Chapter 4
The news left her wide awake all night. By the moment she fell asleep, it was already time to get up again. She greeted Ivan with a yawn and as usual, earned his disapproval. As she climbed out of bed, he opened the curtains and windows to let in the sunlight and fresh air.
"Miss Alexandra, I pray every morning that the day ahead might be the one where you'll awaken on your own. And every day, you prove them to be in vain."
"Oh hush," she grumbled back. She knew now not to take his teasing too seriously. In return, she was free to talk to him in a way she would no one else.
"Maybe I would've woken up on time if I hadn't been worrying myself to death last night. Because you know, midnight is a great time to just spring things on people!"
"Now now," he said with a light reprimand. "After the events of yesterday evening, I only wanted to assure you that you are still very much welcome at the palace. Mistakes can be forgiven as long as you learn from them."
"I have learned to never eat anything Prince Lambert offers me ever again," she said, irritated by the memory.
He let out a sigh to hide his laughter as he went about making the bed.
"And here I thought you two would get along so well," he mocked. "How will I ever survive such devastating news?"
She was just about to ask him since when did he grow a sense a humor when they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Ivan answered it and stepped back to give a bow as Lady Masao entered the room.
Alex stood mortified. She was still in her night clothes with bed hair and an unwashed face; no state to be in when receiving visitors. She prayed that her royal highness hadn't come along as well. Masao greeted her with a smile none the less.
"Good morning, Miss Alexandra. I'm sorry to have visited you at such an inconvenient time."
"Please, the fault is mine," answered Ivan. "Due to circumstances, we're running a bit behind schedule this morning."
Alex smiled in embarrassment. She hadn't expected Ivan to answer for her and was ashamed that he had. Although it sounded like he was making an excuse to save her, he was really saying 'I'm sorry, my charge is an idiot'. She could only imagine the earful he was going to give her when Masao left. And all before she even had time to take a shower. If this morning was setting the tone for the rest of the day, than what a long day it was going to be. She piped up with that hope that Ivan would let her off the hook if she showed how eager she was to do a good job.
"But don't worry! I promise we won't keep her waiting!"
"Very well," Masao nodded. "My reason for coming here is that I have a gift from. She hopes that you will wear it for this afternoon's engagement."
She handed Ivan a small flat box and undid the bow of the wire cord that was wrapped around it. She took off the lid and waved her hand for Alex to come closer. She lifted a square sheet of fabric and unfurled it to reveal a brightly patterned and richly textured kimono.
"It has many layers that can be hard for a beginner to put together alone so I've come to assist you."
"If you'll excuse me," nodded Ivan. "I shall leave to give you ladies privacy."
"Please, stay," smiled Masao. "Your assistance can be used as well."
"So, what do I do first," asked Alex.
Masao carefully folded the kimono and draped it over Ivan's outstretched arms. She thumbed through the box and pulled out a white slip.
"This is to be worn over your undergarments. It is the base layer of the kimono. If you please," she nodded.
Alex nodded back and it took a moment for her to realize what she was being asked. She let out a nervous laugh and took the slip then hurried away to the washroom to go shower and change.
While left alone, Masao began taking other things from the box and laid them all on out on the bed. She quickly gave Ivan an explanation of each item and how it was to be put on and taken off.
Ivan respectfully paid attention although he already had a basic knowledge of traditional Japanese garments. He had dressed Prince Nagit when he was younger, and helped dress his majesty whenever the latter got the inclination to wear a kimono every now and then, though the king wasn't as strict when it came to proper decorum. Still, he memorized all he could in case there were differences that he needed to know.
"So," began Masao with a cheeky smile. "You two seem to be quite friendly. Quite the conversation I overheard at the door."
"Yes," Ivan nodded in agreement before he realized what had been said. "I beg your pardon?"
"I was saying that you and she seem to be getting along very well. You speak to each other with such an informal tone. It's cute," she laughed, "almost as if you're doting on her."
"I only speak to her that way because of necessity. I am tasked with teaching her and that is the method which I've learned works best," he said firmly. "There is nothing more to it than that."
