"Wakey wakey princess it's morning already." "Mhhhh....Five more minutes Justine it's still too early". "Miss, you need to wake up you know the king is gonna have a fit if he doesn't see you at the breakfast table today. We have a guest coming remember?" "Oh my God you are right." I woke up begrudgingly. "I know I am. Now it's time to freshen up. I will get the warm water running". "Thank you, Justine,".
Justine has been my nanny for as long as I can remember. My mom, the queen, died when I was born. I didn't get to meet her, but Justine told me a lot about her and that I looked exactly like her it was as if I was her.
She told me how, kind and caring my mom was and also how stubborn and very strong-willed she could be. She was a fighter. She was loved by many and there were a few that hated her for being outspoken. To them, it wasn't ladylike, a queen or not. She said my mom loved me very much.
"I remember she would sing songs to you even though you were in her womb and yet to be born. The King and Queen were so excited for your arrival. The King loved your mom even more. The people way so happy to learn of the pregnancy. They would bring gifts to the castle now and then to honor the King and Queen. News about your coming spread so fast to several kingdoms".
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"The bath is ready princess." "Thank you, Justine,". I said as I walked straight to the bathroom. I closed the door behind me and began to undress from my blue thin strap nightwear which had a cleavage that defined my grown boobs and was just up to the top of my knee.
One would say I wasn't my daddy's little girl anymore. Puberty was really hitting and my body was living up to the word beautiful.
I slipped one foot into the tub after undressing and sat in it. I began to latter the washcloth with my favorite soap. The fragrance of the soap always made me calm. It always reminded me of the tropics.
Even though I wanted to hurry, my mind was in its world. "Lyra..." "Yes Dad". "I love you so much my dear child, there is something I would like us to talk about." "I'm all ears Dad". "I... (Clears throat) I want you to get married." (Silence). "I know what you are thinking. You are not ready and it's too early". "You took the words out of my mouth Dad. Why the rush? Is something wrong? Did something happen?" I kept on asking whatever would come to mind.
"You know you are my only child. I couldn't see myself taking another woman after the death of your mother even though it's okay or acceptable to do so. My people want an heir. The kingdom needs an heir. It is impossible to make you an heir even though I believe you could take on the responsibility. Custom doesn't approve it. I have thought long and hard my dear and this was the best decision I could come up with."
"But Dad..." "No buts my dear, you getting married will help form an alliance, and even better the kingdom will be secured. This is a duty to your people. They look up to you, they look up to us. We must not fail them and bring the kingdom to shambles". He stopped to gaze at me as I was deep in thought. I didn't know what to say or how to react.
"I have never asked you to do anything you didn't want to do since you were born but for the first time ever, I ask you to do this, my child, for the sake of our people, for the sake of this kingdom and for your own sake".
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"Princess, Princess, Lyra.... you there? Is everything ok, do you need anything?" I was brought back to the present by Justine's screams. "It's fine Justine. I will be out in a minute. I dipped my body into to water till my face was deep into the water in the tub which was a habit of mine. I got out and gave myself a last rinse before stepping out of the tub.
I put on my robe and took a towel to dry my hair as I got out of the bathroom. Justine was waiting and had already brought out my dress to be worn. "You sure took your time". She said that with a teasing smile. I sat in front of the dressing mirror as Justine took the towel from me to dry my hair.
"The guest has arrived; he is currently in the king's study. I believe they are having a conversation before having breakfast". "Hmm ok." I said timidly.
My mind was a mess. The said guest was here because of me. Nervous was an understatement. I had never met him, nor did I know who he was. This could be said as our first encounter. I didn't want to disappoint Dad. Neither did I want to disgrace myself. I needed to pull myself together. If not anything, I had to give out a good first impression.
Justine started to work her magic on me. She by far was the only one I knew who could tame that long, thick, black curly hair of mine. I loved my hair, but it could be such a headache sometimes.
She pulled in up in two halves, dividing horizontally at the back of my head. She left the lower half cascading down while the upper half was tied in a bun leaving curly strands around it. She
She helped me in my dress which was a mix of dark blue, white and black colors. It had such beautiful partterns on it which looked enchanting. It was long sleeved and had a mandarin collar with a V cut landing just below my clavicles. The upper part fitted perfectly with my upper body whilst the lower part was a flowy gown. The only jewelry on me was that of my ear rings, which were in the shape of a lotus with tiny diamonds in it's center.
I looked myself in the mirror and was contented. I had a new found resolve. I felt confident to head down "Thank you so much Justine. I believe I am ready now." She nodded and with that we left the room.
Going down the staircase I was in my own world wondering what my first words will be. I looked further down and our eyes met...