18.
Warnings: It gets a little, eensie-weensie bit risqué! Oh noes, cover your eyes!
"How am I ever supposed to fit you into this dress if you do not hold still?" The seamstress had been grousing continuously all morning, finding one thing after another that was not exactly as she wanted it. "You are not of the measurements given to me, my lady."
Mirian sighed. It wasn't her fault that the silly 'prentice who'd measured her had got the length of her back and her waist measurement flipped around. She certainly couldn't have stopped the girl's errors.
"I do believe we'll have to make this entire bodice over again. Do you know how long that will take?" The seamstress glared at Mirian. "Forever and a day! It will never be finished in time!"
Selena chose that moment to glide over to her sister, smiling angelically. "Oh, my dear Molly, you must do it for her! I couldn't bear it if my own sister weren't in my wedding. And no one can make this like you can." Selena sank to her knees so that she was on the same eye level as the older woman. "Please, Molly, for me?"
The seamstress frowned but nodded. "Just this once, my lady."
"Oh thank you ever so much!" Selena cooed happily as she bestowed a kiss on the aged and wrinkled hand. "How wonderful, Mirian!"
Mirian raised an eyebrow and smiled. Her sister had a charm that worked on people left and right. "Selena, you are such a delightful sister."
Molly the seamstress rose stiffly to her feet and almost looked pleasant. "Princess Selena, you do make an old woman feel lighter." Selena dimpled and shooed the woman out of the room along with the entourage of younger 'prentices.
"Can you believe it, Miri?" Selena twirled around the room as soon as the do was shut. "I'm getting married!"
Mirian laughed at her sister's antics. "Silly girl, of course I can! We've been dreaming of this day for years and years!" She pulled Selena onto the nearest couch. "Sit, silly goose, or you'll wear yourself out for tonight's ball!" Though she had been in Lamar for less than a week, Mirian had already been incorporated into the sweeping social circles that spanned the entirety of the palace. At present, Mirian and especially Selena were the center of the largest group. They were the topic of almost every conversation and everyone knew their names. Mirian had received dozens of suitors eager to ingratiate themselves with the pair of Princesses. She had spurned all of them, refusing to go anywhere without the company of her sister.
"What're you wearing?" Selena broke her sister's reverie with a sudden question. "I'm going to match you."
"Shouldn't you be matching Prince Alejandro?" Mirian giggled. She had only met the Crown Prince once, but she had found him a complete and utter gentleman, seemingly oblivious to the sartorial world that the court ladies operated in.
"But I want to match you! You are my sister after all. Andro is just…" She trailed off.
"Your fiancée?" Mirian filled in for her. "Anyway, I was contemplating the green satin."
"Really?" Selena's face fell. "But I have nothing to match that!" She pouted, a petulant look creasing her brow. "What about something in purple?"
"I've not a dress in purple though. Perhaps you shall wear purple and I shall wear a grey?"
"But grey is so drab!" Selena protested.
"It's simple, not drab." Mirian smiled. "Plus, I shan't outshine the bride-to-be if I wear grey."
Selena blushed faintly at this and looked down. "Mirian, stop saying that, would you?"
Chuckling, she asked, "But why, Selena-dearest?"
"Because." Selena frowned. "Just because."
"If you insist." Mirian was about to change the subject to something happier and lighter when the bell outside the door tinkled gaily. "I wonder who that could be?" As she rose to answer the door, she heard Selena hiccup softly. "Shall I let them in?" She murmured softly.
Selena nodded, saying nothing.
Mirian opened the door and smiled happily as it swung open. "Prince Alejandro!" She curtseyed sweetly. "How delightful to have you here!" She heard Selena gasp quietly and Mirian tried to capture the Prince's attention. "So, Alejandro, it's so nice to see you again."
He nodded distractedly. "Yes, indeed, Marian."
"Mirian," she corrected gently.
"Mirian, my apologies." Alejandro suddenly focused on her. "You're not married, are you?"
She frowned. "No, I'm not." It was still a sore point, despite the months that had passed since Selena was engaged. "Why do you ask?"
"You're not engaged, either?" He looked strangely at her, a decidedly awkward expression on his face.
"No, your majesty." Mirian smiled hesitantly. "Would you like to see Selena now?"
"Many men would be willing to help you solve that little problem of yours, you know." Alejandro shifted restlessly, his eyes darting over her face.
She studiously ignored his gaze, and replied, "Your fiancée is waiting for you."
Suddenly, the Crown Prince looked exceptionally contrite. "I offer my apologies, Mirian, if I have offended you. I did not mean to cause discomfort." He bowed from the waist and walked by her. "If I may be alone with her?"
Mirian frowned and brought her lips closer to his ear. "I'm not entirely certain that would be the best idea, Alejandro." She whispered the words, hoping that Selena could not hear.
"I think it would be best, actually." The Lamaran Prince smiled detachedly and nodded to her. "Good day, Mirian."