"Aw," she whined in mock disappointment. "And here I thought you had learned to have a little fun. She is a pretty girl, after all."
"Her appearance means nothing. Pretty or not, as long as she has the bracelet in her possession then it is my duty to-"
"Okay, I'm ready!"
He was cut off not only mid-sentence but also mid-thought. Alex had showered and dried in a hurry to make up for the time lost from her oversleeping. Although her body was dry, the steam from the shower had dampened the slip and water droplets still clung to her hair. The light gown stuck to her skin and was near transparent, showing the lingerie she wore underneath.
Masao side-eyed Ivan in amusement as he blushed furiously in shock. Alex returned Ivan's glare with a confrontational puzzled look of her own.
"What? What'd I do?"
"It's fine," said Masao and clapped her hands. "Let us begin. Please hold your arms up and out at your sides. Ivan, could you please grab the second layer and help me put it on?"
"Of course…"
He resigned his annoyance and followed Masao's instructions. All throughout helping her put on the kimono and tying everything in place, she would shoot him gleeful mocking glances. He did his best to ignore her and cleared his mind to only worrying about the task ahead of them.
Once the last cord was tied, Alex was considered fully dressed and let out a relieved 'thank you' as she was finally able to put her arms down. Masao walked around her; her eyes checked her work and her hands tucked in this, pulled out that, patted straight any wrinkles that shouldn't be, and folded where there should.
"There, that much is done."
Alex smiled warily and raised her brows in surprise. "There's more?"
"Of course," answered Masao. "There's still your hair and makeup. Usually these things are done first but I wanted to be sure the kimono fit you."
Alex sighed in relief. If it was just the usual things like that, than she was sure she could handle it.
"Now, for your hair..." Masao stared at her with some consternation.
There was a world of differences between them as far as their hair was concerned. Her own hair lay flat and hung down straight but was curled at the end, draping her shoulders with elegance. Alex's large mane of tight curls was pulled back into a ponytail and even then, loose curls and flyaway strands popped out in no particular order.
"I'll put it out of the way!"
The monumental task was solved instantly when Alex quickly braided her hair and twisted it into a bun. She had done it to keep it out of her face when applying makeup but Masao decided, with some bias, that it was good enough to be considered done. With the application of some hair gel and the addition of a few hair accessories, what had been done in seconds suddenly looked as if it had taken hours.
"Loose hair styles are very trendy," she said with a smile, countering Ivan's silent ire of her having cut such a wide corner. "It compliments her, doesn't it?"
"That was easy," Alex smiled. "It must mean I'm getting better at this palace life, right Ivan?"
He sighed in defeat and closed his eyes so neither of them could see him roll them in exasperation.
"Do you mean to say, 'I believe I've improved since I've arrived at the palace,'" he corrected her.
Alex stared at him with a straight face and Masao shared her irritation at his sudden inflexibility. She turned to Masao and decided to cut him off before he could begin one of his lectures against her slang way of talking.
"Could you tell me," she began imitating him perfectly, "if it's not too much trouble Lady Masao, what I can expect this afternoon? I'm sure there will be rules to follow and I wouldn't want to offend her royal highness by exhibiting any accidental ill behavior."
She had been applying makeup and paused in shock before grinning slowly. She knew that her way of speaking and what she had asked was her game of beating Ivan to the punch. She also knew that it would certainly ruffle his feathers.
"It's no trouble at all," she responded. "I'd be happy to advise you."
Alex thanked her and looked to Ivan to see just how upset he was. He stood impassive, with his gaze off in the distance. She wondered if maybe she had hurt his feelings by cutting him off. She had no intention of apologizing either way. Instead, she was going to pout just to mock him. But when their eyes met, her expression turned to fearful surprise. When he noticed her staring, he gave her a devious smile.
The walk to the building were the royal wives lived was a far longer one then she had anticipated. Even though she was just wearing sandals, her steps were still small and uncertain. Masao walked ahead of her with grace and ease. As soon as they had left the room, she was further along at a faster pace. She was gone altogether before they knew it.
Ivan walked behind Alex; he stared straight ahead but was prepared to catch her, should she trip or fall. She glanced at him every now and then. He said nothing and only returned her stare with a smile.
