The Truth about Everything Chapter 1

Chapter 1

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The two sixteen year old women were standing out in the orchard picking apples. One was standing near the road; the other had her back turned away from it. The sound of horse hooves hitting the dirt made them both look up.

“Marie, look,� the one nearest the road called out to her companion. “Two riders are approaching.�

Marie du Bois, the one furthest from the road, turned around. “Yes, Nicole, I see them. I think one of them is the Prince.�

“You can see that far?� Nicole asked.

“You think you are so smart, don’t you?� Marie asked, scolding her playfully.

“They are getting closer,� Nicole said. “And you are right, it is the Prince, but I do not recognize the other boy with him.� She squinted at him to try and get a closer look. “He is so handsome, isn’t he?�

“Why Nicole de Lancret, I believe that you like someone already. I hope you are not speaking of my fiancé.�

“The Prince?� Nicole said, still watching the two of them as two of them neared the manor gate. “No, Marie, he is yours. I am still partial to the other by his side.�

She waited for answer, but none came. She took her eyes off the riders and turned to face Marie who was now staring at them. She caught Nicole looking at her and turned to face her with big smile.

“Listen,� Marie said, as the two men road through onto the driveway. “I need a favor from you.�

Nicole looked at her. “What sort of favor?�

“Well,� she said, and looked up. They were still headed down the driveway, no longer moving quickly.

“Switch places with me, Nicole. Pretend to be me and I will pretend to be you. I couldn’t have done this without you.�

Updated: July 18, 2002 — 2:52 am