories sat neatly in trays. Ariella gasped.
“You can wear whatever you like,” Claire said, twirling. “Well, anything appropriate for palace life.”
Ariella picked up a soft blue gown and twirled in front of the mirror. The fabric floated like water around her. “This feels… magical,” she whispered.
Clara laughed. “Magic, yes. But palace life is sometimes work too. We’ll help you with both.”
They spent a while trying on dresses, pairing shoes, and practicing little poses in front of mirrors. Ariella felt herself giggling more than she had in days. When they were done, Clara handed her a small jewelry box.
“Even princesses need treasures,” she said. Ariella opened it to find a delicate necklace with a tiny sapphire that sparkled in the sunlight.
“It’s beautiful,” Ariella breathed, fastening it around her neck. She felt like a real princess for the first time.
Next, Clara and Claire led her to the music room, where a grand piano gleamed under the afternoon light.
“Music is important in the palace,” Claire explained. “Even if you don’t play, it’s fun to learn.”
Ariella sat on the bench, hesitating before pressing the keys. The first few notes were clumsy, but soon she found a simple melody she could hum along with. Clara and Claire clapped softly.
“You’re almost a natural!” Clara said. Ariella laughed, feeling more at home than ever.
Then they moved into the palace gardens. Winding paths led past fountains and benches hidden under flowering trees. Ariella bent to brush her fingers over a rose petal.
“Here, you can have quiet moments, ride horses, or even try archery,” Claire said. Ariella’s eyes widened. “Archery?”
“Only if you feel adventurous,” Clara added. “It’s surprisingly fun.”
They walked past a small pond where swans glided gracefully. Ariella squealed when one swan approached her, bowing its head as if it understood she was new.
By mid-afternoon, they were in a sunlit room set for tea. Petite cakes, colorful pastries, and delicate teas were arranged on fine china. Ariella sampled a chocolate tart and a strawberry cake, savoring each bite.
“This is… incredible,” she whispered.
“Tea time isn’t just for eating,” Claire said. “We meet friends, practice manners, and sometimes play games like chess, cards, or riddles while we talk.”
After tea, they explored the library, a room stacked from floor to ceiling with stories of princesses, adventures, and faraway lands. Ariella pulled out a book about a brave princess who saved her kingdom and giggled.
“I hope I can be even a tiny bit as brave,” she said.
“You will,” Claire promised. “One day at a time.”
Clara nudged her. “And tomorrow, we have dancing lessons. You’ll need all that bravery when you twirl in front of an audience!” Ariella’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Next came palace lessons. Ariella learned etiquette, how to greet visitors, answer questions politely, and even some diplomacy. At first it felt stiff, but Clara suggested turning it into a game. Ariella answered as if she were the queen herself, and the twins pretended to be ministers. She laughed so hard she nearly fell from her chair.
“See? Learning can be fun,” Claire said, brushing her hair back.
Then they went to the stables. Gentle horses nuzzled Ariella’s hands as she fed them carrots.
“They’re big, but gentle,” Clara said. “Just like friends in the palace. Treat them well, and they’ll always be happy to see you.”
Ariella giggled as a horse tried to nibble her sleeve. “You’re my new friend,” she whispered, stroking its soft neck.
Clara and Claire helped Ariella climb onto the horse. At first, she wobbled a little, gripping the reins tightly. “Whoa… okay, I can do this,” she murmured.
“Relax, Ariella,” Claire said, giving her a gentle push. “Just feel the rhythm. It’s easy.”
The horse began to walk, then trot, carrying Ariella across the green palace field. The wind tickled her face, and she laughed out loud as the horse moved beneath her. Clara followed on another horse, while Claire walked alongside, clapping her hands and cheering her on.
“You’re doing wonderfully!” Clara called. “Keep your back straight and enjoy it!”
“See? You were amazing!” Claire said, giving her a quick hug. “Now, since you’re feeling brave, I can teach you a few dance steps.”
Ariella’s eyes sparkled. “Dance steps? Really?”
“Yes!” Claire said, stepping back and holding out her hands. She showed Ariella a few simple twirls and spins.
Clara and the horses watched, amused, as Ariella danced and laughed, feeling more like a true princess than ever before.
After the stables, they moved to a small courtyard for fencing practice. Ariella was clumsy at first, nearly toppling over with every swing. But the twins cheered her on.
“Learning can be fun!” Claire called. Ariella laughed so hard she almost dropped the foil.
When the sun began to set, Ariella returned to her room, exhausted but happy. She jotted down all the day’s adventures. She doodled herself laughing in the garden, thinking of all the fun still waiting.
Clara and Claire peeked in to say goodnight.
“Sleep well, princess,” Claire whispered softly. “Tomorrow, you’ll learn dances, music, and if you’re brave, a secret corridor we think you’ll love.”
Ariella’s eyes widened. “A secret corridor?”
“You’ll see,” Clara said with a wink. “For now, rest. Big adventures need lots of energy.”
Ariella tucked herself under the soft blankets, her heart still racing with excitement. The palace felt alive around her. It was full of music, laughter, lessons, and little mischiefs. She imagined herself running through sunlit gardens, learning graceful steps, and sneaking down that mysterious corridor the twins had mentioned.
Her eyes grew heavy, but before sleep could claim her, a faint creak echoed outside her door. Ariella froze. Was it the wind? Or footsteps? She pulled the blanket to her chin, her ears straining in the silence.
Another sound followed, a soft scrape, like wood sliding against stone. Ariella’s heart pounded. She slipped quietly from her bed and tiptoed toward the door, her bare feet brushing against the cool floor. The candlelight flickered as if nervous too.
She pressed her ear to the door. For a moment, there was nothing. Then,she head a whisper. It was low, hurried, and strange. She couldn’t make out the words, but it wasn’t Clara, Claire, or any voice she knew.
Her hand trembled as she reached for the handle. Curiosity buzzed in her chest, stronger than fear. She turned it ever so slightly…
The door creaked open an inch and in the dim hallway, she saw it. A tall shadow, slipping silently toward the end of the corridor, carrying something shiny in its hand. It stopped, paused and turned its head as though it sensed her watching.
Ariella gasped and quickly shut the door, her heart thundering. She stumbled back into her bed clutching the blanket tight in fear.
This
was no dream. Someone else was awake in the palace and tomorrow’s adventure might not be the only one waiting for her.
