13. THIRTEEN #2
A short man in a tailored blue suit enters with a stack of papers. He bows deeply, averting his eyes. “Princess Ardeshir, please forgive the lateness of my introduction. Preparations for the wedding have kept me preoccupied until now.”
“No need to apologize. No doubt the task list is quite formidable.” And that’s without the additions I have yet to provide. Weddings in Kalisham are multiday celebrations with our closest companions. We trade gifts and share our favorite dishes, uniting two families as one.
Darius and I have no family left to unite, and the sunrise ceremony feels far too intimate to share with a stranger. This wedding is an alliance, not for love.
“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, but it will be a bit difficult to interact if you keep staring at my shoes.”
Lady Elena stiffens at my words.
Mr. Sergal meets my gaze with a kind smile. “Yes, Your Highness. The emperor instructed me to meet with you about the state of the palace. He’s given you full access to confirm or replace any items as you see fit. The decor is completely up to you. He suggested we start with your chambers.”
The prospect of replacing the icy decor with rich colors of home grounds me. I’m a bit lost for words. He has shown me two kindnesses today, despite knowing our marriage and my soon-to-be title as queen are a contract.
Is this simply to keep up pretenses until we leave for Kalisham, or a gesture to make me more comfortable?
“Thank you. I’ll send you the changes I would like to make to my room by this evening. As for the rest of the palace, I hardly think Kalisham should be the only one represented. Veloria is a combination of many peoples, and our halls should reflect that.”
“A wise assessment, Your Highness. I’ll work to make the changes to your room as soon as possible and await your instruction.” He bows, and Jaime shows him out.
“I’m afraid I haven’t had a chance to visit the various territories of Veloria yet. Perhaps you could tell me a bit about each of your homes to give me some guidance. Your input on design aspects would be greatly appreciated.”
That earns me real smiles from each of my new attendants. I continue, “Perhaps over a walk around the palace? I would like to assess how much needs to be done.”
I will feel more settled with a complete mental map.
“Excellent idea, Your Highness,” Lady Natalie says.
“A marvelous idea,” Lady Elena echoes, clapping her hands twice. Her brows furrow when nothing happens. “Maid.” She claps again. “You will need to lead the tour and note down what we decide and discuss.”
Her tone grates like a sword being sharpened on stone. Much to my pleasure, Jaime doesn’t respond to Lady Elena’s commands. She turns to me, waiting patiently for me to confirm or deny the order. She understands the chain of command in the room better than a former noble.
I smile at Jaime. “A tour would be most appreciated. Along with a chance to stretch our legs.”
“Yes, Princess Mina.”
“Lady Elena, correct me if I’ve made an error, but your duty as a lady-in-waiting would include taking down the notes yourself, would it not?”
Her cheeks flush, but she keeps a neutral smile on her face as she turns to address me. “Of course. However, with all of us giving feedback, I thought it would be easier if one of your maids took down notes instead.”
A perfect answer to me politely calling her out for delegating past her position.
“That’s very considerate of you. However, I have every confidence that someone with your education and wisdom is capable of talking and writing at the same time.
I’m sure one of the others will be happy to swap with you once your design input is needed, if that is your concern. ”
If smiles could cut, hers would be a mortal wound. “Of course, Your Highness. Thank you for believing in my abilities. I’ll endeavor not to disappoint you.”
“I am sure you won’t.” I turn to address the whole group, holding the gaze of each woman in turn. “If you need assistance with your duties, Jaime will be able to guide you. However, she will be busy with her own responsibilities, so I ask that you delegate wisely.”
If a lady-in-waiting is supposed to be a secretary of sorts, then I plan to put each of them to work. I get the sense that at least half of these women have no interest in my crown, but keeping them too busy to scheme is still wise.
“When we finish our tour, perhaps we should discuss what your expectations for our duties are. A clear understanding of responsibility will help set us all up for success,” Lady Kailani offers.
“Agreed. Thank you, Lady Kailani.” I brush out my skirt as I stand, nodding my gratitude. “We should have plenty of time to do both before my dinner with the emperor. We will also discuss the budget for your rooms. I should hardly be the only one who gets to redecorate my new home.”
“That would make this transition much easier indeed. Thank you, Your Highness,” Lady Hunter says. She studies me with thinly veiled surprise.
“It’s my pleasure. I look forward to getting to know you all better and hope you find your stay here comfortable.”
Stretching my legs after sitting for such a long time feels amazing.
The women eagerly file in by my side as Jaime produces a pad of paper and charcoal for Lady Elena.
She stands in the middle of the pack, directly behind me, and I can’t help but wonder if she might stab me with her writing instrument.
Her sweet mask does well to hide her anger, but I can sense the beast behind it. The former princess doesn’t take kindly to grunt work.
I admire the cunning she’s displayed so far. She’ll make a great ally if I play my cards right, but I won’t let her overreaching go unpunished.