What's Done In The Dark: The King's Concubine
Dear Diary 18
By the morning of the following day, I was feeling well with no trace of the weakness I felt the night before. Today marked the beginning of a very busy three day preparation for the upcoming event. There was so much to do that when I sit and think of it, I get scared. So I don't. Sit and think about it I mean. I just do. After waking up at around 9:30, I was met by a worried Darien and a Doctor. Obviously he too had noticed my fragile state last night and had called a doctor. I sat there as the doctor did his analysis, from eye checking, tongue, saliva and everything he needed to do. I felt like an experiment. At the end the doctor pronounced me healthy. I felt healthy, what Darien and I couldn't understand was why I had seemed sick yesterday. The doctor said it could have been a result of me over working my body and anxiety. I would have believed him if he had been sure of it but could have been, is not a definite. Anyway, since I was pronounced healthy, Darien couldn't keep me in bed but believe me, he sure tried.
After breakfast, Darien had assembled all the requirements I asked of him when I woke up and Prime was once again by my side. More surprisingly delightfully, Amy and Rita, Lord Andrews's wife who was expecting a baby at any given moment now were here as well. I was expecting Kakyuu and her brothers and hopefully mother sometime in the evening. We were all gathered in the old ball room at the south wing, trust me….there is such a thing as south wing. When I say we, I meant everyone whose help I had requested.
On one side of the room were about 30 maids, all holding clothes of various sizes and colors. Besides the maids were 15 male servants. On the other side of the room were 25 of the best seamstress in our kingdom. Our kingdom was well known for our crafts and designs which was our biggest exports despite the fact that our clothing were of the old styles despite the modern day trends in the world. And closest to the door were 40 of the best teachers of literature and etiquette. Not only that, white blankets covered things in the room, things that would shortly be revealed. Today was definitely going to be a busy day and I made a mental note to thank Darien for assembling my team for me so quickly. There was so much to do in these short three days.
As soon as I entered the ball room with Prime, Lita, Malcolm, Amy and Rita, silence fell and they all watched me with hawk eyes, bowing as I passed each group with my entrouge to stand at the far end facing those whose backs were to the door. Aside from us, only the maids and servants knew why there were here.
"Good morning everyone. As you probably already know, I am Serenity Angelina Cyrus, Wife to be of our king. Besides me are my companions, Lord Prime Cline, Lady Amy Anderson, Lady Rita Smith, Sir Malcolm and Lady…"
"Don't Lady anyone. Just call me Lita. Besides, all the maids know me right?" Lita cut into my introduction, earning a giggle from some of the maids. She had successfully cut through the tension that had gathered into the room as soon as I entered.
"Like Lita, please refer to me as Serena. No need for Lady this or Lady that. We are going to be working closely together for the next three days so please, let's be friends." Easier said than that was the expression on their faces which was quite understandably.
One of the professors raised her hand.
"Yes my dear?"
"You say we're going to be working close together. We understand that we were brought here to work but what kind of work are we all going to be doing together?" the lady professor asked, giving a disdainful glances to the maids at the thought of working with such low level people.
"I'm glad you asked. In three days time as some of you already know, I will be hosting a day of relaxation for the women of our kingdom and I want this day to be a success. For that reason and others, I will be working with all of you, the finest seamstress and professors in our kingdom to create and plant seeds that will take root on the day of the party and hopefully change some of the negative views our kingdom holds on certain groups of people."
"We're going to be gardening?" one of the male professors asked with surprise.
"Shouldn't you be asking the farmers for this?" another commented.
"Please, try to fully comprehend her full sentence instead of your selective pieces." Prime intervene, talking with a slow deliberation as if talking to children. I had a funny feeling he was trying to irk those know it all professors on purpose. I gave them a few minutes to put into practice Prime's advice and when they did, I could see the knowledge dawn in their heads that we weren't exactly going to tilt the floor and plant. That I was just using words to cover what we were really about to do.
"Please continue Lady Serenity." One of the seamstresses said.
"Thank you. Now I am sure you are very curious to know what is hidden underneath all these white blankets. The males of the servant unites, please remove the blankets but be gentle." We watched as the fifteen male servants walked around the room, taking off blankets and revealing sewing machines and equipments. I saw the seamstresses eyes go wide with wonder and awe as they gazed upon some of the latest machines and spinning wheels.
