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Chapter 2: A Dress for a Queen
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The morning was working in such good favor for one young woman. Of course, as the so-called daughter and heir to the House of Rossi, how could it not? If only Lila could say the same thing for her accommodations. She was lucky the innkeeper and his wife, Helga or whatever, were such simpletons. She even got the wife to wash her clothes to be ready for today. The woman might have been up half the night for it, but it served her right for trying to serve her that bowl of dishwater she called vegetable soup.
Lila gathered herself by washing her face and slipping on her freshly clean dress. At least this run-down inn had the decency to use soap. Then finally, her most prized possession was placed around her neck; an oval shaped gold locket with a rhombus cut amethyst gemstone in the center. Yes, she never went anywhere without this.
She made her way quickly down the stairs and into the dining area with a bar. The only person there was one of the men that had spent their time drinking ale last night. No doubt he was nursing the aftereffects of such indulgence. Lila thought this would be a good opportunity to spread her reputation a bit further.
"Good morning, good sir. How are you uhhhh... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name." she came up to the man with a big smile on her face.
"I'm Francois, and I feel like I'm dying." the man grumbled, his head resting on his folded arms over the bar.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I wish I had some of my remedies to heal you. I have quite an accomplishment with cures for ailments and illnesses."
"I doubt that." the man replied finally lifting his head to look at her.
His response caught her off guard for a moment. "I beg your pardon?"
Instead of repeating himself, he nodded his head down to her feet. "How's your ankle?"
"Oh, much better, thank you. I usually recuperate from small things after a good night sleep." she recovered quickly by giving him a reasonable answer.
"Huh, funny. First it was your right knee, and then it was the left, and now the injury was on your ankle. Is this some sort of new illness called jumping pains?" he gave the girl a scowl, both from her lies and the pounding of his head.
Lila could see where she had faltered, but how dare this drunkard come up to her and point it out. He was supposed to follow along with her lies, just like all the other fools. Well, this fool certainly wasn't going to get the best of her.
"Sir, I think you are a bit confused. You did drink quite a bit last night." she gave him a sweet smile, which seemed to anger that man further. She liked that.
"Maybe I did, but I still know that you made the innkeepers work harder than they needed to, and you don't have any money to pay them." he turned the rest of his body to face her squarely.
But Lila would not be swayed and kept the bright smile on her face. "Now what kind of future queen would I be if I didn't keep my word?"
"Now I know for a fact that's just a load of shit your spouting." he pointed angrily at her.
This time her smile did drop. "And what makes you say that?"
"I know that the prince hasn't been courting with you, or any other ladies in the kingdom. I know there might be some in the capital, but not outside it. I'm one of the messengers to the palace and I would've seen any letters from him at some point." Francois allowed the smirk to cross his face when the little liar frowned at being caught. "I wonder what the innkeepers will think after I tell them."
"Don't fool yourself into thinking someone like you is clever. Why would they believe a lowly messenger boy over a lady of high standards such as myself?" Lila regained her composure and smiled back at the man. No one threatened her and got away with it.
Francois was about to tell her off when Hildegarde came into the room surprised to see some of her guests already up.
"Well, good morning, Lila. Did you get enough sleep? How's your leg?" the innkeeper's wife walked up to look the young woman over.
"Very well, thank you, and I feel much better." Then she gestured to Francois. "This young man was kind enough to offer me help in looking for my traveling party if they haven't reached the capital already."
Hildegarde turned to the man surprised. "Really? That's very kind of you, Francois?"
"What!? But I -" he tried to deny it, but Lila stepped in too fast.
"Of course, I wouldn't think about asking for your services without paying you. But since I'm a little empty handed at the moment, I do promise to pay you back the moment I can, along with some extra so that you may send back what I owe to this lovely inn." she turned to Hildegarde to let her know she was thinking of her.
