11. ELEVEN #2
“Then consider my wardrobe a trial run. If you can produce the pieces I request to a satisfactory level, then you’ll prove you can handle a dress of two nations.”
She moves to another trunk and produces large papers and a box of writing utensils. I sit on the couch and tap the seat next to me. She perches on the edge, charcoal pencil poised and ready. “I’ll need as much detail as possible.”
We spend the next hour sketching designs and reviewing materials for my outfits.
I include some long-sleeve tunics and loose pants for combat training, though I let Lady Katherine safely assume they are my version of undergarments.
If she can produce them well, I’ll order more formal versions for events.
The more we put to paper, the better I feel. Soon a little piece of home will be returned to me.
She agrees to deliver a few sample outfits in two days’ time. If they meet my standards, we will start work on the wedding dress. She is confident, which I admire, but her usual designs are grounded in rigidity.
Based on her tight smile, I doubt she will be able to resist adding her own adjustments to the specifications I provided.
While I’ll have to adapt to some of Veloria’s customs, my wardrobe will not be one of them. I need clothes I can move and fight in, while still looking the part of a queen.
I need a piece of my home to remind me who I am.
As Lady Katherine and her entourage pack up, a knock sounds at the door. The attendant who escorted me remained in the corner, quiet with her head down, the entire time. She rushes to invite the person inside.
Jaime enters and dismisses the other attendant.
“Jaime, I am sorry to pull you from your other duties. My attendants were misplaced this morning, so I took it upon myself to pick a new one.”
“Thank you for your confidence in me, Your Highness. Serving you is an honor and much more desirable than the kitchens in the summer,” Jaime says.
Trisha drops an armful of dresses. Everyone holds their breath, eyes darting between Jaime and me, waiting to see how I will respond to such casual commentary.
I am not the emperor, though. I have no intention of scolding her boldness.
In Kalisham, we have a great relationship with our main staff. I knew many of their names and families. New or temporary additions only happened during large events that required more hands, like the coronation. Zala never would have slipped that assassin past my family otherwise.
“I’m glad you feel that way. I’ll be a bit more difficult than preparing breakfast,” I explain with a laugh. I stand to greet her properly.
The designers resume their packing a fraction slower than before, their attention on our exchange without actually looking. Jaime abruptly turns toward them. “Do you three require any assistance packing up?”
They shake their heads. Only a few iron silhouette-stands remain out, ready to be folded down. She flashes them a polite smile. “Then you should have no problem picking up the pace.”
I fight back a laugh as they hurry to pack up the rest of their things. They curtsy one last time, thanking me for the opportunity before rushing out the door, dragging their many trunks to the hall.
“I’m so happy to make your acquaintance. Things are about to be very different around the palace, and I have every confidence you will be able to adjust with ease. Did the emperor send you with any files?”
Jaime produces a stack of papers tied with ribbon and a letter. I get comfortable on the large chair across from the couch and gesture for her to take a seat. Much to my joy she does so with only a little hesitation.
The letter is sealed with the emperor’s signet. A silver envelope with blue wax that matches the dull decor around me. I pry open the paper with my nail and study the neat writing.
Of course, he has annoyingly perfect penmanship.
Princess Mina Nasrin Ardeshir of Kalisham,
Five women are assigned as your ladies-in-waiting, each from a unique territory. I’ve included a detailed dossier on each of them.
They begin promptly at eight tomorrow morning.
I understand that my council picked each candidate with great care. I trust you can handle any issues that arise, but should you need assistance, feel free to call on myself or Staefan.
Due to certain distractions today, I’ll be taking dinner in my study as I catch up on work. I can make myself free tomorrow night. I’d very much like to hear more about your idea for training female soldiers.
Before you rip my letter up, that was an invitation to dinner. Not a command. I hope you’ll join me.
~Emperor Darius Lucian Gilchrist of Veloria
I smile at his correction. I was tempted to rip up the letter at his demand, but I can play nice. We do have a war to plan.
I read the letter again, focusing on Darius’s other message. The mistakes from this morning were just the beginning. These women were handpicked for a reason, and I need to be on guard.
I have no intention of running to Staefan or Darius with my problems. I can handle these women myself. I flip through each dossier and commit the names to memory.