The Dragon Bond

Chapter 8

When Ariana awoke, she could tell she had slept in late. She lifted her head to look out the window and she smiled when she saw Sofia sitting in a chair next to her bed.

"Good morning sleepy head," Sofia said.

Ariana hopped out of bed and rushed to Sofia's side. "You're okay!" She took a step back and examined her friend. "You are okay, aren't you?"

Sofia laughed. "Yes, other than the occasional ache, I am fine."

"That is so good to hear." she said, excited to see Sofia was doing well.

Sofia raised her eyebrows and looked around the room. "I could definitely get used to living here, that's for sure."

Ariana's eyes grew wide with excitement. "It's amazing! Everything here is so elegant and fancy and wonderful!"

Sofia laughed and carefully stood up.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" Sofia hollered.

Two maids came walking in, carrying with them two trays full of delicious looking breakfast. They set the trays down on the small table and one of the maids walked into the bathroom carrying a basket of soaps and towels.

The lady that remained said, "I trust you slept well?"

Ariana nodded. "More than well, thank you."

"I am glad to hear it." The lady then bowed while saying, "My name is Lizabeth." She stood straight up and continued, "And the other woman is Alexia. We will be your personal maids. If there is anything you need, we will do our best to provide it for you, my Lady."

Ariana took a good look at them to make sure she would remember their faces. Both of them were young, probably around nineteen or twenty years of age and their skin was a light tan, almost bronze color. Lizabeth had long brown hair and Alexia had long black hair.

"It's nice to meet you," Ariana finally said. She glanced over at Sofia, surprised that she had her own maids.

"The pleasure is all mine," Lizabeth said. "Is there anything I can get you?"

Ariana thought about it. "Actually, there is. I saw that there were only dresses in the closet. Is there anything else I could possibly wear, something more like what I wore yesterday?"

Lizabeth looked hesitant. "I am terribly sorry, my Lady, but I do not think King Nicholas would approve of such an outfit. He is rather strict about such things, but I could see if maybe I could sew you something more comfortable."

Ariana sighed, but nodded her head. "That will be fine, thank you."

She saw Alexia go into the closet and come out with a white dress with elegant pink and purple floral designs embroidered in it. It was very beautiful, but Ariana could tell it was going to be uncomfortable.

Sofia watched as Ariana and the maids walked over behind the changing curtain to help Ariana put the dress on.

They slid the slip on first and adjusted it, evening the top out. Then they went around behind her and started tightening the strings. Ariana flinched as they pulled it tighter and tighter, squeezing the breath out of her. They tied the strings and then slid the actual dress over her head and tightened it to their liking.

She was glad when the tightening had stopped and she then stood and tried to breathe. Taking a deep breath in was next to impossible. Instead she was forced to take short, small breaths, more frequently.

She stood in front of the mirror and watched as the ladies brushed her hair and curled it. She had to admit that the dress looked amazing on her; it gave her more defined curves and made her look royal. If only it allowed her to breathe.