For the Crown (PREVIEW ONLY) Formerly Prince Gallant

CHAPTER 3: LEARNING NAMES

Lena spent the remainder of her afternoon with her handmaidens, preparing for the welcoming feast. The twenty news gowns her mother had commissioned to earn her cooperation were spectacular beyond words. They had been laid out as a surprise when she returned from the king's tower. Six were meant for daywear, while the other fourteen were specifically for their evening meals. The evening meal was considered a nightly formal affair, and the nobles who dined in the great hall took every opportunity to dress impressively.

For tonight, her mother had a special gown set aside. It was the most stunning of the bunch, with layers of sweeping silken skirts that fanned out behind her. "I can hardly breathe in this, let alone move," she complained whilst dressing. "Does she expect me to be a statue all night?" Avra, Cora, and Theresa chuckled but said nothing as they continued to tighten the strings of her corset.

The gown's fabric was made from silver and royal blue silks. The entire neckline was embellished with tiny, multifaceted glass beads that sparkled as she moved. And while it was breathtaking, both literally and figuratively, the front was cut a little low for her tastes. "I look like a harlot," she muttered when she studied her reflection.

"You are nearly eighteen, Lena," said Margaret, who watched her handmaidens work. "There is nothing wrong with allowing the opposite sex a small peek at your bosom." Margaret winked.

Lena's jaw dropped in mock surprise. "Kenna! You of all people should be appalled."

The corner of Margaret's mouth turned up. "You would never see me in something like that, dear. But I am not young. Nor am I the princess. Flaunt it while you can."

"Kenna!" What had gotten into her? Margaret merely smiled and watched on, fanning herself every so often as she sipped from her goblet of wine.

While Lena sat for her face and hair, her handmaidens fluttered about, trying to get everything perfect. As they worked, they gossiped about each of the Drengr hopefuls, asking for detailed descriptions of their appearance. Lena hadn't much to give, other than a few snippets about the ones she liked the least. Specifically about those who had spoken down to her.

"Perhaps they were just tired," said Cora, twisting one of Lena's braids tightly into a band of hair that wrapped around her head. Cora had insisted on being the one to do her hair for the evening. Both Cora and Theresa were magicians when it came to hair, while Avra was better with face makeup and fashion. "Besides," Cora added, "perhaps they won't be so bad once you get to know them."

"I doubt it," Lena snorted, pinning Cora's reflection with her gaze in the vanity's mirror. "Either way, I will need help tonight when I make my introductions."

"Whatever for?" Cora asked.

"To learn the their names, of course. I cannot manage it all on my own. You ought to know that." As a rule, handmaidens went everywhere with the mistresses they served. At feasts and parties, they were not quite so clingy. "Tonight, I want you by my side."

Just before the evening was to begin, Queen Amara dropped by Lena's apartment with a final surprise, presenting her with a new tiara. After fussing over it, her handmaidens finished up with her hair and placed it upon her head.

"How beautiful you look," said Kenna Margaret, stepping closer for a good look. "It was meant for you."

Lena's mother stepped forward and adjusted it slightly, gently caressing Lena's cheek. "It suits you well, my dear."

The tiara was a comfortable fit, made simply of woven silvery substance that gleamed like starlight. The front came to a point over her forehead and held three small diamonds. "It was made by the Sprites," said the queen, "commissioned by Queen Isabella for Princess Irelia."