The innkeeper's wife was so moved by the girl's kindness. Too often she came across the rich and privileged that thought only about themselves. So, it was nice to know there were some out there that really cared for the common folk. She really hoped this girl would end up being their queen one day.
"Thank you, mistress, and please feel free to pay us back whenever you are able." she took Lila's hand and bowed to her in respect.
Lila tried not to be too quick to pull her hand away from the old woman for touching her, she had to keep up appearances after all. Plus, she had to act fast before Francois got another word in.
"Well, if you don't mind, I would really like to continue our journey. Shall we saddle up your horse, Francois?"
Francois was frozen stiff at what was happening in front of him. Then Hildegarde snapped him out of it by giving him a shove toward the door.
"You better hurry, lad, we don't want to keep the prince's intended waiting." she shoved him again.
"But wait a minute, she -" he pointed to Lila.
"Oh you're absolutely right, Francois, we should have some extra provisions for the trip. If you have anything left to spare, Madame Hildegarde..." Lila held her hands together in a sweet plea.
"Certainly, you two get the horse ready and I'll take care of it." the innkeeper's wife hurried back to the kitchen.
"Shall we?" Lila hurried out the door and toward the stable, knowing the man would follow her.
And follow her he did in a great huff. Just who did this upstart little bitch think she was? He had no doubt that she was a pathetic liar, but to go so far as to think he was going to help her, the nerve! Francois marched right up and took hold of his horse's reigns before Lila could get a hold of them.
"Just who the Hell do you think you are!?" he shouted at her.
The woman had enough sense to back away from the man, but she held on to her arrogant smile as she spoke to him. "I am the Lady Delila of the house of Rossi, a woman of high birth and I will become the new Queen of the Papillon Kingdom once I marry the prince."
"The only thing you are is delusional, and I'm not going to help you whatever schemes you're going to create at the palace. I'm going to take my horse and warn the king about you..." He pointed at her to affirm his warning and was more than ready to get on his horse whether it had a saddle or not.
"I think you'll find that rather difficult." she responded as if not hearing his threat.
It did worry Francois how she held no sign of fear at being exposed. "Why?" he asked wearily, holding on to the reigns tighter.
"Well, mostly because that's not your horse anymore." Lile then took her jeweled amulet from under her dress and held it out toward the horse.
A strange purple glow flew out of the gem and started to circle the poor animal. The horse neighed and bucked against whatever was covering him, and then he started to make cries of pain. The smoking light quickly engulfed the horse, and Francois backed away worried whatever was happening would affect him if he stayed too close. He didn't know what his eyes were witnessing, but he looked back to the woman to find her smiling cruelly at her deeds.
"What kind of sorcery was that!?" He cried out, wishing he had a weapon to use against her.
"Just a little spell that will still get me to the palace, and to keep you silent along the way." she answered cryptically.
"What do you mean!?" What did you do to my horse!? Dupont!?" he looked back to the purple light and noticed there was a change.
The strange magic was fading away from the body, but in its place was no longer a horse. The magic was now circling around the ground and surrounding a naked man. The man was on all fours looking around himself in complete confusion. He had deep brown eyes and silk black hair that Francois had only ever seen on one living creature.
"Dupont?" the man stepped closer to the man whom he was sure used to be his horse.
The bare man looked up, familiar with the name, but didn't say anything outside of some neigh sounds, which sounded unusual coming from a now human mouth. So, Francois stepped closer. What he failed to realize was that he stepped on the magic glowing ring and disrupted the pattern, causing the light to now engulf him. The smoke was sharp and hot against his skin. He could feel his bones shift and his muscles spasm. Everything felt like it was moving and freezing at the same time, from his hair to his toenails. Then when he tried to cry out for help, words would not form in his throat. Instead, they were the strong wails of a horse. Finally, through all the pounding of his ears, he could hear that witch of a woman cackling away at his expense.
When the magic settled, Francois looked over himself and his normal human body was now the form of a stallion. He could see the coat was different, and his mane was the same brown his hair has always been. It was as if he had made a complete trade in bodies with his own steed.
