I fell asleep thinking of my brother, and I ended up dreaming about him. Is it because their hair color is similar? Or could it be because his death anniversary is drawing near? How in the world did I mistake chamberlain Leonardo, of all people, for Carlisle? He did not look too pleased about being called that either. I'll have to apologize later.
"My sincere apologies, your highness. It seems I interrupted your afternoon siesta."
Your highness? Why is the duchess calling me that?
"It's quite alright, your grace." I chuckled nervously.
I was expecting duchess Emilia's scornful reproach, yet the expression on her face completely shattered my pessimistic presumptions. Her complexion is also quite pale. Is she not feeling well?
"P-please allow me to explain-"
"I am truly sorry-"
We spoke simultaneously, and duchess Emilia quickly took the lead as though she could hardly wait for the words to leave her lips. The surrounding atmosphere instantly turned glum as we engaged in a rather deep and doleful conversation. However, the longer we chatted, the less tense we became in each other's presence, until there was nothing left but joyful tears, giggles, and heartfelt apologies.
~Moments later
"I am so terribly exhausted." I whined as I threw myself on the bed.
I've not seen Nathan all day. I wonder what he's up to. He's not working himself to the bone, is he? *sigh* Forget it, I'm too sleepy to think.
"Fati? Are you awake?" said a familiar voice with a knock.
I sprung off the bed, grabbed the nearest shawl, spruced myself in front of the mirror, and rushed to sit on the chair near the fireplace. Goodness, I'm out of breath. I'll just pretend I was immersed in my reading.
"Yes. Please come in." I replied as I cleared my throat.
Nathan walked in, carrying the alluring fresh scent of soap. His nighttime attire was surprisingly simple, and the fine lines of his muscles could be seen popping out of his white shirt. His wet hair glistened in the reflection of the light as he strode towards me. Nathan's footsteps were slow, yet heavy which accentuated his intimidating charisma.
"To what do I owe the honor of your highness' sudden visit?" I asked calmly, as my gaze remained glued to the book in my hands.
"Is it so strange that a fiancé wishes to spend time with his love interest at all hours of the day?"
"Please spare me the flattering josh as I am rather busy at the moment, your highness."
"You're holding the book upside down, my darling."
Why is he being so affectionate tonight? It's making my chest feel strange again.
"Thank you for your kind insight, your highness. I was merely learning how to read upturned."
"That so?" he chuckled lightly as he sat down next to me.
He sounds sleepy. I'm sure he's tired from working all day long. That said he should have gone straight to bed after washing up. What's he doing here?
"I missed you today."
He merely leaned his head on my shoulder, and already my heart started thumping rapidly.
"Are you alright, your highness?"
"I am tired, my dearest darling." He replied in a quiet tone.
"Then why don't you go to bed? It is rather late in the hour, after all."
"My bed is right here."
Is he trying to give me a heart attack? What's with him?
"Wait here, your highness. I'll fetch a towel to dry your hair."
His damp hair has been bothering me since came in.
"What may I ask is so funny, your highness?"
"You, of course. Who reads upturned in this day and age?"
I knew he wouldn't let this one go so easily. *sigh* I really should have thought of a better excuse.
"Please straighten your head, your highness."
The room became completely quiet, with only the rustling of the towel and the crackling sound of the fire permeating the air. His hair was surprisingly soft, and much longer than I initially thought it was now that it's not in a ponytail.
"Hey, Fati?" he called as he held my wrists.
"Y-yes? What is it, your highness?"
His hands are hot. Could he it be that he's sick?
"If it's alright with you, might I have the honor of courting your heart?"
"P-pardon?"
++++++
Since that night, I've been doing everything in my power to avoid seeing Nathan's face. I skipped breakfast on account of my hefty lunch with the empress. At nighttime, I pretend to be fast asleep when he comes to check on me. And I hide in the bushes whenever we cross paths during my afternoon stroll. I am utterly exhausted.
"Please straighten your arms, your highness."
Today is the last fitting before the victory celebration ball tomorrow night. The couturier was summoned yet again in case any alterations were needed. When I chose the design from the catalogue, it looked mildly plain, but now it's nearly unrecognizable with all the adornments that were added to it. How was she able to pull it off in such a short time? I've never seen such an exquisite gown before, not even in Ecchelon.
"As I've previously mentioned, Madam Dupree is the most outstanding couturier in all the land. A true cream of the crop, I say!"
I don't think I've ever heard the empress gloat about anyone in the little time we've spent together. She's been saying the same thing over and over.
"Your majesty flatters me." she replied solemnly.
Madam Dupree's tone was low, yet serene and soft like the peaceful howl of a morning breeze. Her partially hooded eyes didn't so much as waver behind her cat-eyed spectacles. Her long eyelashes blissfully rested over her silver irises that resembled lightning strikes in a stormy night sky. As the strands of her wavy golden-brown hair grazed against her slender face, not a single trace of cosmetics could be spotted on her pale skin. The woman is so aesthetically stunning that such extravagance would dull her natural shine. Those captivating eyes of hers never once met mines the entire time we had been interacting.
"It is ready, your majesty. From this point on, no further alterations will be necessary."
"Excellent! Let us head over to the dining hall now."
"I'm afraid I'll have to decline, your majesty. I have urgent matters to tend to at the boutique."
The empress swiftly turned her head around, scowling at the madam as though she would have pounced on her had I not been present. The tension in the dressing room only continued to grow as the two engaged in a spine-chilling staring contest.
"Very well. You may go. I thank you for your duly services, countess Joleen Dupree." sighed the empress before resuming her stride.
"I shall have everything delivered to the crown prince's castle by this afternoon, your majesty-"
By the time Madam Dupree finished her sentence, the empress had already left the room, slamming the door behind her. All of us, including the madam, drew a heavy sigh of relief in unison.
~Day of the Ball
I had a chance to inquire about Madam Dupree from Miss Bettie. Apparently, she is indeed one of the most notorious designers in all Alkaraz, and the empress' younger sister. Her husband died of heart failure a year after they've been married. Then two months later, she had a miscarriage due to excessive accumulated stress. Overwhelmed with grief, countess Dupree desperately sought to take her own life until one day she suddenly stopped of her own volition. And that's when she rekindled her long-lost passion for fashion, which she used as a steppingstone to start a new life.
"Your highness, I've just received words that the crown prince's cavalcade has reached its last stop."
Alkaraz's victory celebration is divided into three segments. A parade of the surviving soldiers throughout the entire capital city, followed by a mass held at the grand temple to honor the deaths of the fallen ones. Then the celebration is to be concluded with a banquet that is to go on for several days. I hope I don't make any mistakes tonight.
"Thank you, Celia."
"Are you alright, princess?" fretted one maid.
Now that the hour is near, I'm getting cold feet.
"Yes, I'm alright. Please continue." I sighed heavily.
"Please tilt your chin upward, your highness. I will now apply the lip tint."
++++
"It is time, princess."