I had finished up the last of the preparations. The banquet would be hosted in a matter of days.
Then a maid entered my office, "Your Highness, it's time for your fitting."
"Already? Very well, I shouldn't keep the tailors waiting," I said, getting up from my seat and following the maid to my chambers.
I sat in a chair surrounded by various maids and tailors.
"Your majesty, we have a few of our finest pieces to try out today," one of the tailors stated, followed by a long line of gowns with a variety of colors.
I was stuffed into one dress after the next, some were quite nice, others... out of respect for the seamstresses who created them, I will say that they had interesting tastes, to say the least. After a few hours, we narrowed it down to fifteen dresses.
"Your Highness, with much consideration, we have fifteen gowns for you to choose from," one of the tailors chirped.
"How about this one, the coloring suits you quite well Princess," a maid suggested, bringing out a magenta dress with golden embroidery along the bodice with white lace and frills on the cuffs and hem of the skirt.
It's quite well made, however... I eye the open chest window and off-the-shoulder sleeves.
"Maybe something with a little more coverage," I proposed.
"Then how about this?" Another maid had brought out a form-fitting dark teal dress with intricate black lace along the high neckline and cuffs of the sleeves.
"No, no, no, the color clashes with the Princess's eyes. How about this one, Your Highness?"
Then a third dress was brought out. It was a dark navy blue bedazzled with sapphire jewels and gold embroidery. It was well made, but much too revealing in my opinion.
"This dress is too revealing!" a maid argued.
"It's a beautiful color, and Her Highness should dress in something fashionable!" another shot back.
Oh dear, there they go again.
As they continued arguing, my handmaid, Trisha tapped my shoulder, "Your Highness, what do you wish to wear?"
I turned to her and answered, "Something modest and simple."
"I see, I think I have something, wait here," Trisha smiled, sneaking past the arguing maids.
After a few moments, Trisha came back with another dress. The dress was a simple rose red with a black pleated skirt, bishop sleeves, and a black ribbon tied around a collared neck. It was simple and modest, perfect.
The two maids stopped arguing and looked at the dress Trisha had picked out, "It's much too simple! Her Majesty will be attending a banquet, a banquet! We can't have her dressed like some kind of commoner!" one of the maids chastised, making Trisha shrink back behind the mannequins.
I stood up from my chair, "I think the dress is lovely. If it's too simple, the tailors could embellish it," I suggested.
The least I can do is try to quell the situation.
"Hmph, fine, we'll have the tailors embellish the dress if that's what Your Highness wishes," a maid huffed.
I went over to Trisha, who was hiding behind the mannequins, "I think you picked out a wonderful find," I assured her, "Trisha, you are my handmaid, you should hold your head high." Poor girl, as meek as always.
Trisha smiled, "I appreciate the praise, Your Highness, I'm truly undeserving of your kindness."
"Nonsense, you're a hard worker and a wonderful friend, don't try to underestimate yourself."
"I'll try," she nodded, coming out of hiding.
The tailors embellished the dress with various threads and beading, and after another hour of fitting, the gown was stored away for when the day of the banquet would arrive.
Afterwards, I had piano lessons.
I studied the new sheet music I was given. I put my hands on the keys and started playing. I did well for the most part, but I missed a few keys at the end.
"Well, ahem, it is a new piece, please don't be hard on yourself, Your Highness," Reginald consoled, "However, this is rather disappointing."
"I'm aware," I nodded, staring at my hands.
How strange, I usually don't make mistakes like that. Perhaps I'm just having an off day.
Then, I had tutoring lessons.
"Now, a hundred years ago, The Great Celbis had once predicted that a great catastrophe would befall our lands and spread death throughout the world. This prophecy has yet neither come to fruition nor proven to be true, but studies have shown that- Your Highness, are you even listening?" Ms. Anne asked.
I snapped back to reality, "Oh, um, Yes, Ms. Anne?"
"Were you paying attention? You shouldn't daydream during lessons," she scolded.
"Yes, yes, I am aware, my apologies."
"Tch, just because no one expects anything from you, that doesn't entitle you to slack off," she badgered.
"You are part of the royal family. Act like it. It's the least you can do given the extent of your capabilities."
"I know," I answered, keeping my head down.
"Honestly, after all these years of teaching you, you are still the same child I met when I came to the castle, a foolish, naive girl."
"I know."
"At this rate, I'm surprised you even got to the position you have today, given how you are unable to use Celestial Arts. That should be a miracle in itself, you should be grateful."
"I know."
"Now then, I will start from the beginning. There will be no daydreaming, correct?"
"Of course not, Ms. Anne."
"Good," she nodded, going back to the board and restarting the lesson.
Please let this be over.
Finally, I had swordsmanship training.
I watched my opponent as they lunged towards me, brandishing their blade. I blocked their attack, meeting them with an attack of my own, pushing them back. I dashed forward, slashing down and successfully disarming them.
"Argh, well done Your Highness, as sharp as always. Although, I can't help but wonder if you're displeased with me," Eugene asked.
I smiled, "You need not worry yourself, Eugene, I would've gone for the throat if I had been angry."