"Wonderful, now both of you will be useful to me without ruining my plans." Lila stepped up to the two creatures.
Francois had half a mind to try out his new back legs and buck the little whore through the barn wall. How dare she do this to him! What was worse was that she was heading for Papillon to make herself Queen. No telling what sort of evil spells she was planning to use on the prince. He had to stop her. He wasn't too familiar with how this new body works, but maybe he could just charge and trample her, that would be enough.
"Don't even think about trying anything unless you want me to do the same spell to everyone else in the inn." Lila threatened as if reading his mind.
He did worry for everyone here and ceased any ideas of crushing her. Then as if on cue, Hildegarde made herself known by dropping the bag of supplies on the ground. How long was she standing there? How much did she see? Hear? Was she in danger?
Lila let out a long sigh at the new witness to her doings. "Perfect."
"Wha... wha... What are you!?" Hildegarde struggled to get out, every bone in her body trembling with fear.
Lila didn't even bother to justify anything and used her amulet to force Hildegarde into a deep sleep. Luckily, there was someone in the inn that was still resting. They're going to find themselves wide away unexpectedly.
"Now that that's taken care of, Francois, Dupont, let's be on our way to the capital now. And don't even think about any double-cross, or I'll simply use my magic to make all the humans here into animals. At least then they might be more useful to me."
Francois felt trapped. He had no choice but to follow the witch's orders. Dupont, now human, did as he was told by putting on Francois clothes, and saddled the horse that was once a man. All three left the barn with the innkeeper's wife sound asleep on the haybed. Perhaps when she wakes up, she can report to someone that can warn the palace about the wicked enchantress. He would just have to endure this for as long as necessary.
The magical lady took one last look at the inn behind her, thinking about the same innkeeper's wife. There was the possibility that Hildegarde would write off what she witnessed as a strange dream, but Lila wasn't going to take any chances. Touching her amulet once more, she envisioned the hot coals that still remained in the hearth of the main hall and traded its place with an equal bundle of straw in the barn. It would take a few moments, but eventually the inn will be engulfed in flames, and the innkeepers will have too much to worry about her. Perhaps if they survive and are still good and obedient, she could promise them a new inn when she becomes queen. She could just picture them now; on their knees and begging pathetically for her help. Oh, how she would relish in those moments if they were granted to her, and then simply throw them away for daring to ask their queen for such a favor.
The three travelers spent their journey in silence, each having their own thoughts on the situation. Though his human mind stayed intact, Francois felt there was little to think about other than the road ahead, and wondering if and when he was going to be fed and watered. Dupont, on the other hand, was having several revelations about his new form. He could use his hands for all sorts of tasks, he could walk and run on two legs, the speech wasn't graspable yet but still it was a new skill worth exploring. That is as long as the scary woman didn't do something else to him like she did to his former master. These thoughts were interrupted when the woman pulled on Francois reigns to bring him to a halt.
"Ahhhh, the Capital of Papillon. Soon to be my new home." Lila observed the city gates before her, then turned to Dupont and held out an empty satchel to him. "Dupont, I want you to take as many pebbles off the road as you can to fill this bag." she ordered.
Not seeing much choice in the matter, Dupont took the bag and filled it with several small rocks on the edge of the road. It was amazing how his new body knew what to do even though he had never made such actions in his life. The bag was about halfway filled before Lila told him that it was enough, and he handed it back to her.
Lila noticed the horse was looking back at her strangely and gave a small laugh at the dumb animal. "No doubt you're curious as to what I would need all these rocks for?" The horse gave a loud huff through its nose as a reply, so she spoke again. "Well, I can't very well claim to be a great lady without having the wealth to show for it."
Francois had the thought that the girl was clearly insane if she expected to pass off some simple stones as currency. That is, until she opened the bag wider and touched the locket around her neck again. The magical light spilled into the bag until the strange purple hue turned into a bright yellow shine. The man and horse weren't sure what happened until Lila showed them the inside. The small pebbles had been transformed into shiny gold and silver coins.
