Princess Esme's Arc

Chapter 1 of 7

For ten years, Princess Esme had shared the castle with only her father. She wanted what her mother once had before the throne turned cold: someone who loved her without a crown's reason. So when King Cedric announced he had grown lonely and sent for a bride, Esme dared to hope the woman might feel like family. Esme had just turned twenty one a few weeks prior and she was excited to share her home with another mother figure. The carriage arrived a week later. Esme stood at the top of the entryway steps, her raven hair half pinned, her slate blue gown catching the morning light. King Cedric touched her shoulder. His beard had more gray in it now, and his eyes looked tired. "Esme," he said. "She may not be your mother but I hope you’ll love her." Countess Elaine stepped from the carriage. Her golden hair sat in a neat knot. A fur cloak framed her regal gown. She crossed the courtyard and sank into a graceful curtsy before the king, then turned to Esme and curtsied again, lower still. "Princess Esme," she said, her voice warm as honey. "I have heard how you brighten this castle. I hope you will let me love you as my own daughter." Esme's chest loosened. She had braced for a cold stranger. Instead this woman smiled and reached for her hands. Elaine's fingers were cool, her rings pressing against Esme's skin. "You are welcome here, Countess," Esme said bowing her head. She meant it. The king beamed. The castle staff lined the steps to watch. The servants of the castle looked at the countess and back as the princess and smiled. The servants and guards all seemed to cheer for Esme, the smiled at her name, pressed close to greet Princess. But for the Countess, they gave only stiff bows and quiet nods. Esme saw Elaine's smile hold, but her eyes moved over the crowd. She marked how the staff loved the princess. She marked how no one reached for her. "They adore you," Elaine said softly, still smiling. "How fortunate you are, to be so beloved." "They will love you too," Esme promised. Elaine's grip tightened for half a breath, then released. "Of course," she said. That evening, the king wed the Countess in the great hall. Esme stood at the front and watched her father slide a ring onto Elaine's finger. He looked happier than he had in years. Elaine kissed his cheek and glanced past him, at Esme. When the vows ended, the new queen leaned close to the king and murmured in his ear. Esme could not hear the words. She only saw King Cedric nod, his face turning thoughtful, then troubled. He looked at his daughter differently after that. Not unkind. Just distant, as if a decision had already begun forming behind his eyes. Esme had wanted a mother. She had gotten a queen who smiled at her and studied the room like a map. The wedding was over. Something in her home had changed, and she did not yet know its shape.