Chapter 1
Derenda looked out the castle window out onto the kingdom she would one day rule. She saw children playing on the fields free from the troubles of being a princess. “Princess Derenda?” Bailey said. Bailey was one of the nurses that cared for Derenda. Derenda turned around in surprise.
“Oh Bailey! I didn’t know you were here!” Derenda was scared yet embarrassed at the same time.
“I’m sorry Princess Derenda I didn’t mean to frighten you!” Bailey was very polite.
“Queen Jacqueline has sent me to find you. She will be coming upstairs to your chamber in 10 minutes, and she wants you to be ready for the dinner with the King of England.” The dinners with the kings and queens of other kingdoms were ghastly boring. Derenda hated them.
“I will be ready Nurse, carry on to your work.” Derenda said. Bailey ran out going to her daily chores. Derenda looked out once again onto the kingdom. The kingdom was named Labelle. Derenda looked away from the window and got her corset and gown out of the wardrobe. She got her corset on ready to get dressed when her mother walked in.
“Darling let me help you.” Queen Jacqueline walked over to Derenda and pulled her corset strings so far that Derenda could barely breathe. Derenda walked over to her gown and put it on. She looked like a princess. Oh wait she already is. Derenda looked at herself in the mirror. Her gown was velvet with patterns in gold silk. It was longed sleeved with Egyptian cotton lace at the bottom of her sleeves. I had a hoop skirt on so big that she could barely fit through the door! Derenda slipped on her gold high heels and did her hair in a bun.
“Derenda darling,” Queen Jacqueline said. “Your tiara!” Derenda’s tiara was pure diamonds. Derenda did have a crown but it was pure gold with diamonds and rhinestones and was kept in the sacred vault for safekeeping.
“Derenda darling, we must hurry dinner is ready and hot!” Queen Jacqueline pulled Derenda out of the room but just before they walked to the stairs, Queen Jacqueline checked Derenda for any flaw and told her to walk down the stairs like she did at the Grand ball.
“Why my Queen and Princess you look ravishing!” said King Peter said as Derenda and Queen Jacqueline walked down the stairs in glory.
“Thank you father, and if I do say so myself you look ravishing also!” Derenda said with a smile.
“Yes Peter you do look very ravishing!” Queen Jacqueline said kissing King Peter’s cheek.
“Ah! Here you are Fredrick! Derenda, Jacqueline, this is King Fredrick of England and his wife Elizabeth.” Derenda bowed in their presence.
“How do you do sir and madam?” The king and queen bowed to Derenda. “Queen Jacqueline! Oh don’t you look like a thousand diamonds!”
The king bowed. “Well seeing that we are finished with our salutations I hope we can help ourselves to a hearty feast by our chef, in the dining room, if there is no objection of course?” King Peter said.
“I would love too! Elizabeth let us begin our feast!” King Fredrick took Queen Elizabeth and brought her into the dining room. Everyone sat down and prayed. Then they began to feast. Queen Elizabeth began to speak,
“Princess Derenda, I hear your friends with the princess from the Kingdom of Burdick am I right?” Derenda was friends with the Princess there. I nodded yes and continued eating. The night went on for 4 courses.
“Darling Derenda, why don’t you go up to your chamber, I will be up in less than a minute darling. Just take off your gown and tiara!” Queen Jacqueline said signaling Derenda to go upstairs. Derenda bowed said goodnight, and walked upstairs. She went to her chambers and took of her gown and put on her nightshirt. She found the pillow where she put her tiara on and sat on her bed. Queen Jacqueline walked in and untied Derenda’s corset. Derenda got into her nightgown and laid down in her bed. Queen Jacqueline tucked her in and sat on the bed with Derenda.
“Derenda my sweet, I want to update you on this week’s holdings. In 2 weeks we will have a ball. The princes and princesses of many kingdoms will be coming. I will go into larger details tomorrow. Goodnight Princess Derenda.” Queen Jacqueline kissed Derenda on the forehead and blew out the candles. She closed the door and walked away.
