The Twelve Days of Christmas

Chapter 11

When I had looked at the competition, I had been sure I had read something about temporary accommodation being erected for the duration. Which left me more than a little surprised when Ben showed me to a room in the west wing of the palace. It was the most magnificent room, and it left me feeling like I was trespassing. I was getting used to the feeling. Not a second had passed since my arrival that I hadn’t felt that way.

I turned to Ben, almost wanting him to tell me there had been some sort of mistake. “It’s a lovely room. Are you sure this is right?”

“Yes, I am, miss.”

“But what about the temporary accommodation?”

He shifted slightly, uncomfortably. “There was a change of plan. It was a last-minute change, miss.”

“Will you call me Noelle, please? I’m just a normal person, Ben.”

There was the slightest movement of his lips as he forced away the smile that was trying to shine. “If you say so, miss.” I threw my hands up, exasperated already. Ben was one of only three people I had interacted with and I just wanted him to appear more normal for a second, at least.

The incident in the courtyard had done nothing to calm my nerves. I still felt like I had no information, even though I had gleaned quite a lot. It just felt like nothing in comparison to the full story. There were so many questions darting around in my mind. It all seemed so impossible and farfetched.

I was seriously regretting ever entering the competition. The fact that it was residential just made it all worse. Being able to return home and speak to Alice would have helped no end. All I knew was that I had to avoid Alex at all costs.

The idea of the uptight stranger in the park might have been intriguing and magical, but the reality was just terrifying. All I ever wanted was to crawl out of the limelight, and instead I was attracting the attention of a person who was constantly front and centre. I knew it was self-preservation telling me to run, to hide, to disappear from the world. Just like it had been when I was a child. Nothing good ever came from the attention of others.

“Miss?”

“Sorry, Ben. I was so taken aback by the room, I drifted into my own little world for a moment.” Flashing him a careful, carefree smile. I had already taken the step. There was no turning back, no matter how much I wanted to.

The look of disbelief was evident on his kindly face. “I just asked if there was anything you needed.”

“No, no, I’m perfectly fine. Thank you.”

He headed towards the door, then paused, turning back towards me. “If you change your mind, I won’t be very far.”

“I am sure it isn’t your job to babysit me.”

“Not usually, no, but I have been assigned to be on hand in case you need anything.” He retreated from the room quickly. We both knew his statement would stir even more questions, and it was clear he didn’t want to be the one to answer them. Nothing seemed to make much sense at all.

I swung my suitcase onto the bed and realised it probably wasn’t the done thing at all. Nevertheless, it was done. I set myself to unpacking. The further into the job I got, the more I regretted my carelessness when it came to packing. I hadn’t packed anything remotely nice. It was all comfy clothes and most of them were well worn. Telling myself quickly that it didn’t matter. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone, anyway.

The knock on the door drew my attention away from my chore. “Come in.” Ben slipped inside the room, but stood there waiting for me to finish what I was doing. “You can talk Ben. I can focus on more than one thing at once.”

“Quite, miss. Your presence has been requested in the formal dining room this evening.” I stopped in my tracks, turning my head towards him slowly.

“Who would request me? Will all the contestants be there?”

“Not that I am aware of, miss.”

“Who will be in attendance?” It was almost as though Ben’s stuffy English use was rubbing off on me. I dropped the top that was only half on a hanger back into my case and gave Ben my full attention.

“The Royal family and their guests.”

“You mean Alex?”

“Prince Alexsandrs of Aggnova, yes, miss.” The panic hit me physically in the chest, and I had to take a step back to maintain my balance.

“I can’t. It isn’t possible. This is ludicrous. I have nothing to wear. It’s the King of England.” For a second I saw Ben’s carefully placed all business manner slip.

“I will have someone sent to you.” Again, he retreated before I could ask anything. He had a bad habit of doing that and it was rather annoying. I slumped onto the bed. Trying my best to work out my options through the fog of thoughts swirling around.

I considered ringing Alice to bring me something. Except that would mean a hefty explanation, and I wasn’t even sure how she would get something to me. Not to mention that I was certain I didn’t own anything suitable, anyway.

The only option was to decline the invitation, but could I even do that? How did one turn down an invitation from a king? Not that the invitation was even from him. I was certain it was Alex. It had to be. The anger that he would single me out in front of everyone was palpable. It was the worst thing he could have done. Everyone would know. They would all speculate why. There would be whispers, and it was like I was back in the orphanage all over again. The rooms might have been much nicer, the people might have been posher, but the situation had too many parallels for my liking.

The whole thing made me nervous. I could feel the bundle of nerves in my stomach. Not my stomach, higher. Oh no. I headed for the open door and prayed it was an ensuite. The slight relief I felt when I saw the toilet, lasted a second before all thoughts were lost as my arms hugged the bowl and the nerves fought their way out of me.

I was still laying against the toilet when there was another knock on the door. “Come in, Ben.” It wasn’t ideal, but I was too exhausted from vomiting to care. I looked to the doorway as a little older woman poke her head around the perfectly white frame. “Oh, sorry.” I jumped up straighter and wiped at my mouth.

The older woman tutted. “You poor dear. It must have been quite the day for you. Come on, let’s get you up.” She came towards me and hooked an arm under mine and started tugging me up. It gave me no choice but to stand. “Come with me, dear, and we shall see you sorted once more.” I followed her as she led me to the bed and gave me the slightest nudge to sit down. “I am Agnes. I believe you know my husband, Ben. He sent me to help you.”

It was almost like I had been sent an angel. I knew Ben was much more feeling than he appeared. He had to be, especially if he was married to such a kind and feeling woman. She reminded me of my teacher, Mrs Kirk, and everything seemed to feel better even if nothing had changed.