The Curse of Thir

Naveen hadn’t returned to her room that night which left Xylee feeling empty and pathetic. Finding the bed too large and vacant she opted to sleep on the floor. It was surprising but as soon as she closed her eyes exhaustion clutched onto her and dragged her into a peaceful dreamless sleep and before she knew it a light tap followed by a slit of cold light woke her.

“Miss?” The door creaked open revealing a tiny chamber maid with messy hair. She’d only seen this girl twice and hadn’t the faintest idea what her name was.

“Here... sorry.” Xylees head emerged slowly from the side of the bed surprising the girl who then giggled nervously.

“I hope I didn’t disturb you Miss. But I was told by Princess Naveen that you should be up by now.”

“It’s alright.”She got up and stretched revealing the fact she hadn’t changed into sleep wear. “Ummm... I’m sorry but what is your name again?”

“Sally Miss.”

“Nice to meet you Sally. May I ask where the Princess slept last night?” She asked this without truly desiring the answer in case she found it unwelcoming to her ears.

“I believe she stayed in Miss Francis chambers Miss.”

“Oh thank you. Please just call me Xylee, Sally.” It wasn’t the worst place Naveen could’ve slept.

“Yes Xylee.” Sally beamed at this, as if her name was a privilege to be said. Xylee looked about, unable to figure out what should be done.

“...Ah... what should I be doing now? Should I get ready or eat? What am I supposed to wear?” She looked at Sally, perhaps this girl knew the order of things today.

“Well, Xylee,” She smiled again, “I have an agenda from the Princess for you.” She took the note out from her tiny apron and held it up. “I would read it for you... but I can’t read. Sorry.” Xylee nodded and went to fetch the list.

“It’s a pity. Someone should really teach you to read.” Xylee skimmed the list; it held no deeper meaning or side notes confessing love. It was just a list.

“I would like that. But I’m just a chamber maid.”

“When all of this is done perhaps I could try to teach you.” She smiled earnestly at this girl. Her heart may be broken but that did not mean she had sulk about it, perhaps helping someone else would become a good distraction for her.

“Really?” Her voice squeaked with excitement. “I’d really love that, thank you Xylee.” Xylee looked at the list again.

“First things first, I must bath and you can work on item two so long if you wouldn’t mind?”

“Not at all.” Her hair unwound a tad more in her excitement.

“Could you go to the tailor, it says here he’s been working on something especially for this.... Oh..”

“What is it?”

“I’m not allowed to eat....” The thought of this sent her stomach into spiralling growls. Even though she doubted its accuracy the fact she wasn’t allowed to made the desire greater.

“Well its fine, I guess there’ll be festivities after Clanece makes his announcement.” Her voice edged with bitterness as she spoke.

“Really? What kind announcement?”

“I shouldn’t say, wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise.”

“I love surprises.”

Xylee smiled and nodded.

“Would you like me to run your bath before I go?”

“No it’s fine thank you Sally. When you come back just leave the clothes on the bed in the other room... Can you do hair?”

“Oh yes. I can, although I never do my own, it’s too complicated.” She gestured shyly to the mop of frizzy red hair.

“Your hairs a lovely colour.”

Sally gapped; obviously nobody had ever complimented her hair.

“Thank you.”

“You’re most welcome.” She glanced once more at the neat handwriting on the list and sighed. “I should get done, see you in a bit.”

The bath had been short and unappreciated. Her mind wondered with every moment she paused. If Clanece had his way what would become of her? Would Naveen wish to keep her around? Why had she listened to Seth?

“...he was right that’s why...” she mumbled to herself as Sally brushed her now clean hair.

“What was that Xylee?”

“Hmm? Oh nothing just mumbling nonsense.”

“Do you know how you would like your hair? I have a collection of pins that you could use, some very shiny ones with butterflies if you like.”

“Whatever you think would look good... could... could you possibly try to cover my horns a little?”

“I’ll do what I can Miss Xylee.” Her brush strokes seemed slightly nervous. Naveen brushed her hair perfectly. She scowled at her thought, Naveen had made it clear, she didn’t feel the same and Xylee should be grateful that as the princess hadn’t chucked her out of the palace. Were they truly still friends? Her ears twitched somehow frightening Sally.

“Are you all right?” Xylee turned about. Sally smiled and nodded.

“I just got a fright, almost forgot...ah... you know, that you’re not like...ummm. yes.” She cleared her throat and continued brushing.

Xylee understood what she meant; she’d even forgotten for a moment that she wasn’t human.