Chapter 9 #2
“Actually, there is!” My mother clapped her hands. “I nearly forgot. You have your first dress fitting tomorrow morning at ten. The tailor will be bringing several gowns for you to choose from to ensure they’re properly fitted.”
“I need new gowns?” I cocked my head. “But the wardrobe in my current chambers has clothes in my size that Betsee’s been dressing me in.”
“That’s only a small portion of the garments that you’ll need, and you’ll need a proper gown for this weekend.
We’ll be officially announcing your return to the royal family at your introductory ball, and then you’ll need another gown for your sister’s ball in a few weeks’ time.
Koraline’s reached a hundred summers and will be betrothed that night. There’s much celebration to come.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Koraline’s to be engaged?”
“Indeed. Surely, you’ve heard about it?” My mother frowned.
I shook my head, but it suddenly struck me that when Koraline had been speaking of a ball, she’d called it hers, but prior to today, I’d never heard of it, but that was likely because I never read the royal section in the Whiteolf Tribune.
Feigning forgetfulness, I replied, “Of course, now that you mention it, I did hear of it. I’m sorry.
I didn’t usually spend much time following the royal’s column in the Whiteolf Tribune before in my—” I cut myself off.
I’d been about to say in my normal life, but I wasn’t sure how that would come across, so instead, I just dipped my head. “Of course.”
“We’re so happy that you’ll be by our sides when it occurs.
” A smile bloomed across my mother’s face again, and a hint of happiness returned to her.
“Koraline will be officially engaged to Lordling Neb Deerwood, heir to House Deerwood. They’ve been courting for the past full season and are an excellent match. ”
I drew my eyebrows together and wished I’d paid more attention to the royal gossip column after all. “Was it a match she chose, or is that something you and Roosep . . . I mean, Russem wanted?”
“Russem?” The king chuckled. “Now, now, Primelle, Father will do. But to answer your question, we did choose several suitable males for Koraline’s union, but she ultimately made the decision.”
I bobbed my head. “I see. And will it be the same for me?”
After all, siltenite law required that royals be married to whomever their parents considered worthy matches.
My mother’s smile gentled. “Of course it will, but that’s still a long way off for you, Prim.
You won’t reach a hundred summers for many full seasons yet.
However, it doesn’t hurt to begin introducing you to matches now.
That gives you plenty of time to truly get to know potential suitors and will help us narrow down the list when that day arrives. ”
My heart began to pound in earnest. “I see, so an arranged marriage is in my future.”
My parents shared a veiled look, and my father replied, “As long as you choose someone suitable, there’s no reason your mother or I have to be directly involved in your choice at all. And like she said, now is the perfect time to start meeting potential matches.”
I forced a smile and nodded again. It was all I could manage, because while they were right, any kind of marriage was still far in the future for me, it’d never been something I’d worried about before.
Prior to learning my true identity, I’d had free rein on who I’d been involved with or had romantic encounters with. Now, I had to choose someone suitable to court or marry. Whatever suitable even meant. But at least I could return to my job now that Timith was well. At least, I thought I could.
I cocked my head. “On another note, may I return to my employment at the Whiteolf Academic Library now that Timith’s been saved? I promise to keep my Imperial Warrior close by at all times.”
My mother’s smile grew strained. “Well, that would be highly unusual. No other princesses work.”
“But that doesn’t mean I can’t work, correct?”
She and my father shared another look.
My father gave me an appeasing smile. “Let’s just take things one step at a time, shall we?”
I raised my eyebrows. “Is that a no?”
My father and mother smiled, but it didn’t reach their eyes. Finally, my mother replied, “Being a librarian scholar would be a strange role for a princess.”
“But nobles have scholarly positions,” I retorted.
“Nobles are not royals,” my father replied.
In other words, it was a no. I would not be working as a librarian again. Possibly ever. Even though I’d spent my entire adult life working toward that dream.
If I hadn’t been sitting, I would have fallen to the floor.
“Besides, you have no need to work anymore.” My father smiled in an appeasing manner. “Everything you need will be provided for you, but I know you enjoy research, so you can always read anything you like from the library. We shall ask your former employer to grant that.”
“I see.” Never mind that it wasn’t just about reading. I liked working. I liked contributing. My research had done just that, but I didn’t argue. It was late. I was tired, and I had the sudden overwhelming urge to cry. “I think I’ll retire for the night. If that’s all right?”
“Of course, darling!” My mother smiled brightly, and even though her voice sounded like Opalin’s and her magical flavor was identical, I’d never known my adopted aunt to say words such as suitable or ball, or to speak of tailors coming to my chambers to do fittings, or to tell me that there was no reason to be employed ever again.
And a part of me realized once more that I didn’t know them at all, not truly.
“Thank you for supper, and please pass on my gratitude to the kitchen staff.” I mumbled the words, then hurried from the room before either could reply.
I burst through the double doors into the hall, startling both guards in the process, and I was in such a hurry to get away that I didn’t watch where I was going, not until I ran right into the Imperial Warrior who’d been waiting for me.