Beautiful Melody (The Happily Ever After series Book 1) Read online

  Gabrielle nodded. “This estate sits near the Omrie and Glendower border. But, yes, this is Omrie.”

  “Thank you. Well, as I was saying, I received a letter informing me of the incident, and the next morning I set out to the castle to speak to with the king. I went to appeal to him, to ask him to replace just enough of what was lost for us to start over. He denied the request and sent me back home.” James shook his head and breathed a heavy sigh. “I don’t know what I am going to tell my wife and daughter.”

  They sat in a thoughtful silence until the back door opened and the young boy Caleb walked in. He grinned at James and his mother and picked up his project. He gave a whistle and the shaggy pup that lay under the table jumped up and padded softly behind Caleb as he went up a set of stairs to his room.

  Shortly after, James finished eating, Gabrielle pushed away from the table and stood. “Come, I’ll show you your room for the night.”

  James stood too and followed the older woman up a set of stairs to go to his room.

  He never should have stayed.

  One week had passed since James departed to the kingdom of Glendower. He never returned to his home in Omrie.

  Search parties scoured the paths between Omrie and Glendower, but none had found any sign of James.

  James’ wife Rose was heartbroken by the news of her missing husband, but she held hope in her heart that he was not dead and would someday return to them.

  The loss of their fortune resulted in debt and poverty. Rose had to sell their home and all their belongings just to pay off their debts. Now homeless and left with nowhere else to go, Rose took Melody and went to the palace of the late King Evander of Omrie.

  The king had died only two months earlier, and Monet, King Evander’s wife, spent many days in mourning for her beloved husband. The queen had stayed locked away in the castle for nearly a month before she took the throne as rightful ruler of Omrie, but she never stopped loving her king.

  When Rose and Melody came to the castle they were hired as maids. They were given a room in the servants’ quarters to live in at the castle. Melody got used to her new life at the castle. She worked hard to please her mother and the queen.

  She washed dishes and helped a girl named Ruby with the laundry and mending. Ruby was two years older than Melody, but the two became close friends over their time at the castle. Ruby understood what the younger girl was going through. She had lost her mother when she was a young girl, and had lost her father as well. She lived in an estate with her stepmother and two stepsisters, and she had come to work at the palace to pay off the debts her father left when he passed away.

  It was six weeks after Rose and Melody came to the castle that Rose lay, dying of a fever, on the small bed that she and Melody shared.

  Melody was on her knees at her dying mother’s bedside. “Mama, don’t leave me. I’ll be alone.” She clutched her mother’s frail hand, as if she could keep her from leaving. Rose stroked Melody’s hair with her free hand as tears streamed from her daughter’s eyes.

  “I know this isn’t easy for you, Melody. Darling, I need you to be strong for me, and for yourself. You won’t be alone forever. You have so much love in you. Follow your heart and don’t be afraid to share it.” Rose’s heartbeat slowed as she took her final breaths. “I love you, my Melody.” She breathed one last breath and her eyes drifted shut.

  The hand that Melody held so tightly onto went limp as her mother fell still. Melody stared at her lifeless body. She’s gone.

  Burning tears filled Melody’s eyes and she cried in anguish and fear. She couldn’t take anymore. She dropped her mother’s hand and ran from the room. She didn’t see where she was going. She ran down the halls and past fellow servants and maids who startled or cast worried glances at the girl as she rushed by.

  Melody ran through an open door that led to the clusters of gardens at the side of the castle. Running past gardens of fruit trees and herb plants, she came upon a tall, black iron gate built into a hedge that had many roses climbing up and blooming over the hedges. She flung the gate open and went through, her vision blurred by her tears. She came to a large gray fountain in the center of the rose garden and collapsed beside it. She buried her face in her arms on the lip of the fountain and cried.

  Melody didn’t care how long she wept in the garden. She had lost everything: her father, mother, home, and her life, all in a matter of weeks.

