Behind the Royal Mask

Breakfast with Caelon

Beatrice sat still, clinking of jewelry and a soft rustle of fabric filling the quiet room. Elara was going through her wardrobe, searching for a dress suitable for breakfast. All of the dresses had been brought from the Haverton manor and were of every style imaginable.

"Too flashy..." Elara muttered.

"Too dull."

"The color isn't good enough."

"Too many frills."

"Ah! This one is perfect," she said as she pulled out a gown in a soft, creamy ivory with delicate embroidery along the neckline and sleeves. She held it up for Beatrice's approval, a satisfied smile on her face.

"It's perfect for a morning with two princes. It's elegant," Elara added. 

"Do you wish to wear a corset, my lady?" Elara asked.

Beatrice gave the gown a final glance, admiring its elegance, but when Elara held up the corset with a questioning look, Beatrice shook her head.

"No corset today," she said firmly, "I'd like to breathe through breakfast, and I'm famished as it is."

She was able to sleep only for a few hours before she was roused to get ready for the breakfast. Though she was tired, she didn't regret going for horse riding with Derin. It helped her feel alive again. When they had returned, only a few hours were left before sunrise. 

Derin had wished her a 'goodnight' before making his way to the guard's quarters where he was staying. Beatrice too had sneaked into her room and jumped on her bed, without caring to change out of her dirty clothes - which did draw surprised eyes from Elara next morning. When she had woken up, she was famished. She didn't have any dinner last night and the midnight riding had made her even more hungry.

Coming back to present, though Elara was a bit hesitant with Beatrice not wearing a corset, she gave her an understanding look and said, "Fair enough, my lady. We women need to look after our comfort too, after all."

Beatrice looked at her gratefully and allowed her to help her into the grown. As Elara adjusted the gown over her shoulders, she felt the light fabric fall around her without the added restriction of a corset.

"It seems you had an adventure last night, my lady," Elara said, adjusting the gown.

"I am sorry for the state of things," Beatrice said apologetically.

"It's alright," Elara laughed, "You got to find ways to live in these giant walls."

Going through her jewelry box, she picked out a simple locket with a small orange-red gem. She held it up and said, "This would go well with your dress."

She clasped it around her neck and then moved behind her, gathering her hair. She started weaving them into a braid, adding pearls here and there to add a touch of refinement. 

"You must be nervous, my lady," Elara said, "Having breakfast with both the princes."

Before the etiquette lesson, the breakfast might have been bearable with both Caelon and Alaric. But now, she could feel butterflies in her stomach at the prospect of sitting across Alaric again, with him bearing that all-knowing look. She slapped her cheeks. He is a noble, Bea! Snap out of it!

"I hope I get through it alive," Beatrice muttered.

"You have a great sense of humor, Lady Anya," Elara laughed, adding final touches. Beatrice was growing fond of Elara. She had a vibrant spirit and turned Beatrice's worried mood into a lively one. She didn't force her into over the top dresses either.