Rhea winced as the maid pulled tighter at the strings of her corset, under Apollonia's orders.
The blonde woman favoured a more shapely figure than Augustus thought was healthy, which meant that on mornings when Augustus was called away for work early and she had to be dressed by her Lady-in-Waiting, Rhea suffered terribly.
"A corset is supposed to be supportive shapewear, not restrictive and painful," Calida, as always, argued in favour of Rhea, her face pinched in discomfort.
"I have worn my corset like this since I was twelve and I have no complaints. My mama would never have allowed it!" Apollonia fired back with the fierceness she had for all things and how she believed they should be.
"Stop," Rhea waved at the maid, Poppy, who immediately let go of the strings and stared at her mistress' pale face with concern.
"I can take no more of this. Loosen the strings."
Apollonia was quick to protest. "Rhea, no!"
