185 The Dragon Mountain

Loraline finished arranging Melania's long, curly hair into a loose braid, securing short rogue strands with small pins adorned with tiny porcelain flowers. Stepping back, she admired her handiwork, then smiled at the princess' reflection and proudly declared,

"All done, Your Highness! You are now ready to go."

The princess slowly tilted her head from side to side, examining her attendant's work, and nodded.

"Thank you, Loraline. It looks refreshing."

Curious about Melania's choice, Loraline asked,

"What prompted you to wear your hair down today? Now that it's getting warmer as spring progresses, more and more ladies in the Capital prefer to wear their hair up to reveal their necks and shoulders."

Melania twisted her youthful face into a disapproving grimace and retorted arrogantly,