By the time made it back to the princess' bedchamber, she was sobbing uncontrollably. She slumped to the floor as she entered. Betilly hurried over, asking what had happened. came down beside , lifting the mask to see her red eyes and wet face.
TheStumpOnline.com could not speak. She just grabbed and held tight as she cried.
What has come over her? Betilly asked.
I don't know, said. She looked as if she was enjoying her time with the prince. But then he spoke to her alone, and she came away like this.
Oh, my, Betilly said, looking down at . What did the prince say to you, dear? Has he lost interest with the princess? The queen will be furious.
Child, said, stroking her hair, please speak. What happened?
He, he, she sniffled, asked me–me to marry him.
He did? said.
He has? Betilly said, her voice rising. Then all has gone well?
He said I'm beautiful, whimpered. Me. He liked me, not the princess. But me.
Oh, child, said, stroking her back.
Betilly sighed. How hard this must have been for you to pretend to fall for him.
I wasn't pretending, whispered, wiping her face, giving way to sobs again. What would he ever want with a commoner like me? I live in a stall. He would wipe his mouth and spit if he knew he had kissed me and not the princess.
He kissed you? Betilly said.
I see, said. Child, you fell in love with him, didn't you? I'm sorry.
I just wanna go home, whispered, pulling her knees to her chest, putting her face in them.
Then home you shall go, said. I am so sorry I put you through all this. What a terrible burden for such an innocent girl.
Let's get you out of this dress, shall we, dear? Betilly said.
A knock sounded at the door and the three looked up.
Child, whispered, I am so sorry to ask, but please, the mask, just for a few more moments to dismiss whoever has come.
She nodded, putting the mask back on. Betilly hurried to Princess He, still in bed, and drew the covers up over her head, turning her into an odd looking lump that occasionally snored. opened the door just a crack.
Yes? Madam Vrine? Whatever can I do for you?
Where is the princess? came Vrine's voice. Prince Cross has returned without her. The queen is asking for her.
Princess He has decided to retire for the night.
That is unacceptable.
She is quite adamant, Madam.
Let me speak to her.
One moment.
