Walking With Shadows [#Wattys2015] [Being Edited]

Girl to Girl

Sunlight warmed Tassel's face the next morning. The curtains, which hadn't been closed the night before, rustled as a cool breeze blew through the room. Tassel felt a smile slowly creeping onto her face. The sound of the door opening alerted Tassel of Solia's arrival, but she didn't make a move to acknowledge her new guest. Tassel kept her eyes closed, trying to revel in the contentedness of the moment.

"Miss Tassel?" Solia's quiet voice whispered in her ear.

This time, Tassel didn't fight her off like the morning before. Instead, she wriggled around in her sheets, becoming even more entangled in the fabric. Her eyes fluttered open, and she rolled over to look her hand maid in the eye. The little servant's face didn't give away much except for a look of surprise. Her eyes were wide as she looked over Tassel, taking in her messy hair and bedraggled clothes from the day before. With a grin, Tassel sat up. She propped herself up on one of the pillows with her elbow.

"Yes?" she said groggily.

"Miss Tassel, are you aware of the time?" Solia asked, glancing around her room.

"Um, no, I don't think so," Tassel mumbled as she swung her legs over the side of the bed, "But I have a feeling you're going to tell me."

"It's noon, miss! Noon! You've gone and slept through breakfast and most of lunch." Solia cried.

She seemed mortified.

"Oh, what a shame! I was truly looking forward to listening to Volstagg's stories." Tassel sighed in mock disappointment.

"This is no joking matter, miss! The queen got really worried about you when you didn't show up for lunch, and she was going to send me to come and check on you, but the young prince insisted that you were probably just getting rested." Solia said.

"The young prince?"

"Why, Prince Loki, of course. I suppose he was right, seeing as how you're asleep and all. I don't take great pleasure in waking you up, because I know how tired you've been lately, but the All-Father wanted me to come and get you. He wishes to speak with you in the throne room." Solia explained.

Tassel's blood immediately ran cold, and chill was sent down her spine. A feeling of dread washed over Tassel.

"He...Did he say what about?" she murmured.

"I'm afraid not, miss. He only said it was urgent."

"Well, I don't suppose we should keep him waiting then. Would you be so kind as to prepare my clothes while I take a shower? I trust your judgement, Solia. You always pick out the most wonderful things. I'll be out as soon as I can." Tassel said, hurrying into her bathroom.

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Half an hour later, Tassel emerged with a towel wrapped around herself. Solia was waiting patiently with a full outfit laid out on the already made bed. Tassel fought the urge to chuckle. The maid had certainly been busy.

"You must look your best, miss. We can't have you going into the throne room in less than best garb." Solia nodded towards the sapphire dress that was being displayed.

Despite the lack of sequins, it still sparkled in the light. The little maid helped Tassel into her gown. The cloth was soft like satin, and it was thin and breathable. The sleeves, which were in regular poet fashion, began to drape over her arms after they reached her elbows. The skirt fell elegantly over her hips and cascaded down onto the floor. As soon as Tassel was adjusted into the dress, Solia turned Tassel to face her, and quickly, she began to tighten the silver lacing on the front of the dress. Tassel gasped at the unexpected jerk, but she soon grew accustomed to it. With one last tug, Tassel's hand maid finished the small bow on the front and ushered her towards a pair of black boots, suitable for riding.