Episode 111: Amber's Fashion Show—August 21, 1841
Amber
Every footstep fell heavy on the stairwell rug. Yesterday still covered my mind. How could Sofia have done this? Didn't she know she was the only one who could stop me from making my usual mistakes? That she ought to have the throne instead of me?
I strode through the banquet hall doors and plopped down in my throne at the long breakfast table, in front of my stack of pancakes.
Sofia sat right across from me, a forced smile jammed across her face.
Mom, Dad, and James were already in their seats at the table.
Baileywick stood beside Dad's chair, his clipboard and pocket-watch at the ready.
The weight of yesterday hung over the room.
I chewed my pancakes between clenched teeth, tearing off bites with my fork.
"Good morning, Amber," Sofia tried to smile.
I gulped. "Good morning."
Dad's eyes jumped between us. "Well," he cleared his throat and tried to don a cheery voice, "The royal fashion designer is arriving today."
That lifted my head. M. Chiffon? He'd be looking at all the ballgowns. He'd love mine, of course, but it would still be wonderful to hear exactly what he had to say. And there was something else important, wasn't there?
"He wants to see royal modeling, doesn't he?" I flipped back my golden waves.
"He does," Dad chuckled. "To see how Mme. Colette fits the dresses."
"Why is a clothing designer coming to the castle?" James stabbed his pancakes.
"I let M. Chiffon come here because I was thinking of moving a bunch of old royal garments to the Dunwiddie Museum," he waved his hand. "Things that are too small or out of date. M. Chiffon's going to see which outfits I should move out, and what sort of styles Mme. Colette should keep up." He traced over my gown, then Sofia's. "I also brought him here because you two are growing out of your dresses."
That was certainly true; my ankles stuck out of all my gowns. Getting new dresses would be wonderful in so many ways. "So, when M. Chiffon tells Mme. Colette about the latest styles," I clasped my hands, "We'll get new fashion-forward wardrobes!"
"Yes. It's going to be quite the day," Baileywick took a breath, but his eyes were bright. "I set up the closet chamber we use for the Harvest Festival to give M. Chiffon a workspace."
"Excellent work, Baileywick," Dad gave him a thumbs-up.
"Speaking of M. Chiffon," he checked his pocket-watch, "He should be here in fifteen minutes."
"Miranda and I will meet him first," Dad stood up and helped Mom out of her seat. "To give him a proper greeting. And he'll probably want Miranda as his model," he squeezed her shoulder close with a smile.
"He might need some assistance as well," Baileywick kept up the pace with them, and the three of them left the banquet table.
James shoved down the last pancakes. "I'm gonna practice knight training," he slid out of his seat and hurried off.
Sofia and I stayed at the table, and the heavy cloud returned.
"We shouldn't act like nothing happened," I sliced through my pancake.
"This won't be that bad," Sofia lowered her fork. "I'm taking Royal Magic, which crosses over into Ever Realm Academy."
That was something. But…"You promised me we'd go to school together," I stabbed a bite. "And you're not someone who breaks promises."
"I know," she slouched. "But I had to pick the school that fit me. Besides," she straightened, "You'll be with Hildegarde."
"She's not you," the words leapt from me. "I just…" I held out my hand. "I wanted us to be together because we're family. I need you as my royal advisor," I gripped my fork.
"What if I can't?" her eyes lowered.
"Of course you will," I raised my hands. "What will you do when you're not a Protector?"
"When I came to Duchess Calla's office," she shifted her weight, "Miss Fauna was there. She swapped my copy of 1002 Tiaras for a different one, A Consort Companion."
Silence dropped over the table again. Was this why she was invited to those diplomatic parties with all those crown princes?
Part of me always knew. I tried to deny it, but it slipped out at least once.
"She marked a section called Royal Curses," she plopped down her hands. "She said it'll all lead me to my destiny. Someday…I'll have to go."
"You can't leave me," I gripped my skirt. "I'll ruin everything without you."
"Amber," her brows lowered, "You're a better leader than you think you are. You need to take responsibility, and that means making your own choices."
"Then give me responsibility," I shot back. "You do all sorts of important things. Invite me to your…consort training parties. I may not know how to be a great leader yet, but I know my customs."
Sofia paused. "That sounds like a good idea," she smiled. "I'll ask Dad."
"Thank you so much," I threw out my hands.
"It works for both of us," she shrugged.
