True Love
By: Ashley Abraham
I’m no fairy tale princess. My life isn’t full of fairy Godmothers or magic pumpkins or little men. My life is a tragedy and I myself am a tragedy. I’m not a wealthy countess with jewels shining on my finger tips but instead my fingers are caked with soot and grime. My hair is not long and golden but dirty and ragged, unwashed and unkempt. My skin is not fair and lovely and my smile is not always plastered and pearly, rather ashes mark my sorrowed face. My name is not Isabella Marygold or Carol Bella Bells, simply Katarina, but no one has called me by my name in ages.
I’m no one, nothing, a filthy rag amongst jewels and golden tapestry.
My story ended and began the night my parents passed away, coughing and suffocating from influenza. They caught the deadly disease a week after my baby brother and sister died from it and a week after that I was sold. At ten years old I was sold into bondage and despair to a family who only needed me for my labor.
So here I am, seven years later. My fingers are cracked from bleeding, my knees are bruised from kneeling, and my back is constantly sore. I live with a wealthy, well to do family whose sights are set upon their money, themselves, and how they can better themselves. They do not know my name, my face, or possibly even why I live there. I am less significant than the mice yet if there is soot left in the fireplace or dirt in the courtyard, I am the one to be flogged. It’s a painful, slavery ridden life, but I’ve grown numb. I lost any hope of leaving this place, lost want of anything else.
One morning, like any other, I awoke before the sun even considered rising. My beaten feet hit the stone cold floor as I tried to stretch the ache from my body that never seemed to leave me. I always felt so ashamed so I would wear only sack clothing that covered every inch of my body, tied to cover every fragment of hair. No matter how thoroughly I scrubbed my skin, the dirt and grime never could be washed off. I adorned my meager garments and ran to fulfill my tasks. There was so much to do and so little time! I could already feel the sun slowly rise behind me as I scattered feed for the birds and horses, my feet felt its warmth as I poured porridge and milk for the household, and it was steadily in the sky as I was finally able to rest my feet with an apple between my fingers. But before I could eat my way to its core it was time to wash the fireplace, mop the courtyard tiles, weed the garden, wash garments, and clean the estate from top to bottom. As one can tell, even my ear lobes were aching before I was done with half of my list. It was a hard life, I must admit, but it was life so long as I was breathing, that much I was thankful for.
As I was weeding the garden and picking wildflowers around the eastern gate I noticed a parade of horses beating their hoofs from miles away. My hands were caked in mud and my face was as well, my skirt was soaked in perspiration and dirt but there was little time to do much else than wait. In the distance I saw the royal crest, blood red and glistening through the sun light. The infantry as they appeared one by one was the most magnificent I had ever seen but the man leading them was the most beautiful of all. His shoulders were broad, bearing all things and he was larger than the entire infantry behind him. I felt very small and insignificant but I could have sworn he saw me and smiled, even in the distance.
The entryway into the estate was at the northern gate but he chose to come speak to me first. I felt so unworthy beside him but he made me feel so at home, as though he knew me my whole life.
“Hello Katarina,” His deep voice soothed my worries immediately.
“Good afternoon sire, pardon me for asking but how do you know my name?” I hesitated, my voice broke, and I was very timid. No one had called me by name since my life of slavery seven years ago.
“You are no stranger to me, I know your story and I know you’ve been living a hard life,” I stared at him expectantly, wondering what was to come next. “I could not have come sooner but I knew the right time, I knew when you had had enough,” He lifted my dirty chin in his gleaming hands, “I have come to take you to live with me in my palace.” I stared at him in awe. This wasn’t happening. Me? Katarina? The maid whose hands never leave a soapy bucket and whose clothes are ripped and ragged?
“I am sorry sire,” my voice trembled as tears streaked my blackened face, “but I believe you are mistaken. You must mean one of the girls from the estate, I am no one of importance.”
“No, you have great importance to me child. I promise you, I have called you by name.”
My smile moved slowly as hope surrounded me. I could leave this place! I could finally have a home, live with someone who could love me!” I was so excited that I lost my bearings and ran to begin packing my few belongings.
