Chapter 12 Green with Envy

  "Why is it you don't live in the castle, Princess Erin?" Chloe asked saucily.

  "I choose not to live there."
  Chloe didn't let up.
  "Is it true you never lived there?"

  "Ye shouldn't question Her Highness Chloe," Kristen piped up.

  "We should all be grateful to have this opportunity to serve Princess Erin," Kristen continued.
  A stiff silence fell over the table.
  As the spoons scraped the last of the kasha from the bowls Princess Erin broke the silence.
  "Chloe, you will do the dishes."
  "What?  Kristen always does the dishes.  She's the peasant."
  Princess Erin rose.  The girls followed suit.
  "Would ye like us to help with the dishes Your Highness?"
  Princess Erin considered.

  "No Lola.  Chloe will do them herself."
  At this Chloe walked past Princess Erin bumping her shoulder roughly.

  "Get over here."
  Chloe curtsied before the princess with a smirk on her face.

  "Don't test me Chloe Curious."
  Princess Erin turned.
  "Lola?"
  Lola followed the Princess from the room.
  "My sister deserved that," Lola whispered as she went.  "We aren't even nobles."
  "Ye shouldn't do that Chloe.  Yer gonna spoil this fer all of us.  We're practically ladies in waiting here."

  "Hm!" Chloe sniffed.

  "Ye should be careful.  Suppose she turns ye over to her brother?  The king ain't known for bein' merciful."

  "She ain't nothin' but a spoiled princess, wearin' her bright purple frock."

  "Ye ought to keep yer envy in check Chloe.  She treats ye fair enough.  Look at yer pretty gown with the laces in front."

  "I ain't the only one green with envy peasant."

  Kristen's face turned red.  She fled the room, leaving Chloe alone in her punishment.