Royal Deception (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 17

Princess Faith

I closed my book and looked outside my window as the sun started to set. In a few minutes, Lady Marigold will be knocking on my door and making me wear another extravagant dress.

I'm not looking forward to this banquet at all and King Tom is the least of my worries. My father will see this banquet as another chance for me to take a husband. He said it was fine that I didn't take a husband if I'm going to pursue higher education but I know he is still hoping some dashing young prince would change my mind.

But as soon as they mentioned that King Tom was in attendance at this banquet, and his Kingdom (Kingdon Aliech) would be one of the few sponsors, I knew this was going to be horrible. King Tom's friends and business partners are going to be there, and they always triggered something in me to stay cautious.

I sighed at the heaviness of the impending night.

Suddenly, a knock on my door pulled me out of my thoughts. I sat up and called out "Come in" and the door swung open and Lady Marigold entered. She doubled over and tried to catch her breath.

"Princess," she bowed and put down the handful of dresses on one of my couches.

I stood up and reached for my silver metal pitcher and a small goblet and spoke, "You should drink some water before we begin, Lady Marigold," I said and poured her a glass.

She didn't hesitate as she lunged for the glass of water in my hand and drank it almost in one gulp, "Thank you, Princess."

I watched her take a few more lungful breaths before she clapped her hands once, "Alright, let's get ready for the banquet shall we?" She grinned.

That's how my three hours went. Lady Marigold even called another young handmaiden to help her in fitting me a new dress.

The corset was always the part that I didn't enjoy. The two women helped in tugging the stings on my back to tighten the corset on my body until I could barely move.

Lady Marigold chose a Royal blue long-sleeved gown that brought out my eyes and had small silver accents.

I spun slightly in front of the mirror, "This gown is gorgeous, Lady Marigold," I said with a smile as I turned my neck to glance at her.

She grinned when she heard my compliment, "Only the best for the last unmarried woman in the royal family. You might meet your prince charming in this very banquet." She giggled excitedly.

Her statement erased all the excitement I felt in wearing such a gorgeous gown. Suddenly, I felt like I was wearing it for the bachelors and not for me.

"We should go," I said to them and the assistant handmaiden started to pick up the dresses that we chose not to wear. I turned to Lady Marigold, "Have you given Hartley the clothes she'll wear at the banquet?" I asked.

She looked at me confused, "Who?" I gave her a look until her eyes showed realization. If they didn't know Hartley's name, then what do they call her?

"Oh, you mean big-- uh, your servant? Yes, Your Highness, I gave her the closest I got from your description and yes, I was sure no other person saw it besides me." She said and stood up carrying her sewing kit that looked pretty heavy, "I just don't understand why you want her to look like a Royal. A lot of bodyguards wear their uniforms in banquets."