“Wait Katarina, you cannot take anything with you, I will provide everything.” I thought of what I was leaving behind. The one picture I had of my parents, the rag doll that was once my baby sister’s, and my brother’s flute. But then I looked into the prince’s face and saw a new life. The past was bleak and full of sorrow but now I could see a future brimming with hope and joy and something I couldn’t describe. I thought about what it was while I rode towards the castle, I continued to think upon it as I walked through the marble doors, but I didn’t realize the word until I sat in my room.
A silence fell on me as I walked in; the drapes were wide open as sunlight gleamed into all corners of the room. The chandelier above me casted rainbows upon the walls and a breeze snuck in through the open window. I toppled on top of the bed and sunk into the feathered mattress, shoving my face into the satin pillows. The mirror called me next as I saw the gown draped across the chair in front of it. It was a white silk gown, embroidered with silver linings all along the bodice. I stared into the mirror and cried tears of joy as I realized the word I had not been able to describe. The future was filled with love. Unconditional, beautiful, indescribable love was in every inch of my new life. I cradled the dress in my hands as I danced around the room, imagining how wonderful each day was going to be from now on.
I was soon called to dinner as I met the household. The prince sat at the right hand of his father and although I was an orphan girl and new to the household the prince made sure I was seated next to him. As we began to eat I noticed that my place would never grow empty no matter how much I consumed and my glass was never lower than the brim. If I thought of a delectable treat it was immediately set before me and if I needed a new napkin or utensil, it was in my hands before I could look up. I was in want of nothing, and my smile never fell from my face. Laughter rang throughout the hall and echoed from person to person. Even the animals did not have to beg for food but had ample portions awaiting them as well.
After we were filled and satisfied we sat before the fire together as the prince and King spoke words of wisdom and unfailing love. I had this urge to sit at his feet for hours without tiring, if my body had not betrayed me with fatigue I could have sat listening to them all night. I went to bed and felt a peace that was beyond anything I could understand. Oh everything was just so perfect, even dreams could not compare to
reality.
After I year living here I have not changed my reviews. If anything, I have grown more in love with my life and my prince than ever before. He saved me and took me into his home without question. Every day has been filled with a new adventure. I’ve seen places and people and wonders that my mind could never explore alone. Oh life is incredibly sweet now.
There has been rumors going on however to indicate that this perfect life would soon be tested. The servants spoke of another prince who would be riding into the province to challenge our prince. He was known to be a ruthless man, full of deceit and ruthlessness. Although I thought nothing of it the Prince spoke to me that night.
“Katarina, another prince is coming,” He spoke softly and gently as I sat at his feet gazing up at him.
“Yes I know, I have heard he is an evil man,”
“That he is but he is also conniving, beautiful, and prepared,”
“Are you not prepared sire?”
“Oh no, I am always prepared and I will always pretect you but If you chose to leave me willingly, I cannot help you,”
I struggled to reply, how could I possibly ever leave the man who gave me this new life? “ Sire,” I smiled reassuringly towards him, “I could never leave you,” He smiled gravely but there was wisdom behind his eyes.
“Yes child, don’t forget me though. When he comes, do not be blinded by him. Do not be taken by surprise. Be prepared.” He continued to warn me but I paid him no attention. Why would I have to prepare myself, I had eyes only for my prince- not any other.
I do remember that next morning quite clearly. I was strolling along the palace towers when I saw a dark figure clamor over the moat. His dark hair shook behind him as he flew through the courtyard and into the foyer. I scurried below to see what he would be like, what was so fascinating that my sire was so concerned? When I had hardly entered the room, the dark prince noticed me immediately. His dark eyes took hold of my body as he smiled tenderly.
“Hello dear,” He was so handsome and so charming. His words were as smooth as butter as well as his movements as he bent to kiss my hand.
“Oh,” I giggled in a fit, to my embarrassment.
“Katarina I presume?” His smile was so inviting.
I coughed loudly, “Yes,” coughing once more, it seemed my throat could never clear.
“Why you are more beautiful than I even imagined,” A blush deepened as my gaze fell in bashfulness. How charming he was!
“Would you like to go for a walk?” I thought back on what my prince had said the night before. But surely he had not meant to avoid him completely! Sire was probably mistaken, this man could not be trying to wage war with him, look how amazing he was!
