Guarded ✔️

Chapter 4

Hey everyone. I've never unpublished and republished a part of a story before, so I don't know if there was a notification. In the case that there wasn't, I added a whole bunch to the end of the last chapter. Go check it out of you haven't already!

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"Tighter! It needs to be tighter!" My mother screeched at Holly, who had the strings to my corset pulled tight in her hands.

She pulled again, making me stumble backwards.

"Stand still, Braelynn, you have one job. Again!" She barked.

Another pull.

And another.

"It's not going to go any tighter mother," I said, a little out of breath.

"It has to. Have you been eating sweets again? I will not have you depicted as a slob in your royal painting!"

I rolled my eyes once my mother turned her back. Today I was getting painted to go on the famous wall of rulers. Mother was stressing to have everything perfect. Because God forbid my corset was too loose.

We were in the middle of my dress room, where all my dresses, shoes, jewelry, and crowns were held. I felt naked on the pedestal, even though I was wearing a twenty pound dress. At least ten people were staring at me, analyzing and criticizing all my flaws.

Pull tighter here, pin it back there, leave that alone, loosen that seam.

After behind pulled in a hundred different directions, I had to admit, the end result was stunning.

My dress was a deep maroon. It was meant to symbolize bravery, strength, and wealth, but in truth I just really like the color.

It was long sleeved with lace on the elbows and bodice. From far away, the satin almost looked velvet. Gold embroidery shimmered over the bodice and sleeves.

My hair was in a braided updo with carefully curled stands hanging loose around my face.

Lauren carefully carried over my crown. This one was gold with rubies on the band and tips to match the dress.

Carrie stepped in front of me with me gold pumps.

With a final disapproving glance, Mother walked out of the room, her five assistants trailing her.

The mood in the room lightened. The windows seemed to let in more light, and I could breathe better. At least, as well as I could with the corset.

"The painter is waiting in your spare room," Lauren said and helped me off the pedestal.

"You look beautiful, Brae," Carrie commented and linked arms with me to help me walk.

We walked across my quarters to the spare room. The artist had his easel set up with paints and an extravagant throne set up in front of him.

I had to stifle a laugh at his outfit. He looked like a court jester. A funny three pointed hat sat on his head and his pants billowed out. His red checkered shirt was tucked in, but still oversized.

"Ah! Princess Braelynn! Lovely to meet you, I am Johnathon Bach the Third royal painter to enter this finely designed castle," he said with a nasally voice. He came over and bowed quickly before kissing both my cheeks.

I giggled and told him it was nice to finally meet him. He shook his head and the bells on his hat jingled.

"Come come, sit sit sit in that throne. Let's make you look stunning. Best portrait yet, am I right or am I right?" He continued and I made my way over to the throne.