  “What’s the matter, child?” a gentle voice asked.

  Melody startled and raised her face, wiping the tears from her eyes as she looked to see a kind looking woman standing a few steps away from her.

  The lady wore a silk and lace dress of dark-gray. She had soft curls of yellow-gold hair that were pinned up in an artful updo, and a delicate crown of pure gold was nestled on her head. She gave the young girl a gentle smile, but Melody could see the sympathy in her eyes.

  The woman moved over to the fountain and sat down on the lip next to the girl. She stroked Melody’s hair with a gentle hand. “Why are you crying?”

  Fresh tears sprang to Melody’s eyes and she laid her head on the woman’s lap. “My mother just died,” she cried, the tears staining the fine silk of the woman’s skirt.

  A twinge of pain twisted the woman’s heart and she shut her eyes for a brief moment. “It’s all right. I understand what you’re going through.” She soothed Melody, gently stroking the young girl’s back. “What’s your name, dear?”

  Melody’s sobs slowly quieted and she lifted her head to look at the woman, sniffling. “Melody, my lady.”

  “Melody.” The lady smiled. “That’s a lovely name. I’m Monet.”

  Melody stared at the woman, finally noticing her crown and her fine gown. “Queen Monet?”

  “I am.” Monet affirmed. She studied the younger girl. “You said your mother died?”

  Melody bit her lip but nodded.

  “Do you have any more family? Is there no one else to care for you?”

  “No, ma’am. My father died not long ago. My mother was all I had left, and now she’s gone.” A fresh tear slipped down Melody’s cheek.

  A quiet moment passed before the queen stood and held out a hand to Melody. “Come with me.”

  Melody wiped her eyes but did as she was told and put her hand within the queen’s.

  Monet then turned and walked with the girl to the gates of the garden, pushing them open and starting back in the direction of the castle.

  The queen took them through a side door into the palace and they stepped into a long corridor. They walked up stairwells and down halls until Monet and Melody came to a corridor with few doors lining each side. The queen stopped at the door in the middle of the wall to the right and turned the knob, taking them inside inside.

  Monet and Melody entered a room with light-blue rugs and walls. A large canopy bed with matching blue coverlet and pillows stood by one of the walls. A fireplace sat opposite of the bed at the other wall. There were plush settees, tables, several beautiful pieces of art, and a wardrobe as well. Two tall floor windows stood on either side of a set of glass double doors that led to a small balcony.

  Melody breathed a small gasp as she took it all in. I’ve never seen such a beautiful room.

  “Do you like it?” The queen turned to look at her and smiled when she saw Melody’s expression.

  Melody nodded, moving a few slow steps further into the room. “It’s lovely, my lady.”

  Monet folded her hands in front of herself. “Then it’s yours.”

  Melody stopped in front of the canopy bed and turned back to the queen. “Mine?”

  “If you want it, of course.” Monet lifted her shoulders in a small shrug. “You can live here instead of the servants’ quarters.”

  Melody opened her mouth and then closed it. “I don’t know what to say.”

  The queen nodded. “I know this is sudden for you, but if you cannot decide now, it can wait. Take all the time you need.” She gave the young girl a smile that r
eached her eyes.

  Melody felt her heart squeeze. Fresh tears sprang to her eyes but she forced them back. “Why are you doing this?”

  “Because I understand what it’s like to lose someone who you love.” The queen looked deep in thought but she shook herself out of it and returned her attention to Melody. “If you want this room, it’s yours. It will be my gift to you. If you choose not to take it, then I understand.” Monet moved a few steps and stopped in front of the open doorway, turning back to Melody. “I will have someone tend to your mother and see to it that she has a proper burial.”

  All at once, Melody’s pain came rushing back. Her throat burned and she tried to answer but found she could only nod.

  “All right, dear. I’ll leave you to yourself now. Let me know if you need anything at all.” Monet slipped out of the room and shut the door softly behind her.