Mirian stared at the door as it closed in her face. "Well, that was rather rude," she muttered peevishly. As she walked away, searching for Michel or someone else to pass the time with, she heard silence emanating from behind the closed door.
Selena felt a smile curve across her lips as Alejandro walked into the room. It was involuntary and habitual, a greeting bread into her by her years in the court. "Good afternoon, Milord."
"Please, call me Andro." The lanky prince paced around the small room.
"If you wish." She bowed her head. "Andro."
Without warning, he folded himself at her feet, looking up at her with soulful eyes. "What is the matter? We are to be married on the morrow and you have become more distant with every day you've been here."
She bit her lip and shook her head, refusing to say anything.
"Selena," He whispered her name softly, gently.
Her eyes met his of their own volition. "Don't…" She protested softly, looking down again.
"If, Selena, we are to be married tomorrow, you must at least be able to look at me, yes?" Andro's fingers slipped under her chin, forcing it upwards. "Look at me," he demanded. "Look. That's all."
She refused him, closing her eyes tightly. She wasn't sure if she did it just to spite him or because she was trying to dam the tears that were building up behind her eyes. The fingers on the delicate skin of her neck were hot and she could feel them pulsing with life. Swallowing delicately, she tried to pull herself away, but he wouldn't let her.
Without a word, he leaned forward and she could feel him, the warm breath on her face, the subtly masculine smell of him. "Princess." His voice was soft but firm. "Tell me what thoughts are in that beautiful head of yours."
The breath flooded in through her lungs, raggedly clawing its way into the world. "I am…I…I am…" Selena broke off, unsure of how to phrase her thoughts. She felt a single tear streak down her cheek. Still, her eyes remained closed as she refused to watch his expression. She didn't want to see her own emotions reflected on his face.
The fingertips under her chin slowly slipped around to cradle the back of her head, pressing tenderly into her hair. "Selena," he whispered into her lips, pressing close to her. "All will be well." She could feel his words moving against her lips, his lips brushing against hers. Neither of them said anything more for a time, letting the silence between them grow into a semblance of understanding.
Lohengrin found his charge lounging by one of the many ponds that the Lamaran palace sported. She stared into the water with intense, melancholic focus, oblivious to her surroundings. He was reluctant to disturb her, but he had been looking for her for the past several hours and didn't want to waste his chances to talk to her now. "Mirian?"
She turned and looked at him, the blue of the water caught fast in the grey of her eyes. "Yes, Lohengrin?"
He lowered himself to the ground beside her. "I have been looking over our travel plans and it seems that, in order to return on schedule, we must leave approximately three days following tomorrow's wedding."
Lohen watched as her face fell, feeling like a terrible person. "But Lohen!" She protested futilely, longing to stay with her family for just a few extra days. "Do you understand what this means to me? This is a big event! My sister is getting married to a man she barely knows and I'm to leave her to him without a second thought? She might need me, Lohen! Please, just a few extra days. Please, I beg of you."
He wasn't sure if he could refuse her; as she clutched his hand tightly in hers, he imagined he could feel her pain. "Oh, Mirian, don't do this to me." He sighed. "I made a promise to Thayer; I can't break that easily."
"I know." It was her turn to sigh. "But I can hope."
"I shall see, Mirian. Perhaps, if we ride straight through one night…but that would be hard on you." He shook his head. "I can't let you do that."
"But I would!" The gleam of hope sparkled in her eyes and she almost looked happy. "Oh, if only I could stay an extra day- and extra afternoon, even!" A whisper of a smile brushed her lips. "It would mean the world."
Lohen knew he was heading straight for the jaws of a sentimental trap and he knew he should feel guilty, but he just couldn't bring himself to say no to the girl. "We shall see." He had never been very good at dissembling but he did the best he could. It was neither yea nor nay, but it would suffice. It would have to. "I shall see how I might rework out travel route to accommodate this."
Without warning, Mirian kissed the hand that she had been holding. "Lohengrin, I am in your debt." Her smile was sweet and he blushed. "You are truly wonderful."
He smiled in return and gently pulled his hand away. "We shall see, Mirian, remember that." As he stood to leave, her poorly stifled laugh caught his attention. "What, Princess, amuses you so?"
"You're really just a dear man, you know that? You've got a heart bigger than your brain, I think." She giggled again, her eyes fairly dancing with laughter.
He chuckled, "You, my dear Princess, are far too silly for your own good." Lohen left her, still laughing, in a merry mood to return to his quarters.
As she slipped on her gown for the evening's affair, Petra watched herself in the mirror, hoping that the latest Lamaran fashions suited her well. She smoothed the billowing gown around her hips, noting each imperfection in her figure. She sighed gently, hoping that Michel wouldn't desert her at the ball. Selena had assured her that Michel would never do such a thing and that he was madly in love with her, but Petra wasn't sure. Ever since Mirian had arrived, she fancied that she saw him with a different girl every day. She imagined that they were all exotic Lamaran women, full of passion and adoration for him and that he responded in kind, casually forgetting her affections and…
No. She stopped that train of thought with a final pat at her hair. It was as good as it was going to get, she decided, sighing. Hopefully it would be good enough.