"These machines are of course for the seamstress." I watched them move around the machines, testing them and seeing how they work, the speeds and their efficiency.
"Now Seamstress, please give your attention to me for a minute. The maids and servants here are under your command. Everything you need, food, water, clothing, errands, they are here for your convenience but do not abuse their helpfulness. They will be coming in and out of the room under my commands. I hope the both of you will work together peacefully so there won't be any unpleasant incidents." I said, looking from one group of faces to the other.
"Very well. As for the professors, please step outside the door with Lord Prime and my helpers for your sets of instructions." They turned and began walking out the door with Prime, Amy and Rita behind them.
"Lita?" I whispered.
"Yeah?" she responded also in a whisper.
"Go ask Darien if they are ready for the professors."
"Gotcha." She left ad as soon as she walked out the ball room, the door closed behind her and all attention turn back on me.
"Well I guess I should get right down to the point them. Seamstresses, please take a look at all the clothing the servants are holding." I said and the servants walked quickly to the seamstresses. They fiddled with the clothing, commenting and checking. I had no idea what they were searching for in the clothes but I was certain they knew.
"As you can see, they are clothes of styles of seasons past. Because of that, we are going to adjust them to fit the styles of this time. However there is going to be a twist, take a look at this. I removed the last blanket that covered something behind me to reveal to them a stand with a large canvas sitting on it and on the canvas was some of the styles I wanted them to adjust the old clothing to. Beside the stand were several other canvases which I put up and toke the other down. And in this way, I showed them all the styles I was hoping for.
"As you can see, these styles are basics, simple yet elegant. And because of the number of people going to be wearing these dresses, we cannot afford to make them into the styles of our kingdom, it requires too many materials on just one dress and personally I think it's too heavy. So here is the idea and the challenge, I hope all of you like challenges. For every old dress, you are to take of some of the layers and make it into two dresses. Some of the dresses have layers on that can be turned into three dresses. However some of the layers can only make a dress and a half. So here is the challenge, for every dress, you will make a bathing suit along with it. And not our style bathing suits but these ones." I said, showing them the sketches that I had made. As I expected, the gasped in embarrassment and mortification.
"My Lady, just who is going to wear something so…Improper?" one of the seamstresses asked.
"I know this goes against our code of dressing however while we are sitting here sweating in clothes that will make us drown should we accidently fall into water no matter how small, the rest of the world is conserving materials and using them to make things for those who fate frowns upon. These dresses and bathing suits are of the latest trends in the outside world. Our kingdom has held on to ridiculous traditions that have kept us in the Stone Age for far too long. No one is willing to take a chance and make a change. But I believe that the best people to bring the outside world's wisdom to us are those who create things. For example, seamstresses. If your styles can expose our kingdom to different dressing codes, I believe that our people will embrace some of the changes. However, if you are too scared to take the credit for your creation, then I will. These designs, because they are to be maid according to my designs will bear the name Serenity's Moon Gowns. On the inside of each dress, you will make a little tag and put this name on it, as well as the kind of material the gown is made off. Same goes with the swimming attires. All together, I am expecting fifty gowns and one hundred and fifty swim suits and you have only two days to complete it."
"What!" Some screamed.
"Two days to make a total of two hundred pieces of clothing? And these are styles we've never even made before!" someone complained.
"I thought you guys were the finest seamstresses in our kingdom. If you cannot do it, tell me now so I will replace you." I said evenly and silence fell. For them to give in will be a scandal and a stain on their names and their business will lose customers. And worse, if I did indeed bring others in and they are able to do what they couldn't they would lose their business totally. It was a dirty trick I was playing but I didn't really have a choice. I should have considered all of this before sending the cards out, the days I had given myself for preparation was far too small.
"I know I'm putting too much pressure on you guys and I am sorry for that. But we really do not have a choice in this matter, so please forgive me for it. Now these styles are what I am expecting, however, if you have similar styles to it then please be my guest and add your ideas. Besides, if I didn't have faith in your abilities, I wouldn't have asked for you. I have seen your works and they are breath taking. If this gathering goes well, it all depends on the clothing and believe me, I will have all of you recognized for your hard work."
