Call of the Night

There was a rustling sound of leaves outside the high arched castle window that faced the north side of the courtyard. It was too dark to see who may have been down below, so Rachel reached for her matches to light the lantern that stood in the corner of the princess' room. She quickly pranced in her soft pink satin slippers making sure not to rouse the sleeping (so it seemed), but snoring highness. Princess Charlotte had the tendency to sneak into the room of her lover Lord Randolph who was also a distant family member. Rachel took dignity in her and the princess' image. Whether it was in the daytime or nighttime, assuming her role as to serve her ladyship meant composure and elegance, even in the most difficult situations. Her neck stretched like a swan in the lake, careful not to tilt her headdress that was designed with encrusted "bling bling." Yes, it was a bit unusual for someone of her status to be allowed to dress as if she was also royalty, but the princess would have it no other way. Rachel is a lady-in-waiting, a commoner, the daughter of a farmer who owed debt. He exchanged a lifetime service of his daughter to the princess. Rachel became her confidant, protector, personal stylist, and friend when needed. If the princess didn't need her friendship on any particular day it was well-stated. But, it was her oath to make sure the Princess did not fall victim to any untimely situations that she had not been consulted. Prestige and honor was the game played everyday in the court. Royal designer trends (as many in those days) caused the most utmost friction between various houses as competition to standout was fierce. The most lavish rugs, furs, dresses, knickers (panties), overcoats, robes, shoes, hair accessories (especially combs) boots, gloves, headdress, bed and linens, carriages--even the wheels were rimmed with jewels. With confirmation that it was probably the wind, Rachel returned back into the bed with the Princess. It was her place to stay on guard 24-hours a day, even if it meant sleeping with her back towards her highness under feather piled-high luxurious imported sheets from India.