Simon, though surprised by the king's request, masked it under a composed expression from his year-long experience. He bowed and returned inside, summoning a helper to gather the ball gowns the king had requested.
Mirabella, overhearing the king's unusual request, looked at him curiously. She had heard from Gideon that the king had yet to take a queen and wondered why he might be interested in a ball gown. However, she didn't dwell on it—kings and their harems were often entangled in complexities. Even the king of Everdale had his own storied history with women.
Her interest lies more in the ball gowns that the servants were retrieving. After a few minutes, Simon returned with his helpers, each carrying a heavy box. He instructed them to set the boxes on the table and began unpacking them one by one for the king's appraisal.
