CH.16 Command of Her Majesty, the Queen
"They're a little wide at the waist, but that's nothing that can't be fixed. I'll have them narrowed by tomorrow and it'll be ready for the ball," Iris said while her stepsister was trying on the dress.
"I think the dress is too drab," said Anastasia. "It could use more embroidery."
"I can't do any more until tomorrow," said Iris.
"If you stay up all night, you'll make it," her stepmother said imperiously.
"And will you help me, madam? That embroidery alone took me three whole days."
"Then think of something else to liven it up with. The future queen should be irresistible."
"With the enchantment you made me sew into the dress, she cannot be more irresistible."
"You will do as I say," said her stepmother. "This dress is not grand enough for a future queen."
Iris just rolled her eyes. "I could add a big bow on the back that would also form a train. And I could also try to decorate the bodice so it wouldn't be so drab," she suggested.
"What are you waiting for? Start sewing and have it finished by tomorrow," said the stepmother.
She had been embroidering the bodice of the dress, which they considered dull, all night long, to liven it up a bit.
It was made of yellow fabric, as bright as the sun high in the sky.
A ruffled skirt. She had decorated the bodice with embroidered white flowers surrounded by delicate green leaves, which she now embroidered on the sweetheart neckline.
But for her stepmother and Anastasia, pomp was never enough.
"I don't understand why you waste your talent on them." Luc kissed her neck.
Iris smiled involuntarily. She pulled his lips to hers and kissed him passionately.
"Because my childhood friend is a rebel and they attacked the king. And my stepmother knows it. We would all end up on the gallows," she said.
"But you wouldn't. You have me. Your demon protector. I will always protect you."
"And would you protect the others?"
"No," he replied without hesitation. "I have no reason to."
"Am I not a good enough reason?"
"You should learn to be selfish sometimes, my dear. The world is not a good place, and it will take advantage of you if you give it a chance."
"I'm only loyal to my friend:"
"And would your friend be so loyal to you?"
"Of course. I'm sure of Jace."
"Fine, but now you should focus on yourself and developing your power." He took the dress she was sewing for Anastasia and instead put an old book into her hands. "You don't want to spend your whole life sewing dresses, do you?"
"What is that?" she asked him.
"The grimoire of the first witch of your lineage. I have guarded it for ages for the one who truly deserves it."
"It looks like it's been around for ages. I'm afraid to even open it, lest it crumble to dust in my hands."
"It's your past, Iris. You should respect it a little."
"I appreciate it. I really do, Luc. It's just all still new to me. I need to get used to it."
"That's why you have me. I will teach you everything. You will become the most powerful witch this world has ever known."
?
"Her Majesty the Queen wishes to see you, Miss Iris." Commander Dominic came to fetch her.
He led her into the queen's private chambers. They were magnificent, grander than the entire palace. Gold and marble gleamed. Crystal chandeliers reflected the rays of the sun. The walls were decorated with pale blue wallpaper.
"Your Majesty." She bowed deeply to the queen.
"It took you a while, Miss Iris," said the queen.
"I apologize, Your Majesty. I was just about to give Anastasia the finished dress," Iris said.
"The privilege of us women is that we are never late. You should learn that."
"I apologize again, Your Majesty."
"Stop apologizing. It sounds like a mockery."
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
"But since you mentioned the dress, sit down and let's talk about tonight's ball."
"I don't know what to say. I have fulfilled my task. The dress is sewn."
"But I am talking about a dress for you."
The queen waved to the servants. They disappeared behind the door for a moment and returned with a ball gown.
"You will wear this dress tonight. It is not as extravagant as the one you create, but you are not supposed to overshadow your stepsister."
"I thought I wouldn't be attending tonight's ball," said a confused Iris.
"Madam Tremaine has accepted you as her daughter. Even as a half-sister, you are expected to support Anastasia during the engagement ball."
"If it's what you wish, Your Majesty."
"And once you become a member of the royal family, we will have to find you a suitable husband. You are old enough for that. Perhaps at the ball one of the lords will show interest in your wild nature."
"I don't want to contradict you, Your Majesty, but I don't feel like getting married yet." Iris politely declined. "I always thought that if I give my heart to someone one day, it will be for love."
The Queen laughed. "You will learn to love in time. Like any woman," she told her.