"My Lady, what if we are unable to complete your request no matter how hard we try?" one of them asked. I looked from one face to another; I saw the conflict in their eyes as well as determination to complete this challenge and fear of failure.
"Then we will make due with what we have. For safety, I want most of your attentions focused on the dresses. Those are mandatory; I need all fifty made within the two days period."
"My Lady, we do not know the sizes we are to make. We have to see these ladies first to know or else all our work will be guess work and as you say, we don't have time for trails and errors."
"I thought of that too. Lady Rita and Lita will be coming in and out with the women's who will be wearing the dresses for measurements. And of those women, you are to measure them for both dresses and swimsuits. So that is fifty swim suits and fifty dresses. As for the other one hundred swimsuits, use the measurements of the ladies you often make clothes for. Such as Ladies of courts and the wives of the assistant court elders. Any Lady you make clothes for that is of importance, use their measurements. Can we do that?" I asked. They looked at each other, communicating with their faces and eyes before turning back to me.
"We will do our best to produce beautiful gowns and swim wears your ladyship."
"That's what I like to hear. Thank you very much for your devotion and determination. I believe I have truly been honored with the best of our kingdom. Soon, the women will be coming to visit you for their measurements, please be gentle with them. They will be very nervous and most won't be able to talk." I said and they nodded.
"Very well. You may start and like I said, the servants will be here for your convenience. And I will be bring in the foot wears, see if you can touch them up a little, you know, add a bit here and there to make it looks like it goes with individual dresses as well as the purses. I will see you all later. A good day to you all." I stepped down from the little stage I was standing on and walked down the middle to the door with all of them bowing to me. I really hated that when they bowed, you can never tell what they are thinking with their eyes off of you.
Outside the ball room the professors waited with Amy.
"Where are prime and the others?" I asked her softly.
"Went to help seat the women." Amy whispered back.
"Oh I see." I sighed and looked up, once again all attention was on me and it was unnerving. Dealing with the seamstress, I had felt as if I was in my own element, but amidst the judgmental eyes of these know it alls, I somehow felt like I was stepping into a mine field.
"Since Prime has explained everything to you…"
"He has said not a word since we came out here."
"Oh." I said, looking puzzled.
"He had to leave as soon as we came out." Amy explained. I nodded.
"Very well. Please let me have your attention. You have been brought here today because we believe all of you are the bests in your elements. Etiquette, language and literature. You have only two days to turn Etiquette and language challenged individuals to perfectly spoken and tabled mannered experts."
"How many are we talking about?" one of them asked.
"Fifty."
"And we have only two days?" another person asked.
"Need I remind you that I was told you guys were the best?" to this they had no reply. These educational experts had a lot of pride in their works and I was hoping to use that to my advantage.
"The servants will be coming in and out with silverwares and plates and food. As half of you teach half of the fifty to speak properly, the other half will be teaching proper eating habits. Then you will switch. And you will continue to switch and switch. With each student you feel has passed and will do ok, you will take them to the next level, how to start a conversation and when to be a part of a conversation. Please, keep in mind our time schedule. We only have two days to work these miracles. These same conditions are given to the seamstresses, let see which of you can overcome these brutal conditions." I said. I added the last part as a challenge between them and the seamstresses knowing that their pride would push them to make these students excel.
"In the mean time, I and Lord Prime will be coming in and out to see your progress but Lady Amy will be with you almost all the time. I will be evaluating your individual progress and getting feedbacks from her on how you are all doing. In returning for your hard works, not only are you going to be paid handsomely, but your achievements will be notified to the highest nobles and dukes. I'm sure with the royal family as your reference; you will climb the ladder and reach where you want to be. But do not think that you can easily fool me or Lord Prime and Lady Amy. Our evaluation will be a total consideration of your attitude toward the students, your tone of voice, you patience level and the amount of accomplishment you are able to do with each individual you worked with. Of course, our king too will be coming in and out as well. There isn't much that can get past him."
"And we have two days?"
"Yes, only two days." I answered.
"Is that why we told that we will be sleeping in the palace?"
"Yes. The students will be here 24 hours for the entire two days with occasional breaks. So day and night, you will be working to your maximum as well as their maximum."
