City of the Underground

Preparations and Arrival

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The bird's chirp floated in and out. It was morning already and Kaylana still lay in her bed. The sweet chirp chirp echoed in her head, drawing her out of sleep. Batting her eyes, Kaylana began to wake. As her senses awoke with her she could hear more than just a birds chirp. Scurrying feet bustled about just outside her door. Kaylana drew herself out of bed to look out the window. The perched view afforded her a better look at the servants and craftsmen bustling back and forth preparing the castle for some kind of feast. As she tried to account for all the activity, her hand maiden came excitedly through her chamber doors.

"My lady. Don't you wish to rise and dress? They shall be here soon." Sarah's full round cheeks were bright and flushed. "Come, come my lady. Your father demands you be presented in your best garments."

A bright smile adorned the happy hand maidens face. As she scurried to and fro pulling out gowns and jewels. Kaylana moved from the window. Still clad in her night gown, she interrupted the maiden by firmly planting herself before Sarah. She abruptly stopped mid stride and looked up at Kaylana. A confused look rested on her face.

"Sarah. What are you going on about? What is happening? I have yet to be informed of any special occasion in the castle."

Sarah stared at her in amused disbelief.

"Have you fallen ill miss? For that could be the only excuse for this lapse of memory. For surely your father told you that your suitor arrives this day to the castle."

At this news, Kaylana's face fell. Indeed, her father had not informed her of this news. They had exchanged few words after her returned, aside from the arguing. She had dutifully told him she would not marry a stranger. His response to her had been a firm assurance that she would and there was no choice in the matter. After the most heated discussion she'd ever had with her father, she once more stormed away in a determined furry. Now this was his way of forcing her compliance. Conveniently forgetting, or rather refusing, to inform her.

"Have you some apprehension of meeting him miss?" Sarah watched in worry at Kaylana's response.

"Apprehension. Yes, I suppose that's what one might call it."

Sarah inferred from her downcast eyes that she was worried about pleasing the prince.

"Well don't you worry miss. Why, there's no other lady in the land that can rival your beauty. And tales roam far and wide of your strong spirit. He will not be able to help but love you."

With that thought, a bright gleam lit her eye. Perhaps she could be the one to help it. I'll fight it with all my power, she thought. I'll be the most disagreeable lady possible. Defiant to the point of frustration. He will hate having me by his side. A small smile played at her lips.

"There you are miss. That's better."

Sarah went cheerfully back to raiding her closets and preparing an outfit. She finally emerged holding a beautifully constructed gown. Her choice was a regal gown of green specially made for Kaylana. Her father loved that color on her. He had said it complimented her lovely eyes. After setting aside the gown, Sarah pulled out the bodice and under garments for the dress. She began dressing Kaylana with the expertise only earned through time. Layer by layer she put together a picturesque princess, ready to win any prince. The final touch was a ruby necklace placed gently on her neck. Sarah's busy hands swiftly undid the pendant Kaylana wore constantly and put it aside.

"One adornment is enough," she chastised.

Kaylana shrugged and moved to sit in front of her mirror. She was used to the elegance overriding her sentiments. The pendant was sentiment. Sarah came behind her to begin the brushing of her hair. Without doubt it would be a long process. Sarah was every bit the perfectionist.