"You seem to be in a good mood," she asked.
"I was," he replied. He lost his smile and his face turned serious once more.
She was about to ask him if she had really offended him that much, when she suddenly saw what he was staring at. Two men were walking their way, crossing paths to their own destination. She immediately recognized one of them as Ivan's reason for suddenly changing his mood. Her own face scrunched up in displeasure although she tried to keep the polite smile she had been taught.
Walking side by side and in the midst of a heated discussion were Minister Balam and Prince Jun. As they approached, she stepped aside and bowed to the prince, hoping he would only pause to return the gesture. She had no dislike of Prince Jun but dreaded another encounter with Balam. Jun stopped in his tracks. So did Balam right beside him but he said nothing.
"If it isn't our special guest," said Prince Jun with his usual insidious smile. "You look like you're doing better today."
"Yes," she blushed. "I'm feeling much better, thank you."
She held a straight face but was thinking it'd be just her luck that she'd be remembered for something as embarrassing as last night's episode. She hoped it'd be forgotten soon enough and she wouldn't be stuck with that image forever. While she was stuck in her woe, she hadn't noticed the threatening aura Ivan was projecting towards Balam.
After the events of his first meeting with Alex, Melchiorre had given Ivan a heavy reprimand about his being so lax in his duties that he had allowed a man to drag her off to a secluded place, even if that man was a respected cabinet member. He angrily told him in no uncertain terms of the many possibilities of what could've happened and there consequences if he hadn't happened to have been there to stop it. Ivan kept this in mind as he glowered at the minister . This was the reason why Balam had so far kept his distance wide and his mouth shut.
Although she may not have noticed, Prince Jun certainly did. He already knew Balam's character and a glance at the scene was all he needed to get a clear picture of just what was going on.
"That's a rather interesting outfit you have on," he asked, continuing on with their conversation as if nothing were amiss. "Might I ask the occasion?"
"Ah! This was a gift from Princess Aiko!" She held up her arms and turned from side to side to proudly show off the kimono. "In fact, I'm on my way to see her now. I was invited, so if you'll excuse me. I don't want to be late."
His smile waned for just a moment as the news didn't sit well with him. If Alex got along well with his mother, then it would put Nagit that much closer to winning the bracelet. He covered his discomfort with a laugh and waved it off.
"Very well then, I won't keep you. But you and I must get together soon as well."
She said nothing but nodded carefully. Although she didn't dislike Prince Jun, she was still unsure around him. She bowed again and quickly continued on her way, completely ignoring Balam as she passed. She breathed a sigh of relief as soon as she was well out of their range.
"I know it's none of my business," she said in a quiet tone, "but Minister Balam doesn't seem to be very fond of the king. So what is he doing with Prince Jun?"
"While Minister Balam may be a critic of his majesty's policies, he is... fair, in his work at the palace," he answered, thoughtfully choosing his words. "I believe he and Prince Jun are discussing a construction project."
"I see. So he can't get rid of him because he's good at his job?"
"That's part of it. It can be said that Minister Balam is a careful man who watches his steps, just not his mouth."
Alex made a murmuring sound and nodded that she understood. So Balam was the kind of guy who would toe the line and do everything but go over it. She felt the bracelet on her wrist and thought of the offer that he had made her. Was his desire to be king out of greed or did he honestly think he'd do a better job at it? King Tamir had told her to choose from among the princes so certainly he wasn't a contender for the throne. But now that she thought about it, she was no closer to making her decision then she had been when she first arrived. She stayed quiet for the rest of the walk as she tried to think of the daunting task she had been given.
Inside a large building and through a pair of double doors were the women's royal apartments. Although they were called apartments, each was a home to itself. In whispers, Ivan explained to her what she couldn't see. Each apartment had an antechamber, just like the one where they currently sat, waiting for permission to go forward. Just past it was the room where guests were received, called the drawing room. Even more rooms surrounded it on all sides and could be made bigger or smaller with the placement of sliding doors and movable walls. As the rooms got further away from the entrance, the more personal the purpose they served, such as a private dining room and bath. Only the innermost chamber would be used as the bedroom.