"Now I'll have all I need to win the favor of the people, and then the heart of the prince." Lila said before tucking the satchel away.
Francois and Dupont were in a great stupor as they followed their new mistress. So, not only did she have a great and powerful magic, but she could also make riches to help her blend into the court. What if she truly succeeded in all she promised? What was to become of the kingdom?
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Things could not have gone better for Lila even if she had been trying. Everyone she met on the street was easily entranced by her and her tales. For the blacksmith, she spoke of how her horse was a wonderful gift from the prince of the Eastern Desert for the time she rescued his son from a vicious tiger, to which the smithy said he would be more than happy to grant new horseshoes for her steed at no cost. Lila gave her gratitude anyway by presenting one of the gold coins from her bag.
Continuing through the city, she met up with some other locals in the market. She could hear all the buzzing about the royal ball occurring tomorrow night. Then when the rumor about the prince looking for a bride started up again, she saw her chance to step in again.
"I do hope I met up to the prince's expectations." she held her hand to her chest giving the impression of anxiety.
Some of the townsfolk turned to her intrigued. "So, it's true? The prince is looking for a wife?"
"Well, I believe he is looking for possible suitors." she answered. "But the prince and I have exchanged letters for a while now, so I'm hoping I can still be what he was looking for." Lila spotted a local beggar and dropped another coin into his cup, making sure everyone was watching.
"Someone as generous as you, mademoiselle, would definitely make a good queen." one villager said.
"Oh, you're all too kind." She gave them a bright smile. "Now, can anyone point me to a tailor? I still need a gown for tomorrow since I had to sell my other dresses to feed an orphanage on my way here."
"You'll want to go to Marinette's."
"Oui, Marinette is the best. My wife's been raving for weeks about the dress she made for her."
"She's wonderful, and such a sweet young girl, too."
Lila wasn't too sure she appreciated this Marinette person getting such praise. For some reason, it made her want to grind her teeth. None the less, she asked for directions to the tailor shop, and discovered it was next to a bakery. It wasn't a very impressive building, rather second rate looking. Hopefully the designs inside will be a bit more interesting.
She stepped inside, a little bell at the door announcing her presence, and looked around. There wasn't much in the ways of display, but then again the ball was tomorrow night. It was possible that this Marinette had been selling out. She did see a few men's wears, all finely decorated with gold or silver lining and dyed in royal colors. There were a few simple ballgowns as well, but nothing that would suit her beauty. There was a yellow frilly one that didn't work well with her skin tone, a sky blue one she deemed too immature, the dark green one was nice, but it wasn't fabulous enough to catch the prince's attention.
Then she saw it. The absolutely perfect dress. It was tucked away within a glass case, but she could still see it in full view. A deep royal blue at the bodice that bled into an emerald green at the bottom of the skirt. there was gold stitching around the center framework of the bodice that mimicked peacock feathers. Then the shoulders and back trailing had actual peacock feathers on them. And for the final touch, a peacock feather hairpin to decorate one's head. Lila even spotted a feathered fan as an extra accessory. Yes, she was sure this would do quite nicely. A dress fit for the new queen.
"Hello, can I help you?" a soft voice came up behind her and Lila turned to see a young woman covered in strings and trimmings from several dresses. The seamstress, no doubt.
"Oh, are you Marinette?" she put on an excited smile.
"That's me. What can I do for you?" Marinette answered as she brushed herself off a bit.
"My name is Lila; I am the daughter of the Duke of Rossi." Lila introduced herself with dignity. "I've come here on a personal invitation from the King and prince to attend the ball."
"Oh, it's uhh... a pleasure to meet you ma'am." Marinette gave a quick curtsy to be polite and kept her business posture. "I'm afraid if you're here to commission for a dress, I won't have enough time to have one ready for you."