"I don't know if that was supposed to be an assurance or you're just jesting with me again," He wearily said, rubbing his wrist.
I shrugged, "You can decide that," I lent a hand, helping him up from the dusty ground.
"On that note, I think I'll end our sparring session here," I added, turning my gaze to the clear sky.
"This soon? You usually go for a few more rounds," he mentioned. "Are you feeling well, Your Highness?"
I paused and turned back to him. He was right, it was unlike me.
"I don't know..."
"You don't know? Well, is that a discovery, I thought you knew everything," he teased.
I pointed my sword at him.
"I may not know everything, but I know more than you, Eugene."
He grinned, raising his hands in surrender as he backed away.
"Yes, yes, I am aware."
I let out a breath, sheathing my blade. I stretched out my arms and started exiting the training grounds.
"Well, I best be off; much work to do before the banquet."
"Of course, Princess," Eugene nodded, "but excuse my frankness, I must ask. Althea, are you sure you're okay? You've been distracted as of late; is everything alright?"
I opened my mouth to speak but soon closed it. What should I say to him? I averted his gaze, my eyes lingering on my sword. He was right, I'd been too distracted lately.
But why?
I was in perfectly good health. Sure I had a tendency to daydream at times, but I wouldn't say it was a harmful habit of mine.
So why?
Then, I felt a lump in my chest... it was painful. Maybe I was falling under the weather. I turned back to Eugene, his expression worried as always.
"Everything is fine. I'll manage. I simply need to clear my thoughts."
He looked like he wanted to say something else, but he only nodded, "Very well, I suppose I should leave as well. Again, please pardon my lack of manners a moment ago."
"Of course, Eugene. You know very well you can speak to me freely anytime," I reminded.
We'd been friends for quite some time now, yet he still addresses me formally. It was starting to get a little upsetting. No matter, I knew I should take my leave.
I entered my room after finishing up my daily quota. I lounged in my comfortable armchair, leaning back and finally relaxing. I let out a sigh, recounting the day's events. There was fitting, piano lessons, tutoring, and sword practice, as well as overseeing the banquet preparations, sending out invitations, finalizing the performance contracts, negotiating with merchants, and more paperwork. Thankfully, it was less work than the days prior, and I was able to have a few minutes of breathing room. However little time that was, I'm still grateful.
I eyed the leather book on my bedside table. The pages were old and the spine had been worn out after being read so many times. I smiled. Some light reading never harmed anyone. I got up, picked up the book, and flipped through its pages.
Where did I last leave off? One hundred seventy-three, seventy-four, five... ah there it was.
I stopped at page one hundred seventy-eight. Falling back in my chair, I began reading its contents.
The main character of this story was the daughter of a wealthy Baron named Jillian, who set off on her own to find a magical stone that her late mother had told her about when she was a child. She never ended up finding said stone, but she had made many friends and had had many adventures. She was an optimistic person who seemed to radiate happiness. Though a bit childish, she was like a warm beam of sunshine. I smiled to myself as I continued reading. Hm, how sweet; reminds me of something.
A cheery black-haired girl with emerald green eyes appeared in my mind, wearing a loosely fitting night gown as she clumsily walked around in a bed of flowers.
-----*-----
"Althea, I found something!" shouted a familiar voice from not far away.
I rushed over to a bed of blue daisies, to find Aliya crouching over a small white rock.
She turned to me, smiling all the same, "Look at this rock!" she came closer, holding the rock with pride painted on her face.
The white stone sparkled in the sunlight, shining an array of colors like a gem, "Isn't it pretty?" Aliya beamed, her eyes as bright as the rock she was holding.
I couldn't help but smile, "Yes, it's quite a find."
"Exactly. It's so shiny and sparkly and really pretty, like you!"
"M-me?"
"Yeah, you're beautiful," she complimented, placing the rock in my hands.
I felt my cheek getting warmer as I stared into her glittering green eyes.
"Well, if I'm a shiny stone, then," I bent down and took a daisy from the flower bed beneath us and placed it in Aliya's hair.
"You're a lovely flower."
I watched as her face turned a bright shade of red, "Oh um, t-thank you," she grinned sheepishly as she fiddled around with her fingers.
I reached out to brush some stray hairs off her face, "You need to take better care of your hair, it's all over the place."
She groaned, "Stop that, you sound like Minh."
"Do I?" I asked, tilting my head.
"Yeah, he's always telling me what to do. Phuong, go brush your hair, Phuong, get off your lazy butt and help in the garden, Phuong, go clean your damn room. It's so annoying!" she complained, her cheek puffing up in a pout.
She turned around, crossing her arms with a huff, "I can take care of myself just fine, I don't need him nagging me all the time."
"I see," I nodded, placing my hand on her shoulder.
Angelo, an interesting man of peculiar words...
However, he truly seems to care for Aliya. I can't help but respect him for that despite his overlying flaws.
Aliya turned to me, "Hey, when the war's over, can me and Minh still stay here?"
I looked at her, confused, "Of course you can," I answered, "You can stay as long as you like. In fact, I'd quite appreciate it."