Alex straightened her back and fought every instinct to begin rocking nervously on her feet. Instead, she tried to think of how to keep from turning things into a complete and utter disaster.
"Let's hope for the best."
"There's no need to," said Ivan. "I believe you'll do fine."
"Really? The one time your Spartanism would be appropriate," she said with a look of annoyed disbelief. "That's all you have for me?"
"I wouldn't have accepted the invitation if I didn't think, if I didn't know, that you could handle it," he smiled.
She sighed in defeat just as a servant appeared to lead them in. She removed her shoes and found out that she was to proceed alone. Despite it, all her feelings of dread washed away as soon as she stepped foot into the drawing room.
It was brightly lit with a peaceful air. Sunlight poured in through the window and reflected off the clean white walls and bathed every corner of the room. It was sparse of any decorations, the walls and floor were all bare yet a single flowering plant that sat in the corner of the room kept it from feeling empty.
In the center of the room was a square table with three chairs. Seated at the head of the table, opposite of the entrance was Princess Aiko. Her smile was as friendly as it had been when they first met. To her right sat Masao, beaming at her with a grin that said that they had been talking about her long before she had arrived. Alex bowed respectfully and was once again in awe of the queen's splendor. She tried to remember all that Masao had told her and followed her every order.
After introductions, she was invited to sit down. A servant came to push in her chair and she sat up straight, with her hands neatly folded in her lap as she waited for more cues. The same servant then poured tea for them all, according to their rank. First was the princess, then came Masao, and last was herself. She noted that this was mostly the order they were to do everything in. After the small ceremony and formalities were out of the way, the conversation began.
Masao again translated but this time, Alex now knew that she was to keep her eyes on Princess Aiko when speaking or being spoken to. She said she had heard about her trouble with Lambert and apologized, in good nature as was her obligation, and not on his behalf. Alex thanked her and swallowed her embarrassment. That incident couldn't be forgotten soon enough.
There was other small talk made over the taste of the tea, the refinement of wearing a kimono, the agreeability of the weather, and other innocuous topics. Her mind was set at ease, if this was all she had to do in high society, drink tea and chat about nothing, then adapting to life in the palace was a breeze.
"About the bracelet you wear," said Masao, "it is my understanding that with it, you hold the right of succession. Have you made any considerations?"
Alex almost spit out her tea. She forced herself to swallow it and set the cup down quickly as she reached for a napkin.
"Unfortunately, no," she answered, shying away from the subject. "I haven't had much time to spend with the princes. I've just been focusing on etiquette lessons so far..."
Whatever Masao said to Princess Aiko, it wasn't the answer Alex had given. She listened carefully when she heard Ivan's name. It was tossed back and forth between them with mischievous smiles and muffled laughter. The princess turned to face Alex and let her smile wane as she gave her a serious look and spoke in a stern, yet soft tone as if she were imparting some secret.
"It is a heavy decision to make," said Masao. "So it is understandable that you wish to take your time. Please be mindful to weigh your options from all sides. Your happiness and this country's happiness must become the same. As long as you have that bracelet, you have the throne. You have the future of this country and all of its people. Do you understand?"
Alex looked back at the queen in wide-eyed fear as the weight settled on her shoulders. Choosing the next king meant a lot more than who got to sit on an awesome gilded chair. Choosing the next king was also choosing his ideology. His laws would affect the daily lives of common people. His policies would change the standing of the country against the rest of the world. Deciding the next ruler was setting the country up for twenty to forty years of prosperity or ruin.
If his majesty, King Tamir, had chosen her to make the decision, than he had doomed them all.
"I have to give the bracelet back," she saidd as she slowly descended into panic. "I really am just a plain person. And I'm not even from this country! I can't make a decision like that."
Princess Aiko held up her hand to signal that she had not finished talking. Her quick change from her friendly demeanor to absolute authority was action enough to stop her rambling in its tracks.
"If you risk nothing, you gain nothing," answered Masao in her stead. "That is the other side you must weigh. You do not stand to gain nothing when making your decision. There will be offers of riches in place of gratitude to sway you. Such things won't be uncommon to you before long."
