Forbidden Lovers

Part 2

Part 2

Hanni was in her quarters, she knew her parents had invited a very important suitor to lunch today. That meant she'd have to make the worst impression so that the boy pulled his courting and told his friends. Hanni pulled out a murky green gown. It was quite a sight, gifted to her by the Italia Kingdom's head seamstress. It had a large sash of brown that flowed from the left shoulder to the right hip and the neck had a horrid piece of fabric sticking out like a miniature table that curled into a twist. It was ugly, to put it in a few words, it was also perfect. If her taste in clothing were reflected by this outfit, no suitor would be all in. With the help of a surprised maid Hanni pulled the dress on, the maid grimaced as Hanni twirled and smirked as the stiff fabric didn't move.

"Madame Hanni, that dress, um...how do I put it? Well, this dress won't be appealing to your incoming suitor." The maid, Sofenna, told Hanni. Hanni nodded with a satisfied smirk.

"I know, Lady Marx'' Hanni replied. "Please send word to the scribe to ask Italia's seamstress for more gowns. I'm extremely happy with this one." Hannie continued looking down at Sofenna. Sofenna nodded, stood up and scurried out of the room.

Hanni looked around her room. She saw an eccentric vase with flowers and twigs in an elegant twist. Hannie went up to the vase and began plucking twigs out of the vase. She went to her vanity and pulled her short pink hair into a small and elegant bun. She stuck the twigs in her hair, twisting them in so they would stay put. Hanni admired her reflection. She was quite the sight to see. Her dress and hair worked well together (by that she meant it looked horrible), and Hanni decided to top it off with some bland sandals. Her mother told her to make sure and wear heels at least 4 inches tall, because according to her, she must be close to her suitor’s height.

"Madame Hanni, what are you doing?" A voice asked through the closed door of Hanni's quarters.

"Getting ready for Lunch, of course," Hanni said, walking over to the door, pulling it open to see Lady Wardla. It'd been two days since Lady Wardla showed Hanni her birthday gown. Lady Wardla's eyes widened seeing Hanni's appearance.

"Madame Hanni, that outfit is atrocious!" She shrieked then quickly added, "In my personal and professional opinion of course. I mean no disrespect . . .." She trailed off. Hanni smirked. She turned and walked away letting Lady Wardla trail behind her.

"I think this outfit gives off the perfect first impression! I don't want to be seen as a fool in silly colored dresses. This dress is of deep color, rich in style and ugly like the fall to hell," Hanni explained. "It's just how I'd like to be perceived." Lady Wardla gasped and shook her head before going to Hanni's closet and pulling out a deep wine red gown. It was fitted with a mermaid tail.

"Madame Hanni, this may not be a church yet this ground is still sacred. You mustn't talk like that. I don't understand why you would want such an unappealing dress," Lady Wardla scolded. "This gown, made by your maids, is a deep color with rich style. I must admit it's very sophisticated, very much how you're parents would want you to be perceived," Lady Wardla explained.

"Thank you, Lady Wardla, but I much prefer this Italia fabric, it is soothing against my skin. I will be perceived by this suitor in this gown. I will not change," Hanni persisted. Lady Wardla sighed and shook her head.

"So stubborn, your highness, you must be serious with these suitors, they are your future. You must put forward some attempt," Lady Wardla tried again. "I must be going now your highness, please consider other outfit options." She stepped out of Hanni's closet and sighed disappointedly, brushing off her skirt and walking away. Hanni listened to Lady's Wardla's distinct clicking steps as they faded.

Taking a deep breath Hanni left her quarters and strode to the great hall. She could hear the ruckus outside. The suitor was making a fuss about his entrance. Hanni cringed. Self-centered attention hogs were not attractive to her. Hanni recalled her mothers' voice in her head. You are not looking for someone attractive and nice, you are looking for someone who can hold you down and help you lead a kingdom. The only thing Hanni wanted to do with the power of a kingdom was change opinions, but of course, she needed a prince consort for that power and that would do the opposite of proving her point.