Noel assisted me in tying my corset, tightening it so that my waist was no more than the size of an apple. I never wore corsets, they would only hinder my movements during training. But now that I was posing as Erilyn, I must accept this as a daily part of my life.
"Why don't you breathe, my lady?" Noel said, giving the laces the final tugs. "It will easier for you if you do so."
Her tone was light and soft, sincerely sounding helpful. But it was not helping.
"If only it's that easy," I huffed a breath, bracing the edges of the vanity. "Why don't you try it and see for yourself?"
She only laughed and proceeded to the cabinet. Most of the clothes I brought were Erilyn's. As expected, most of them were gowns and dresses. And her shoes, those hideous things, had heels longer than my patience.
Noel pulled out a dress, examining it first before presenting it to me. "What about this for today, Lady Erilyn?"
It was lovely, really. A blue floor-length gown, shimmering from the skirt until it blurred into silver twisting patterns on the bodice. But I would rather wear something else.
I tilted my head. "Can't you find anything less flashy? A dress suited for comfort, perhaps."
Noel's pale-blond brows darted upwards as if in subtle shock. "There is no such thing. This is only expected, you are to meet the queen."
I shrugged. "If you say so. Come, help me put it on."
"Gladly, my lady." Noel snickered, probably thankful that I accepted her personal choice of garment.
Before she could raise the gown to my head, a knock from the door made us stop.
"Yes?" I called. "What is it?"
"Erilyn, are you done yet?" As expected, it was Nikolas. He might have done his best to conceal the hastiness in his voice but I knew him better than that.
"No," I said with a spark of satisfaction. "Wait a little bit more."
A laugh. "It has been thirty minutes, my dear."
My eyes narrowed with challenge. "I'll give you a choice August, you can wait outside my room or you can wait here where there will be a proper seat for you."
The door knob twisted. "Fine—"
"Wait!" Noel shouted, her arm shooting toward the door.
"What is it?" asked Nikolas.
I gave the maid a questioning look.
Noel turned to me, eyes wide. She raised her upturned hands toward me, making me assess myself.
I instantly realized my mistake. I had almost let Niko in even though I was still wearing my undergarments. Heat flooded my cheeks as I imagined him walking in to see me almost naked. I wouldn't be able to bear the humiliation.
"I changed my mind," I said. "You will have to wait outside."
I heard a grunt. "Make up your mind."
"I already have," I replied. "Now go."
There were a series of inaudible mutterings before his footsteps retreated to the hallway.
My shoulders sagged. Noel released a sigh of relief.
I then wore the gown, and sat before the mirror, letting Noel do my hair.
I eyed her through the mirror. She looked very serious, her lips clamped together in focus.
"How did you know?"
"Hmm?" she said, her gaze remaining on my hair. "Know what, Lady?"
"That I wouldn't have wanted him here."
Indeed, if it were not for her quick thinking, I would have been drowning in shame by now.
I smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I understand that there are marriages solely for convenience only. You two are not yet close. There is no need to rush it. I'm sure the master understands this well than I do. Earlier was simply an accident. Don't worry about it too much, my lady."
Warmth bloomed inside my chest. Noel had a way with her words, so much so that you could feel the sincerity in them.
I suddenly found myself missing Cosie. She was my personal maid and had been with me since we were both young. Though she was not delicate as Noel is, I was still reminded of her. The last time I was with Cosie, it was when she helped me collect my things in the academy. After that, I caught glimpses of her at home, but she was too busy with helping in wedding preparations.
"Thank you, truly." I said, and I meant it.
"No need," she said as she tied the final braids. "That is why I'm here."
After that, Noel dabbed a small amount of powder on my face, wiped some rogue on my cheeks and painted my lips with a bit of red. I told her it was unnecessary but she had insisted so I let her be. I noticed that she made the most out of her job, but she does it well.
I stood before the tall mirror in the corner, scanning myself. Now, I really looked like Erilyn. But that wasn't so bad. If ever, the façade was more effective.
But then, the queen already knows by now, doesn't she?
I shook off the negative thoughts and faced Noel. "Thank you for this."
She brought her hands before her and dipped her chin. "It is my duty that you look your very best."
A minute later, I descended the stairwell. Nikolas was sitting in the main hall, fingers drumming the arm of the sofa.
He lifted his eyes. "Finally. You took so long."
I rolled my eyes and continued to walk.
His brows shot up and up and up every second I got nearer.
"What?" I stopped in front of him. "Cat got your tongue?"
He blinked, straightening his posture. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Niko wore a tailored suit, which I assume was August's. The dark fabric fit him well, complementing his pearl-white skin. He looked taller, in fact. And his hair was swept in all the right places, as always. Although I preferred it long and tied up.
"Erilyn, let's go." He had held out his arm for me to hold.
"Very well," I said as I gripped his elbow.
He was silent throughout. Until now, with him across me in the carriage.
I nudged his feet with mine. "Why so quiet?"
His eyes flicked toward me before he looked away. He'd done this thousands of times for the last five minutes.
"Speak, Nikolas." I spat.
"Nothing," he waved a hand, grinning foolishly. It was irritatingly captivating whenever he did that. "It's just that…"
My forehead scrunched. "That?"
"You look funny," he admitted.
It took me a few seconds. But it hit me eventually. Aside from the wedding, it was the first time he saw me getting dolled up, appearing all pretty and dainty—contrary to my usual outfits in the arena and training grounds back at the academy.
I punched his arm. Hard.
Niko cursed, holding the part where I had smashed my fist. "Fates, woman! Why do you have to be so violent?"
"Get used to it." I transferred my attention to the moving scenery outside the window.