Alex sat still and listened intently. It sounded like her highness was suggesting she sell the throne to the best candidate with the most money.
"Isn't that bribery," she asked nervously.
As Masao translated her question, Alex cast her eyes down at the table in front of her in shame. To her surprise, the princess responded by calling her out on the action.
"Lift your head," she said sharply. "Whenever you speak, meet your opponent with your eyes."
Alex looked up and stared in fear but the princess was not angry. A small smile returned to her face and the look in her eyes was patient.
"His majesty staunchly believes that a man unable to win favor does not deserve to be king. Talk to the princes and you will find out what they have to offer you. Watch them silently and you will learn what they have to offer this country. Make the decision with your heart and your head. Be smart and be careful."
It was with those words that she was dismissed from her presence. Alex solemnly returned to the entrance way as those words and the ideas they sparked tumbled about in her head. Choose the king that would be best for the country, but also choose the king that would be best for her wallet?
She didn't find Ivan in the entrance but instead, bumped directly into Prince Nagit. It seemed his mother's words confused even him as he forgot the trouble he would be in for eavesdropping.
"Prince Nagit!"
He jumped up as Alex called out his name in surprise.
"I wasn't listening," he immediately responded, "I was just waiting!"
She stared at him, unsure of whether or not to say she knew he was probably lying. He looked her up and down in surprise. He had never seen a kimono on a dark-skinned person before. Occasionally, his father got the whim to wear one but they were all in somber colors. Here, he was seeing a new contrast. Her dark brown skin and the soft pastels of the kimono, with the pops of bright colors of its stitching, made him think of the colorful desserts Melchiorre would sometimes treat him to.
"How pretty," he said cheerfully. "You look like ice cream!"
She raised her brow but smiled wide, supposing it was a compliment. She had no idea what he meant by it, but who didn't like ice cream?
"Thank you," she said with a bow. "Your mother, uh, her highness gave it to me to wear today. I'm enjoying it very much."
"Really?" He smiled wide as a glint of trouble arose in his eyes. "Then I'd like to see you in a yukata next time. You could wear one and we could watch fireworks together!"
"Sure," she answered. "I would love to. Right now I'm looking for Ivan though. Have you seen him, by any chance?"
"Yeah, he's right outside."
"Thank you, Prince Nagit." She bowed and walked away, and had made it to the door when Nagit called her name.
"Miss Alex? We're not having a joint dinner tonight. Would you join me for dinner instead?"
She nodded impulsively but took longer to verbalize her answer. Even as she thought it over, she didn't see any harm in it. In fact, this way she could get to know him more and start this whole succession business in earnest.
"It would be my pleasure, Prince Nagit."
He laughed and gave a wave as she stepped out the door. Once she was gone, his smile turned to triumph.
After she found Ivan, she told him a summary of what had happened and the new worries that came with it.
"I told you it would go well," said Ivan, as they walked back to her room. "There was never any reason for you to doubt yourself."
"Yeah, I guess I did okay..." Even though he was praising her, she couldn't summon up much enthusiasm.
He noted her gloom and walked a bit closer. She had been so proud of herself before over much smaller things. At something as eventful as this, he had been expecting her to sing her own praises from the roof tops. He gave a sincere smile as he chided her.
"What uncharacteristic modesty, Miss Alex! I think your efforts deserve more recognition then that. If I didn't know any better, I'd suspect you were taking lessons from someone else behind my back."
His words brought a small smile to her face and helped shake her clouded feelings.
"So does that mean I'm done with etiquette lessons," she asked hopefully.
"Absolutely not," he immediately shot back. "What you haven't been told is that as long as you have that bracelet, you are considered an heir to the throne."
"Wait, I'm what now!?"
Ivan continued on, choosing to ignore her outburst. "Do you, at this moment, feel you could rule the country?"
"Of course not! That's crazier than me choosing the heir!"
"Exactly," he answered in full agreement. "That is why you are not finished with your lessons."
She sighed and did her best to hide her sour disposition all the way back to her room. Once she was safely inside, she let out a groan of disappointment.
