The Silver Seamstress

Chapter 3

While searching for the next royal on my list, I found Princess Lyra in the library looking through the books. She organized the ones out of place. Deciding to talk to her next, I went over to help her silently. She nodded to me, a silent greeting and acknowledgement of my presence. After a while, she chose a book and started reading. I shelved a few more books and sat down beside her.

As I started to spread out my designs for her outfit, she whispered to me a question, "Can you make it something comfortable? It says in this book that doing something you love can ease nervousness and stress when you're about to do something nerve-wracking." She paused, then quickly added, "If it's not too much of a bother for you of course."

"Princess, I'm here to make something pretty for you to wear to the photo shoot, and hopefully, wear later on in the competition. Whatever Your Highness wishes, I shall make it come true. Out of all the royal children, I'd say you're the most intelligent and well-read."

She blushed.

"Whatever information you gather, I have no reason to doubt it. Every time you have done a project or assignment from your father or teachers, your information is always correct and far ahead of the others in accuracy and precision. Your work is easily at the top of your class. The best scholar we have. If I may ask a question, Your Highness-" She nodded slightly. "What will you do at the photo shoot?"

"Well, I'm planning on playing my violin," she answered.

I nodded. "A good idea. Just immerse yourself in your music and all your fears will disappear like smoke. I'll make something that suits your personality and will help you calm down during stressful situations. Whenever I see you, I'm always reminded of the moon and its silent journey across the night sky. Silent but steady, always there to guide travelers through the night. Is it okay if I base it off of that?"

Her eyes lit up. "Actually, that just reminded me of a story that I once read, about a witch who captured bits of moonlight and stardust to feed a newborn child. Maybe we can do that! I've read about fairy lands and magic still existing-" She stopped suddenly, looking at the floor. "Sorry, you weren't supposed to know about that. I started reading a record on it from the secret castle archives.... Can you please forget what I said? I might get in trouble if someone finds out." She looked at me with pleading eyes.

I put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a kind and understanding smile. She flinched, a little shocked at this. "Your Highness, please calm down. It's okay. You got a little excited, that's all. I take it you haven't finished reading it yet?"

She looked at me, confused. "No," she responded hesitantly. "But what do you mean?"

"Everything will be explained in due time, Princess. You can trust me," I said reassuringly. Looking at my pocket watch, I continued. "It's almost lunchtime. I have a meeting with your little brother afterwards. I'm not sure what materials he'll need, but I might be planning a trip for us to gather everything. You see, I like to do these things personally as to ensure the best of my work coming out of this. I don't really trust others that much and would like the best for my customers." I paused, then asked, "If it wouldn't trouble you, would it be okay if I ask for you to read up on that stuff? Information that a citizen who hasn't been there for a while wouldn't know?"

"How long would 'a while' be?"

"Hmm. A few years? Maybe about a decade? Yeah, go with that for now."

"Okay, I will. Any other information you might want for the trip?"

"I'm not quite sure but I will tell you if I think of anything. Don't tell anyone about this. You may not even be going on this trip as I haven't gotten permission from your parents yet. Try not to call attention to your information-gathering either." I glanced at my pocket watch again. "Want me to shelve your book on my way out?"

She shook her head. "No thanks. I'll read it for a little while longer, so there's no need for you to trouble yourself with it.

"Okay. See you around, Your Highness."

"Alright." She went back to her book, reading contentedly with a slight smile on her face.