The Missing Stone

Celebrity Encounter

Castle Fhirdiad is huge.

No doubt bigger than the monastery, with even more confusing twists and turns.

The remaining castle staff keep referring to His Highness as 'Dima', and every time the prince would flush. And every time the professor hears it his eyes would start twinkling with amusement and mischief, and it almost creeps Mildred out. Annette now leads her up to the guest rooms to get ready for the "victory celebration". And then after that would be Dimitri's coronation, and after that another celebration-

No wonder the prince protested. Just the thought of all of the things that need to be done is making her head spin.

"Are you ready to get ready?" Annette asks excitedly, before giggling at what she said. Mildred knows that somewhere Mercedes is dragging Ingrid this way for the same reason. She nods, having a vague idea what 'getting ready' entails. Annette opens the door and sweeps inside, happily humming a tune. Mildred is surprised to find Bernadetta, and even Linhardt, inside. She stares at the latter as Annette sits her on the vanity chair.

Bernadetta sits cross legged on the floor furthest from the door, Linhardt is... well... asleep on the bed. Annette notices Mildred's staring and waves it off.

"Don't mind him," she says, rummaging through the drawers beside the dresser mirror. "He's probably going to sleep through all of this. Besides, he doesn't look at women that way." Bernadetta blushes from her spot and Mildred blinks. Linhardt mumbles something into the pillow before rolling over.

Annette pulls out a silk blue dress just as Mercedes bursts through the door with Ingrid wearing a pained smile. "Don't worry Ingrid!" Mercie says cheerfully, probably the most excited Mildred has seen her. "It will only be the eyes today and a dress. Besides, Mildred will go first so you'll see how little it is!" Mildred blinks again from her spot.

"What?" She asks, slightly nervous from Ingrid's fidgeting. Annette disappears behind the changing screen with Bernadetta and a white dress. Mercedes picks up a small brush similar to the ones in her room and directs Mildred to turn around.

"It's makeup!" She responds, running a brush through Mildred's hair. It's longer, nearly brushing down to her shoulders. "It's amazing, and it won't hurt a bit if that's what you're worried about." Mercedes swiftly and skillfully braids Mildred's hair, little braids beside her ears. She clips the hair away from her face before moving away to get something.

"Mercedes," Ingrid sighs, leaning against the dresser. "It's not that I dislike it, I'm just not used to luxuries like this since House Galatea has been low on supplies since..." She trails off, shaking her head. Mercedes turns back to her with a soothing smile.

"It's okay," the healer whispers, wrapping the blonde in a side hug. "You don't have to wear a dress if you don't want to." Ingrid lifts her head with a sad smile.

"How about... I wear one for His Highness' coronation?" Annette squeals suddenly from behind the screen, rushing out from behind it.

"Oh that's great Ingrid!" The ginger cheers, and Linhardt grumbles on the bed. Annette winces before quieting her voice. "Bernie! Come out here!"

The archer peeks out from behind the screen, smiling shyly. "Do I really have to go out there?" Mildred offers her her own smile, sympathizing with her in all of the unfamiliarity that has been the last several months. Annette and Mercedes encourage her to come out and show them her dress with bright expressions and compliments. She eventually does, shuffling into the middle of the room and doing a small spin.

"Does it look good?" She asks, nervous energy radiating off of her in waves, making Mildred's tail swish. The dress is elegant: white bodice with gold embroidery and embellishments with violet sashes. Annette almost screams, gushing over how cute and pretty Bernadetta is. Mercedes and Ingrid laugh lightly at her antics. Mildred thinks that she looks beautiful too.