"And for every step forward, you take two steps back," said Ivan as he walked in behind her.
"What happened to praising my awesome progress," she asked while walking over to the armoire. Now that the special occasion was over, she could take off the kimono and with it, her fear of getting such an expensive outfit dirty.
Ivan moved around the room freely and on his own agenda. Having locked the door, he then went to go close the curtains.
"It seems to have been misplaced," he replied. "It's probably lost in the same location where you put that progress."
"It's probably right with that stick up your-"
She gasped in fear before she could finish mumbling. Ivan grabbed her shoulder, spun her around, and was in her face with an unhappy look that dared her to finish that sentence.
"It's where, as you were saying?"
She swallowed hard at how close he was to her, and how close she was to falling into the cabinet if he dared to give her a little push. He was staring her right in the eyes and although she was looking back, just as the queen had told her to do, it didn't seem to help. His gleeful look at her helplessness shrank whatever confidence she had.
"I didn't say anything," she answered meekly. He was satisfied by her answer and let go. He walked into the middle of the room and motioned her to come to him.
"Good. Now come here so I may help you undress."
She grabbed the front of the kimono defensively. Although she had gotten dressed in front of him just hours before, it was an entirely different matter now. With Masao present, it felt obligatory and mundane. Now that they were alone, purposely undressing in front of him, no, being undressed by him...
"I think I can do it myself," she answered.
Turning back to the cabinet, she felt silly for being shy. He had picked out the clothes in the armoire right down to the underwear. Certainly there wasn't anything he hadn't seen before. She argued with herself that while it was true he had seen her clothes, he hadn't seen her in them.
"Miss Alexandra," he called her name in flat tone that said he was unamused by her hesitancy. "Don't be ridiculous. Putting it on you was a task that took two people, I being one of them, if I may remind you."
He walked over to her, placed his hands on her shoulders and led her to where he wanted her. She squared her shoulders and pushed his hands away as her face turned red.
"Than taking it off should be twice as easy," she replied. "So like, that would equal half a person!"
"I see your math is as atrocious as your manners," he quipped. "As this outfit was a gift, we are to do our best to keep it in pristine condition. I will not have you damage it, even accidentally, when such an event could be easily avoided by letting me help you. Now, stand still and arms out."
Realizing she lost the battle, she did as she was told. She was already on edge and her anxiety proved her right. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist with his hands lightly tangled in the cord around her obi. With the height difference between them, he was bent forward slightly to put his lips level with his ear.
"You act as if you're afraid of me," he whispered.
She tried not to jump but shook her head.
"As if," she said haughtily. "You're imagining it!"
His smile never left him and he chuckled at her answer as he began untying the cord. She could almost hear him, though it wasn't as if he made any attempt to hide his amusement.
"Then all is well, isn't it?"
He took his time with each task and made sure she knew it. She felt as if it were some kind of game to him but in her naïveté, didn't know its cruel nature.
"I've untied the cord. Now I'm rolling it up and setting it on your bed. Next, we'll untuck the padding from your obi. My hands are on your waist... Those are my fingers you feel, sliding into your-"
"You don't have to describe everything," she nearly shouted in her flustered state. "I don't need to know things like that!"
She couldn't bear to face him. It was a good thing too, or else she would've seen the wide grin on his face from the joy this kind of torture brought him.
"I thought it might settle your nerves to know where I am and what I'm doing throughout this process," he lied. "Lest you get the wrong idea and think I was up to something improper."
"Just hurry up," she answered.
"As you command."
She stiffened and shook off his words as a slip of the tongue. Still standing behind her, he stood up straight and resumed his work. After removing the stiff padding that kept the sash from wrinkling, it was time to undo the obi itself.
"Are you certain a description wouldn't comfort you," he teased as he undid this and that just to untie the complex bow.
"I'm certain!"
He chuckled and was glad she couldn't see the disappointed expression on his face.
"Very well. Arms straight up, if you please."