  Melody clasped a hand over her mouth to keep from crying again, but a sob escaped through her fingers despite her efforts. She collapsed onto the bed, buried her face into the pillows, and cried late into the evening before she fell into a restless sleep.

  After that day, Melody and Monet spent much time together. Monet took Melody in and treated the young girl as her own daughter, and the queen’s affection for Melody grew.

  Five months later, Monet adopted Melody and she became the princess of Omrie

  Melody was now a princess, but she found contentment in her daily chores and working alongside the other servants. She continued her work as a maid, but she did the things her new title required her to do, making appearances as the queen’s daughter, joining Monet and her guests for dinner each evening, among other things.

  Life had changed for Melody. She loved her life at the castle, and she loved Monet. Life went on and it was good, but it would be two years later that her life would change once again.

  Chapter One

  Two Years Later

  Melody strolled past the flowers in the palace gardens, the brown skirt of her maid’s uniform swaying as she went. A caress of the warm summer wind of caught a long tendril of her dark brown hair, blowing it behind her shoulder.

  She came to the end of the path and looked longingly to the queen’s rose garden, wishing only that she had the time to visit it before she had to return to her duties.

  “Later,” she promised herself. She walked into the section of the garden the flower trees grew in.

  She stood still for a moment and breathed in a deep breath of the sweet fragrance of flowers on the air.

  An image of her mother and father entered her mind.

  She could almost see them in the shade beneath the copse of pink cherry blossom trees. They sat at each other’s side on the single iron bench there, his arm wrapped around her and her head resting on his shoulder.

  I miss you. The single thought flittered through her troubled mind. Unbidden, a single tear rolled down her cheek. She quickly swiped it away and drew in another deep breath. Tears won’t bring them back. Nothing will.

  The clock in the palace’s topmost tower struck eight o’clock and the melodious chimes filled the air.

  I should be getting back, Melody decided. With one last longing glance to the now empty bench, she turned her back on the gardens and returned to the castle.

  Melody stepped from the gentle warmth of summer into the heat of the kitchens. The sounds of food sizzling on the stoves and the clattering of dishes filled the air in the immense room. The red-faced cook worked with expert speed as he and the staff prepared the afternoon meal for the entire palace. A pair of kitchen boys scrambled with filling and trays with steaming food, and several maids kept busy delivering full trays and bringing in empty ones.

  Melody went to the counter and began preparing a tray with toast and jam.

  An empty tray was set on the counter beside Melody and her friend Ruby Trent gave a heavy sigh.

  “Can you believe how busy it is?” Ruby shook her head with a frown. “Everywhere you turn, another mouth to feed.” She tucked a long strand of shimmering ruby-red hair back in her mussed bun.

  “It’s for the ball this evening.” Melody set a teapot on the tray and placed a porcelain teacup beside it. “Guests have been arriving since dawn.”

  The annual Summer’s Eve Ball was going to be held this evening. The ball hadn’t been held for two years now. It was the first ball the queen would be hosting since King Evander died, and the queen insisted on enhancing the festivities for the special event by holding this ball as a masquerade.

  “The kingdom’s first ball in two years!” Ruby clasped her hands to her heart. “Isn’t it exciting?”

  “I suppose,” Melody agreed with much less enthusiasm. “I’ve yet to find a way out of going. I suppose I’ll have to though. It wouldn’t look right if the queen’s daughter didn’t attend.”

  “I’d take your place if I could, Mel. I adore the music, the dancing. It really takes me back.” Ruby sighed wistfully. “Maybe it won’t be so bad. Who knows, you might actually have a nice time.”

  “Perhaps,” Melody agreed halfheartedly. She picked up the tray and moved for the kitchen doors. “I have to deliver this to the queen. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “See you later, Mel!”

  Melody made her way down the corridor to queen Monet’s private chambers, her hearting beat harder with each step. In far too little time, she reached the queen’s rooms. She moved the tray to one hand and knocked on the door.

