Nadine's Journey

Chapter 10

Nadine

The sun is high in the sky by the time I awaken. "Miss," Lilian, one of the servants assigned to attend to me, asks.

"Yes?" I rub my eyes, turning my head to her.

"Would you like me to draw you a bath, Your Majesty?"

"That would be lovely, Lilian." The hot water should relax my sore muscles. I almost forgot how it felt to shoot a bow multiple times. The bed was mighty comfy, though. It was like sleeping on a cloud. The bedroom is attached to a sitting room, a bathroom, and yet another room with a chamber pot and a sink. I might've missed a couple of rooms, but my suite is huge!

I enter the bathroom, undress, and sink into the warm water. Lilian enters once more and picks up a cloth, heading towards me. Should I allow her to wash me? Is it what every Royal is expected to do? Then again, it would be very uncomfortable, allowing someone else to wash me since I have been washing myself since I was young. "It is not necessary for you to wash me, Lilian," I say. "I am fully capable of washing myself."

She sets the cloth next to me. "Yes, Miss. I will lay out appropriate clothing for breakfast, instead."

"That is fine, Lilian. I thank you for your help this morning."

"There is no need to thank me, Your Majesty. It is an honor to help you in any way." She ducks her head, hiding the blush staining her cheeks. Before I can object to her statement, she rushes out of the room.

I quickly finish bathing, drying off with the towel left for me. I stumble as soon as I see the dresses. There are three of them, all containing jewels sewn into the fabric. The first one is a shimmering white with what seems to be diamonds sewn into the upper half of the dress. The second one is a bright red with black garnets strategically placed on the lower half. The third dress takes my breath away even more so than the first two. The upper half is solid black with amethyst stones scattered about. The lower half is a beautiful shade of purple... the same shade as Agustin's eyes. "I will wear that one," I tell Lilian. "Just out of curiosity, can you tell me where these came from?"

"Master William commanded that his mother's dresses were to be brought out for your use for however long you choose to stay. We were lucky to find that Her Ladyship and Your Highness were similar in size."

"Indeed. I must thank him for this kindness."

"I do suppose so, Your Majesty. Allow me to help you with the corset?"

"Of course." She laces the corset up, pulling at the strings before tying it. Then she starts to work on the dress.

When she finishes with the dress she says, "Now, it is time for me to style your hair. Do not look at the looking glass until I am finished, please."

I go to the vanity and sit down, squeezing my eyes closed. I can feel my hair being tugged and pins being put into it. After what seemed to be an hour, I am finally allowed to open my eyes. I look into the reflection, shocked. Is that... me? I wave a hand in front of the looking glass, and the reflection mimics my movements. "Is that really me?"

"It is, Your Majesty." She giggles like this is amusing.

"But I look completely different. I look like--" my voice falls flat.

"A princess," she finishes. "You are beautiful, Your Majesty. I do believe that it is time to go to breakfast. Master William will be here any second to escort you to the dining hall." There is a knock on the door. "And that must be him."

She opens the door to Will, who immediately bows before me. "Your Highness," his eyes glance over me, "you clean up nicely. If you will," he holds out his arm. I grab it, my mouth already watering as my imagination conjures up different pastries. I am led to the dining hall, and the aromas and cooks did not disappoint me the least.