The morning after the small incident with the bleeding, I get up early to prepare. I have to greet the delegation returning to the Palace.
Since it's the King we're talking about, I can't just get down in my nightgown, wave my hand, and return to sleep.
I'd like to do that. To return to sleep...
The maids bring me warm water to wash my face, and they take out a new dress for the occasion. Its cream colour makes me purse my lips but they have no intention of allowing me to wear a darker colour when greeting the King departing for a long, dangerous journey.
They tie my hair up and help me with the cloak. No jewellery today because I'll be back here in an hour at most.
No makeup because I'll sink my face in the pillow immediately after crossing the door.
It's fresh outside, so the dress has sleeves for once. Long, larger from the elbows down. The tip reaches my knee, so they're not as long as to be in the way.