I looked up at the ceiling for a long time. I fell asleep at about 10:00 it seemed. I had a dream. This dream wasn’t about magical pixies and what not I usually had dreams about. In this dream I was at my window. The sky was dark with clouds that looked like smoke. Rain was pouring out of them. Peasant children were jumping into puddles of muddy water. Then I realized I wasn’t looking out my castle window, I was looking out of a window made of thatch and mud. I looked at what I was wearing. I had rags with patches on the skirt. My hair was knotted, I was barefooted, and the floor was made of mud! I woke up screaming!
“Darling what is wrong with thee?” My mother was running to me with a candle in her hand. She set it down and sat next to me.
“Jesus Christ Derenda you gave me a scare! It’s 3:00 in the morning!” I caught my breath and told her about the dream.
“Oh honey there is nothing to worry about! Now go to sleep.” Queen Jacqueline closed my door and walked back to her chambers. I fell back asleep.
Chapter 2
The next day I woke up early. “Bailey!!! I need you right away!” I yelled. Bailey ran in a couple moments later.
“Good Morning miss, how can I assist you?” Bailey bowed and stood up ready for my command.
“Nurse go fetch my mother get her to my chamber as soon as possible!” I watched Bailey nod and run off to get Queen Jacqueline. One of my ladies in waiting came to my chamber and pulled out my royal gown. She curtseyed.
“Daughter what does thou need?” Queen Jacqueline said. I turned around in a fright I didn’t know that she was in my doorway.
“Mother I was wondering when we go to this man William Shakespeare’s play will I need to be wearing my tiara?” I told her as I put on my corset.
“NO! You will not be wearing a tiara!” “What? I have never worn my crown before!” “Well now you are! We are going on an outing with your to a play! We all shall be wearing our crowns! You’re in the family! You need to be recognized as a royal princess!” Queen Jacqueline said while tugging at my corset. I put my royal gown on. Then Bailey came in and started to speak
“Your majesties I beseech you to follow me to the sacred vault your crown are polished and ready to be bestowed to you.” Bailey stood near the door waiting for my mother and me to continue on with her.
My father was in the sacred vault when we came down. I saw him talking to a boy. This wasn’t one of the servant boys I was sure of that. He had a crown on his head. I could only catch a glimpse of him before mother pulled me away to the crown chamber. Who could this boy be?
I kneeled down in the crown chamber ready for my crown to be bestowed upon my head. I looked up and saw in the glass case a velvet pillow with the most beautiful crown I have ever seen. I had diamonds and rhinestones covering it, with gold bracing holding the diamonds. I could not believe it! I bowed my head again. Bailey bestowed the crown on my head while saying a prayer. I was elated!
I got in the carriage with my mother and father.
“Father, sir, I was wondering about today earlier in the morn when I saw you with that boy. Who is he father?” I looked him straight in the eye.
“Darling there is something you need to know. Your mother and I are stepping down from the throne.” My eyes felt like they were going to pop out of my head. “What?! Father! I am only 13!” my mother put her hands on my head and spoke to me straight in the eye,
“Derenda, my child, I took the crown when I was 13. I know it ‘tis hard but you will get a new crown!” I pushed her hands off of me.
“Mother! I haven’t even worn this crown for 1 hour!” my mother rolled her eyes at me.
“Derenda you can’t be wearing a child’s crown during queenship!” I couldn’t believe it! I was going to be queen? I wanted to be but… not when I was fourteen.
“Wait, I’m not married so I can’t be queen!” I sat erect happy that I would have a little relive. My mother and father stared at each other. My father was about to speak but trumpets played outside the carriage signaling our arrival.
The driver opened the door of the carriage and let my father out. Then the crowd erupted with screams of cheers for my father. Father held mother’s hand and let her out. Then he let me out. Everyone bowed and curtsied to us as we walked by into the theatre. I believe the play we were seeing was Romeo & Juliet.