The doors opened, and Mum stepped in. M. Chiffon couldn't have been done that quickly, could he? "Are you girls done with breakfast?"
"We are," Sofia slid from her seat. "What's going on?"
"M. Chiffon would like to see both of you in the closet chamber," Mum gestured an arm behind her. "He thinks you two would show the latest ballgown fashions better than I would, especially since you have the princess education."
"Baileywick is too busy to come himself, isn't he?" I gave Mum a sly smile as I slipped out after Sofia.
"Helping out a fellow stylist isn't as easy as he thought," she shook her head.
"We'll see you when M. Chiffon is finished," I headed forward.
"Bye, Mum!" Sofia waved and followed me.
Going to the closet chamber, one of my favorite rooms in the whole castle? To see M. Chiffon and tell him all about ballgowns? Get new ballgowns? And Sofia wanted me to accompany her to her parties? She might not be going to school with me, but if we had something that was just us together, that might be all I needed.
—
Sofia
We went down spiral stairs and long passageways.
My first royal Harvest Festival slipped back into my mind. The last time I'd come here, I'd been handling an amulet curse that gave me a literal frog in my throat.
Outside the doors stood the green circular couch that I'd seen in the center of the chamber.
M. Chiffon must've moved it out for more space.
Rattles and chatter came through the doors.
"These are the gowns the princesses were offered for the Harvest Festival," Baileywick's voice drifted through, sounding tense.
"Is this the latest fashion?" A man's voice like perfume jumped into our ears.
"The princesses will show you when they arrive," Baileywick's voice tightened.
I pushed open the doors.
We stepped into a boudoir-shaped room ringed with golden-maroon wallpaper.
The blue curtains in front of the closet area were parted, and both rooms were full of people and dresses.
A tall, curtained stall stood where the couch had been.
Servants sorted gowns in the vast closet while Mme. Colette ordered them along.
"Princess Amber's dresses to the right, Princess Sofia's to the left," she pointed. And smack in the middle of it all were Dad, Baileywick, and a shorter, medium-skinned man who had to be M. Chiffon.
M. Chiffon had a thick and elegant black mustache, curled lightly at the ends. He wore an ornately brocaded teal jacket and polished black shoes. "Fantastique!" He turned to the sound of our heels. "Are these the latest royal styles, Your young Majesties?"
"They are, M. Chiffon," Amber curtsied. "Sofia and I came of age to wear more mature dresses."
"How wonderful to hear," his eyes traced over our gowns. But his smile dropped.
What was wrong? "Did King Roland tell you our dresses are too small?"
"That is clear to see," he tutted at my legs, "But there is another problem. Your Majesty," he turned to Dad, "I can see why you set up that museum for your crown jewels. There seems to be a greater focus on ornamentation than on garments," he gestured to Amber's tiara. "But I can balance things out. Mademoiselles," he flicked his hand to the maids, "I will only need one of the princesses. Princess Sofia, will you come over here, si vous plait?"
Why did M. Chiffon want me to model for him? Amber knew about ballgowns.
"M. Chiffon," Dad read the look in my eyes, "Princess Amber has a greater interest in ballgowns. Perhaps you should consider both of them?"
"Nonsense," M. Chiffon tossed his nose in the air. "I need something with glitz, and Princess Sofia's gown provides it. The cut of the dress is a true work of art, a dress designed perfectly for a growing young lady. It is splendid, except…" his eyes narrowed at my amulet. "Take off your collier."
My face stayed frozen for a moment. "My what?"
"Your necklace," he pointed to it. "It interferes with the filigree on your stomacher. I cannot see your ballgown in its entire glory."
Still, I stayed halted. How to say this? "M. Chiffon," I swallowed, "I don't usually take off my amulet."
"But you understand I have an important job to do, don't you?" He held out his hand. "You would not want to bring about any problems?"
My face tightened. I couldn't just remove my amulet. What could I do?
"Sofia," Amber stepped forward. "I have an idea." Her plan was clear in her eyes. She wanted to wear my amulet again? Hadn't she learned from our past adventures?
"Princess Amber," M. Chiffon held up his hand. "What did I say about your ballgown?"
"I know, M. Chiffon," she nodded down. "I wanted to ask Sofia if I could keep an eye on her necklace."
"Excuse me," I stepped down from the pedestal. "I think Amber and I should talk this over." I pulled her into the outside hall. "You want to take care of my amulet? Haven't we been through this lesson already?"