Lila felt a little put off that the girl didn't respond the same way as other people did in her presence. She should be ready to please her, care to whatever task she asks. Perhaps Lila will have to play more of the sympathy card, with a hint of doubt.
"Oh, I understand. I would never expect too much from one so young. You must be very new to the business." Lila walked over to fiddle with the blue dress. She could see Marinette's eye twitch at her little jab. Good, that meant she hit a nerve.
"Actually, I've been -" Marinette tried to say.
"Of course, it's no wonder. With the ball happening in a little over twenty-four hours, there's bound to be mistakes if you were to start from scratch. So, I suppose I can make do with whatever you have on display, and money is no problem." she gave another sweet smile waiting for the little tailor's response. Either she will view her words as a challenge and make her a brand new dress, or she'll offer her the peacock dress.
Marinette went to where Lila thought would be the display case, but instead she reached for the dark green dress. Now Lila was getting irritated. Was this girl stupid? She was supposed to offer the best, she thought nastily.
Marinette held up the dress to give her a better view. "I believe this one would complement your looks best, and I have some jeweled shawls that will help give it more glamour."
The enchantress wanted to throw the dress back in the girls face, but held back her temper and tried a different route. "Well, it is lovely, but I was hoping for something that stood out more in the crowd. I want to make a good impression being beside the prince and all."
Marinette stopped to face her again. Ah, another fool Lila gets to impress with the knowledge that she will be the future queen.
"The prin-... you mean Adrien?"
Now for once, it was Lila's turn to be surprised. This little nobody had the gall to talk about the prince so informally. Lila would have to make a note of that for later.
"Of course, his royal highness will want nothing but the best when he presents me as his new bride." she flipped her hair and turned her head for the peasant to gaze upon her in a new light.
"I- I- I didn't know that was the prince's intentions." Now Marinette appeared sad.
Aww, the poor creature was smitten with the prince. She had heard rumors that he was beyond handsome, so it wasn't that unexpected for many girls to be attracted to him. Maybe the young prince had actually chased some peasant skirts for pleasure and gave them false hope, which Lila could commend. But for this pathetic little tailor to think she would ever have a chance? It was almost too laughable to comprehend, but she had to hold back to continue her business.
Lila started to walk around like she was browsing some more, and at the same time play on the seamstress's feelings. "Well, naturally there hasn't been an official announcement yet. We were hoping to wait until everyone was gathered to the ball. So, it's important that I have the best gown out of everyone. Something elegant, something extravagant..." She turned to the case and gave an exaggerated gasp. "Something like that! It's perfect!"
Marinette looked at what the lady was facing and stepped in front of the case. "Oh, I'm so sorry, mademoiselle, but this dress isn't actually for sale."
The cunning woman expected this, but she knew how to handle a stubborn salesclerk. "I already said money was no option."
"It's not about the money..." Marinette tried again.
"If there's another buyer, then I'm willing to pay double." She shook her coin purse, making it chime.
Marinette just shook her head, "No, you see, this had actually been a commission for her late Majesty, Queen Emilie..."
"That makes it all the more suitable for me if it was meant for a queen." Lila stated. This was almost too perfect. A dress that was made for the queen that obviously wasn't given to her before she died, or else it would have been in the palace collection. And this seamstress was going to give it to her whether she liked it or not.
"But the thing about the dress is that the prince..." Marinette tried one final time, which made Lila had enough of her defiance.
"Listen you little peasant." Lila hissed through her teeth but kept her smile. "You're lucky enough that I even bothered to waste my time by coming into your worthless little shop. I come from a very wealthy and respected family, and I more than earn the right to have the favor of the prince. So, you are going to sell me that dress, or else I'm going to be forced to tell everyone what an incompetent designer you are and have this place torn down. His royal highness will do anything I ask just to please me."
She witnessed the look of shock and fear spreading over Marinette's face. It was usually the easiest way to get what she wanted by threatening the business.
