Princess Esme's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Princess Esme waited on the castle steps, and for the first time in ten years, she let herself hope for a mother again. She was twenty-one now, tall and dark-haired, and the whole kingdom loved her. She had been alone since her own mother died. Below her, the red-roofed turrets of Sunspire Castle threw long shadows across the gardens. A black carriage rolled through the arched gate. Inside it sat the woman her father meant to marry. Esme pressed her gloved hands together and smiled. King Cedric came down the steps beside her. Gray streaked his dark beard, and his fur cape dragged on the stone. He set a hand on Esme's shoulder. "Be kind to her," he said. "She lost her husband last year. She knows grief the way we do." "I will, Father," Esme said. "I've wanted this for a long time." The carriage stopped. A footman opened the door. Queen Viviana stepped down in a dark gown, a royal cloak draped over her shoulders. One silver streak ran through her brown hair. She was still pretty, and she knew it. She looked up at the castle first, then at the king, and only last at Esme. Esme hurried down and took the queen's hands. "Welcome home. I hoped we might be friends." Viviana's smile came slow. "Aren't you sweet," she said. Her eyes moved over Esme's face, her curls, her fine blue gown. Something in them cooled. "They told me the princess was lovely. They did not tell me how much." "You're too kind," Esme said. "No," Viviana said softly. "I'm honest." The king laughed and did not hear it. But Esme heard. The queen's grip tightened for one moment, then let go. Inside, the great hall filled with people. Servants lined the walls to greet their new queen. When Esme entered, they bowed and called her name. A cook set down her tray to wave. Two young maids curtsied and beamed at the princess they had known since she was small. Esme smiled back and thanked each one. Viviana watched it all. No one waved for her. No one called her name with warmth. She stood beside the king in her dark cloak while the room turned toward his daughter like flowers toward the sun. That night, Esme found the queen alone on the balcony. "I'm glad you've come," Esme said. "The castle felt empty for a long time." Viviana did not turn. "Your people love you so.” She said quickly and hushed "They loved my mother. I only remind them of her." "How lucky," Viviana said, "to be loved for nothing." Esme's smile faded. She reached out, then stopped. The queen's face was smooth and closed, like a door. "Goodnight, Esme," Viviana said, and walked inside. Esme stayed on the balcony a long while. She had wanted a mother. But this did not feel like a welcoming warmth.