I sat in the royal booth of the Globe theatre. We watched the play for an hour. It was marvelous! I walked to the carriage and got in. After everyone got in I started to speak,
“What were you going to say father?” My father looked down, let out a big sigh, and looked at me.
“Derenda, earlier today you found a loophole to becoming queen. I’m sorry Derenda, you’re getting married.” What! How could this be happening? I needed to get out of this marriage, and fast.
Chapter 3
My best friend was named Alexis. She lived in the Kingdom of Burdick. Our parents were sworn enemies so we had to meet in secret to just say hello. After I had stormed up to my room furious at my parents, I overheard some servants talking near my room I put my ear to the door and listened.
“Didn’t you hear the princess’s friend is getting married too? Her name is Alexis I heard she is becoming queen also!” I gasped. Alexis was getting married to! She was becoming queen! Now it wasn’t just me in the trap to becoming it. We needed to get out and fast.
That night when my mother blew out my candles and walked out, I made sure she was gone. There was a boy I knew who worked in the castle, his name was Balthazar. He was from Austria, just trying to get food for his family. I made sure he met me under my chamber balcony at 10:00. I was going to send a letter to Alexis. I spent lots of time working on it.
Dear Alexis,
This is Derenda. I have sent you this message to request that you meet me in Gregory Forest that borders Burdick from Labelle tomorrow night at exactly 45 minutes past 9:00. This is a very important matter. I have heard that you are becoming queen, as I am also. We must find a way to get out of this! We need more time until we become queen. Please do not be late.
Yours truly,
Princess Derenda
As promised Balthazar came precisely at 10:00.
“Balthazar! Send this to Princess Alexis’ castle right away; she must see it before dawn arrives! Make haste!” I threw the letter down to him and watched him run away through the forest.
“Wait!” Balthazar turned around in surprise.
“Let NO ONE see that letter but Princess Alexis! This is a secret matter!” he nodded and ran off into the forest. I prayed so much that night that Balthazar would get there in time. Suddenly there were footsteps outside the door. I blew out my candle and got into my bed as fast as I could. I closed my eyes. “Creeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkk” the door opened. I heard whispers.
“This is her chamber right?” I heard a boy say.
“Yes I believe so. Come; let us put it on her writing desk. She can read it I the morn.” A man said.
“Sir, what if she doesn’t give her consent?” the boy sounded very worried.
“Child, my future son, she will be thrilled to see that we will have another ball, and meet her bridegroom.” The man that was talking was my father! He was talking to the boy I should marry! I heard them set the paper on the desk and leave. I laid in my bed and thought about the events that had just happened. Would I be getting married? Is there no way out of becoming queen?
Chapter 4
I woke up very early the next day, thinking that I had been up half the night. I walked over to my desk excited yet scared to read the letter. I opened it and read:
Dear Princess Derenda,
We will be having a ball in the castle 2 nights from now. You shall meet your bridegroom here and your friend’s bridegroom also. Alexis shall be attending the ball. Please discuss the gown you shall be wearing with your mother. Your marriage shall be on December 1, 1592. One year from now. My darling I will go into greater details in person for I can’t tell you enough on a piece of paper.
Your loving father,
King Peter the 3rd
I threw the letter on the ground.
“How could he fall so low into making marry a person I barely know?!” Derenda wanted to scream. I was so mad at father.
“Knock knock” someone was at the door.
“What person knocks on my door at this early in the morn?” I said in disgust.
I opened the door.
“Sorry to bother you so early your majesty.” Bailey curtsied.
“What does thou need?” I said rubbing my eyes.
“Your mother wants you down in the dining room for breakfast no later then 10 minutes, oh and she wants you in an event gown, with your tiara, and she recommends the Austrian cotton lace dress.” Bailey said out of breath.