Marinette twiddled with her skirt and looked down on the floor before facing the lady again. "Very well, ma'am. I just need to take your measurements to see how much the dress needs to be modified and I'll have it ready by tomorrow." she sighed in defeat.
Lila went back to giving a kind smile since she finally got her way. "That's more like it, and if you do a good job, I'll be sure to mention your fine work to the royal family." She lied, then took a few coins from her purse. "Here, a little something for your trouble."
.~~~~~~~
When the Rossi woman finished her business with the seamstress, she made her way toward the palace. Now all that was left to do was to introduce herself to the King and the Prince. No doubt rumors of her generosity to the people have spread to their royal ears, and it will be the perfect subject to distract them from her plain traveling garments. The simpler the better for the time being. Once Prince Adrien has had the sample of the original beauty, her true spell shall be complete with the peacock dress, and his heart will belong to her.
She continued to ride on Francois with Dupont right behind her as they passed through the front gates. She gave her name to the doorman, and instructions to Dupont that he is to tend to Francois and never leave the stables. There was no further need of them for the time being.
Lila then made her way through the front hallway of the palace, following the doorman. She took a moment to admire the beauty and elegance of the halls. The golden decor, the vast number of paintings on the walls, and a servant at every turn. Yes, this was definitely to her tastes. She was going to have so much fun messing with the staff here. A silver spoon in a pocket here, a missing cake at the banquet there, maybe even a touch or two of some missing jewels from the royal treasury. She wondered how long it would take for the whole staff to be dismissed. Although, she could easily change it to be a punishment by hanging or beheading, that would make it all the more fun.
She was broken out of her daydream when they stepped through the final doors and into the meeting room that had both the king and his son looking over some papers together.
"Your majesty, the Lady Delila of the house of Rossi has arrived." the footman announced once King Gabriel gave him attention.
Gabriel did look at her a bit confused, not too familiar with the name.
Lila spotted his expression, and stepped up quickly before he could object. "Your Majesty, it is a pleasure. Although I feel I must apologize. I did not expect to be arriving a day before the ball." she curtsied.
"That's quite alright Lady Delila, are you the only one in your company?" Gabriel asked as he looked for the file that contained the expected guest list; the dukes, their ladies, or any such person of that nature.
"Yes, sir, I arrived with my loyal servants who are in the stables right now. My father was not very fit to travel, and he still had some affairs that required his attention at our estate. I hope you will find it sufficient enough for me to represent the House of Rossi." she kept herself poised and collected showing all the signs of a proper education.
The king did seem impressed. "Very well then, we shall arrange a room for you here in the palace, and if you require anything in preparation for the ball, do not hesitate to call upon the staff." he gestured to one of the doormen to collect her belongings.
"Your Majesty is most gracious. I just hope I can find my way around such and extraordinary castle. I'm afraid I don't have a great sense of directions." Lila looked around the room to the doors nervously.
"I'd be happy to show you around if you'd like, Lady Delila." Adrien took the moment to be polite and speak up.
"Oh, would you, your royal highness? I'd be most grateful, and please, call me Lila." she clapped her hands together and gave him a sweet smile with an innocent tilt to her head.
Adrien held his arm out of her to take. "Right this way then, mademoiselle."
No opportunity could've been more perfect than this. Here she was, alone with the prince and he was taking her to the guest room. She could work her magic all the way and get him to fall in love with her right now, but no. It was best to make it appear more natural. On the other hand, he would be pretty easy to seduce into the bedroom. If all goes well, she could play with him right now. They walked down the many hallways until they came to the guest living quarters. Adrien opened the door to let her in.
Now this was far more superior to that musky old inn she was forced to sleep in. And to think, soon enough she will be in much better rooms once she becomes queen. It was just a matter of catching the prince's attention and then keeping it.
"This is wonderful, sire." Lila twirled around the room, taking it all in.
"I know it's not much..." he started.