"I just want to help you," she crossed her arms. "I won't let your amulet go anywhere."
"You won't ask it to summon any princesses?" I traced her down. "Or give you the power to turn anything into gold?"
"No," she raised her right hand. "I'll handle your amulet carefully, I promise. I did take care of it when I helped rescue you."
My eyes drifted to my amulet, to the double doors, and back down again. Loan Amber my amulet? She could cause all sorts of trouble with its powers. But she knew how some of them worked. She had a plan for keeping it safe. And she hadn't misused it the last time she got her hands on it. "All right," I reached my hands around my neck. Bit by bit, I unscrewed the chain. "But you'd better keep a really close eye on it." I slipped off the amulet and laid it in Amber's hands.
She jerked back an inch at the warmth of the stone in her palms, as if I handed her a mouse. But she gathered herself and screwed the amulet around her neck. "I will," she raised her head with a smile. "Thank you."
I opened the double doors.
"Good luck with M. Chiffon," Amber gave me a look of sincere encouragement.
"Good luck with my amulet," I returned the warmth. Maybe Amber just needed another chance to prove herself. I stepped back into the rotunda.
M. Chiffon's eyes zipped straight to my chest. "So that is your bodice," he clapped his hands. "It looks much better without that collier."
Dad traced me over. "Where did you put your amulet?"
"Amber asked me if she could borrow it until I was done," I fiddled with my fingers. "Is that okay?"
"That…sounds good to me," he shrugged.
"King Roland," M. Chiffon swept up his hand. "You ought to return to your other royal duties. I am a strong believer in the statement that 'too many cooks spoil the broth.'" His gaze went to Baileywick and Mme. Colette. "M. Baileywick, you may dismiss yourself as well," he waved him off.
"Thank you, M. Chiffon," he headed forward. "Let me know if you need any more help."
"Mme. Colette will provide all I need," he gestured to her. "No need to worry."
"See you later," I gave a smile to Dad and Baileywick.
"Try not to take too long," Dad half-joked to M. Chiffon.
The doors closed behind Dad and Baileywick.
"Back to the pedestal, Princess Sofia," M. Chiffon guided me over to the wooden stand.
Hopefully this would be over soon.
"Hmm," he stroked his mustache. "Wide hoops, defined waist, low neckline," he scanned my gown with his long, round nose very close. "Unusual structure for your thin family. I heard you are a stepchild," he pulled back. "Your birth father was, as you say…well-built?"
"Yes," a distant throb returned.
"So, this is all to prepare for this growing," he gestured to my chest. "And you are?"
"I'll be twelve in October."
"Then you may need to change that neckline in two years if she has her mother's build," M. Chiffon turned to Mme. Colette. "Though I will say, Queen Miranda's dress is rather juvenile on her," his eyes narrowed. "Perhaps you should consider giving her something less pink and lacy."
"I wanted something to accentuate her youth," Mme. Colette's face sharpened. "And you are here for Princess Sofia."
"All right," he threw up his hand, "But Princess Sofia," he turned back to me. "If you remember, make sure Mme. Colette does something about that dress," he hissed. "That salmon color…" He grimaced.
"Do your job!" She snapped.
—
Amber
I hurried down the halls and up the stairs straight to my room. The amulet's warmth was right upon my chest, as though a hand touched my heart. I pulled out the cushioned chair in front of my desk mirror and sat down.
But my insides deflated at the amulet's reflection.
Its color and size made it rather small and uncomely.
I really did only want it because Dad and Sofia valued it so much, and because it was magic. I unscrewed the chain and slipped off the amulet. "There has to be a way I can make you prettier," I tipped it down its chain.
The amulet fell from the bottom screw and onto the floor with a clunk.
I yanked it up—and caught something upon its back.
Two thin lines spread down from the eyelet. A pin?
I laid the amulet down on the table, pried my nails under the line, and a needle sprung up. Did Sofia know about this? I pushed the needle back down with a click. My eyes went to the chain in one hand, then back to the amulet.
The discoveries stirred in me. The amulet could slip off its chain. It had a pin on its back that could make it work like a brooch. That meant…I could give it a different chain. I could clip it to clothing. Or rather, Sofia could. Did she know about this? She couldn't have; I'd never seen her wearing a different chain or with the amulet pinned to her dress. Warmth bubbled up into me again. Maybe I couldn't know the amulet's magic. But I was the one who would tell Sofia how it could be fashionable.
