─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
"There, finally done! Our princess is more than perfection!"
"Her hair came out beautifully!"
"The emerald hairpin really stands out!"
"Though it is minimal, her makeup makes the princess look like a porcelain doll."
Five maids surrounded me as they praised my every feature.
Marina picked up a vast decorative box and placed it on top of the nearby chaise lounge.
"Is the imperial princess ready?" An unfamiliar voice came through the doors.
"That must be lady Olivia, the imperial fashion designer!" Marina smiled as she made her way to the door.
An elegant, tall woman with short, dirty blonde hair walked in, followed by three young women.
The elegant woman looked around the room as she crossed her arms.
"Well, why are we all just standing here? Bring me the dress I worked so hard for and the shoes. Quickly now. We do not have much time." The lady demanded calmly.
"Your Imperial Highness, I am his majesty's personal designer for all of his attires since he was crowned emperor. It is my utmost honor to serve you on such a joyous day as this one. If I can be honest, It's… been a while since I designed a dress. However, when I was hired to design your dress, a spark of light grew within me. Nevermind that. Let's get started, shall we?"The lady explained.
"Please stand up, Your Imperial Highness. We must place your undergarments and corset on. Do not fret. It will only shape your figure. We will not make it too tight." One of the ladies ordered.
"A… corset? But why? Aren't I too young?" I asked in confusion.
"Indeed you are, Your Imperial Highness. However, Lady Mia and Lady Olivia recommended we put one on you today. Today is a great day. You must look your best. Now, please raise your arms up." Lady Olivia's helpers explained.
"Hold on to the vanity table. We will now place the corset and tighten it just a bit. Ready?" She instructed.
I nodded nervously and exhaled deeply.
"Once I place the corset on you, take a deep breath in." A voice from behind commanded.
I leaned on the vanity in front of me and inhaled deeply.
I could feel the corset get tighter and tighter. I have only read about the pain and discomfort corset training does to women in the Victorian era. I never thought I would ever experience this. This tiny little body is already so thin and fragile. This is torture.
"Augh...." I moaned in discomfort.
I tightened my grip on the vanity edge with one hand, while with the other, I scraped my nails against the maple wood.
"Take baby breaths, Your Imperial Highness. You may have to get used to this lifestyle sooner than you think. Now that today is your official day of coming out to society among nobles, you will have to get used to etiquette and corset training." Lady Olivia explained as she and her other helper carried a black and emerald-colored dress.
"Oh my! The dress is exquisite!"
"The fashion designer is a miracle worker!"
"This dress is quality only for the imperial family!"
Continued the swooning maids.
"It took me 22 days and nights to complete this dress, Your Imperial Highness. The details in the embroidery; to the imported silk from a distant country - all made with the hands of the best of the country. I only used the best materials money can buy. I only made one dress this magnificent, and that was the day the former empress eloped with his majesty." Lady Olivia explained as she gazed at the heavy dress.
The dress indeed is breathtaking.
As I remained still, I glanced every once in a while by the large mirror as they adjusted the dress on me.
Shortly after, the dress flats and jewelry.
"There, take a look, Princess." Marina turned me around, facing the full body mirror.
I quickly placed both of my hands on my mouth as a sign of shock.
I walked closer to the mirror in disbelief.
"This… is me?" I mumbled to myself.
This child in front of the mirror quickly resembled a porcelain doll. Pale, milky skin with rosy cheeks. Big, doll-like eyes with thick, long eyelashes. Her emerald necklace matched perfectly with her light-colored irises. Thick, long black hair- fell by the hips with feather bangs, complimenting her baby face.
This child looks like a princess. An actual princess.
I continued to look at my reflection. This time, I averted my eyes on the dress.
The dress twirled down in shocks of black and shimmery emerald green.
Not overwhelming for a child's dress, but classy and expensive. Anyone could only assume this dress is worth bricks of gold. In fact, I am quite curious about the price since it was made by daddy's own fashion designer and her team.
"Our princess is ready." Marina smiled as she showed herself in my reflection in the mirror.
KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK
"Imperial Princess, the chancellor is here to escort you to the ballroom." A butler announced as he bowed by the door.
I took a deep breath and smiled.
"Okay, I am ready."