The Scarlet Lillie

The Morning Routine of an Eligable Princess

Chapter 18
The next morning, I rose early, just as the sun peeked over the horizon. I had had difficulty sleeping after my party.
Prince Aragorn's departure caused the rest of the evening to blur by, with no other interesting events occurring to keep me excited throughout my own party.
Prince Aragorn... Now there was a prince you seldom come across. He cared more about his people than himself. Even though he was second in line for the throne, he had big plans in store for his kingdom. He was a wise man, with a caring heart. And then there was the matter of his appearance. Goodness, the simple way his eyes sparkled gave me butterflies.
I blinked and forced myself back to reality. I had my own royal duties to tend to; I couldn't just lay here all day dreaming about some boy.
I removed the covers of my bed and brought my feet onto the stone floor. I pulled my slippers from under the bed and slipped them on. As I stood, I wrapped my silken robe over my night gown.
Walking slowly, as I was not a fan of mornings, I moved to the summoning bell that connected to the servants quarters. I rang the bell, calling for my Ladies in Waiting.
While I awaited their arrival, I pulled the drapes back from my window, letting the sunlight pour into my chamber.
Marcie arrived first, making a new record with four minutes.
"Good morning, Milady. You rang?" She asked, bowing her head slightly.
"Yes, I'd like to dress for the day. I would also like to take Midnight out for a ride." I told her.
She looked up. "Midnight, your horse? Forgive me, Milady, but you haven't ridden him in years."
I smiled. "That's exactly why. I haven't ridden in so long, I can hardly recall our last journey together. Now that I have more freedom, I wish to explore my kingdom."
She blinked. "Yes, Milady." She stated, and walked over to my wardrobe.
Just then, Linda and Polly pushed through my chamber doors. "Apologies for our tardiness, Milady." They spoke in unison, bowing their heads.
I gave them both a smile, showing them that it was more than okay.
"Ladies," Marcie called from the wardrobe. "Her highness would like to ride Midnight today, so come choose the dress best suited for this. Heaven knows that is not my speciality."
I giggled at her comment and placed myself at my vanity so Marcie could begin her work.
"Would you care to wear your tiara today, Milady?" Marcie inquired. "You are of age now, and could wear it if you choose to."
I turned to face her, twisting my core. "My tiara? I didn't even don it last night."
Marcie bowed her head in shame. "That was my fault, Milady. I was having it polished and did not stop to think how long it would take."
I took her hand between my own two. "Marcie." I whispered. "Why are so displeased with yourself?"
"I failed my job. You did not go to your ball dressed appropriately, and I allowed that to happen." She replied, avoiding my gaze.
"But I did look pleasing to the eye, yes?" I questioned.
"Of course, Milady. You always do." Marcie insisted.
I gave her a smile. "Did you know that my father liked the dress I wore last night? And the prince I met thought so as well."
Marcie allowed herself to smile. "Yes, you are correct, Milady."
I turned back to the mirror. "Now, as for the tiara, yes; I would like to wear it."
Marcie bowed her head. "As you wish, Milady." She set to work pinning my hair into a bun that sat just on the back of my head. She then dismissed herself to go retrieve the tiara from the vault.
As she left, Linda came forward with a red dress in hand. It had a gold, embroidered belt with the same pattern around the arm just above the elbow and lining the low resting neck line. Along the back of the dress was the corset, the string golden in color. The sleeves hugged my forearm, but then began to enlarge around the elbow, the further down the arm the bigger it got. The dress had a bit of a trail off the back, which I quite liked.
Linda and Marcie both assured me in getting the dress on, then moved me to the bed post to work on the corset. I was sucking my gut in as much as I could so Polly could make corset as tight as she could. Marcie entered the room just as Polly was tying off the golden string.
"The dress looks amazing on you, Milady." She complemented, setting a box on my vanity.
I smiled at her. "Thank you, Marcie. Is that it?" I asked. Linda presented me with a pair of one-inch, ruby red, heels. I slipped them as Marcie replied.
"Yes, Milady."
"Marvelous." I glided over to the vanity and seated myself once again.
Marcie opened the box to reveal a magnificent, golden tiara. It was formed to sit perfectly upright, presenting the seven rubies.
This tiara was specifically my own, but it followed the customs as well. My ancestors first decided that every generation's eldest daughter would add a ruby stone to their tiara, symbolizing a new line. I had seven, as I am the seventh princess.
Marcie gingerly removed the tiara from its home and placed it onto my head, just in front of the bun.
My reflection in the mirror pleased me, so I rose once more. Turning to my Ladies in Waiting, I thanked them, then excused myself from the room.
My father would be awaiting my arrival in the dining hall, and I had many things I wished to discuss with him.