During our walks I began to feel bolder than ever before. This stroll was different than with my master. I felt like another person. When his fingers grazed mine I could feel his heat to the tips of my toes and his smile set my heart reeling. There was a new taste in my mouth, one that was wild and ravenous. When we parted at the southern gate I could help but feel a slow ache in the pit of my heart. Would I ever feel that rush in my heart again?
He slowly leaned towards me and whispered, “Tomorrow, meet me at the southern gate.” That night I skipped dinner to meet him. It was the first night that I would not be sitting at my master’s table but once shouldn’t be that big of a deal. We walked through the meadow hand in hand and did so again the next night and the night following that as well. Soon I was leaving before the sun rose and sneaking through the open window of my room.
He kissed me two weeks after our first meeting. It was a blistering hot day and I hadn’t had a meal for days. We found shade behind a blackened tree as he pushed me harshly against it and breathed slowly into my lips. I felt paralyzed for a moment. My knees buckled and my mouth ached and tears streamed from my eyes as he harshly held my hands against the trunk. As he let me go I could feel a part of me break away. Something new replaced the innocence that had once defined me.
From then on I hungered for his kisses and thirsted for his touch. I could not sleep or eat or think of anything but him and his voice. My life became evolved around him and I forgot everything and everyone else.
One morning I awoke to find my hands tied behind my back and my feet bound as well. I could hear voices behind my door.
“Please, I will do anything, don’t take her from here,”
“You know the rules, she betrayed you- she left you for me,”
“But she does not realize what she has done,”
“You warned her didn’t you,”
“Yes but she’s only a child,”
“Katrina knew what she was getting into, you cannot save her now!”
Oh no! I tried to escape my bed but the bonds held me down too tightly, I fell and rolled to the open door.
“Then take me instead.”
“What?” I could see the shock on the dark prince’s face, “You would give up your life for this, filth?” Filth?
“I would give anything for her, please, take me instead,”
“Even better!” I heard footsteps coming towards me and struggled to hide, “I guess it’s your lucky day.” He snarled at me. Gone was the beauty and glamour, gone were the smiles and kisses. Suddenly in one large motion, my beautiful, saving prince moved him aside and knelt at my side. With the knife from his right pocket he sliced and broke the bonds that held me. Before he was taken away he set me to my feet and kissed my forehead.
“I will always love you, do not give up hope,” I knelt to the floor and gasped tears of pain. I felt pain for the person I had become. Pain for the bruises left from the ropes that held me. Pain for the tears that burned my stinging eyes. I had betrayed my best friend, my prince, my greatest love. My body fell limp and I lay broken on the floor.
The dark prince took hold of our fortress; he took command of our province and sat upon the throne with all the glory he could bestow upon himself. I hated him, venomously hated him. My life returned to that of a slave. I had lost all joy and hope and especially the unfailing love. My life was once again meaningless. Only three days after my prince’s death the dark prince announced a proclamation: Any supporter of the former prince must die. That morning on the third day he was ready with his sword and infantry when a large trumpet sounded at the castle doors.
“Who is there?” he barked, snarling as spit escaped his mouth through his fury, “Who dares disturb me without wishing for death?” The doors were thrown open and sunlight blinded him to his knees. He sputtered helplessly, “Who, who, who are you?” He cried out.
Without an answer a sword was thrown and aimed towards the place where his heart should have been. He spwarled on the floor, bleeding profusely, “Majesty!” he cried out.
I turned my gaze upon the one who had just rescued us all. His face shined like never before, his eyes radiating with grace and perfection. He came with more glory and majesty than ever before and I could not help but turn away from his power. The prince! But… he had been killed.
“But, sire…” My words were useless.
“Dear child yes, I was killed. But there was something the dark prince did not understand.”
“What sire?”
“That when an innocent man sheds his blood for a traitor, the hands of time itself turns back and death no longer holds its power.” My face was shining with tears and wailed at his feet. He lifted me in his arms and carried me. “Child, do not fear, I told you I would take care of you.”
“Sire, I will never leave you. Never.”
For the rest of my days I sit at the feet of my master. He supplies me with all good things and I am a princess in his palace. My place is never lacking and neither is my cup, my clothes are purified and glorified and the tresses of my hair shine with all the goodness that floods my heart. I do not deserve this life, I do not deserve his love, but the question is not of worth. The question is of love. He was willing to sacrifice everything for me simply because he loved me. That love is what creates my worth.
