Ordained

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Two

Emmeline hardly had time to process the argument with Carmen before she was whisked away by Clementine to prepare her for Ariana's tea party. Cassius had insisted on staying in the room whilst she changed behind her decorative screen. Clementine used to be shocked by this behaviour but now she didn't even react. Emmeline continued to talk with him from behind the ornate panels as Clementine negotiated her body into the elaborate gown. It was another one of Ariana's but Clementine had promised hotly that new dresses were due to be delivered tomorrow.

Emmeline had trusted Clementine with the reordering of her essentials and her wardrobe basics. Her maid had almost danced for joy at the task, her love for all things refined sure to be out in full display as she fashioned her mistress with new things.

"How scary are tea parties at the palace?" She called as Clementine tightened her corset. From across the room Cassius chuckled.

"No more or less than any other palace event. Ari will look after you regardless. She's taken quite a liking to you." He promised. Emmeline smiled at nothing in particular. The princess had been very kind to her, and it did make her feel more confident knowing that she would be there with her.

"Many of the young women have been giving me distasteful looks." She admitted, grateful for the screen between them to shield her from his expression, knowing it would be thunderous. There was the sound of footsteps and Cassius' head appeared over the top of the screen. Clementine made a swallowed sort of shrieking noise and Emmeline rushed to cover herself before remembering she was already dressed, the only thing left being the ties at her back. "What do you mean, distasteful looks?" He frowned deeply.

Emmeline shrugged, chuckling a little when he moved around the panels to stand at her back. Clementine obediently moved aside, letting Cassius' deft fingers take over the job of tying the many elaborate ribbons at Emmeline's back. She thought for a second about commenting about his skills with the fiddly ribbons but didn't. There was something oddly both surprisingly and very attractive about the way he so easily stepped in to help her dress. His competency appealed to her in a way she hadn't expected.

"Some believe that I don't deserve to be at your side because I didn't go through the traditional selection process. Ariana had quite a bit to say on the matter."

Behind her Cassius chuckled darkly. "Oh I bet she did. I'm guessing that's why she insisted you attend her little soiree?"

Emmeline nodded, starting a little when his lips pressed to the nape of her neck. "All done." He breathed against the skin, smirking when a flush of goosebumps appeared.

Blushing, she ignored Clementine's small devilish expression as she began on her makeup. Emmeline rolled her eyes at her maid and the young girl chuckled silently. Cassius leant against the wall beside her makeup table, stretching out his impossibly long arms above her head with a small yawn. "I can attend with you, if you wish?" He offered lightly.

Emmeline shook her head. "No, I need to stand up for myself. Ariana will be there."

"It pleases me to see you and my cousin getting on so well." He smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple before leaving her to get ready in peace. 

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Author's Note:

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