-4-
The maids she saw in the room were waiting for her outside.
"I am Vien." Said the grey haired one. " I am Niact." Said the other. They wore a black dress which reached their ankles, a white apron over it and a white kerchief on their head.
"Allow us to guide you to your room." They bowed with their hands clasped in front.
Miriel nodded.
"Lead the way."
The two turned and left with her in tail.
They led her to a room at the end of the hallway. It was smaller than the princess's but still large. Sunlight brightened the room, marking the windows on the pale floor.
"The bath has been drawn, Lady Lerkester." Vien said. The two maids stood by the door leading to the bathroom.
"I shall tend to myself. You may leave." Miriel said.
"Her highness insists we help you bathe." They replied.
Miriel paused, then nodded. She tottered to the bathroom where they helped her undress and into the bathtub.
The warm water and soothing scent made her lax.
She rested her head on the rim and closed her eyes.
Miriel could faintly tell she was being lifted out of the tub.
-
Lady Lerkester fell asleep in the bathtub.
Vien and Niact looked at each other and nodded.
They left and returned with towels and spread the towels on the floor beside the tub.
Vien went to Miriel and folded Miriel's hands on her stomach, then gently adjusted her and ran her forearms under Miriel's shoulders. Niact shifted Miriel's knees to her shoulder and placed her hands on the back of Miriel's hips.
They lifted her out of the tub, set her on the towels and wiped her dry.
They carried her onto the bed and dressed her in a nightgown, then tucked her in.
Vien unfurled the curtains while Niact gathered the towels.
They left the room quietly.
-
The ballroom was vast and majestic; illuminated by chandeliers and oil lamps fixed to the walls, drawing a stark contrast to the dim outdoors.
Miriel stood to the side of the hall, holding a wine glass in one hand, her elbow with the other. People danced and chattered merrily as the fragrance of wine and the sound of music permeated the hall.
She wore a dark green dress with her brown hair pleated from each crown, meeting at the back of her head and descending.
She sipped her wine glass and frowned. It was sour, the wine at Lerkester was sweeter.
Miriel caught people sneaking glances at her as they reveled. Some smirked, others hid behind fans and palms.
Her forearm pressed her stomach.
She set her glass on a table and left through a door behind her.
The balcony was striking, contrasted with the bustle inside. The soft breeze eased her heart.
She leaned on the parapet and viewed the city below. Lampposts faintly illuminated streets and the lamps of some houses still burned.
Miriel heard someone behind her and turned.
She saw a woman draped in a thick white fur coat swaying and twirling along as she crossed the balcony. She leaned on the railing and took a deep breath.
Miriel saw her amber irises glisten as she stared at the sky, white hair glowing in the dark. The ends of her dark blue dress rested on the tiles.
The girl turned and their eyes met. She beamed and waved her hand.
Miriel blushed and turned away.
The girl hummed as she whirled to Miriel, then rested her back on the railing beside Miriel.
"What do I find here? A lone bird perched on the balcony? Have the winds denied thy passage, little birdie?" The girl said.
Miriel could smell the wine from the girl's breaths.
"Sun be with thee, Princess Allesol. I am Miriel, daughter of Baron Lerkester." Miriel bowed with her palm to her chest.
"Boo, boo, you should have played along."
The princess pursed her lips and turned her head away.
"I apologize if I was discourteous, your highness."
"Ah! That! Ever that!" She turned and pointed at Miriel.
Miriel flinched, her eyes wide.
"Always princess, her forever highness. Blubbers. Blubbers all."
She sank to the floor and hugged her knees with her head bowed..
"Perchance, would you be my friend?" She tilted her head up and glanced at Miriel..
Miriel's eyes sought, and found no one. The merry folk were inside revelling. The two were by their lonesome on the balcony.
"Blubber. I reckoned. Blubbers all." She trailed off. The princess rested her head on her knees and stared at the tiles.
Miriel tapped her finger on the rail for a moment, then sat beside the girl.
"I would first know, your highness, why you wish to be friends with me. Do you wish for friends aplenty or this particular bird?"
"'Tis no difference how you number, merely a friend is what I desire." The princess played with her fingers as she sat.
"Well, your highness."
"Elle. I permit thee. Address me as Elle." The princess turned to Miriel.
Seated nearly abreast, Miriel could see the faint blonde tinges of Elle's hair and eyebrows, how her bright amber eyes and her fair skin glowed.
"Your highness Elle, are you aware of what your favour may bring this mere daughter of a baron?"
"A feudal baron." Elle replied.
Miriel nodded.
"A feudal baron is but a baron here, your highness Elle." Miriel said.
"Then I shall protect thee." Elle replied.
"But here there are rodents everywhere, your highness. A few may escape even your notice, however scrupulous."
"Rodents? In the Capitol? Ah, yes, there are indeed rodents." Elle bobbed her head.
"What might I do to protect you then, Miriel?" She continued. "Must I assign you a platoon to wait on you? What of leading your own militia? Or of commanding your own army?"
Miriel imagined the scene and chuckled.
"That would sooner see me arrested for insurrection or sedition than protect me."
Elle nodded.
She clasped her hands together and was silent for a moment. Then clapped her hands and turned to Miriel.
"Then I need but take the throne. It would neither be unceremonious nor odd, even. A mere preponing of events."
Miriel held a palm over her mouth as she chuckled and quivered.
"Yes, your highness. That may be our panacea."
"It is forgone then. I shall take the throne."
Miriel met the girl's eyes. They were bright and clear, stringent and sincere, austere and earnest.
"I have informed thee, address me as Elle." Elle frowned and pressed her lips.
"I beg your pardon, your highness Elle. Habits are hard to alter, doubly so for this particular bird."
"Hmph." She huffed and turned away, Miriel saw the faint curve of her lips.
That night, Miriel decided to distance herself from the princess.