They all sighed dramatically and I rolled my eyes. Amy put her hand on her mouth to keep from laughing. This was going to be a very long two days.
"As Lady Serenity has said, I will be coming in and out to see how things are going. Now, all of you please follow me." Prime said from beside me, making me nearly jump out of my skin. When had he approached me?
We led the way to the music room where the students were all sitting in their chairs with their notebooks and pens and pencils laying ready. From head to toe, they were covered with only their eyes showing. We discussed earlier that it was best to avoid the teachers becoming aware of the students identity. Since all the students were actually the women of the commoner's community, if they knew, rumors would spread and our main purpose at the party would be destroyed. For that reason, the ladies decided to cover themselves from head to toe and knowing that it would be too hot, we had the room air conditioned. We didn't make it too cold because we didn't want the teachers to complain. In the end, if the teachers still get cold, they will wear their jackets. I watched from the corner of my eyes the reactions of the teachers and it was very amusing. Their eyes grew big and their jaws dropped. Somehow I sort of understood that the gravity of their work was finally catching up to them.
I walked to stand in front of the room, the ladies eyes trailing after me.
"Now students, please give you full attentions to your teachers. Two days from now, you will be test individually to see how far you've come. Please do your best. I wish you all good luck. I said to them. I could feel their nervousness.
"Don't worry too much. These teachers are harmless, when it comes down to it you guys can take them on." I said with a wink several giggles answered my joke. It was a start to getting rid of their nervousness. I turned my attention back to the teachers.
"There are twenty-five of you and fifty of them; each teacher will take on two students. They will tell you their names as you tell them yours. Now hear what I'm say, I will not tolerate any of you treating them as if they are beneath you do you hear me? You are to treat them as your equals that needs help and you are helping them. I don't want you raising your voices at them and neither do I want you cursing and insulting them. And as you are educating them, Lady Rita will be coming in and out with servants to take your student away for a few minutes but she will bring them right back. Permit he to do what she must. To you teachers, good luck. Make me proud." I said and walked back to the door. I stood with Prime and Amy as the teachers file in. then in order, each teacher sat on the chairs in front of the two students sitting together and began introducing themselves.
"I guess we will leave everything to you Amy." I said. She nodded.
"If anything happens, please contact us right away." Prime added. She nodded and walked in, closing the door behind her. I looked at prime for a minute and sighed.
"I hope things goes on this smoothly." I confess. My stomach was in knots.
"It will be alright." I looked up him and I nodded.
"Yes, it will be!"
"What will be?" I turned around sharply and gave a cry of joy to find Kakyuu, Zoisite, Kunzite, Nephrite and Jadeite stand behind Lita and Rita. I ran over to them, Kakyuu meeting me half way and we hugged. After that I hugged Jadeite and everyone else.
"I thought you wouldn't be here until tonight." I said, delight in my voice.
"We thought so too but with Jadeite driving like a mad man…" Kakyuu trailed off giving a dirty glare to Jadeite who stood there looking very proud of himself.
"So, how far in your plans are you?" Nephrite asked, getting right to the point.
"Just the beginning stage." I confessed.
"Not good. There is much to be done." Kunzite comment.
"Not really. All we have to do now is find where we want to hold event." Prime answered.
"So you have the women take care off?" Zoisite asked.
"Yes. The seamstresses are here in the south wing ball room sowing and the teachers are in the musical room right now with the women." I answered.
"Very good, all is taken cared off then." Jadeite said.
"Wait a minute." Kakyuu said suddenly.
"What?" I asked with puzzlement.
"What about dancing?" she asked.
"Huh?" we all said.
"Sweetie, you cannot have an event like this with no dancing involve." She said.
"Isn't this supposed to be just an afternoon ordeal alone?" Rita asked.
"That was the idea at first but I think it's going to run into the evening. Just to be on the safe side, I had people send messages to the ladies to bring an evening gown." I answered.
"Oh. Then she's right. They need to know how to dance." Rita said and I sighed. Too many things to do, so little time.
"Not necessarily." Prime answered and we all turned to him.
"What do you mean?" Kakyuu asked.
"Well, dancing is only mandatary if males are present." He said.
"Ah I see. Because this is an all Ladies event, the rules can be bent." Kunzite finished with a smile.
