Linéaire : The lost Kingdom

Chapter 8

We arrived at a door where George let me in alone. A visit to the doctor, that too I had not done for at least two years. I'm hardly ever sick, or just have a little cold, but nothing serious. A woman in her thirties welcomes me and introduces herself.

- Hello, I'm Alya the castle doctor. You are here for a check-up to see if the diet you are on fits or not.

- Dieting? I'm not on a diet.

- It's not a shame you know all the other pretenders do it too.

- Alya, I assure you that I am not on a diet. I love food too much to stop eating anything.

-No diet then?

- Unless you plan on being an ice cream and chocolate fan, no, not a diet.

She laughs with me and gives me all the tests and declares that everything is perfect. And lets me go. George takes me through a maze of corridors again and finally gets to the right corridor where we hear a girl talking followed by a man. We wait for fifteen minutes before Margot comes out of the room to let us in. A man is putting away a mountain of clothes then he turns around and when he sees me he has a big smile.

- At last, here is our little girl of the people with a sharp tongue. You know I love you!

- Do I already have that reputation?

- Yes, well, in the castle. But don't worry, we all love you here! George, what are you still doing here?

- I'm making sure you don't traumatise my little Ariston.

-Don't worry about me George, I can take care of myself. I said.

He nods and leaves us both. Ariston, if I understand correctly, goes around my person inspecting every little detail.

- So you're the reason Diane is stealing my stuff. Perfect, I don't even have to look for your wise but rebellious style. My wife spends hours telling me that her little protégée has the best style.

- Your wife?

- Who Diane is my wife, I see she hasn't told you. Come on, come on, baby, I've got a lot of measurements to take. Get into your underwear.

I do what he tells me and he starts a whole bunch of measures that I don't see the point of. But he has a way of making me laugh with all his remarks about the other girls and the fact that I'm not one of those "skinny girls who are too selective and have too high a voice". I spent an hour with him trying on all kinds of dresses and skirts of all styles. Then I walked out the same way I came in but with a bigger smile. I love this man.

George and I then went to see the jeweller who also greeted us with a smile.

- And here is the beautiful moonstone. Just by seeing you I already know what

that you need fine and refined silver jewellery, not gold white I bet?

 - Money, yes, and that's exactly it, it has to be discreet.

This stone suits you perfectly. A soft, feminine, tender and even motherly and tolerant look. I'm not saying that you're already old and motherly, just that you give the impression that you love children. I have two pieces that should suit you.

He goes off to look for the sets I suppose in a room and comes back with one set that I already find too flashy and another that is perfect, it is both simple, discreet but the engraved patterns are intricate and beautiful. I then take the set and return to my room.

Once in it I simply put on the necklace, a ring andthe bracelet so as not to give too heavy an effect although it is discreet. Icontemplate myself. For once, when I see myself, I tell myself that I feel goodin the place and in my skin. It makes me feel really good. The bay window isslightly open and I hear laughter coming from the garden. I get up and go tosee who it is. I can see three children playing in the garden, laughing. Asmile appears on my face as I see the happiness of these children. A littlegirl notices me and stops to greet me and I do the same. But again there is aknock on my door.