A Queen Without A King

Chapter 10

I quickly turn my alarm off before it wakes up Madeline who's sound asleep next to me. The clock reads 5:45am. Luke left yesterday night and is going to be back later with his date. I leave the bed and walk over to the washroom and start getting ready for the day. 

I play some gentle music, making sure it isn't too loud, and turn on the shower. I'm not sure how much time I'll have to get ready for the ball later, so I'm showering now so that I won't need to worry about that later. Once I'm all cleaned, I brush my teeth and start going through my day in my head. 

Most things should already be in order, I just need to survey over the whole thing. This isn't the first time, obviously, and most of the workers have already worked for me before. Today should go just as planned if we just stay on schedule.

I'll stop by Owen's room before going downstairs to let him know where I'll be throughout the day. I'm sure he knows, but I just want to make sure that he has an idea of where I am in case he needs me. 

I finish up my morning skin care routine, going through the steps, and then wrap a robe around me before stepping out of the washroom. I walk over to the closet, Madeline is still sound asleep in my bed, and pick out my outfit for the day. I stick with a nice blazer with dress pants and settle for some black stilettos. 

I go back to the washroom and dress then begin on my makeup. I have to look approachable for any early arriving guests, so I make sure to do natural makeup and I quickly fix up my hair into nice ringlets. 

Once I finish getting ready, I write a quick note to Madeline letting her know where I should be throughout the day and leave with a quick kiss on her forehead. I walk over to Owen's bedroom, my stilettos echoing through the hall, and knock on his door. When he doesn't open the door after the first knock, I let myself in. 

Owen is still sound asleep, I would be too if I could, it's only just past six in the morning. I go to do the same as I did for Madeline, leave a little note, when I hear him stir in his bed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," I whisper gently. I know I don't like loud sounds when I wake up, so I try to keep it down in case he's the same. Owen sits up in his bed, that's when I notice he isn't wearing a shirt. My cheeks glow red as I take in the view, his defined abs. 

"Everything okay, princess?" he questions, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. I give my head a little shake before answering.

"Everything is great actually," I start. I walk over to him and take a seat on the side of his bed. "I just have to go make sure everything goes smoothly today. The workers should be arriving at around seven and I want to make sure they have coffee before they get to work."

"Did you want me to come help? Is that why you're here?" he asks. I shake my head and let out a little laugh.

"No, it's okay. I've done this thousands of times before," I smile at him. "Actually, I was about to write a little note letting you know where I would be throughout the day so you wouldn't search around for me".

"Oh okay. I can still come help, if you want. I mean, I'm already awake now," he says shifting around under the blanket.

"No, don't worry about it. And I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to wake you. I should've taken off the shoes at the door," I say. These shoes are exceptionally loud for absolutely no reason. But I like how empowered I feel while wearing them.

"Mm, don't take the shoes off," Owen pretends to whine. I let out a giggle and lift my legs to show him the shoes. "You look good today, like really good".

"Thank you," I say standing up. "Well I have to go but I'll be in the kitchen until probably 7:30, and then I'll be in the ballroom for most of the day. If I'm not there, check the kitchen, my office, or in the main hall. Madeline will get up late, but once she's up you can chill with her until we start getting ready, unless she doesn't want to hang out with you".