"Yes, it can be but I have an idea." Lita said and we all turned to her.
"The commoner's women have some dances of their own. The purpose of this party is to breach the distance between them right?" Lita said, and I caught on to her idea.
"So in the evening, if we can have a bon fire, we can let these women lead the dances and they can teach the Ladies which, hopefully, will give way to laughter and ease." I finished.
"Exactly." Lita added.
"Brilliant." Nephrite said.
"That could work, the problem is finding a place we can do the bon fire."
"Hmmmmmh." We all hummed as we thought.
"I think I have just the perfect place for all your needs." Darien said as he walked up to us from behind the brothers.
"Good Morning your majesty." Kakyuu and her brothers greeted with a bow and a curtsey. Behind Darien was Andrew who smiled and waved at his wife. Rita walked to him and they embraced and I was jealous. I wanted to do that with Darien too but I was supposed to be dignified right now.
"Morning Lady and Lords of the house of Dion." Darien replied. The house of Dion referred to Hotaru's family, that was their last name.
"Where your majesty?" Prime asked.
"How about the old castle?" Darien answered.
"The old castle?" I asked.
"That would work." Prime said thoughtfully.
"It is right by Silver Beach. A secluded beach only the royal family can use even now. Though it has not been used for nearly a decade now." Darien said.
"It also has indoor swimming pools." Rita added.
"The back yard has a circular stone arch that was used to burn Christmas logs." Andrew added.
"And It was recently renovated. So perfect for this occasion." Prime finished.
"Do you mind taking me to go see it?" I asked, looking from Prime to Darien.
"Sure. When do you want to go?" Darien asked.
"Right now if you don't mind." I answered.
"Very well. I will get our carriage ready."
"No your majesty, please let me." Andrew said, kissed his wife on the forehead and left.
"I'm coming with you. I want to see how big the kitchen is." Lita who was in charge of the food said.
"So will I. Two eyes are better than one." Nephrite said.
"Of course, that's why I'm going. I've got two eyes." Lita said cheekily and Nephrite blushed at his mistake.
"Let me rephrase, two PAIRS of easy are better than one PAIR." He said with a smile and we laughed.
"Mmmm…I think I will stay here and help the teachers." Zoisite said.
"Very good. Let me get Amy." I said but Prime stopped me with his hand on my hand and walked to the door that was just a foot away.
"And I think I will stick around here with the seamstresses." Kakyuu said.
"Then you will be working with me then. I was on my way to getting some of the women for measurement. Care to join me?" Rita said.
"Don't mind if I do. See you later hon." Kakyuu said, kissed me on the cheek and followed Rita to the door. It opened and Amy and Prime walked out. we waited for them to get closer then I stood behind Amy to do the introduction.
"Lady Amy, what a pleasant surprise." Zoisite said. There was a look of wonder on his face that made me think that it was indeed a 'pleasant' surprise. I hid a smile.
"My Lord Zoisite, Nephrite, Kunzite and Nephrite. I take it that was Lady Kakyuu who entered with Lady Rita?" Amy said.
"Yeah. I'm surprise she didn't recognize you." Zoisite said.
"Sorry but if you hadn't mentioned her name I wouldn't have either." Jadeite said and he too had surprised look on his face.
"Yes, it has been a rather long time since we last spoke. How are you?" Amy said. I guess I wasn't needed for introduction.
"Well, can't complain. How about you?" Zoisite asked.
"I've been good as well. Is Lady Heather here then?" she asked and I realized that indeed, Hotaru's mother was not present.
"Mother will be here on the day of the actual event." Zoisite answered.
"I hope to see her then." She said and turned to me. "You called for me?"
"Yes, Zoisite has expressed his desire to help out with the educating. I thought I introduce the two of you before just sending him into the room but I guess you both already know each. Well, the rest of us will be leaving for the old castle. Darien said it would be the best place to host the event and I want to see it with my own eyes. We will be leaving Zoisite to you care then."
"Be safe." She said and I nodded.
"Alright, let's go!" I said. Darien turned and we followed. Before we turned completely at the corner, I turned my head around to wave at Amy but found something much more interesting. Amy and Kakyuu were hugging and Zoisite was looking on with a look the plainly spelled out the word L O V E!
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