Calluna walked down the hall alone for one of the very first times since she had arrived in this world. The steps of her riding boots echoed off the high ceilings and drew the attention of passersby, many of them even stopping to stare – which was understandable, the crown prince was quite the spectacle. She strode with confidence in the androgynous new ensemble that Fabian had delivered to her the previous evening.
"My Lord, where are you heading so early in the morning?" One of the head butlers asked when he spotted her taking a break to catch her breath.
Calluna turned to face him and cocked her brow inquisitively. "I'm on my way to the Dusk Chambers to organize my harem."
"Y-your harem?"
"Yes. I am the Crown Prince, it is my job to take care of these things before my coronation."
The butler's bald head began to shine slightly with nervous sweat, and after a few moments of hesitation he spoke again. "Yes, of course, Your Majesty. It's just a little unexpected that you're doing that rather than simply dismissing all of the concubines."
"And put thirty beautiful and capable women out of work? Let them return to their average noble families when they've had a taste of royal treatment? To send home the foreign concubines and ruin good political relations simply because I won't be bedding them?" Calluna released a frustrated sigh.
"Ah- I spoke out of line, I apologize to my Lord."
"You did. You may leave, I've got much more important things to do than argue my place with an insolent man like you."
Calluna hadn't finished resting, but was so irritated by the conversation that she decided to push through the shortness of breath just to get away from him. After shooting the man a disdainful glare, the prince didn't wait for a response or even a bow before she began walking away. She had dealt with so many similar situations while reaching her position as CEO that anyone questioning her authority simply because she was a woman – well, it made her blood boil.
In order to reach the Dusk Chambers, Calluna needed to pass through the Royal Courtyard. It was a divine outdoor space designed to sooth the mind; well-manicured grass accompanied by many different trees and flower bushes; there was even a large pond, filled with a brilliant cerulean liquid that seemed to lull the mind to comfort just by peering into it. The crown prince had gone to the pond multiple times in the last several days to relax after working from dawn until dusk.
Calluna had learned while reading a children's picture book about Newleigh Castle (as that was her reading level) that it comprised four main buildings, and the Royal Courtyard inhabited the space in the middle. It was apparently constructed with the intent of being the royal family's nature respite, and a place to hold smaller festivities.
When she stepped out the doors and onto the stone path that led across the large yard, a gust of fresh air caressed her body and cleansed her tired lungs. The pleasant scent of flowers danced through the air, reaching the prince's nose and nearly made her forget her frustration entirely.
As much as she desired to sit and relax in the warmth of the rising sun, Calluna continued to walk with purpose toward the harem. She was determined to do a good job, and the perfectionist within her drove her forward without hesitation. The Dusk Chambers were located on the northern end of the East Hall, and since Calluna's room was in the North Hall it was a pretty quick walk. She arrived at the entrance shortly after her departure, and greeted the guards with a curt nod as they let her inside.
It was a massive circular room with tall ceilings and a pink stained-glass skylight. There were fifteen round beds located around the perimeters of the room with sheer curtains around them; in the center of the chamber were purple velvet sofas and coffee tables, all laden with fruits and lounging women. Most of the women were dressed in their nighttime silks, though there were a few doing makeup with one another and so on.
Upon Calluna's arrival, all eyes turned to look at her. If she wasn't mistaken, however, most of their gazes were somewhat bitter.
'Oh, of course they hate me. I swear to God, this little brat...' She cursed her body's predecessor internally before taking a deep breath and stepping into the room all the way.
"Good morning," Calluna greeted loud enough for everyone to hear. It only took a moment for her to realize that not a single one of them was interested in returning the gesture.
One of them, presumably the highest ranking one, stood from the sofa and approached Calluna. She gave a smile that seemed anything but genuine and said: "Are you here to dismiss us all?"
The crown prince stood her ground and met the woman's fierce expression with confidence. "No. Far from it, actually. I'm here to raise your monthly allowances, and to apologize formally."
All of the women seemed to balk at the statement, several of them even letting audible gasps escape them. The woman who stood in front of Calluna's brow twitched with confusion; she opened and closed her mouth multiple times to try and speak, but nothing came out. After losing her words, she bit her lip and took a step aside for the prince to pass further into the hall.
