The clock struck three, causing all handmaidens to work furiously on the Princess. “Hurry up, children, the Prince is coming.” Cook appears in the doorway, holding a rolling pin. I chuckle at her, waiting patiently by the side as the handmaids pull Helena’s hair furiously.

“Watch the strength, Susa!” Helena winces as Susa braids her hair. “Be nice to them, Helena. You were the one who wanted to visit the library first.” I tap her knuckles gently.

“Oh Lorelena, I believe that was you.” Helena grins, then winces as Susa starts tightening her corset.

I loved Helena with all my heart; She was a sister to me and other than cook, she felt like family.

A sharp rap on the door alerts us of a message.

“Princess Helena. The Prince has arrived.”

We look at each other and smile. “Time to meet your future husband, Hel.”

She smiles, but there’s something different about it. Something off.

“Hel-”

“Hush now.” Cook taps my head with her rolling pin gently. Other than our pattering feet, we moved in total silence. Cook signals me to wait there as she walks up to the guard.

“Tell them the Princess has arrived.” Cook tells him. He nods and disappears behind the tall golden doors that blocked out the view of a magnificent throne room, built a century ago. I have been in there twice, but could never get used to the beauty of it.

I feel Helena’s hand touching mine and we clasp our hands together. She is shivering, from nervousness or excitement, I do not know. Her face is perfectly emotionless and guarded, a court face.

The guard returns and waves his arm, telling us to come over. We silently walk towards him, entering the Throne Room.

Huge gold pillars with small carvings of our history is the first thing I see. The Queen waits at the end, in a ruby red gown, sitting on the golden throne, with a man and his servant on her left.

We walk quickly to stand in front of the Queen and Prince. I assume my position on the Princess’s right and look at the floor, head down.

“Princess Helena-” The guard begins to introduce the Princess, but stops short.

“I have heard you were the most beautiful of all and I must say, they are quite right.” The Prince says, putting his hand down. I am still looking down, as I’m still a servant. I have no right to look at royalty.

But the Throne Room was quiet and something was not quite right. I look at Helena, her face a picture of embarrassment and shock. What was wrong? I glance at the Prince, then do a double take. He was looking... at me?

“Princess Helena? Is everything all right?” The Prince asks me. Does he mistaken me for the Princess?

I didn’t know what to do. Here I was, wearing a simple silk dress, fit for a lady-in-waiting while the real Princess wore a gown with real diamonds and rubies. Was he playing, perhaps?

I look at my Queen, her face twisted and hard. But was she glaring at me? No, she was glaring at Helena. The silence was awkward and the entire thing was a mess, and when I looked at Helena’s face, it was a mixture of fear, embarrassment and shame.

Then the Queen steps forward and lays her hand on me. “Well, Helena? I don’t have much time left and would prefer if you had an answer.” She looks at me in the eyes.

What was happening? I glance at Helena, furiously biting her lip. The Queen then squeezes my shoulder as a warning to play along and I furiously nod.

“I’m not feeling quite well, actually. Perhaps after I go to my room and sort things out, I will be fine.” I tell him, crossing my fingers real hard, praying that I’m saying the right things. The Queen releases my shoulder and gives me an awkward pat.

“Dear dear, Helena. I was hoping you and Kaleod would spend some time together.” I look at the Prince, still staring at me. I quickly avert my eyes.

“May I go to my room?” I ask and the Queen nods.

“Of course, Helena. Rest well. We have your engagement ball tonight.” The Queen steps back and sits in her throne.

“Thank you for... you time.” I mumble, quickly offering him a clumsy curtsy. I turn and walk away, Helena by my side as we exit the room.

As the guard slowly closes the doors, I hear a snippet of the Prince and Queen’s conversation.

“She is magnificent and beautiful. I think I have fallen in love.”

“Oh she takes after me.” The Queen laughs.

The door closes and we stand there, still reeling from what has happened. Helena looks at me, eyes tearing up.

“Helena, I... This was not planned. I promise.” I reach for her hand but she pulls away.

“I just need some time, Lorelena.”

She just turns around and starts walking. “Helena!” I want to call, but I know it’s better to give her space. I wait outside the throne room for awhile. Hoping I could catch the Queen to talk about what had happened.

Hopefully this was all just another lesson to teach Helena, knowing the Queen. I prayed to the above that it was really another one of the Queen’s lessons.