The Orphan’s Commision

Writing Prompt: an invitation shows up in the mail. who is it from and what is it for. I guess I’m in a bit of a princess retelling phase. I hope that my plot twist with this story comes across the way I mean it to. If anyone is interested in checking out my YouTube channel where a read my stories out for you, please check it out @katiep_awriter.

As an orphan in the kingdom of Levingston, Peter was barely considered a citizen. Growing up in the orphanage on the border of the kingdom he learned to keep his head down and out of the way of the nursemaids. It was a wonder how any of them chose to care for children when they acted as if the children were the ones who chose to be there. Peter was lucky though that the carpenter next door needed help just as Peter was old enough to start working. The carpenter took him on in an apprenticeship. Though Peter would have to work to overcome the stigma of being an orphan.

Carol on the other hand grew up being waited on hand and foot. She was the second child of King Duran and Queen Edna. Her older brother Prince Thomas was training to become king one day. His betrothal to princess Charlotte from a far-off land had been set for them when they were both young. But for Carol she did not need to produce a hair so she would be allowed to marry whoever she wanted once she turned seventeen. She was looking forward to the introduction ball being held in her honor, but not to the idea of having to appraise potential suitors.

Carol wasn’t against the idea of marriage. She witnessed several couples in court who appeared to be very happy together, but her parents’ marriage had been arranged and they tolerated each other. As far as Carol could tell, her brother’s marriage was heading in the same direction. Her fear of getting married was that her parents would force an arrangement anyway. And based on the guest list of only noble men would do. Carol figured that if she was going to meet as many of the young men of the kingdom as she could.

Peter had been working daily for weeks when his boss, Mr. Anderson, walked into the workshop. He stopped Peter from doing the project he was working on. He handed Peter an envelope with a small grin on his face. The envelope was made of fine material. On the front was his name and the back held the crest of the royal family. Inside was an invitation that said he could go to the ball at the palace for the princess to be introduced as a lady to the kingdom.

This had to be a mistake. Even if the commoners were meant to be invited the orphans would not be since they were second class citizens. Peter looked up at Mr. Anderson, who confirmed that this was a real invitation. He also agreed to allow Peter off for the night. It seemed clear to Peter that Mr. Anderson was hoping to live vicariously through Peter.

Back at the palace Carol had been summoned by her parents to her father’s office. He had received the updated guest list and learned of Carol’s no longer secret invitations. There was a very long argument over why it was a bad idea of a good idea to invite all eligible men in the kingdom. Her mother’s argument that commoners would not be worthy of a princess. Her father argued that marriage was to be used to strengthen the family line. Carol argued that this was just an introduction ball, not the moment she needed to make a choice. So, she wanted to show the kingdom that the family still cared about them. In the end, even if her parents didn’t want additional guests in the palace, the invitations were already sent out. So, they could not stop it now.

The night of the ball came fast. Carol was in her chamber getting ready when her brother came in to check on her. He was the best big brother she could ask for, always supporting her in learning anything she wanted too. Tonight all he wanted he to do was have fun. He was amused by the idea that she had invited all the commoners. He even thanked her so that he could get to know the people he would one day be leading. Carol admitted that had not been her intention but was glad she could help him. As such Thomas now was going to be in the ballroom right away to mingle with everyone as much as possible.

Peter on the other hand was nervous he would somehow make a fool of himself. Mr. Anderson had helped prepare him to sell products as well as make them since the orphanage barely provided any education. Most orphans would end up homeless and begging in the streets because of the non-existent social skills. Peter was going to be better off in life because Mr. Anderson had taken liking to him. However, that did not mean he would know how to conduct himself at such a formal event. Mr. Anderson encouraged him to only talk about his work and not about his upbringing. He should think about all of them as future customers. When Mr. Anderson asked if he wanted advice about speaking to the princess. Peter blushed and said he had planned on avoiding her. Peter said that he didn’t want to have a spotlight on him for the rest of his life, that’s why he was working hard to take care of himself. He didn’t have a chance with the princess, anyway, so why bother even being introduced.

Mr. Anderson dropped Peter off at the front gates at the start of the ball and promised to return at the end. Peter followed the crowd into the large ballroom. It wasn’t long before he got pulled into a young group of men about his age. He was surprised by how easy it was to fit in. There was one who was just a little older than him. This young man was dressed to the nines which told Peter that he was from a noble class. He said his name was Thomas and did not seem to notice how worn Peter’s borrowed suit was.

About an hour into the festivities Peter managed to get three gentlemen to promise to visit the carpentry shop for custom pieces. Thomas also said he wanted to come to check out the work. This was about the time that the king and queen were announced and the princess was introduced. Peter found that she was breath taking. That’s when Thomas walked forward to have the fist dance with the princess. That’s when Peter was informed that Thomas was the prince and was being a good big brother by dancing with her fist. Peter was a bit embarrassed by not realizing he had been speaking to the prince.

On the dance floor, Thomas and Carol had huge smiles on their faces. Thoams smile was genuine thanking Carol for inviting the commoners. He had already met a blacksmith, a farmer, and a carpenter who each had a passion for their work. Carol was faking her smile. She was worried she would make a fool of herself somehow and with so many eyes on her she knew that would be an embarrassment to the family. Thomas told her not to worry about that now and to try to just have conversations with the guests.

When the dance was finished Thomas passed Carol off to a young gentleman for her next dance. Carol found that Thomas was right. Once she just talked and tried to enjoy herself, conversation came easily. Before long she had met a young man named albert who was charming, funny and great dancer. When she introduced him to her parents, he was polite and gracious. The king and queen surprisingly agreed to let him call on the princess the next morning.

As guests were beginning to leave Peter felt the night was more than a success. Though he was sure Mr. Anderson would be silently disappointed about Peter not talking to the princess. Neither could complain however when a royal carriage pulled up to the shop a week later.

Prince Thomas and his betrothed, princess Charlotte, had decided to come to ask for a wedding arch to be constructed for them. Mr. Anderson looked absolutely stunned. But Peter bowed to the prince. Prince Thomas said that it was Peters passion for his work that brought them to the shop and promised that whenever a carpenter would be needed for the palace. Peter would be their first choice.