"Really? You don't think I'm annoying or something?"
"Not at all," I assured.
I opened my mouth to say more.
My life has been brighter since you appeared, but I swallowed them.
-----*-----
Why didn't I say that?
Was it because I was embarrassed? No, no, that's not it. So why? I closed the book, letting out a tired breath, leaning back in my chair again.
"My life has been brighter with you in it," I quietly muttered to myself.
The words came out so easily. So, why couldn't I say it to her? I closed my eyes. Maybe it was out of embarrassment.
Then there it was again. That same lump in my chest. I sat up, shaking my head.
No, Althea, you had only known her for a few weeks. You had parted with others much closer to you, so why are you so attached to this one person? It doesn't make sense.
I stared at the book I was reading, the image of Aliya in my mind. She would love this book.
She'd probably say, 'Hey, Althea. Wanna read this together? We can have tea and cookies after.' Exactly like that, with a smile on her face, warm like the sun. But now, she's on her own adventure. She's not alone, but still. I can't bring myself to not worry.
I look up at the ceiling, holding my book close to my chest.
I'll miss her.
Side Story Dated - 11yrs
My Knight and Friend
"Ha yah!" I screamed while swinging a stick around.
I kept going until I was left panting.
"Why isn't it working?" I mumbled to myself, stumbling onto the ground as I caught my breath.
I stared at the stick in my hand, then waved it around some more, but still nothing. I don't understand, I'm of royal blood, right? So why can't I perform Celestial Arts? All of my siblings can do it, why can't I?
I shook my head, I shouldn't be thinking about that. I didn't sneak out of lessons to sulk. I got up and started swinging my stick again.
But then, suddenly, I heard a noise, "Eep!" I yelped, whipping my head around to the bushes.
Then out came a black-haired boy who looked much older than me. I screamed, throwing my stick at him.
It hit him in the face.
"Argh, what the hell?" he groaned, rubbing his nose.
He looked at the stick that I threw at him and then at me. Who is this person? Wait, was he sent by Ms. Anne to find me?
I backed away and picked up a rock lying on the ground, "Who are you and why are you here?!" I questioned, getting ready to throw the rock at him.
He raised his hands in surrender quickly explaining himself, "Hey, hey, I'm not here to hurt you. I just wanted to sneak away for a bit, okay?"
Sneak away? "Did you also run away from lessons?" I asked, lowering my hand.
"More like training, but I guess," he nodded, also lowering his hands, "Why did you run?" he then asked, looking at me up and down. I looked down at myself.
There was some dirt on my skirt, but I looked fine.
I moved my stare up at him before answering, "I wanted to practice my Celestial Arts."
"Celestial Arts?! Oh crap! A-apologies for the disrespect, Your Highness!" he exclaimed, falling to his knees in a knightly kneel.
"Oh uh, it's okay," I assured, "You didn't know, so you're fine."
"Yes, but still, you're royalty. A knight shouldn't talk to his princess like that," he insisted.
A knight?
"Wait, you're a knight?"
"Well, in training, but I'm going to be…" he trailed off, still keeping his head down.
I stared at him for a while. He looked familiar. I know I've seen him before, but why can't I remember? I thought back, where have I seen him before? Then I remembered my ninth birthday. My father had introduced me to a black haired boy next to General Bouclier that day. His face was a bit of a blur though.
"Are you General Bouclier's son?"
He looked at me bug-eyed, "Yes."
"I see," I paused for a moment, "Why did you run away?"
He stayed silent, looking away from me, "Well..."
"Well what?" I asked again, stepping closer.
"It was too hard so I ran," he mumbled under his breath.
"It was too hard?" I repeated, "A knight shouldn't give up just because things were too hard."
"I know," he said, "I just... didn't want to do it anymore."
I came closer, "What do you mean?"
"I mean that I'm just not cut out to be a knight," he lamented, sitting down on the ground, "I'm not strong, I can't win a fight to save my life, and I always end up getting knocked out during training. I'm practically useless."
I crouched down in front of him and placed my hand on his.
"Everyone starts really bad at something before getting better. When I first started playing piano, I sounded horrid. But I got better with practice," I comforted.
He looked at me. He still looked sad.
"What's your name?" I asked
"Eugene," he muttered.
"I see," I said, pulling him forward, bringing him to his feet.
He looked down at me as I smiled at him, "Well, Eugene, you'll be a great knight! And when you become a knight, you can be my personal guard."
"Your personal knight?" he exclaimed, "Princess, are you sure you don't want anyone else to be your knight? I'm still in training and I'm pretty useless. I wouldn't be a good choice!" he blurted out.
"Well, you look good to me," I shot back, "So no take-backs!" Suddenly I heard Ms. Anne's voice call for me.
Oh no!
I took his hand and made a run for it, "Come on before she catches us!" I shouted, dragging him with me, a laugh wanting to leave my throat.
A/N
Ello my lovelies, another Althea chapter for you all, so rejoice Althy lovers! Anyways, in light of the new arc, there will be a new cover. It showcases our lovely main characters, Aliya and Angelo! Now you can see how similar they are. /(•^•)\