The Mysterious Lady

The Second Goodbye

CHAPTER SIX

Leilah stared at the beautiful enchantress in front of her. She couldn't believe her eyes, could this be truly her? She'd been staring at herself in the mirror for a long time now ever since her newly hired maid, Harriet--niece of her nana--placed the finishing touches.

She wore her luscious hair pinned up with a diamond ensemble clip and her tiara elaborately placed in the center. Her ivory silk gown was made enticingly to strut her well endowed figure. An acceptable plunging neckline--though not that low--revealing a slight peek of her cleavage, a small puffed sleeve and an elbow length lace gloves decorated her alluring attire. Matched with a diamond earbobs, a simple diamond necklace and a soft ivory white slippers to complete the ensemble appraisingly.

She could not believe the end result. Will Hugh recognize me? He better does or i'll skin him alive..she thought with glee. I can't wait to see his face!

A soft knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

Her mother sailed inside looking beautiful with her light blue ball gown. Her hair was also pinned atop her head with her crown perfectly in place.

She stopped dead on her tracks when she saw her appearance.

"Is something wrong mother? Aren't you pleased with my appearance?" She felt dejected after seeing her mother's bewildered reaction.

"No. I was just shocked. My God! Every one who looked at you will be spellbound. A mayhem may even ensue. Hmm, I suggest we should cover your face first then reveal it later." Her mother's eyes twinkled with merriment.

"Here wear this first for awhile." She threw a pearly white satin cloak on her shoulders then lifted the hood up covering her hair and face completely. After donning the cloak, she surveyed her work with a critical eye. Satisfied, she smiled indulgently and urged her out of the room.

"It's time."

Leilah was nervous at first, but when her mother held her hand, the uneasiness was washed away. They glided down the main staircase and walked hand in hand elegantly towards the double doors leading to the court room to make their entrance.

When they neared the door, her mother abruptly stopped then looked at her steadily with her back straight, smiling all the while at her expectant expression. "Stay here for a moment. I will go first, okay? I'll announce you myself, then you can make your grand entrance."

Don't know what to do, she just nodded.

"It's going to be fine, I promise." Her mother gave her one last adoring look then walk in front of the entrance. A guard opened the door and announced the Queen's presence. Silence settled inside, then one by one the courtiers bowed their head in deference to their Queen. Proud as ever, her mother slowly advanced elegantly inside with confidence and stood beside the King who lifted himself up when the Queen was announced. He kissed her cheeks lovingly then her father's gaze jumped to her. Her mother whispered something into her father's left ear that made his eyes crinkled with suppress laughter. Her father sat down again, while her mother remained standing.

"I thank you all for coming tonight. May be all of you were wondering as to why we decided abruptly to organized this event after just a few weeks of recovering the kingdom from the previous unlawful ruler."

Every one was listening intently with respect to her mother.

"It's because we decided to finally eradicate the spread rumors regarding our daughter." Her mother smiled winsomely. "Our princess is not dead."

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Hugh was lounging at the back corner of the room having a friendly conversation with Simon. He's not fond of court, in fact, he was bored. He only came in respect to the Queen who requested his attendance. Apparently Simon was of the same view, he observed that he already yawned more than ten times and yet the night was still young. He smirked inwardly. Hugh practically dragged him just to make the night slightly enjoyable watching Simon squirmed and cursed beside him out of boredom.