“Yes Bailey, but as a favor may you bring me my shined tiara?” I said with big eyes.
“Of course your majesty!” Bailey said and walked out. I got my dress on and put on my silver high heels.
“Your majesty thou tiara is ready.” Bailey said signaling for me to kneel. I kneeled down and watched her put the tiara on my head.
“I thank thy for doing me a favor, thou may carry on to thy chores.” I said waving her off.
“Derenda! It is time for breakfast!” I heard one of the servants say from the bottom of the stairs.
“Coming!” I yelled back. I wonder what I was getting all dressed up for I usually just wore my day dress to breakfast. Could I be meeting someone? If so who could it be?
I walked down the stairs holding my dress so I would not trip on the way down.
“My darling child, how ravishing you look!” said father. I smiled. “My princess, come let us sit down to the wonderful feast that has been prepared for us by our wonderful chef!” Father pulled out a chair for me and I sat down. Mother was sitting at the other side of the table.
“Derenda, we need to discuss a matter. The grand ball is being held in 1 day and I must prepare you for the ball. You shall be the guest of honor at this ball along with your future bridegroom!” my mother said.
“Cough, Cough” I started choking on my toast. “I apologize mother but my bridegroom?”
“Yes what is wrong? The grand ball is where I met your father.”
“Alright mother,” I nodded feeling mad, “I will go to the grand ball.”
My mother smiled,
“Well that was rather easy!”
I didn’t talk the rest of breakfast. I went to my chamber furious at my parents once again.
“How could they to this to me! Their only child! They wanted me to marry to rule this kingdom! My gosh, my mother or father is not sick nor dying, they are loved in their kingdom! Why would they want to give that all up?” I screamed. I sat on my bed and threw my shoes at the wall. I didn’t care anymore. Tonight when I met Princess Alexis we were going to get out of this. I knew it for sure.
Chapter 5
After dinner I went upstairs faking that I was ghastly tired and had to go to bed immediately. When I was at my chamber, I looked around and made sure everyone was gone.
“I must be swift it is 8:30 and Gregory Forest is a treacherous place. I must wear nights cloak to hide me from the eyes of predators. I must find a way to get out of this before the grand ball. For after that all hope is lost!” Derenda whispered getting out of her dining gown. She put on her most casual dress, her cape and put up her hood. Derenda was scared but anxious at the same time.
“I need to find a rope.” Derenda said looking around. “Ah ha!” Derenda said picking up a rope in the bottom of her wardrobe. I took the rope and tied it around the flag pole that was at the bottom of my window.
“I hope this works!” Derenda said with hope as she set her foot on the flag pole. I jumped down closing my eyes and holding on to the rope as tight as I could. I landed on the ground with a thump.
“Whew!” I said wiping the sweat from my forehead. I ran into the forest and walked through the bushes and branches that were surrounding me. Then I saw a figure in the distance, it was Alexis! I ran even faster then I was before.
“Alexis! I need to talk to you!” I said out of breath.
“Yes.” She said.
“Now your becoming queen right?”
“Of course.”
“We need to get out of this we are not ready!”
“Derenda I’m ready to become queen. I ‘m ready to get married. I don’t want to get out of this! Derenda what happened to you? Remember last year at the ball when you and I talked and dreamed about becoming queen? Well our dream has become a reality! My mother and father are stepping down as your parents are also!”
“ALEXIS! What are you thinking! We…I…” I just stopped talking there was no use without Alexis having my back I just couldn’t do it! Well maybe… maybe being queen wouldn’t be so bad.
Chapter 6
I walked back to the castle and climbed up the rope into bed. I kept going over what Alexis said over and over again in my head as I fell asleep. The next morning I woke up in a startle as Bailey shook me awake.
“Madame! Your highness wake up! Arise fair maiden for the Grand Ball is today!” Bailey said. I woke up stretching my arms. Bailey opened the curtains and a light burst through it.
