The Fake Princess

22- A visit from an old friend

Days have passed and a lot of things have happened. I've been invited to two more tea parties, as a socialite, there is an expectation for me to go. It was nice to see more of my friends, girls I haven't had enough time to spend with.

The other day, I visited the palace again. The Prince and I spent the day together again, playing the instruments we knew as children. That hobby is a secret we did. We were not amazing like the musicians in court, but we were good enough. The servants who would accompany us loved our performances and we ended up playing for her majesty.

Later, Cassian took me to his study where I told him the truth of it all. I told him what was happening with the dukedoms and that I had a plan to fix it all. I told him the truth on why I wanted to marry him and how I planned to use that power. He was angry at it all. He was angry at the Dukes who did all this in secret, angry at his father for not questioning it at all, angry that I was going to be fixing the problem on my own.

I repeated the plan, how our friends would no longer do this. As a Queen and as my King, we could pressure the other dukes to step down. Cassian said that he would employ new laws so that none of this happens again, that the other dukes will not try to undermine me or him. I thanked him for his help, telling him that we will resolve this all when I return.

He told me he would send his messenger bird to me, one that is enchanted to always know the right person. He says that he will start the plans, talking with our friends to get rid of it. He will start collecting evidence and bring it to court, he wants to make it official and public. This will guarantee his throne, and with a sick father... we have to act fast.

We didn't talk about our marriage. I do not know if we will fall in love. There is still the worry if we either fall in love with each other or with another, but if it hasn't happened yet I doubt it will happen soon.

The chatter around me brought me out of my daydream. I was in my room getting a final measurement of my dress for tomorrow. Madame Cholina and her crew of dressmakers were in my room creating a mess. The Duchess was there, spewing her input from the couch where the Queen sat.

I do not know why the Queen was in my room, but she said because she will be hosting my party and that her son will be my escort, she wanted to be the first person to see me in my dress. The Duchess fawned over her, gossiping about whatever the older ladies talked about. Cholina, a young lady who had magic fingers that made magic designs, asked me quiet questions.

"Is it true that the Prince in in love with you?" She asks me, tight curls bouncing with the direction of her head. She pokes her head around my shoulder and I blush from the sudden question.

"We are really good friends." I politely say. I ask for some water and an attendant hands it over to me. I take a long gulp, downing the water as the girls around me giggle.

"I'm sure a proposal will be coming soon." The Queen pipes up and the Duchess giggles. I look over my shoulder pretending to be surprised.

I have received a letter from Cassian. He has asked for the Duke's blessing and is talking with the King with gifting me a special ring. Surely the Queen and Duchess know of this and are trying terribly to be silent about it.

"Oh?" I say. "I am just... incredibly happy to have him next to me... and I hope we can enter more dances and balls together." I shyly smile, playing into the shy girl in love. Truthfully I want to be alone and sleep.

"You are the prettiest and loveliest lady in the Kingdom," Cholina beams. "If he doesn't fall in love with you, then he is delusional." I thank her and the other people chime in compliments that make my face red and I cover it out of embarrassment. I can never get used to attention.