He grabbed one end of the sash and, keeping another hand firmly on her hip, began unwrapping. He tossed one end of the sash, then another, and pulled them past each other, continuing to unravel it as his hands pushed against her hips to keep her steady. When it hung loosely, he stepped around to the front, grabbed her hands and laced her fingers in his as he pulled her arms down and out again. She snatched her hands away and blushed through her aggravation.
"You could just tell me to put them down!"
"I'm terribly sorry," he said, feigning his best apology as he removed the obi and folded it up as he walked away.
"When you said you didn't want a description, I assumed you didn't want me to talk at all. I didn't want to interrupt you, you looked so deep in thought."
She wouldn't have believed him even if he had remembered not to smile. He was clearly having too much fun at her expense. So this was his way of getting back at her for that crack she made at him this morning. Two could play that game, but could she?
"I am," she declared. "So hurry up and finish this and undo everything!"
He gave her a questioning look. Was she trying to challenge him? She wasn't certain what she was doing but whatever it was, she didn't want to lose. She cleared her throat and tilted her head up pretentiously.
"Chop, chop. Those are my orders so follow them."
He held in a laugh but the sinister expression on his face was not so easily dismissed. He walked over to her with a leisurely gait. He stood mere inches behind her but touched nothing. Then he walked around to her front and let her eyes meet his. There was no need to hide his smile now and he didn't care if she knew the trouble she had gotten herself into.
"Everything," he said doubtfully, giving her one last window of escape. "You're absolutely certain?"
"Did I stutter," she responded. "Were my words unclear? Everything."
Quickly, he tucked two fingers under the outermost length of cloth that that held her kimono in place and gave a rough tug. She nearly fell forward but remained on her feet. She stared in refusal to back down.
"As you wish," he said lowly.
He broke their stare as he looked down at the knot. It was undone and pulled aside with ease. His pace was faster but there was still no urgency in him as he wound it up neatly and set it on the bed.
She gasped when she felt not only his hands wrap around her waist, but his body pressed against hers. She knew that in theory, his hands sliding along her waist meant that he was looking for the second belt that hid somewhere under the folds of the kimono. Even if it was true, that theory didn't account for why his face was so close to hers.
"You're taking your sweet time," she said to cover her embarrassment.
"All good things take time."
Just as he answered, she felt the belt sliding away and the front of her kimono fall open. He lightly trailed his fingers along the sides of her neck and pulled at the collar of her kimono before removing it completely.
That was one layer down and they both were still standing. She gritted her teeth that she may be losing. She hadn't unsettled him at all. She had to do something more. She waited until he finished folding up the kimono and returned to begin removing the second layer.
"Ivan," she said briskly. "Get on your knees."
He froze in his tracks wondering if he had really heard what she said or if he had only imagined her saying what he wanted to hear.
"I beg your pardon. Could you repeat that?"
"Well if you're too tall, then that'll make untying the sashes difficult," she explained. "If you're on your knees, then you're just about level with it so you can better see what you're doing."
She was surprisingly unflinching in her act of superiority. With a muffled 'I see', he sank to his knees in front of her.
"Like this, you propose?"
She looked down on him and pursed her lips to hide her smile.
"It'll have to do, I guess."
He gave a half nod and began to untie both of the cords that held the second layer in place, one right after the other. As he did, he considered that she was more troubling then he had first thought. Perhaps she was learning from him a bit too well. Trouble was certainly the word for what he would be in if anyone happened to come across them like this.
As he pulled away the two belts, the second layer of the kimono was undone. She quickly caught it and held it closed and tight to her chest. He only remarked on it once he had finished putting the sashes neatly with the rest.
"I shall be removing it now," he said as he stood in front of her. "Should I be on my knees for this as well?"
She tried to look him in the eye but couldn't. She was too embarrassed, or rather, she was too afraid that he might see her thoughts. If he removed it while on his knees, that would put him eye level, or more precisely, his mouth level with her thighs. There was no way he wouldn't find out just what she was thinking. Yet if he stood in front of her and removed the kimono, a glance at her chest would also tell him what affect he had on her. The dress slip might as well have been transparent in that regard.
"Just how much of my skin do you intend to be allowed to see," she said in a no less irritable mood then before.
