Veiled Love

3

Rosetta

- -

The mahogany of the dressing table flexes slightly as I grip onto it tightly being pulled left and right from behind. I was being yanked back and forth, the force pulling me left, then right, like a ragdoll. A frustrated curse hissed through my gritted teeth as a loose strand of hair, carefully tucked into my low bun with tiny diamond clips, fell free and dangled in front of my eye.

"This dress-" I let out a small groan as Evelyn yanked the final ribbon on my back so tight it felt like I could barely breathe. I was being prepared for a breakfast with my parents...The king and queen.  After ages of silence?  After forever they finally remembered I existed? There had to be a catch. A lecture, a plan for my future... Dad wouldn't just want tea and polite talk. My breath hitched as I looked at the dress in the mirror. It was awful. Didn't matter if I sounded spoiled, this thing felt wrong. Usually I picked my own clothes, but today I was stuck in this itchy, uncomfortable mess. Frustration burned in my throat.

"I know what you're thinking my lady..." Evelyn said, smoothing the dress down. It was a soft pink, the skirt fluffy which flowed gracefully to the floor. The fabric was smooth and shiny, the bodice decorated with lace and flower designs sewn onto it. The long sleeves are made of thin, see through material, it extends gracefully, draping down my arms and grazing my wrists. Not too long, not too short. The neckline is slightly off the shoulders, a sweethearts curve cradling my collarbone decorated with the same floral designs as the bodice. "A present from Lord Xavier. The King wants you to wear it today."

I sighed, turning to face Evelyn. She dipped her head a little, then stood up straight, her eyes kind. "You look lovely," she said. Evelyn was more than just my maid, she was a friend who'd always been there for me. She was young and pretty, but life hadn't been easy for her. She'd been taken from her family to work as a maid here in Ekhistasia. Every few years, a group of women came to be trained as servants, and some of their stories were heartbreaking. "Don't fret," Evelyn whispered, a small smile playing on her lips. "We'll get you into something more your style after breakfast."

I forced a smile at Evelyn, squeezing her arm in thanks. Reaching for the door, it creaked open before I could touch it. The King's servant stood there, a quick dip of his head the only greeting. My smile vanished, replaced by a cold mask. My eyes darted to the guards flanking the doorway, stiff as statues. Every step felt heavy as I trudged out, the servant a silent shadow behind me.

I forced a smile at Evelyn, squeezing her arm in thanks. Reaching for the door, it creaked open before I could touch it. The King's servant stood there, a quick dip of his head the only greeting. My smile vanished, replaced by a cold mask. My eyes darted to the guards who stood tall besides my chamber doors, stiff as statues. I walked ahead ungracefully the servant following me from behind. Trapped. That's what these walls felt like, a pretty cage for a princess who wasn't worth their time. Useless. Unimportant. Disappearing into the wallpaper, that's all I was to them. I gulp softly holding back my emotional state as i force a smile back onto my lips.

- -

I reached the grand doors of the throne room. This was where the royal family usually ate breakfast, unlike me. My mornings were spent in the castle gardens with Evelyn, or huddled by myself in the dining room if it was too chilly outside. The guards open the gate revealing the king sat at one end of the long, polished table, clad in a rich velvet robe of deep crimson, adorned with golden embroidery and the Queen sat opposite with poise, dressed in an elegant gown of royal blue silk. The gown cascaded down her frame, the fabric adorned with subtle patterns of silver thread. Her chestnut brown hair was styled in an updo. It seemed like they had not realised my presence as my father continued his bickering. I stood there listening.