Awakening Of Magic

🌄🔆 Chapter 23 🔆🌄

The next morning, Aurelia awoke refreshed and excited to wear her new clothes.

However...

A knock came at the door, and she squeaked in distress. "W-wait!"

The King's voice called out. "My lady? Are you alright?"

She dashed behind the partition. "Shi- Um, just a minute!" Stretching and contorting desperately, she tried to complete the impossible task.

"Miss?"

There was nothing for it. "Ah well... help..."

Kaidan stepped inside. "Miss Aurelia?" He saw a swish of fabric behind the partition and stepped closer. There was a knowing edge to his kind voice. "Ah, do you wish for my assistance lacing?"

"I'm so embarrassed asking a king for help with something like this, but Veronica is nowhere to be found this morning. So... please."

He smiled warmly, the blue of his coat making his eyes appear brighter even in the dim morning light. "Very well. Allow me."

She blushed furiously as he gently moved her hair over her shoulders and set to work lacing up the rest of the corset. The feeling of his warm breath on the back of her neck made her heart pound.

When he spoke she jumped slightly. "There. All finished."

"Ahem. Thank you so much, King Kaidan."

He chuckled at her show of embarrassment. "Not to worry, I'll not tell anyone. I hope you will forgive me for not scolding Miss Veronica, however."

"Oh?"

"I saw her slipping out of Mx Alexan's quarters just a moment ago. She has laboured so diligently since she was practically a child. It is good to see her happy and doing something in her own self interest."

Aurelia gasped, blushing behind her hand. "Alex and Veronica...? Oh my god." She laughed, shaking her head. "No, I'm glad to hear that you aren't angry. She seems lovely."

He nodded. "Well then, I shall leave you. I hope to see you later, before the dinner party."

She offered him a smile. "Alright."

He bowed, she curtsied, and watched him leave, only breathing again after the door was closed.