The Prince or the Crown

chapter thirteen

When I made it back to my room, there was a courier waiting by my door.  “Ms. Adere?” he asked as I approached my room.

I furrowed my brow in confusion. “Yes?”

“Queen Yanae would like me to inform you to arrive at Dr. Aven’s office as soon as possible. And to bring the shoes,” he told me.

“Bring the shoes?” I echoed. “Like the ankle brace shoes?”

He bowed his head. “I assume so, Ms. Adere.”

I blinked in confusion. Was this about my fall? Dread settled in my stomach. Did she want me to return the shoes before I went home? Was it official that I was getting dismissed? My mind reeled through the possibilities.

I nodded in thanks and quickly unlocked my bedroom door, slipping inside so he wouldn’t see my expression drop.

I leaned against the door as soon as I was inside, my heart settling into my chest as I tried to control my heartbeat. My face hurt from smiling so much and I finally let out the breath I had practically been holding all day.

“Would you like us to prepare a bath before dinner?” Kea asked. My head snapped up to see the three maids standing in front of me in a neat little line. I let out an exhausted breath.

“Thank you, girls, but I have to go meet Dr. Aven in his office with my shoes. This may be the last day you see me,” I said with a disappointed sigh.

“I’m sorry,” Malea said. “I hope you’re wrong.”

“Me, too,” I grumbled. I didn’t want to process what it would mean if I was right. I held on tight to that tiny little bit of hope left in my heart. 

“Would you like one of us to lead the way to Dr. Aven’s office?” Elen asked.

I shook my head. “I know the way. I think. Thank you, though.”

“Let us carry your shoes for you,” Kea offered. “Those shoeboxes are heavy.”

“Thank you, again, but really, I’m fine,” I assured them, walking to my closet to pull the shoeboxes off the top shelf. I stacked them on top of each other and picked them up, peeking over the side to peer at the maids. “They’re not even that heavy.”

Malea frowned. “Still, you’re wearing heels, and I’d hate for your ankle to get worse-” 

“Thank you, thank you, but I got it. I appreciate your kindness, though.”

Kea looked hesitant as I slowly walked out of the closet. “But-” 

“Here- how about you guys dust my jewelry? I noticed this morning that they were a little bit dustier than usual. If you don’t mind,” I asked. 

Their eyes lit up, and they bowed their heads. “Of course, Ms. Adere,” Elen said. “We’d be happy to.”

“Great,” I said with a sigh. “I’ll be going then.” I paused as I approached the door. “Would one of you mind opening this door for me? Thank you.”

I walked into the hallway with my three giant boxes, trying to mentally prepare myself for whatever Dr. Aven wanted.

—

“I saw that you had a shoe malfunction before your introduction this morning. I apologize for that,” said Dr. Aven once I was situated in his office. 

“It’s not your fault. The zipper was caught,” I explained with a smile.

He shook his head. “Ms. Adere, zippers don’t usually get caught on tapestries unless they’re broken. Similarly, it shouldn’t have given out so quickly and unzipped itself. Mind if I take a look at your shoe?”