“My lady your father is questioning for thou! Get in your day dress he wants you prepared for breakfast.” Bailey said heading for the door.
“Be ready miss!” She yelled from down the hall. I got my day dress and tiara on. I had been thinking about it all night and I was going to give my consent to becoming queen. I walked downstairs scared to tell them after my behavior after these few days.
“Daughter.” My father said.
“Father I need to talk to thee. I have been a fool these past few days. I give my consent to marry the man you have chosen right for me.”
“My daughter I knew thee would change thy mind!” He took me by the shoulders and hugged me so tight. I now knew this was the right thing.
The whole entire day was preparations, preparations, and more preparations! This ball was the biggest we had ever had in the land of Labelle. Bailey called me to my chamber and had my gown selected. It was beautiful! I had never seen it before.
“Come now get on your corset! Make haste! I will get your crown.” Bailey said rushing. I put my corset on.
“Alright get thou gown on and don’t forget your steel hoop! I’ll put your crown on the bed.” Bailey rushed! She did my hair and got my gold high heels on my feet. I looked at my self in the mirror. I looked amazing. My gown was gold Egyptian silk with velvet patterns all over it. My hair was up in a bun with my crown around it. I had gloves that went up to my sleeves that were not far from my elbow.
“My, my, Princess Derenda, you look stunning!” Bailey said wiping a tear from her eye.
“Come my Princess let us go down to thy mother’s chamber and receive her approval.” After I showed my mother it was time for the ball to begin. I would be meeting the man I was going to marry. I went to the stairway with Bailey.
“Bailey is my future bridegroom kind? Is he helpful or is he a rat? What if he…” Bailey interrupted me.
“Child, your bridegroom is a wonderful boy. He is a kind boy, he will serve you well. Now get ready he will becoming soon.”
Bailey walked off. I waited at the stairway to the balcony for him to arrive. Then I saw him. He had brunette hair like me. He was dressed in a velvet suit with a crown of gold. I didn’t even know his name yet he had stolen my heart.
“Maybe this marriage isn’t such a bad idea after all.” I said in a whisper. He came up to me and kissed my hand.
“Hello fair maiden, my name is Prince Charles and you must be Princess Derenda.”
“Yes I am.” I curtsied. “So my father has chosen you out of all this land to become Labelle’s king? He has chosen well!” I said smiling.
“As he has done with you becoming queen.” Prince Charles came down closely to my ear.
“I would speak in a more casual manner to get to know thou better but they are watching us.” I laughed. He was perfect.
“Sir the King and queen are going to announce the marriage now the king suggests you look like you love each other and you’ve met before.” The man next to us said.
“Alright carry on.” I said. “Are you ready Charles?”
“Yes. Give me your hand please.” I took his hand.
“Now everyone our guests of honor the new king and queen to be, Princess Derenda and Prince Charles!”
My father said. We walked out in glory with the Kings and Queens and royal children of other kingdoms cheered and bowed to us. I smiled and waved to the people. Then Charles kneeled down on one knee. He pulled out from his pocket a diamond so big I gasped.
“Princess Derenda Craigor the kingdom of Labelle will you take my hand in marriage?”
A silence fell over the ballroom. He kneeled there staring at me. This was the moment of truth.
“Prince Charles Aster,” I said with a deep breath. “I will take your hand in marriage.”
The crowd erupted! People cheering throwing their hats and fans into the air. Charles stood up and put the ring on my finger. He hugged me so tight I thought my corset was going to snap! That night the celebrations went on for hours. I got to know Charles more. He was a kind man.
That next month when I turned fourteen Charles and I were married at the Jacoby Church. Our first day at the throne was amusing. I received a crown that was pure gold. Charles and I are now in our 2nd year of ruling and are 16 yrs old. Alexis and her husband have been ruling also. We keep in touch and our kingdoms have signed a treaty. My story is done and you may close this book and go on to your 21st century lives.