He stood and put his hands over hers and stroked them gently. "Your orders did say 'everything'."
"This is sexual harassment."
She softened her guard but pouted all the same. He smiled and pushed her hands away. He placed his hands above her chest, slid them under the kimono, and glided them to her shoulders as he pushed off the robe. He grabbed it as it fell and let his fingers brush against her arms until it was completely removed. He let it fall to the floor and held her in his arms as she pressed herself against him.
"I am only following orders," he answered.
They dared to wonder a kiss and its consequences. Their lips had only faintly brushed when a knock at the door set them both to panicking.
"Commo- Ahem, Miss Alex, are you there," shouted Prince Lambert. "Your door is locked!"
She pried herself away from Ivan and dashed for the bathroom. Likewise, he hurriedly straightened his appearance, humbled his demeanor, and picked the layer off the ground. He draped it over his arms and cleared his throat as he went to answer the door. He thought to himself of how blessed he was, thankful that they were interrupted by the least perceptive of the princes.
He opened it only to have a basket of more than a dozen red roses shoved in his face. It nearly made him drop the kimono all over again.
"Ivan," said Lambert in surprise. He quickly brushed it off as it wouldn't be unusual for him to be in her room since the commoner was his to take care of.
"Where is she? I came to offer my apology and tell her to give me the bracelet. What's all this," he said, looking over the various articles of clothing spread out on her bed.
"Miss Alex is currently in her changing room," he said as he put the heavy basket down on a nearby desk. "She had a meeting with Princess Aiko this afternoon and has a dinner reservation with Master Nagit this evening."
After putting the basket down, he went back to his task of folding and putting the kimono and its many components away in its box. Lambert stood in the doorway with one hand on his hips and the other on his chin. He accepted the excuse he was given but his mind, like Prince Jun, was on the bracelet.
"This isn't good," he said with clenched fist. "At this rate, she's going to pick Nagit before any of us get a chance!"
"Calm yourself, your highness," said Ivan. "Nothing has been decided yet. There's still time. Miss Alex's schedule is open so if you wish to present your case-"
"Then first thing tomorrow morning," he interrupted. "I will see her and sort this out once and for all."
"It's not quite that open, I'm afraid," he replied. "Your brothers have beaten you to it." Even as Lambert growled in frustration, he couldn't help but pour salt on the wound. "I can hardly keep up with the requests. It should come as no surprise, of course, with the succession on the line."
"Ivan, you must do something," he demanded.
"Certainly. I'm sure I can work something out."
"Good! Then I'm off. I can put my mind to better things then this nonsense of having to curry the favor of a random commoner."
"Understood, Master Lambert. Shall I give Miss Alex your regards?"
"It doesn't matter," he scoffed.
Ivan bowed to the prince and closed the door softly after he left. He briefly considered resuming his game but a look at the time told him it'd be best saved for another day. Alex opened the door ajar and poked her head out of the bathroom.
"What'd Prince Lambert want?"
"He requested to spend time with you. How shall I answer him?"
"No," she said with a look of revulsion. She had heard him call her a 'random commoner'. "The answer is 'no', 'as if', and again, 'no'. Then laugh in his face while slamming a door on it."
"There's no need to be so vitriolic," he chastised her. "He did send roses as his way of apologizing."
"Do they have snails in them," she shouted from the bathroom. "I'm serious. I'm not falling for that again!"
Ivan shook his head and inspected the basket. Aphids would be a far more common problem with roses. And where was he supposed to find a vase big enough for all these, he wondered? A number of smaller vases would just have to do.
"If you intend to keep your date with Master Nagit, please be ready soon."
She poked her head out from the bathroom again as she suddenly remembered something.
"About that, what's a yukata? Prince Nagit said he wants to see me in one and watch fireworks together. It's not something I should be wary of, is it?"
Ivan turned and stared at her with a look of shock. So Master Nagit had revealed his cleverness to the person least likely to suspect him.
"A yukata is a summer kimono. Likewise, the palace hosts a fireworks show at the beginning of every summer. Ms. Alexandra, it would seem that Master Nagit has asked you out on a date a year in advance."