hidden features ( one x one with blackpearl44 )

[`sappho]

the princess stifled the urge to just get up and leave the dinner table. camilla forced a small smile to appear on her lips. she shook her head. "no, no, that is just a rumor. our peasants are actually quiet happy," she lied. she cut her eyes over to Gwynne, to see what her reaction would be.

[SilentMelody]

good job, princess, she thought to herself and relaxed against the chair while still keeping a straight-backed composure. gwynne hoped that the queen would ask no more questions, especially about the kingdom or camilla's family.

[`sappho]

camilla watched the queen nod. "of course, i was just.. curious," she said before she looked over at henry. henry stood from his chair and looked down the table at the many nobles who were sitting with them. "please quiet down as the first course of our dinner his presented," he said to them. everyone began to quiet down as he took his seat and soon servants rushing in, quickly sitting golden plate in front of each person, which already had food on them.

[SilentMelody]

she sat up straighter again and waited for the food to arrive, watching as the servants hustled around them. one gave gwynne her plate and settled a glass on the table, her hand shaking as she poured...wine? the lady was unsure of what the mixture was, but smiled and thanked the servant quietly. the woman eyed gwynne with an odd look before scurrying off again.

[`sappho]

camilla cast a glance at all of the servants and maids rushing to the room, setting down the golden plates. she looked up at the small servant who gave camilla her plate and saw that she seemed to be only fourteen or so. many people in this kingdom sent their daughters to the palace to become servants and maids because they didn't have enough money to take care of them. "what is your name?" she asked the girl with a smile. "renee, your grace," she said quietly. "well, thank you, renee."

[SilentMelody]

she pursed her lips when camilla quietly conversed with the girl, but said nothing about it and remained silent. her heart silently wrung itself for the poor servant. this kingdom had much they needed to change if their people were to prosper and having mothers send their daughters as servants was not the answer.

[`sappho]

the girl curtsied to camilla before she ran off back to the kitchen. she looked over at gwynne, sorrow glinting in her eyes. what kind of kingdom was this and what had she gotten herself into? she wasn't sure how she could she could live everyday here, watching these poor girls suffer. she sighed and took a bite of her food, keeping her thoughts to herself.

[SilentMelody]

the poor princess. she shouldn't have to view these terrible things, she thought to herself and watched as the servant camilla was speaking to also scurried away. gwynne pushed some of her food around on her plate before taking a bite of the main dish and chewing thoughtfully.

[`sappho]

she continued to eat her food until she heard the prince speak to her. "how is your food, my love?" he asked with a smirk. camilla shifted uncomfortably but knew she couldn't be rude to her future husband. "it's good," she said with a small smile.

[SilentMelody]

she felt her heart twinge at the prince's words, and she fought to keep from throwing herself at him by clenching her fist under the tablecloth. how can he love her? they've only just met, and he knows nothing about her, gwynne thought.