This story follows the life of Princess Maiena, the second and youngest child of King Thaddeus-- the strong, wise, and uncompromisingly orthodox ruler of Reidonia which is a kingdom set in the modern age with customs, laws and traditions that seem t...
Of course Nikolai was showing off. When I saw the dress on the mannequin in the Como lakeside villa suite, my brother's intentions were clear. He wanted to show the world leaders just how wealthy and valuable our kingdom was and we would not be easily trampled on. That was a total lie of course because if it were true, I wouldn't be in that place for that purpose.
I was to wear that magnificent dress for the welcome ball that night. It was a long red off-shoulder corset mermaid cut ball gown made of real gold-laced silk which was created by weaving 24-carat gold threads with the cocoon silk threads together by hand. That material was only available in the country where both threads are abundant-- Reidonia. A thousand 3-carat diamonds in various shapes decorated the entire gown from the neckline to the hems. In a box beside it was the most expensive tiara from the royal collection made from the finest rubies and the clearest diamonds set in platinum.
"The Crown Prince had this prepared for you, Your Highness." Lady Marian said. "He also had the late Queen's jewelry chest packed for you to choose the earrings and necklace. He said your mother had the finest eyes in jewelry and you should find a lot of pieces suitable for the occasion.
I rolled my eyes. "Since when did the Crown Prince become a fashion stylist?"
Elsewhere in the room, I heard Sir Aidan snicker at my remark which wasn't a joke but he still found funny. Wasn't he busy sweeping the suite for hidden cameras and bugging devices?
"Dozens of the best fashion designers, stylists and dressmakers were in the palace yesterday. They worked all day and night to prepare your wardrobe for this trip." Lady Marian explained. "Poor dear... You must've been really exhausted from taking care of your sick father that you fell asleep the entire time. Sir Gali and Lady Cora said you didn't want to be disturbed so we let you rest."
Again Aidan tittered but disguised it by clearing his throat.
My eyes followed the sound of his muffled chuckle and found him quietly grinning by the bedside table as he checked the lamp. Our eyes met. I glared at him and he winked at me. I instantly blushed and looked away.
Damn you, Aidan! I'll get you for this.
"Thank you, Lady Marian, that was very considerate of you." I smiled.
I did want to be alone yesterday but not to sleep.
When I woke up in the arms of Aidan at noon, we spent the entire day in bed snuggling and talking about anything we could think of. From our childhood, to our thoughts and feelings, to our fears, to our hopes of the future and deepest fears.
I now know why the pies he brought to our secret picnics in the abandoned cabin in the woods when we were kids were still warm. He stole them from the royal kitchen fresh from the oven. How I laughed at thought of how the most valiant Knight of the kingdom was once a little pastry thief.
"Fresh from the oven? That must be really hot? Why would you do that?" I asked.
"I knew even then how picky you were with your food and I knew you wouldn't eat the pies cold. I didn't want you to get hungry." He said.
It was a simple thought by a child but why did it have the power to move me to the verge of tears?
"Did you burn your fingers?" I whispered.
He shrugged. "A little. But seeing how happy you were eating the pie, I felt happy too and I forgot the sting on my fingers."
That moment, I wanted to kiss him again. Not a spur of the moment or an angry kiss but a slow and gentle kiss that could make him feel just how happy and warm I felt at the moment.
But I figured I've had enough throwing-myself-at-him embarrassment to last a lifetime so I stopped myself and swore never to kiss him again.
Repeat after me, Maiena. You will never kiss Aidan ever again.
"It's time to get you ready, Your Highness." Lady Marian's reminder pulled me out of my thoughts and pushed me back to reality.
"The room is secured. I'll wait outside, Your Highness." Aidan said. I looked at him and saw his usual serious expression as he stood at attention. Wasn't he just laughing a second ago, why was he so cold all of a sudden?
I quietly nodded and he bowed before leaving the room. As soon as he left the room, I felt alone.
Lady Cora, Lady Maiena and the other handmaids got right down to business while I stared blankly at my image in the mirror.
***
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