Cora walked beside me, her focus set on our guide. She had known Lioran since she was a child. Maybe she had walked these halls before.
An arched ceiling hung overhead framing the center of our room. A large bed lay in the middle, ivory fabric hanging fromits wooden frame. A quaint smaller bed lay along the side wall.
Cora and I had never existed in such a formal space—in Lythira we were friends, we were equal. She showed no resistance to the space, but bowed her head politely as I stilled mine.
“You will have staff at your service whenever you need it, Your Highness. Shall we draw up a bath for you and your lady?” the lady’s maid asked.
“Our journey was long. I would very much like to freshen up.” The words slipped from my lips as if I had never left Bailoc.
Lady's maids stripped me of my dirt drenched gown. Warm rose bathwater greeted my skin. I reached for the soap and the lady’s maid gripped it before I had the chance.
“Your Highness, it is our job to assist you.”
“Thank you,” I said.
Cora was left on her own to bathe and dress.
“I have my own gowns,” I said as they began to open a wardrobe.
“I’ve seen them Your Highness,” the lady’s maid replied. “We’ve been instructed to fit you with gowns that suit your station. Nothing you’ve brought with you is suitable for your audience with their majesties.”
I wasn’t sure they’d find me suitable either.
Layers of tulle, an underskirt, and a corset were fastened in place. Inky-black fabric layered with delicate gold floral embroidery draped from a fitted bodice.
I rubbed the onyx between my fingers, but only the chill of the chain could be felt around my neck. The boning pressed into an under corset, my lungs compressing beneath it all.
Lioran’s touch still lingered, even though it had been hours since I last felt it.
I savored the feeling, knowing that someday I would forget the way he felt.
“You look beautiful, Your Highness.” Cora bowed to me. Her dress was a dazzling cascade of pink fabric that flowed freely over her hips.
“As do you.” I clutched my corset. “I would like a moment alone with Lady Cora.” My stark voice filled the space.
“There isn’t much time before your audience with the king and queen, so please make it brief.” The head lady’s maid bowed her head before they all took their leave.
“Cora…” I gasped as the weight of the dress constricted around me.
“You will find your way.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“All we ever have is the faith we give ourselves. You must believe you will rise above this.”
“And what if I have no faith? No strength left to give myself?” I asked.
“You do—you are just afraid.”
“He will never be mine again. Never.” My voice cracked. “None of this is my choice.”
I had resigned myself to the fate that lay ahead. Lioran was to marry. I was to be dealt with. None of it was new—none of it was a surprise.
But as I stood there, looking at myself in the mirror, the ache took hold. There was no turning back. His wife’s room had been reset. The plans had been made for his future—maybe a bride had already been chosen.
I thought I was ready to give him up, but now that we were here, I knew I never would be.
She gripped my shaking hands in hers. “You are thePrincess of Bailoc. They will never admit it, but your words have weight here. Choose them carefully.”
