The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Six

I lightly stretch—all my injuries feeling fully healed. Breathing a sigh of relief, I head to the balcony; opening the doors as I take in a deep breath of fresh air. The aroma of sweet grass with dew and fresh scent of the trees tickles my nose as I admire the morning sky.
I can't help but smile admiring the soft gentle breeze.

The door knocks, bringing me out of my daze.

"Come in." I call out, walking back inside.

Magnolia enters, carrying multiple ribbon wrapped boxes.

"My lady, some clothing has arrived for you!" Magnolia smiles, setting the boxes on the coffee table.

Exiting the room to bring more boxes in, the floor by my bed and table are soon surrounded with cluttered gift boxes.

"All of these?" I exclaim, taken aback by the volume of packages.
"Yes, my lady! Mister Lance ordered them so you would have proper clothes when autumn and winter arrive!"
"Seems it's enough for the next ten winters if you ask me." I lightly giggle, stunned as I stare at the carefully wrapped boxes.

As Magnolia begins to unwrap the boxes, I hesitantly sit on my bed as a white box catches my eye. The quality of the silk ribbon in my fingers makes me feel conflicted.

Hesitating to unwrap it, a faint memory of my childhood comes back to me.

"A ruined child like you, doesn't deserve this."
A grin on my mother's lips as she threw a bracelet into the fireplace.
Someone had sent me a gift, possibly my first present. I never found out who sent it, however that day made me afraid of opening another gift from the punishment that followed.

I shake my head to ignore that memory, glancing at Magnolia who quietly hums while opening a box.

'Magnolia wouldn't hurt me, she's too sweet... Lance wouldn't hurt me either, he did order these for me after all...'
I attempt to reassure myself, staring at the beautifully wrapped box in front of me.

"My lady?"

I jump, looking back at Magnolia.

"Y-Yes?" I respond, breaking out of my daze as I pull my hand back from the gift box.
"Oh, forgive me, you just haven't opened any boxes yet. B-But I don't mind opening them for you! I don't mean to make it sound as if I'm complaining about doing this for you, I was just curious!" Magnolia stammers, trying to think of words to say.

After seeing her curious gaze, I can't help but laugh as I realize my foolishness.

"I was actually wondering if it'd be okay to open them." I reply, honestly speaking but hiding the true extent of my thoughts.
"Of course! They're for you, why wouldn't it be okay?" Magnolia cautiously tilts her head.
"Oh, it's just that it was a custom from my home that royalty shouldn't be opening gifts... Would it be okay to open this one?" I smile speaking a white lie as I pick up the well-wrapped box.
"Oh, I see, but of course you can! You can open as many as you'd like, but I'll put them away for you!" Magnolia gives a bright smile, continuing to take out clothes from a box.

The relief in her expression gives me enough reassurance to continue.
I take a deep breath, pulling on a ribbon end. Inside the boxes I open, all of them contain beautiful coats and gowns. Smaller boxes contain bountiful amounts of accessories—in styles I've never imagined jewelry to look like.

We finish unwrapping all the boxes, eventually getting everything put away; the wardrobe and jewelry boxes filled to the brim with new clothes.

I look around the room and sigh happily as Magnolia places the last necklace box away.

"Now that's all out of the way, I feel much better." I gently speak, no longer anxious after opening the packages.
"My lady, were you not pleased with the clothing you received?" Magnolia asks.
"I am! They were all so beautiful... But receiving many gifts tends to feel overwhelming for me."
"I suppose that happens, Mister Lance does tend to go overboard with attire. Did you know, he found a maid's ribbon is out of place and made all servants review the dress code again."

I can't help but giggle at Magnolia proudly speaking about Lance, yet quickly following her praise with sighs filled with exhaustion.

"I never imagined him to be so strict." I giggle, trying to imagine Lance.
"He rarely is! He's a lovely superior but when it involves attire, that's when he becomes overwhelmingly strict." Magnolia whispers as she gives a small laugh, "I'll get rid of the boxes, but first I'll help you get dressed."
"It's alright Maggie, I feel better so I'll dress myself. I'll visit the library afterwards, so could you bring my breakfast there?"

Magnolia agrees, before leaving with the empty boxes.

Nervous as I stare at the wardrobe full of beautiful dresses, I can hardly contain a smile as I grow excited from searching through them.
Deciding on what I'll wear, I slide into a light yellow-cream gown with poet sleeves. Slipping on a simple diamond necklace, I style my curled hair into a ponytail—sweeping my bangs behind my ear before applying a light amount of makeup.

I stand in front of the body mirror, smoothing out any wrinkles on the dress as I stare at myself in the mirror.

"This really is a beautiful gown..." I whisper to myself.

Taking a moment to touch up my hair and makeup, I softly hum to myself as I gaze back at myself—I can hardly recognize the girl in the mirror.

'I guess I have been getting proper sleep since I've arrived.'
I think to myself, pausing as I admire how I look.
Realizing I've never had a peaceful sleep back in Avris, I recall the countless nights I'd lie awake from the aching injuries—and the anxiety of knowing more will come the next day.

Taking a good look in the mirror, I flash a small smile at how different I look now—almost beautiful.

Laughing lightly at the brazen compliment to myself, I grow shy as I look back into the mirror. Fixing a strand of hair, I tuck it behind my ear as I gaze at the dress again.