The Queen's War

Chapter Four: The Prince of Nothing At All

Everybody was assembled under the giant tent in the middle of the Royal Encampment. The tent was one that was reserved for special occasions and took dozens of men more than two days to assemble. In her lifetime, Adiah had only seen it assembled twice. Each time was a momentous occasion. This time would be no different. Only this time, it would also mark the end of an age for her personally. From this day forward she could no longer go about her life in a carefree manner she was accustomed to. From this day forward she had to prepare to meet an enemy that would use all of her best instincts against her. She would have to become a person with few weaknesses and an iron will. 

Adiah sat at her dressing table, fresh from a bath and naked from the waist up. 

"Tonight your engagement will be announced. You should do your best to look radiant," a servant said. The girl looked to be only a year or two older than she was herself. It was obvious that she was from the Vestiture Department and had no clue about anything going on in court life. Oslem caught the girl's eye and shook her head softly. The girl took the hint and fell silent.

Adiah shook her head. She would laugh if it wasn't so tragic. Tonight her father would announce her betrothal to a man who had engineered the death of his only living brother, betrayed her brother who had been his student and implicated her uncle in his crimes. Radiant? 

"Proceed," Adiah commanded. 

The young girl smiled excitedly, it was the first time she'd been entrusted with such a large task. She'd only ever been allowed to assist on previous occasions. She'd known that she would get her shot one day but she'd never imagined it would be on such an important night. She took a deep breath to steady herself. She's been practicing for days how to style and braid Adiah's hair and headdress. The young servant took out her bag of combs, hair oils, beads, and delicate brushes. 

"None of that will be necessary," Adiah said. "Simply comb it, wrap it and bring my headdress."

"B-b-b-but, your Highness," the girl stammered, her eyes wide with shock. 

"You heard me. Don't waste time. Use the black cloth, it's lighter. A simple wrap will do. The headdress is fancy enough. Tie my hair up simply."

"But your Highness, they will think you are in mourning. You must--"

"There are very few things that I MUST do. All of them are great and terrible things. If I MUST attend tonight then I will do it on my terms. And I have decided that I will tie my hair up. Now, will you do it, or will I have you flogged for disobedience and do it myself?"

Adiah turned and looked at the young woman who was clearly shocked. What should have been her great triumph had suddenly turned into a scandal. Surely the princess' attire would spark criticism, and wouldn't she be blamed for not being skilled enough to give the princess a dazzling hairstyle to compliment her elegant headdress. She'd be the laughing stock of the Vestiture Department if she was even allowed to stay in the palace at all. 

"C-c-could we make some adjustments?"

"What adjustments?"

The servant girl whispered something to another, even younger girl, who left th tent, running full tilt toward the wagons they'd brought with them. 

"Since you don't want to do something traditional, why don't we try something theatrical? You are the Queen of the evening and of the Prince's heart, after all--"

"He is the Prince of NOTHING!" Adiah snapped, cutting short the girl's fantastical reframing.

"Yes, of course. That is what I mean. How could anybody compare to you? You need to make a powerful impression. So, instead of a beautiful gown, we should try an outfit that shows your strength, grace, and pride."