Plans rushed into me. I had to tell Baileywick about what I'd discovered. I pushed myself from my seat, darted to my staff rope, and gave it a good tug.
A gong rang from my room, and Baileywick slid up to my door. "What's the matter, Princess Amber?"
"I discovered something great!" I threw up my hand. "You might not believe it," I waved my hands around my face. "You might think it's insane. But when I took the amulet," I bounded back to my table, "I found something amazing. I just unscrewed it," I slipped the amulet back onto its chain and let it fall onto the table. "And it fell off of its chain. I lifted it up, found a pin in it," I picked it up, flicked out the needle, and pushed it down. "And my whole view of it changed. Baileywick, does she know about it?" I left the amulet on the table and waved my finger in Baileywick's face. "Know what it can be? That her little amulet could be the best magical accessory?" I spun around. "Oh, Baileywick, Baileywick, look at me! For once, I made an amulet discovery!" I pumped my fist. "Did you see that pin snap in and out? Did you see that jewel sliding around?" I pointed down to the amulet. "Oh, Baileywick, Baileywick, look at me! I made a sorcery style discovery. Now it's me who knows something now, something she didn't figure out. Now it's me who knows something now…" I swept my hand across. "I know something now…But let's not waste time talking, and get right into things. Bring out the chains and chokers, every sort of simple bling. Things this thing can fit upon," I lifted the amulet. "Or pin it on to make it shine. Come on, let's gather up some stuff," I pulled open drawers, "And make this amulet divine! Has she never thought about it?" I rifled through my large jewelry boxes. The chokers were on top. "Thought what it can be?" I held up the amulet to the chokers. I could get rid of all those plain ribbons. "We'll make her little amulet the best magical accessory! Oh, Baileywick, Baileywick, look at me!" I laid the amulet aside, pulled out chokers, and dropped them onto the table. "For once, I made an amulet discovery! Let's bring the skinny sparklers out," I watched Baileywick lug a jewelry box from my closet onto the table and flip it open to reveal various chains and pendants. "Have a little fun, take them to town. Oh, Baileywick, Baileywick, look at me!" I grabbed handfuls of chains and danced with them. "I made a sorcery style discovery," I plopped the chains onto the table. "Now it's me who knows something now, something she didn't figure out. Now it's me who knows something now…" I puffed out my chest. "I know something now…Now! Hey!" I tossed back the chains with clips and strands too thick for the amulet to slide through.
Baileywick dived and caught them all, pulled out a new box, and stuffed them in.
That left thin chains in gold as well as silver, with every classic gem. The lengths, clasps, and weaving were different as well. Sofia would love everything!
I threw my head up. "Oh…Oh, Baileywick, Baileywick, look at me!" I tossed the chains into the air and caught them in my skirt. "For once, I made an amulet discovery! When Sofia sees this, she'll scream and shout," I half-scurried to the table and poured the chains upon it. "I'll get the trust I prayed she'd give me now! Oh, Baileywick, Baileywick, you can see I made a sorcery style discovery," I slipped the diamond chain through the amulet. "Now it's me who knows something now, something she didn't figure out. Now it's me who knows something now…" I clipped the amulet's new chain around my neck. "I know something now…I know something now…Yeah, yeah, hey…" I put my hands on my hips. "Look at me now!"
Baileywick traced over all the chains and chokers. "At least this means Sofia will have more diversity around her necklaces."
Ideas rushed in one by one. All the different looks those chains would bring about. The chokers were just the start of what Sofia could do with the amulet as a brooch. And for me, it all meant dress-up time. M. Chiffon may not have chosen me as his model, but I'd have my own fashion show.
—
Sofia
I spread out my arms on the pedestal as M. Chiffon examined my gown some more.
"This dress is inspired by the royal gowns of Avalor," he remarked. "The puffed sleeves and the floral-cut overskirt are similar to one of the Carnaval gowns in that palace's treasury."
"I don't recall designing Sofia's dress myself," Mme. Colette waved her hand. "But the Winslows did visit Avalor shortly before Sofia started to wear that gown. Perhaps the visit inspired me."
I couldn't tell her my dress came from Alacazar.
"Do you have other gowns in this style?" M. Chiffon turned back to me.
"I have a lot," I tried to remember all my dresses.
"Mme. Colette," he swept his hand to her, "I wish to see the gowns with Spanish inspiration."
"Queen Miranda will love that you want to put those in the spotlight," she pushed the maids back into bustling. "King Roland had my ladies sew most of them for her and Sofia to honor their Galdizian heritage."
