Chapter 55
Lucina
Maverick opens the door for the carriage.
Haroun steps out first, turning to offer me a hand as I dismount from the Gilcha lizard. The setting sun casts long shadows, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
I am utterly exhausted from the day's events. I spent it with the Pope. A day filled with me playfully pestering him, pushing the boundaries of decorum just to see how far I could go.
I snicker at the memory of Haroun's reaction.
His eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw me casually sit in the Pope's chair. The scandalized look on his face was priceless. Despite his usual stoic demeanor, I could tell his heart nearly stopped at my audacity.
We make our way back to the palace. The cool evening air refreshes my skin.
We walk through the palace grounds, observing the flurry of activity around us. Maids and attendants scurry about. Their hurried steps and animated chatter fill the air.
Right. The royals from the Brendholm Kingdom arrived yesterday.
Tomorrow is the grand welcome ball and banquet in their honor.
The reminder flits through my mind. I push it aside for now.
The evening air fills with anticipation and a touch of chaos as preparations swing into full motion.
We finally reach my palace.
The moment we step inside, Valendor sweeps me up into his arms. He spins me around with such exuberance that you'd think I'd been gone for years instead of just a day.
His joy is infectious.
I laugh. The sound echoes through the grand hall.
"You're back!"
He sets me down but keeps a firm hold on my hands. His eyes sparkle with relief and happiness.
A warm rush of affection for him floods my chest.
"Miss me that much?"
I tease, squeezing his hands before finally releasing them.
"You have no idea."
His voice is a mixture of playfulness and sincerity. He steps back, still beaming.
I take his cheeks in my hands. I stand on my toes and plant a kiss on his forehead.
This is why I think Valendor resembles a puppy.
His figurative tail seems to wag with joy.
I giggle.
I catch sight of Haroun silently slipping past us into the house. His expression is one of quiet amusement.
Before I know it, Valendor disappears from my line of sight.
Suddenly, Nikolai is there.
He takes my hand and offers to kiss it. His movements are so graceful, so natural, that I could almost believe he was born into nobility.
He bows slightly. His purple eyes twinkle as he presses his lips to my knuckles.
"Welcome back, my princess."
His voice is smooth and warm.
*
"Breathe in!!!!!"
Kai's voice pierces the air. His hands expertly tighten the corset around me.
I wince. The constriction tightens as he pulls the laces taut.
"I can't breathe!!!"
My voice is strained. Desperate.
"Well, maybe you shouldn't have eaten and lazed around so much!"
His fingers deftly adjust the knots, ensuring a perfect fit.
After what feels like an eternity, he finally ties the corset securely.
I stagger over to the chair in front of the mirror. My body feels lethargic from the ordeal.
Stacy—ever diligent and reliable—immediately begins fussing over my makeup.
The makeup products fascinate me. Some resemble familiar items from Earth, like the mascara tube. Others are completely alien—the circular lipstick and the cream-like clear foundation leave me bewildered.
Meanwhile, Kai moves on to my hair. Despite his earlier complaints about being treated like a mere attendant, his skillful hands deftly detangle and style my hair into an elegant arrangement.
I watch his reflection in the mirror.
"You're doing a wonderful job, Kai."
I offer it sincerely. Grateful for his expertise despite his occasional grumbling.
He glances up briefly. A hint of a smile plays on his lips.
"Just doing my duty, Your Highness."
Mischief colors his voice.
*
Kai and Stacy put the finishing touches on my appearance.
Frustration and anticipation mix in my chest. Adjusting the corset was torturous—albeit necessary in the eyes of courtly fashion.
As they meticulously work on my makeup and hair, I turn to Kai with a pointed look.
"How is the plan going?"
Suspicion laces my tone.
"Now, now, Your Highness."
His hands deftly arrange the layers of my gown with Stacy's assistance.
**
A clandestine operation to revolutionize the fashion norms of our kingdom. We aim to phase out the dangerously restrictive corsets that have plagued noblewomen for centuries.
The new dresses—currently in production at a secret factory—will still feature corsetry. But in a modified, safer form. More akin to what common women wear, but adorned with intricate designs and gemstones befitting royalty.
Meticulous attention to detail causes delays. But it's crucial to ensure acceptance among the conservative and stuck-up noble ladies.
"The factory is almost finished with the dresses." Kai's voice carries satisfaction. "In two months, they should be ready."
I glance down at my chest.
I'm already more than blessed in this area.
But this corset makes the whole attire scandalous. The current fashion demands such exaggeration. Unfortunately, the average woman in Salona needs it.
Finally, they complete their work.
I stand before the mirror.
A resplendent royal blue gown—a color reserved exclusively for the royal family during official banquets. The necklace I wear, adorned with crystals representing the phases of the moon, remains a constant.
"The necklace?"
Kai prompts, gesturing toward it.
"It stays."
I'm already tired of the night's activities.
"Done!"
Kai exclaims with a satisfied tone, wiping a figurative sweat off his forehead.
I manage a breathless laugh.
The tightness of the corset.
No laughter for me.