Stray by Elissa Sussman

Aislynn hurried toward the kitchen, where the servants’ day had already begun and the sounds and smells of breakfast greeted her.
    Her stomach grumbled, but she didn’t stop. As she headed out the back door, the early bell sounded, no doubt waking the rest of the fairy godmothers. The grass was wet with morning dew, and though Aislynn did her best to hold up her robes, the hem of her uniform was quickly soaked. She reached the bouquet table just as Thackery was exiting his cottage, his arms full of roses.
    Fixing a smile on her face, Aislynn decided that she would forgive him for his comments the night she had arrived and for his rude behavior the next morning. There was no reason for either of them to hold a grudge. She lifted her hand in greeting, hoping to start anew, but before she could say anything, Thackery threw Linnea’s bouquet into her arms and went back into the cottage, slamming the door behind him.
    Clearly he was still out of sorts.
    Aislynn gave a small huff of frustration, turned on her heel, and stomped back to the castle. As she passed the rest of the fairy godmothers just exiting the kitchen, she told herself that it didn’t matter what the castle gardener thought of her.
    Linnea’s room was still dark when Aislynn entered. She placed the flowers on the dresser and went to open the curtains, just as Tahlia had always done. As morning spread across the carpet, Aislynn carefully arranged the roses in their vase. She was examining her handiwork when she remembered that her fairy godmother had also greeted her each morning with a tray of tea.
    â€œThorns,” she swore under her breath. It wasn’t even eight o’clock, and she had already made a mistake.
    â€œHmmm?” came a sleepy voice. Linnea was sitting up in bed, rubbing her eyes.
    â€œGood morning, Your Majesty,” said Aislynn, inching toward the door. There was still time. Chances were that the tray was waiting for her downstairs. It wouldn’t take long to get it. But before she could, she noticed that Linnea was holding out her arms with a look of confusion.
    The robe. Aislynn snatched up the dressing gown that lay across the plush chair next to the bed. The delicate fabric seemed to tangle and wrinkle as she struggled to wrap Linnea in it. Finally the monarch princess kindly batted her away and put on the robe by herself.
    Rising from her bed, Linnea made her way to the vanity and, once she was seated, looked at Aislynn expectantly. There was a quiet knock on the door and Brigid entered, carrying a tray of tea.
    â€œGood morning, Your Majesty.” The servant girl gave a bow and was gifted with a dazzling smile from the monarch princess. “Aislynn thought we should divide responsibilities so as to best ease you through this transition.”
    â€œOh, Aislynn.” Linnea beamed up at her fairy godmother. “You are so thoughtful.”
    â€œShall I help you with your hair?” Brigid asked. She set the tray down on the dresser next to the flowers.
    â€œYes, thank you, Brigid.” Linnea’s posture was in line with the back of her chair.
    Over Linnea’s head, Brigid nodded toward the tea set, and eager to do something useful, Aislynn busied herself with pouring a cup. Enough to drink, but not too full. She even blew on it a little.
    Placing the delicate porcelain teacup on an equally delicate saucer, Aislynn brought the tea to Linnea. Brigid had begun to unwind the monarch princess’s hair, and Aislynn stepped back to observe.
    With gentle fingers, Brigid untied each of the ribbons that secured Linnea’s curls. She unfurled each glossy lock until it rested against Linnea’s pale neck and shoulders.
    The monarch princess seemed to appreciate Brigid’s assistance. Her eyes were closed, a small smile appearing in the corner of her lips . . . a smile that quickly faded when she took a sip of her tea.
    â€œYour Majesty?” Brigid’s hands stilled as