"Galdizian?" M. Chiffon stroked his mustache. "I thought so. But such little effort to fully embrace it. Well, I heard fashion designers from the British Isles do not fully understand the Romantic-"
"I am French!" Red flared into her face. "I was part of the late queen's entourage! King Roland's regalia is in the French style!"
"Then M. Baileywick is to blame," he muttered. "When King Roland realizes he is understaffed, he should hire you a dressmaker educated in the Moorish styles."
"You are a guest and not the head of staff," she gritted her teeth.
"Right. Mme. Colette," he turned to her, "Show me Sofia's wardrobe. I would like to see what is being used and how it is being used."
"Should I lead you up there?" She pointed out.
"No, send some ladies to empty out the closets," he raised his hand.
"Whatever you say, M. Chiffon," she grumbled.
"Now, while she is busy," he watched the other maids line up racks of puffed-sleeved dresses, "What colors do you usually wear?"
"Purple and pink," I raised my hands.
"Light tones, or dark tones?" His eyes went from my skirt to my shoes.
"Light colors," I gazed down at my dress. "But my riding habits are violet."
"Let me see if there is a violet dress we can try you out in," he studied the racks. "You never know what colors may flatter at first." He pulled out a dark lavender dress. "Oui, this might be interesting," he held it up to me. "Try it on."
Mme. Colette stepped onto the pedestal with me, and the maids pulled the curtains shut. She unlaced the back of my dress.
I slipped it off and stepped into the new one.
As soon as I pulled it up, Mme. Colette fastened its laces.
"Ready!" I called through the curtains.
The drapes pulled back, and M. Chiffon gazed over the new gown.
"As I suspected," he stroked his mustache, "The color brings out your fair complexion and your rosettes." His eyes trailed down to his clipboard. "I believe it is more flattering. Do you have any indigo gowns?"
"A few," I shrugged.
"Wear one of those to the next grand gala," he pointed at me. Then, he looked back down at his parchment. "Hmmm…let us see how you look in red."
"I have a red cloak," I raised my hand.
"That is not enough," he brushed me off. "We must try a full gown of scarlet."
"What about this?" Mme. Colette drew out a red gown with gold filigree.
"Let us give it a try," his eyes narrowed.
As before, the curtains shut, Mme. Colette helped me change my dress, and the curtains parted again.
"Magnifique!" He clapped. "A whole new princess!"
"I wasn't sure about putting her in red when her hair was lighter," she shook her head, "But now that she looks more like her mother, the color truly does work."
"Queen Miranda is also fetching in red?" M. Chiffon lifted his eyes.
"She has a wonderful winter gown," she spread out her arm.
"Then this dress may be a fine one for her daughter on Wassailia," he raised his mustache.
"So, I'm going to keep all these?" My eyes went from the red gown to the violet dress behind me.
"If they all work, you certainly can," he flipped up his hands.
Amber had better not be getting my amulet into too much trouble.
—
Amber
"Why, you look ravishing with this," I ran my fingers down my latest chain, a long gold one decorated with rubies.
Other chains and chokers lay all over the vanity.
The amulet did look plain on its own, but a little glitz changed everything. If fancy chains and chokers made the amulet more splendid, what would the right gowns do?
I rose from my seat and darted to my walk-in closet. What would Sofia wear? I changed into my fanciest ballgown; it had the sleeves Sofia liked.
But the chain was far too long for it.
I pinned the amulet to the gold choker. Much better. If Sofia had this dress in a nice red, she would look like a queen. Another dress jumped to me. My outdoors dress had just the colors for the amulet! I changed into it, leaving my ballgown on the floor with my regular dress. I unpinned the amulet from the choker and slipped it on a shorter gold and ruby chain. "I really can make the amulet look perfect," I twirled around before my mirrors. And I'd just begun. "How will Sofia respond to my amulet fashion advice?" I darted back into the closet and changed into my beach dress with the big hat. "Oh, Amber!" I swapped the ruby chain for one with blue sapphires. "I never knew I could make my favorite piece of jewelry so elegant! I'll never dismiss your great ideas again!" I darted back into my closet and changed into my red and blue dress. "You're so smart, and I'll love you even when you're not helping me save the kingdom!"
A tiny door low in the wall opened, and Clover snuffled out.
"Oh, hello," I spun around to him. "Are you looking for Sofia?"
