"Wake up, Little Mistress," Selena says, dragging Lucy out of her blankets. Lucy shivers. What the hell? Lucy blinks blurrily. "Today's your Name Day gathering. It's already six." Selena frets. "Come eat quickly." Selena urges. Lucy sits. "Six? So early?" Lucy whines. You made me learn to sleep in, and now demand I wake up. This is too unfair.
Lucy dons a burgundy dress, with heavy silk skirts. Selena pins a lacy shawl over her shoulders and chest. My slippers have pearls on them! Lucy picks one up, eying the embroidery, and pearl closely. Yep, that's a pearl. On my shoe! "Now, it's time for your jewels," Selena says, hands full of sparkles things. Lucy grimaces. "Do I have to?" Lucy asks. Selena looks stern. "Yes, little Mistress. You must be adorned according to your status or others will scorn you. Also, remember your etiquette today when speaking. His Royal Highness might not care, but it will reflect poorly on Concubine Meng if you make mistakes." Selena warns.
Lucy sighs but allows Selena to doll her up. Along with the slippers, and her jewels. So many damned jewels. A sheer burgundy veil over her nose and mouth tied her outfit together. At least according to Selena. "There's a surprise waiting in the gardens outside the Dew receiving rooms for you," Selena says. Lucy follows Selena down the halls, her hairbell making a gentle chiming. Considering how much bling I'm draped in. I'm surprised Selena put only one hair bell in my braid.
Dainty steps. Dainty steps. Lucy repeats, focusing on walking the way Mom taught her. Dainty steps. "Ah" Lucy stops staring at the children standing in the garden. "Happy Nameday, Little Sister Lucy" They shout. Lucy smiles. Big Sis Jiao, Big Brother Shui, and the others surround her, all dressed in finery just like her. Lucy glances around. "Where's Big Sis Amu?" Lucy asks. "She's eight. She has to stay in the receiving rooms, and talk to people" Big Brother Shui says. "Let's play tag" Big Sis Quing suggests. "We can't do anything messy" Big brother Shui warns. Big Sis Quing rolls her eyes. "It'll be fine. You worry too much" She smiles wickedly. "Tag you are it!" Big Sis Quing says, tagging Big Brother Bolin, and running off.
Lucy played for nearly an hour before Selena calls her over. "First Imperial Prince Ping has arrived. You will greet him. Do you remember your phasing?" Selena asks. Lucy nods. "Remember to call Prince Jing Royal Father" Selena reminds, leading Lucy inside. Lucy smirks. The shoe is on the other foot now, isn't it? I guess there's a time and a place for both. Lucy tries not to tense when she enters the Dew Rooms. It was crowded with ladies and men.
Reaching Papa, Lucy curtsies."This daughter greets Royal Father" Lucy says. "Third Daughter," Papa says, his displeasure pinpricks on her skin. Dude, calm yourself. "This is First Imperial Prince Ping, my eldest brother," Papa says dryly waving a hand at an elegant man by his side. Lucy curtsies again. "This Imperial Miss greets First Imperial Uncle," Lucy says, staring at his shiny polished boots.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet my elusive the Third Imperial Miss Jing," First Imperial Prince Ping says. Uh. His emotions? Where… Lucy tries to touch his mind and sways. She urges her power back. Away from the cloudy bog that his mind is. It tried to pull me in! Lucy regulates her breathing.
"Miss Selena take the Third Miss back to the gardens," Papa says. "Your Third Imperial Uncle lives on the coast, and couldn't make the trip down. You go entertain your cousins until the dukes arrive" Papa says directly to Lucy. Lucy nods. "Yes, Pa- " Lucy coughs. "Yes, Royal Father. I will do so" Lucy says, quickly following Selena out. Etiquette! Etiquette! Remember your manners, Lucy. Dainty steps!