The Land of Shadows

Chapter Thirteen

Around noon, Zachariah sent word that we were to meet with the Council at nightfall. So when Ishla brought me my lunch for the day I asked her to help me get ready. She sighed heavily several times before finally agreeing, stating that, phsyically, I was nearly healed. I ate my lunch quickly, making sure I ate all of it. Even though the portions were small, I was full by the time she wheeled the meal cart outside for one of the maidservants to collect. 

Once she got back, we got down to business. I took a bath where she helped me wash my hair and body. She helped me shave my legs and underarms. She helped my dry off, and left me to dry my hair while she went and got a gown for me to wear. She was back before I'd finished with my hair. Quickly, I finished drying it and turned to her. "First, we'll do your hair," she tells me. I nod as drags me into the bedroom and sits me in front of the vanity. I watch her in the mirror as she goes about her task with vigor, neatly brushing my thin hair before twisting and pinning it in an elegant, intricate updo that wasn't even painful. 

By then it was dinnertime, and my stomach was in knots. My nerves killed any appetite I would have had, so Ishla smiled and pretended like she wasn't hungry either. Although, she might have actually not been all that hungry as she brushed some light makeup onto my face, highlighting my cheekbones and darkening my eyes. When I looked in the mirror again, once she was done, my hair seemed to be bright again and I looked intimidating once more. "Now it's time to get into your gown," she tells me decisively. She hadn't let me see the gown for the entire duration of the afternoon, so I was excited to see it. Instead of letting me see it as she dressed me, she had me close my eyes. Grateful to her for all she'd already done, I complied and let her tug me gently this way and that until the gown was on. 

She made me keep my eyes shut while she tied my corset, then, finally, once she had tied the knot she let me open my eyes. I turned to the mirror eagerly and gasped. The dress was beautiful. I was beautiful. The dress was black, held up with two delicate beaded straps. The entire top was sheer and beaded. At the waist it flared out, sweeping grandly to the floor with a lot of dark ruffles. I looked like I had before, an intimidating queen worthy of leading. The look was infectious, soon I began to feel worthy.

And standing there, looking at myself in the mirror, my back straightened with pride, I began to formulate another plan to propose to the Council, one that would ultimately benefit both kingdoms greatly. 

A/N: The dress on the side is the one I was attempting to describe.