He gave a nod.
"She's downstairs in the closet chamber," I pointed outside.
He began to hop away, but halted and stared over the amulet on me.
"The dress designer made her take it off, and she lent it to me," I pointed to it. "There aren't any problems."
Clover scampered off. Hopefully he wouldn't take my amulet-sitting wrong.
—
Clover
What the heck was Amber doing wearing the amulet? She knew it was the only way Sofia could understand me. Sure, a fashion designer made Sofia take off the amulet, and Sofia lent it to Amber. But how could I just believe that? Amber had stolen the amulet once. I had to find Sofia and make sure Amber was telling the truth. After twists and turns, I slid through the cobalt curtains into the wide, dress-filled room where I'd helped Sofia with her croaking curse.
Sofia now stood on a pedestal, wearing a black dress with gold-filigreed lace.
Various maids, Mme. Colette, and a flamboyantly dressed man surrounded her.
The attention and posing didn't seem like her cup of carrot juice; several untidy strands protruded from her hair.
The rustle of the curtains turned her head. "Clover?"
"Who is this?" The man's dark eyes followed hers.
"Oh, my rabbit just came in to see how I'm doing," she waved her hand. "He's not a problem." She jerked back to me. "Clover, I can't understand you," she hissed. "M. Chiffon made me take off my amulet because it got in the way of my dresses," she pointed to him.
"I know," I gave a vigorous nod. "I," I pointed to myself, "Saw Amber," I clasped my paws and took a graceful pose to imitate her, "Wearing your amulet." I made a gesture down to my furry ruff. "She," I repeated my imitation of Amber, "Is wearing all sorts of outfits with it." I spun from the nearest gown to gown. "I think it might mean trouble!" I gripped my face.
"Hold on," she held out her hand. "I got that you know Amber's wearing my amulet, but what was the second part?"
I should've slowed down my charades.
Then, the rolling of wheels behind me made me jump out of the way.
"Princess Amber sent these dresses here," Violet pushed in a rack of ballgowns. "She thought they'd help with your designs for Princess Sofia, M. Chiffon."
Well, now Sofia would know what Amber was up to.
"Princess Amber?" M. Chiffon stepped back. "The one with the plain—why didn't she wear this?" He pulled out a gown with very puffed sleeves from the rack. "Does this seem like something you would wear, Princess Sofia?"
"Not in that color," she gave a giggle. "But I do like that style."
"Make a gown just like this in lilac and purple," he waved to Mme. Colette. "Oh, these styles do suit you," he returned to the rack. "A magnifique pattern here," he lifted a leaf-colored gown, "And a fine brocade would improve this," he swapped it for a beach dress.
"What gave Amber the idea to suggest these gown styles for me?" Sofia turned to Violet.
"She told me these styles would make your favorite piece of jewelry look more beautiful," she handed a gown to M. Chiffon.
"Amber's changing gowns to pose with my amulet?" Her eyes jumped back to me.
"Yep," I nodded.
"That's not a disaster," her eyes trailed down. "Still, I'd better check if it's okay."
She was always the smart one.
"M. Chiffon," she held up her hand, "Can I take a break? Baileywick will strike the gong for lunch soon," her eyes went to a cuckoo clock mounted high on a wall.
"Oh, all right," he dropped his shoulders. "But I—I have a lot of dresses to sort through," his face fell at the racks and piles of gowns everywhere.
"I'll let you focus on that," she jumped off the pedestal and darted out after me.
Posing with the amulet was a lot better than using it to summon a scary lady. But I had a feeling Amber wearing the amulet still meant trouble.
—
Amber
"Some of these gowns are quite dusty from sitting in the closet too long," Suzette lifted one dress from the large heap. "We'll take these to the laundry to be freshened up, Princess Amber."
"Wonderful idea," I smiled. A wash would make them even softer, too.
Suzette and Marcy gathered up the mustier-looking gowns and folded them into their large, cloth-draped basket.
"We'll bring these back tomorrow," Suzette led the half-wobbling way out.
"I know you will," I raised my head. Then, my eyes lowered to the fresher-looking gowns on the floor. "I'd better sort out these leftovers," I knelt down and began to fold up the remaining dresses from the untidy heap. Soon, all the gowns were neatly folded at my side, and a bare floor lay before me.
Was something missing? Then, everything froze. What happened to the amulet? I would've noticed it when I was folding the gowns. "Oh no no no," I lifted up the bodice of each dress.
