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— THRONEHALL, ROSEGARDEN 45 AP
DIANNE VI
Servants of House Rosearian readied Dianne in such a manner, she had to keep reminding herself she wasn't royalty— not yet, anyhow.
Dianne took her time with picking the perfect dress to wear for the king's feast, choosing one that hugged her the way she liked yet while still looking elegant and regal on her body. Despite her efforts, however, she found herself to be nervous for this occasion. There was a sense of self-doubt that crept into her heart despite her efforts at confidence. She had made a fool of herself in front of the king the night before. She could not afford to do the same tonight.
She was garbed in a gown made from a red brocade, that was off-the-shoulder and for jewelry, she wore a linked necklace with small, dainty diamonds.
Prince Deonidas had entered right beside Dianne after Princess Sabrina was introduced to the crowd of people who tended the feast, their hands held as he braced a warm smile while walking the marble trail to the dais where the king sat with his wife, Queen Idalia Rye.
Dianne never heard of her before Idalia had become Queen, and when she married Deonidas, he rarely spoke of her. Neither did Princess Amaryllis, and why would she? As Dianne assumed, she was the mistress to the king while he was married to the beloved Queen Sabrine Rye turned queen upon Sabrine’s death. Who would want to talk about the woman who took the place of their mother or grandmother— especially without consequence?
But it wasn't her business. So she tried not to think about it as she bowed before the long and narrow table that was at the end of the large hall. Deonidas and Sabrina joined her, and after the king stood to welcome them all to his table, the music and feasting and banter and drinking began.
Dianne sat beside her husband, her hands clasped before her on the wooden table, her eyes looking at whatever food was being served before her. She felt her prince steal a glance of her occasionally, though she had to try to hold back the urge to return his stare with her own. She felt her stomach growl from time to time as well, as if the little baby in her womb was already hungry for food. And so she tried to concentrate on the food, but her mind kept wandering to Deonidas. If it weren't obvious, she was smitten with him.
Deonidas looked at the food that had been served, but his eyes soon returned to Dianne. This went on for several minutes before he finally broke the silence. “ Your dress. . It's wonderful.”
“ Thank you, my prince,” Dianne said, beaming a bright smile. “ It was made by your mother's seamstress in Sandria. She's very talented.” The prince nodded in between the sips he took from the wine a servant poured for the royal family. “ Mh, you mean Lady Melisana? Yes, she makes most of my mother and sister's dresses. She even made this doublet for me,” the prince replied, looking down at his own attire for the evening.