  “Enter,” called a voice from the other side of the door.

  “I’ve brought your lunch, my lady.” Melody shut the door with a soft click and entered the ornate chambers awash in colors of ivory and aquamarine. She went to the elaborate chair and table where the queen was seated, poring over a stack of papers. She tapped the pen on her lip and the sunlight shining in played on the golden waves of her hair.

  Melody set the tray on the table and the queen gave her a warm smile.. “Thank You, Melody.” “How are you this morning?” Melody poured a steaming cup of tea. “I trust you slept well?”

  “I hardly slept a wink with the ball this evening.” Monet set aside the pen and papers with a fond smile. “I’ve forgotten how much I’ve missed this. I’m looking forward to it.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, my lady. I am not,” she muttered.

  “Oh, Melody!” Monet scolded with a warm laugh. “I know how you loathe these balls. This one is special. Will you come tonight? For me?” The queen stood and took Melody’s hand, watching her adopted daughter with bated breath.

  “All right. I’ll do it for you.” Melody’s shoulders slumped as she gave a sigh. “But I will not enjoy it.”

  “Oh, come now. Where’s the fun in that?” Monet laughed as she wrapped her arms around Melody. “Oh, thank you, darling.”

  “Of course.” She returned the hug before then withdrawing from the queen’s arms. She retrieved the tray from the table, dipped into a curtsy, and went towards the door.

  “Melody?” Monet stopped her as she opened the door.

  “Yes?” she turned with the question.

  “Thank you, darling.”

  Melody nodded with a hint of a smile and stepped outside of the queen’s chambers, shutting the door with a soft click. She made her way back down the corridor on the way to return to the kitchens.

  “Maybe Ruby will help me with my dress.”

  Chapter Two

  The Summer’s Eve Ball

  Later that evening, Melody paced in front of the ivory double doors that led to the ballroom.

  “My lady? Is something troubling you?” asked one of the guards posted at the doors.

  “I’m all right, just a little nervous,” Melody replied. She clutched the white-lace mask in her hands, fighting not to wring it like a wash rag. I can’t do this. I’m not meant to be doing this. She turned to continue pacing in the opposite direction, causing her skirt to twirl.

  She had decided to wear a dress Ruby had chosen for her. It was a simple but lovely dre
ss, with a skirt of the deepest midnight-blue and a white lace bodice with short sleeves the same midnight-blue as her skirt. Her hair had been styled into an elegant updo with several curls artfully escaping and framing her fair face.

  “Oh, Melody. You look beautiful.” The queen spoke as she glided down the corridor with a smile on her lips.

  The dress she wore was a striking red and decorated with hundreds of silk roses cascading over the side of her skirt from bodice to hem. Her hair was styled in an intricate braid which fell to her waist, and she wore satin gloves and a mask the same shade of red as her dress.

  The queen came to Melody and took her gloved hands in her own. She kissed her daughter’s cheek and then turned to face the ivory doors. “Are you ready?”

  “As I’ll ever be,” Melody sighed and put her mask on.

  The guards pulled the doors open and she and the queen entered the ballroom, stepping out onto the balcony overlooking the ballroom.

  The room was awash in colors of brilliant white and shining gold. Suspended from the marble ceiling were numerous crystal chandeliers hanging low and shimmering with the golden light of the burning candles. Tables laden with food and drink lined the far wall, and the crimson curtains had been pulled open, allowing the evening sunlight to spill into the room and gleam off the white-marble floor.

  The very air hummed with the gathering of lords and ladies who had already arrived to the illustrious event. Every last one of the nobles present were adorned in only the finest clothing and wore elaborate masks that concealed their faces. They floated around the room, socializing amongst the throng of guests. In the center of the room danced an array of couples, spinning in a sea of sunlight and silk.

  The queen and princess stopped in front of the balcony railing and the music faded, followed by the dancers as all eyes turned to them.