She had picked a dress that would match Michel's eyes perfectly; a sky blue, bluer than the ocean and bluer than her own feelings. Eyeing herself once more in the mirror, she left her borrowed room and went to face the world of Lamaran high society.
Selena felt the cool touch of the silver around her neck and shivered. The necklace lay beautifully over her pale skin, shimmering softly with every breath she took. "Mirian, how do I look?"
Mirian looked up from slipping on a silver satin shoe. "Lovely, dear-heart, absolutely stunning." She smiled. "You'll be the belle of the ball!"
Selena smiled faintly and then turned back to the mirror. She was not longer certain that lavender was the best color choice, but she was wearing it whether it was or not.
Mirian watched her sister frowning at her reflection and laughed quietly. "Careful, Lena, your face might get stuck that way." Selena merely crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out in response. "Even better!" Mirian clapped. "Look that way the entire night!"
Selena smiled at her older sister. "You look beautiful, Miri."
"Of course I do!" Mirian grinned, fingering the grey silk lovingly. It really was beautiful; not only did it complement her eyes perfectly, but it also matched Selena's gown exceedingly well. Where Selena's dress was augmented by a grey sash, Mirian's was decorated with flowing strands of pale purple ribbons that fluttered when she walked. "Help me?" She held out a silver pendant that was the exact opposite of Selena's. "I don't think I can get it myself."
Selena's fingers were deft as she latched the fine silver around her sister's neck. "There. All set!" She stepped back to admire the silver against her sister's skin. "I like it, I think."
Mirian's lips curved slightly. "You should. You picked it out."
"True enough." Selena grinned nervously. "Should we wait until Alejandro gets here or not?" A disapproving look from Mirian said more than words. "I thought so."
"Indeed. It's good etiquette." Mirian shook her head. "I hope he gets here soon, though."
"I do too!" Selena began to pace. "I'm getting bored."
"And nervous," Mirian added. "I can tell you are," she insisted when Selena shook her head. "Really."
Finally, the bell tinkled outside to signal a visitor. "Mirian?" Lohen called from the hallway. "May I enter?"
Mirian stood and stretched. "Of course, Lohengrin. Is Prince Alejandro waiting with you?"
"No, milady," Lohen said as he stepped into the antechamber where the two sisters waited. "I did not see him."
Selena scrunched her face up and made an odd noise begat by frustration. "He better get here soon!"
Lohen bowed to Selena. "Princess, you look beautiful."
She dimpled happily. "Thank you, Sir Knight." Her smile widened. "You look rather dashing yourself, Lohengrin."
Lohen thanked her politely and turned to Mirian. "You look lovely as well," he told her, his voice soft. "If only Thayer could see you now."
Her expression darkened but for a moment. "Don't mention him, please." Mirian's smile was gone. "This is a happy night."
"As you wish, Princess." Lohen nodded deferentially.
Selena looked from Mirian to Lohen and back again. "What's between you two?"
"Never mind." Mirian shook her head. "Do I hear Alejandro coming?" It was a desperate gambit to leave the current topic, but it worked. Just as she finished speaking, the bell outside rang.
"That's him!" Selena suddenly flushed all over, a red blush spreading from her cheeks and disappearing beneath the neck of her dress.
As Alejandro entered the room, filling the door with his presence, Mirian heard Selena's breath catch. She cast a quick glace behind her to see a mix of terror and exhilaration swirl across her sister's face.
"Princess Selena." Alejandro bowed formally and caught Selena's hand in his. "Shall we?" His lips brushed the back of her hand, and Mirian watched as Selena's eyes widened and her blush intensify.
"We shall," Selena managed to murmur. Alejandro took her arm and they swept off together, every inch a royal couple.
Lohen eyed Mirian. "Shall we, milady?"
"I think so." She arched her brow. "They make quite the pair, don't they?"
His mouth twisted into a wry smile. "Indeed they do." As they walked out together, Mirian's arm in his, Lohen smiled. "This shall be a wondrous night, I think."
Author's Note: Hey look! A Chapter! Isn't that cool? I wasn't sure I'd get this done this weekend, but I did! I got caught up in all this art stuff…I embroidered most of Saturday away, I know that much. And it's not as bad as it's made out to be…I think it's rather fun, actually. Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter (it's extra long!) and please, tell me what you thought of it! I thrive on your feedback, much like plants thrive on good fertilizer. (I've been reading a lot about the agriculture of 17th century Europe…so please excuse the bad analogy. )
Anyway, reviewing is what all the cool kids are doing, don't say no, just do it! Thanks in advance.
Best wishes for 2007! I will try and keep my profile on here updated, so check that if you want to know what's going on. That's all for now!
Lots of love to everyone!