Page 14 of Glass Hearts

It’s the next day, and I’m alive, so it means they haven’t found me. Yet I can not help feeling as though everything has gone to shit. I find peace in knowing that there is nothing they can do to find me.

I am just a nobody, an insignificant flicker in everyone’s lives.

They may have seen my face, but there are plenty of citizens.

Many fellow boring-looking pale blonde girls.

I am sure of it. And I am seriously not memorable enough for them to chase me.

Plus, they got their magical heart things back- it should all be good.

I will have to go back into town and check on Oliver, though. Prince Sylas was inside his shop. If they are out for my blood, I am sure they would have returned to him. The guilt spoils my meager breakfast of dry toast, from stale bread leftover in the kitchen.

It was surreal seeing the princes again.

They are too attractive for their own good.

It was one thing to see them in their royal finery at the ball.

But something about the tight-fitting everyday clothes they wore had me feeling flustered like a young schoolgirl with a crush.

And the muscles… Not hidden at all, as they had been during the ball with their many layers of clothing.

Prince Grayer’s sinful tattoos seemed to cover every inch of him if his rolled-up sleeves were anything to go by.

Prince Sylas had his hair out of that bun; it made me want to run my hands through his brown curls.

Prince Koi wore that charming grin, and I also peeked at a few small tattoos on his chest from the opening of his shirt.

Prince Archer just looked pissed. If he weren’t a Prince, he could totally be a model with those sculpted facial features.

All I can think about is the feel of their presence when around me.

I feel like a boat on the ocean, and they are lighthouses I couldn’t look away from.

Or at least stop thinking about. Never has a man enraptured me the way they seem to have.

I have had casual romantic encounters with other men.

Decent men, though they had all been just that.

Decent. None of them had that spark or pull I seemed to feel around the princes.

I must get my crush out of my head. Normally, I would use stealing to distract myself, but something tells me I should lay low for a while.

Plus, they will soon be married, and definitely not to me.

To probably stunning, accomplished women who come from wealth.

Proper women who were destined to be queens.

Women with flat stomachs and unmarred skin. Nothing like me. Never me.

* * *

“The princes will make their selections today, girls. I expect you all to be on the list. So be sure to start preparation. Belly, take these undergarments and wash them, please. They are delicate, so I better not see one lace stitch out of place.”

My stepmother hands me a bin of lingerie. Of all four colours for the Princes. They really felt confident that they would win their place on that list.

Perhaps it is for the best, but my stomach twists knowing this presents an additional problem I have been avoiding. If they get chosen, Bernice will have to go. Which means I will either need to be married off or go with them. Coming across the princes is not an option, nor is getting married.

I run the warm water. Readying the garments in the soapy basin, I contemplate my next steps.

I had made quite a bit last haul, even after sending the cut of the money to the original victims. The mage who said he could try to help was looking for two thousand gold coins.

I am just shy of that. But what if he were to scam me?

Or what if it doesn’t work? It’s my only hope at this point.

I shriek as a bird flies into the window. Petra?

She taps on the window. “I can’t talk right now, Petra. The steps are in the other room.”

Before I can motion to shoo her away, Bernice enters the room. “Go shoot that bird or something, Belly. We would also like a spot of tea for the parlour. Perhaps add a few digestive biscuits.”

Petra is still pecking at the window, so I open it right as Bernice leaves.

“Arabelly!”

“I’m sorry, Petra, I really have to go or else she will have my head!”

“Bu-”

I shoot her an apologetic look after closing the window before heading towards the kitchen. Heavy banging sounds fill the hallway from the front door, stopping me in my tracks.

“Get the damned door, Belly!” one of my stepsisters screams.

“On it!” I yell back. It must be the milk delivery man, though he arrives in the late evening, rather than the early morning. I opened the door expecting Fred, the delivery guy, only to find four very attractive princes. I gasp.

Why are they here!?

“It seems our outspoken thief is speechless,” Archer glares.

“Belly!” my stepmother screeches. She must have made her way to the front door, only to push me out of the way.

She plasters her fake smile on her face as she opens her arms in invitation for the princes to enter.

“Belly, go put on that spot of tea. It looks like we will be entertaining some very important guests.”

All I can do is nod as I hear my stepmother continue, “You must be here for my lovely daughters. I didn’t know you were letting your selections know in person!

Or are we just that special? I will get them to pack for the castle in haste.

” Bernice leads them into the parlour where she sits with them.

They are here. In the townhouse. Shit.

That was probably what Petra was trying to tell me.

That’s when I realize what I am wearing.

I am not in a sparkly, gorgeous ball gown, nor am I decked out in form-fitting fake leather.

I am in a tattered, dirty tan dress with an apron.

My greasy, unwashed hair is in a top bun.

I wear no makeup, and I probably have purple bags under my eyes from tossing and turning all evening in worry.

Lovely. Looking ever so much like the servant I am.

Maybe that will make the Princes take pity on me?

Or maybe they really are just here for my stepsisters.

After placing the tea and biscuits on the tray, I bring it to the parlour.

I can feel four sets of eyes on me as I make my way to the center of the room.

I don’t bother making eye contact. The tray shakes slightly, and I can’t seem to help it.

I need to exit, but before I can, Prince Koi speaks up, breaking the silence.

“Who is this? Your servant?”