"Oh not at all, this is perfect." she brushed off his modesty. "And I can't thank you enough for taking your own precious time to help me." she stepped closer to look up at him.
"It's no trouble." he tried to step away, only for her to step closer. She was practically right under his nose.
"You're so humble as well." she looked him straight in the eye." I must say you are far more handsome than any rumor could've conjured up."
"Ummm, you're too kind." He seemed nervous, which in Lila's eyes was a sign of attraction.
She knew he wouldn't be able to resist her, but it was amusing to watch the struggle. As a final touch, she fidgeted with her locket to change his focus. He let himself look down to notice it and went straight to the subject.
"That's an interesting necklace." he got out quickly.
"Oh, this old thing." she lifted the jewel more to his face. "It's one of the last things I have of my mother."
He looked more at the gemstone, admiring the color and shine. Good, Lila thought, now he just has to keep looking into the jewel long enough for her to place the suggestion in his head.
"Is- i-is your mother no longer with you?" Adrien managed to say, still not taking his eyes off the trinket.
"Yes, it's something you and I have in common. In fact, the dress I picked out may seem familiar to you." she hinted.
"Familiar?" Why did his eyes feel so heavy all of the sudden?
"Yes, there was this nice little tailor shop next to a bakery that had a dress that would've been worn by your dear mother, so I promise to wear it with dignity and grace." she kept her voice low, letting the magic work its way further. Once he was completely under the trance, Lila can give the prince instructions to only pay attention to her at the ball.
"Tailor... bakery..." he suddenly looked away from the locket and smiled, much to Lila's bewilderment. "You must mean Marinette's shop! She really does have such wonderful work!"
Lila didn't know what shocked her more. That he was able to break away from the spell before she would finish, or that he knew the name of that little nobody seamstress. She didn't understand, he shouldn't have been able to do that.
"Y-yes, Marinette, she was so nice to me. Do you know her personally?" Lila tried to get the words out without sounding disgusted.
"We've known each other a long time. She became the apprentice to one of my mother's tailors before he retired and left the shop to Marinette. I always heard there were still some designs meant for my mother, but I haven't seen all of them." he explained.
Marinette's reluctance to sell it made a little more sense now. "Well, I hope I can do your dear mother justice by wearing one of them. I think you'll find it's a perfect fit." she boasted.
She tried to get him to look at the locket again, but Adrien turned away toward the door.
"Well, I'll leave you to rest, Mademoiselle Rossi. Please ring for one of the servants if you need anything."
Frustrated to see him leave, she still held her own and gave the prince a final curtsy. "Thank you, your royal highness."
Once the door was closed and she was sure he was out of hearing range, Lila took her anger out on some unfortunate pillows on a nearby loveseat. She beat and pulled upon it, driving her nails through it until the cotton stuffing came out. Rather cheap choice, she thought crudely. Most royal houses filled their lounge items with feathers. Was the king a penny pincher?
She started pacing the room now, still not understanding what broke him away from her spell. Cooling herself down some after a while, she decided it was probably for the best. It might have looked suspicious if he only had eyes for her before the ball anyway. She'll place the spell on him fully once he sees her in her new dress. With the help of her magic, it will be just like in the fairy tales. The prince will see the beautiful, mysterious maiden in her beautiful dress. He'll want to dance with her, speak with her, and never want to leave her side. Then once he announces their courtship, getting to the wedding will be child's play. All that would be left is getting King Gabriel out of the way, and the thrown will be hers with the handsome Prince Adrien as her puppet.
Of course, there was still the matter of the Marinette girl. She hadn't expected a worthless little peasant to be so close to the prince. And if Marinette said so much as one word against her, Lila would have too much fun destroying her. She let herself get carried away when she threatened the tailor's business, but it was Marinette's own fault for not agreeing to sell the dress right away. As long as none of this would get back to the prince, she was secure. She already made a good impression around the town, so it's more than enough to discredit Marinette. She had nothing to worry about.
.~*~*~*~*~*~