No amulet on any of them.
My heart pounded. How could I have lost the amulet again? Was Sofia right about this, as she always was? "All right, I had a bad idea," I inhaled, "But I'm going to fix it!" I strode out of my room. I hadn't kicked around the pile, so the amulet couldn't be anywhere around the floor or under the bed. It had to be pinned to one of the gowns the maids carried off to the laundry. I hurried down the hall and down the grand staircase. Where was the laundry room? I turned a corner to the kitchen door, burst through, opened a small side door, and hurried down steep wooden steps into a room with a high ceiling.
Suzette and Marcy stood around a wide barrel full of soapy water and ballgowns.
Drying clothes hung on lines just below the rafters.
"Make way!" I burst forward. "I left Sofia's amulet on one of the dresses!"
"What?" Marcy blinked.
"I have to find it!" Splash! I threw my arms into the barrel. I'd just change my gown after this. "No, no…" I rifled in the wet laundry. It had to be in here somewhere. "Ow!" My finger met something sharp. What was that? I felt something smooth, metallic, and warm. I wrapped my hand around it and yanked it out.
The amulet glittered in the light before me, its red-tipped pin up.
"Got it!" I thrust it to the ceiling.
Back in my room, Suzette tied a bandage around my finger.
Things almost floated around me. I'd worn the amulet without endangering the kingdom. Sure, I'd lost the amulet in the laundry, but I'd found it. But even though I'd gotten it back, Sofia would still be angry at me. It wouldn't matter much; wearing the amulet had shown me it wasn't one of the fancy necklaces I enjoyed.
"There you go, Princess Amber," Suzette drew away.
"Thank you," I waved her off.
A moment after she left, small heels clicked to the door.
Sofia! I stuffed the old chain through the amulet and screwed it together.
"Hi," Sofia sighed out a greeting as she loped in. Her hair stuck out at a few angles, and she leaned against the doorway.
Clover stood beside her, his fur ruffled.
"Hello, Sofia," I hid the amulet in my hands. "How was M. Chiffon?"
"He was something," she dragged her feet forward. "But he did appreciate the dresses you had the maids send over. I guess you wanted to show him you can rock a ballgown."
"I did," I shrugged, "But when I…played around with the amulet a little," I breathed it out, "I found some things."
"Played around with it?" Her face tightened. "I heard you wore it with all these different outfits. What exactly did you do with it?"
"Don't worry, it was very well-behaved," I laid it on the table. "But you were right," I slouched. "I'm a terrible amulet-sitter. I lost it in a pile of dresses that the maids took to the wash."
"Amber…" her mouth clenched.
"I had to fish it out myself," I raised the amulet.
"You found it?" A smile touched her face.
"I'll never ask to wear it again," I handed it to her.
"I'm…proud of you," she screwed the amulet around her neck. "You did the right thing, even when you didn't need to."
This was unbelievable. "Do you want to hear my amulet discovery?"
"Absolutely," she chuckled. "Our styles aren't so different after all."
"I found out two new things about it," I spread out my hands. "You can wear different chains with it, and there's a pin on its back. The pin was how I found it in the laundry," I held up my bandaged finger.
Sofia winced, then lifted her eyes again. "So all those dresses were ones you thought would best work with the amulet?"
"And things I thought you would wear," I shrugged. "Which ones did you like?"
"I like the one with the puffy sleeves," she lifted her eyes. "M. Chiffon's making Madame Colette sew a copy of it in lilac and purple."
"With lots of pattern and sparkle, of course," I held up a finger.
"Yep," she giggled.
My eyes drifted back to her amulet. "Now that I've proven myself, what'll we do around the amulet? It's okay if you won't let me borrow it again."
"You might not be a great amulet-sitter yet, but I think you're ready to learn more about it," she took my shoulder.
"I'm ready?" I gasped.
"You can show me what you discovered about it being an accessory," she held out her hand, "And I'll tell you what I know about its magic so far."
"Thank you so much," I wrapped her in a hug.
"I should've let you learn more about my amulet sooner," she parted from me.
"So, playdate tomorrow in your room?" I raised my hands. "I can bring over lots of chains and chokers for you to try out." Sofia would feel better in her own space.
"I like that idea," she turned around. "Maybe after breakfast?"
"I'm fine with that," I lifted my chin. We were going to different schools. But around that amulet, one of us learning about crown jewels while the other learned about enchanted objects might come in handy.
The End
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