not a fairytale

thirteen

The day after the Derby we had no social obligations, we had a breakfast and lunch that we could attend if we wanted to and had the entire day that we could go into town and spend however we wanted. Alessia and I made plans to go into town to the local seamstress who'd made some of the most beautiful gowns that Meldevan noblewomen had ever worn. Alessia wanted me to stand out both the upcoming weekend at the Independence Day Ball and at the Cherry Blossom Ball the week after. I wanted to up my game as much as I could as we went into the final leg of the contest. The seamstress jumped at the chance to design and create the gowns, she was Italian too, which definitely helped my case and went on and on to Alessia about how she thought I would be the next Queen.

I skipped out on breakfast, Alessia and I were going to get coffee in town anyway so I would just grab a quick breakfast there. I straightened out my hair and Alessia had picked out a cute outfit the night before to give her time to get herself ready. I wore my hair down, tucked behind my ear. Alessia had picked a pale pink sundress for me that was extremely low cut but also still covered my boobs with tiny straps that went all the way to the back of the dress so it didn't tie behind my neck and hurt my back. The dress fell right above my knees, just short enough to cause the right amount of pearl-clutching and dirty looks from the right people. I had an adorable pair of sandal heels with a clear heel and silver straps that went super well with my clear boxy bag that fit everything I needed in it.

As soon as we got in line for coffee there were paparazzi outside the coffee shop, swarming the entrance and patio out front while we ate and had coffee.

"I think we have to face them eventually," Alessia laughed as we finished our breakfast.

"Unfortunately," I sighed, "Let's give them a good show?" 

"Sounds good," she laughed.

We were swarmed like a lightbulb swarmed by moths as soon as we stepped foot outside the coffee shop.

"Where are you off to today Lady Lombardo?"

"We're off to the tailor shop to check on the status of dresses being made for me," I smiled from behind my sunglasses.

"Is it true the Queen chose you to sit with her at the luncheon after the Meldevan Derby?" 

"Yes, it was a lovely lunch with Her Majesty," I smiled.

"Do you really think you can be queen?" 

"I think I can do anything I set my mind to," I replied, "And I have a wonderful person available for me to learn from with Her Majesty Queen Maria."

That made them all start clamoring amongst themselves even more.

"Now if you'll excuse us, we have an appointment with the tailor we're almost late for," I smiled as we made our way past the swarm of press and into the tailor shop down the street.

"That was impressive," Alessia laughed as we walked into the small tailor shop and away from the crowd.

"Thank you," I grinned.

"Ciao ladies! You must be Lady Lombardo!" A woman with a pair of glasses resting on the end of her nose and graying hair greeted as she met us at the front of the store.

"Indeed I am, this is Alessia Cordova, she's my brother's girlfriend and stylist," I smiled.

"Oh of course! I spoke with you on the phone," she smiled, turning to Alessia, "Now are you ready to try on the gowns?"

"More than ready," I smiled.

"Alright then, follow me!" She said, leading us back to a room filled with mannequins and sketches of dresses everywhere, "Your gowns are back here, they're magnificent. The one for the Cherry Blossom Ball is my favorite of the social season and maybe of the last decade!" She exclaimed as she lead us to the back of the store where the two dresses were stored.