“Oh, that drab girl. Don’t mind her. Arabella is my stepdaughter. She is of no consequence. Once I get her married off, she will be no trouble. It will have to be moved up to this evening since we will be heading to the castle.”

Panic creeps up my spine; her eyes gleam with malice meeting mine. It takes everything in me not to cry. I was so close.

“Hmm, now that won’t do. I am afraid she will have to come with us. Postpone her arrangement for now. As lady of the manor, I had assumed you knew you must bring one person from the household help? We are short-staffed. We need all the help we can get.”

It shocks me when I hear Prince Archer make the suggestion.

Turning, I leave the parlour, wiping away my errant tears. I need some space.

“Don’t go too far, Belly. You might as well pack too, it seems.” The sneer in her voice is sinister; she is just as displeased. I rushed to the laundry room, the click of the closing door echoing as I leaned against it, the tears flowing freely.

I cry for a moment, feeling the impossible weight of defeat.

Truthfully, I also cry in shame and embarrassment.

The Princes knew I wasn’t a duchess, but they probably didn’t realize I was a lowly servant to my stepfamily.

The selfish part of me wanted them to keep thinking that I was a cunning thief.

That I was a confident badass. Not… this.

“Arabelly, are you okay?” Kip and Bert are here, scampering up my bent legs.

“No, my little friends. It’s a hard day today, isn’t it? Looks like I will be leaving for the castle today. Can you please inform the rest of the crew of my departure?”

“Of course, Arabelly, though we are coming with you! No arguments. I belong in a castle! Always kind of saw myself as a royal.”

“Royal pain in my bum,” Bert replies to Kip, making me giggle.

“Thank you, you two. Now go on, I don’t want to leave without you.” They skimp off to inform the team.

I get up from the floor and try my best to dry my eyes. I hung the undergarments, but they definitely won’t be dry in time. Another thing for my stepmother to blame me for, I am sure. I almost don’t notice the door opening with a large presence looming in the doorway.

“I do like my women in lingerie. Though, sunshine, I don’t believe those bras are your size. They look a bit too small.”

“Prince Koi.” I curtsy. “I-”

“Nope. You didn’t curtsy then, so why start now? I came to check on you. Your stepmother is… a real piece of work.”

I snort. “You can say that again.” We both stand in silence. His fresh musk scent envelops the room.

“If this is-”

“Arabella-”

We both start at the same time. Like awkward teenagers. He smiles bashfully, motioning for me to go first.

“My Prince-”

“Koi. Just Koi to you.”

“My prince,” I state again. “It’s a pleasure to have had you four pick my stepsisters to court for marriage. I will happily serve the crown.”

I tried to push past him, but to no avail. He stops me with a concerned look on his face, his large hand cradling my bicep.

“Arabella, don’t. We need to-”

But before he can finish his sentence, my stepsisters bumble down the stairs.

“Belly! We need help- Oh! Prince Koi! Don’t mind the help. Is she bothering you? Belly, stop pestering the prince. He doesn’t want to be around the likes of you.”

“You are right, Pia-”

“Mia, bitch.”

“Right. You are right, Mia.” I look into Koi’s desperate eyes. Why are you looking at me like that? “I am well below the station of the prince and shouldn’t be talking with them.”

I walk away, weighed down with the task of packing for the nightmare to come.

My heart is beating erratically as I reach my petite shed. It may be humble, but it’s mine. Leaving the safety of its four walls further ramps my anxiety.

Petra flies up to my window.

“I am so sorry, my friend. I am assuming you were trying to warn me of the princes’ arrival?”

“Yes, Arabelly. Though even if you had hidden, it seems they would have found you. They knew you lived here. I think the dark one has been following you.”

“Prince Grayer?”

“Indeed. He is the one who calls you his future wife.”

I laugh at her joke. “Oh, Petra, that is good! A man like that could never want me. None of them could.”

“Yet they are here, for you.”

I deadpan to her. “No, they are here for the Quadias.”

“Keep telling yourself that, Arabelly. Also, I have been listening in on them; it turns out they overheard you talking to us. So they seem to know of your magic.”

“Lovely. I will have to convince them they didn’t hear what they think they heard. Do you mind flying a note to Lo? I don’t think I will see her before we leave.”

Petra nods her head, so I walk over to my desk to draft a quick letter for my friend, who is probably already worrying. We rarely go this long without talking to each other.

So much has happened, dear friend. The Princes have caught me.

They also chose my stepsisters for the courting round.

So, it looks like I will be heading to the castle shortly.

Whether that’s straight to the dungeon or the servants’ quarters, that’s to be determined.

I fear now that the stepsisters are getting closer to the princes, Bernice will push more for my arranged marriage.

I will have to escape the castle for a night to find that mage and hopefully break the curse.

Regardless, I will try to get another letter to you as soon as I can. Be safe, Love you.

-A

I tie the letter to Petra’s neck. “Alright, friend. Safe flight, please visit me at the castle, yes?”

“Of course, Arabelly!”

I close my suitcase and head out of my room. Just as I am about to lock up, I hear Kip and Bert.

“Wait for us, Arabelly!” They both carry little sacks: what mice need to carry around and pack for, I have no clue. I giggle as I scoop them up and place them in my pockets.

“Well, friends, it looks like we are on to a new adventure.”