One Last Chance

Stubborn

Charlotte sucked in a deep breath as the corset wrapped itself around her, her stylist lacing each lace meticulously.

“Does it have to be this tight?” She mumbled as she looked at herself in the full length mirror. She was wearing a vintage white dress that's off shoulder, paired with a traditional corset around her torso. Her hair was half down in curly waves, an elegant white ribbon tied on her half ponytail.

“It has to be historically correct, P’Char.” Charlotte's stylist, Jen said kindly.

“Fine.” Charlotte pouted, even though she felt a little suffocated. Plus, she was on her period and did not enjoy the pressure. 

Once she was all made up, she went out to the studio where she met up with her girlfriend who looked every bit of a loyal Thai princess. Engfa's eyes lit up at the sight of her girlfriend in that flowy dress, she looked very youthful with that big ribbon on her head as well.

“Hi, princess.” Charlotte teased and curtsied, before going closer to her girlfriend.

“You're the princess, Char.” Engfa said sweetly as she gently touched Char's doll-like hair.

“The corset is very tight.” Charlotte couldn't help but complain to her girlfriend in a soft voice, a pout appearing on her fair cheeks.

Engfa immediately frowned and looked down at her corset, “Why did they tie it so tight, you didn't tell them?”

Charlotte shook her head, “Jen said it has to be historically correct. It seemed all the women back then suffered the same.”

“It's just a photoshoot, they don't have to be strict. Also, you're on your period bee.” Engfa was ready to hold Charlotte's and lead her back to the changing room but Charlotte held back with another shake of her head. Though it warmed her heart that her girlfriend knew she was on her period and cared about her wellbeing, she didn't want to trouble anyone.

“It's okay, I can handle it Fa.” Charlotte said in a very determined glint in her eyes.

Engfa sighed when she saw that look, she knew she couldn't sway a determined Charlotte anyway. “Okay, tell me if it's too much.”

Charlotte nodded firmly, “Mm!”

“Englot, are you two ready?” P’James, their photographer, called out.

“We are, let's start.” Charlotte smiled at Engfa and pulled her to the photoshoot area.

Their photoshoot session today was at a temple with a beautiful garden outside. This would be a scene in the movie where Princess Chariya brings Elena to the temple to share her culture.

The design of the Thai Buddhist temple is characterized by its elaborate and colorful architecture. The main building, or vihara, often features a steeply pitched, ornate roof with golden accents and intricate carvings depicting religious motifs.

P’James asked them to pretend as if they were already filming, to immerse themselves into their characters so they could bring out the most authentic photographs.

Elena stood out in her western dress against the golden statues, her face filled with curiosity and wonder while Chariya looked at her from behind. She had never met another woman of mixed race, so she was very intrigued by the foreign woman. P’James snapped the pictures skillfully, capturing each moment that was filled with hidden story and surprised attraction.

In the picture, Elena was gently touching one of the intricate pillars covered in carvings while in the background Chariya was secretly glancing at her with her hands together in prayer. Framed in a thoughtful composition, the picture had a strong story-telling element.