"I will be transparent with all of you." Calluna began to speak once all of the women were gathered together onto the sofas, all eyes on her. "I am not the Princess you are familiar with."
Loud scoffs came from several women of the harem, and they turned to each other seemingly bemused by the statement. Calluna sighed deeply and tried to maintain her temper; so frustrated with the actual princess for being so disagreeable that she almost felt like shouting from the rooftops that she had changed entirely.
"I joke not. I'm sure it was not lost on all of you that I now don an eyepatch now. During the arson attack on my parents, the young prince and I, I was stabbed through my left eye. I should have died along with the King and Queen that night, but due to some miracle I was able to save Lukas and escape.
Though he and I are both alive and well, the repercussions of being stabbed through the eye and into my skull are numerous. I have lost the majority of my memories and feelings from before the accident.
It sounds absurd, and if I were all of you I might even have chosen not to believe me as well. However, I swear to you that this is the truth. I plan to work hard to right the wrongs that my past self committed, and to make our country thrive. Before I can take on such lofty goals as the whole country, however, I seek to begin by making the loves of those close to me better.
I may not know how I treated all of you, but I am sure that all of you have no reason to trust me. I beg, though, that you give me this month before my coronation to mend my relations with all of you."
After Calluna's verbose speech, she took a knee in front of all of them and bowed her head. "I'm sorry, from the bottom of my heart, for my wrongdoings."
Calluna then brought herself to her feet once more and awaited their response. The women of the harem all turned to share glances and whispered amongst themselves for several minutes before the leader spoke up.
"You seem to be telling the truth, and you have no intention to remove us… so we will cooperate with you."
"I appreciate your kindness. I promise I will not disappoint all of you."
One of the other women frowned and asked, "What will our purpose be if not to serve a man?"
Calluna had expected this question but was still unsure how to respond. So, after a moment of thought, she began to explain carefully. "I am a woman, it is true… and I'm assuming that two women engaging in those activities is taboo.. So, do not worry, I will not be asking any of you for favors of that nature. You are free to do with your bodies whatever you wish with whoever you desire.
However, I will still come every evening to spend time with all of you and get to know you, so that I may be a better master of the harem. I will also bring refreshments and gifts on Fridays. I will give you your month's allowance on the last day of the previous month."
All of them nodded and dipped their heads respectfully, most of them satiated by her explanation. Calluna then started to leave, her work being done. She didn't want to bother them longer than necessary, especially when the original Calluna was so obnoxious.
"My Lord?"
A voice called right as she was nearly out the door. The prince turned to look and it was the head concubine again, but her expression had softened considerably. "Yes, miss?"
"Ah… what time will you be coming next?"
She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination or not… but it almost seemed the woman's cheeks were flushed a light pink.
-
'The first thing I am going to write in this journal will be a list of my ladies in waiting, and any interesting things I've found about them.
× Eleanore: She is 45 years old as I've found out, and has worked here longer than most employees other than the chefs and judiciaries. I can't help but view her as a motherly figure, and often wonder if she has any children of her own.
× Wendy: The youngest of the lot, 15 years old. She has a curious and honest personality I find endearing. Her hair is ginger and her eyes are a lovely sea-green. I hope to keep her forever.
× Maria: Somewhere in her twenties, very shy but works hard. Short brown hair and warm honey eyes; I noticed that she enjoys books in her free time. I'd like to get her one.
× Taryn: Somewhere around 19, which I guess is my age as well. Tomboyish and full of spunk. Her hair is a black pixie cut, and she has emerald eyes. I adore her daring personality, and she's excellent at the more difficult chores. I think she'd make an excellent knight and plan to induct her into battle training eventually.
Guinevere: A very refined woman in her late twenties that enjoys beauty and fashion, she is the one that helps me with my makeup. She is very beautiful; olive skin, auburn hair, and brown eyes. Guin initially comes off as a bit stuck up, but in reality she's one of the nicest of all of them.
That is all for now.'