Bars of Blood

Chapter 5: Royal Crochet

I woke up in my bed, shivering. I turned over, only to see that Euryale was sitting on a wooden stool near the door, reading a book.

I stared at her calm state. With no work to do, she seemed as composed as ever. Her hair draped around her sides as she flipped through the pages, unbothered.

I shifted, and she looked at me. She put down the book and rushed over, sweeping down into a deep curtsy. "Your majesty."

"Hi," I replied.

"It is already seven o'clock, my queen. I have prepared a wonderful breakfast." She grabbed a tray that sat on my desk and placed it on my lap as I sat up.

"Oh... Thank you."

"You're welcome. The Late Queen's funeral will be today at approximately two-thirty in the afternoon. For now, feel free to do whatever you wish until one, where I will be attending to your appearance."

I nodded. After the spectacle that was yesterday, surely I could handle a simple funeral. "Got it."

"If you still request my presence-"

"Actually," I stopped her. She fell silent, listening with apt attention. "I was wondering..."

"Yes, your greatness?"

"I want to know more about you, Euryale. You are my lady-in-waiting, after all."

Euryale paused. She seemed taken aback by this question, but hid her surprise with a tentative smile. "Of course. My name is Euryale Liang and my father was the son of the Earl of House Mai-Di. Of course, my direct family no longer holds any title, as the line passed to my cousin Simon just this past year," she recited. It was evident that she had practiced that response for ages.

"Your father was the son of the Earl?"

"Yes. He died just this summer after a fire killed both my father and uncle."

"Sorry for your loss." I found myself saying automatically. I felt that Euryale could sense my insincerity. "How did you come across this job?"

She bowed her head in respect. "I was seven when you and your sister were born, your majesty. Your mother was known for her efficiency, so it was no surprise that she could not resist when my father offered his only daughter to become your lady-in-waiting even before you were even born, especially from such an honorable man. If she did not accept me, many other potential ladies would interfere and cause chaos over who shall be the princess' lady. It is a very honorable title."

"I see."

"Do you have any questions, my lady?"

"So your whole purpose of living is to serve me?"

She looked straight at me, her eyes darkening. "I cannot disappoint my father, your majesty. He would be proud that I serve the Queen of all Eastland."

I laughed. "I wouldn't be so proud."

"My father taught me much over the years. He had many servants teach me about the art of servitude, so I should become the perfect maid," Euryale sighed, sitting down on the chair once more. "He did not expect for you to be arrested. It came as a shock to all of us.."

"I-I'm sorry."

"I know."

I stood up. Her eyes trailed behind me as I walked across the room to the closet. "Let's change."

She scurried over to me, quickly grabbing as many dresses as her hands could hold. "Take your pick, your majesty!"

She held four dresses, two in each hand. One was a bright green maxi dress, each crease weaved into an elegant pattern of colors. Another held a beautiful purple empire waist, a gradient shimmering down to my ankles. The other two were baby blue, one studded with rhinestones and lace, and another in a Victorian-style, a formal buttoned jacket adorning the top.