Birthday Banquet

As I stand there, suffocating under the crushing weight of the corset, I can feel my breath becoming shallower by the second. It's as if my abdomen is being squeezed in a vice grip, and I struggle to remain composed.

"Are you trying to kill me?!!!" I finally burst out angrily, unable to hold back any longer.

"Just a bit more, your highness," the maids reply in a tone that does little to reassure me. They continue to tighten the laces, their faces a mix of determination and indifference to my suffering.

Stacy, my faithful attendant, looks at me with a disapproving gaze. In her defense, she had warned me to cut back on the snacks, but did I listen? No. Now I'm paying the price.

With a final tug, the maids finish tying the corset, leaving me feeling like a squeezed lemon. I'm ushered over to the vanity where they begin working on my hair and makeup. I sit there, trying to ignore the discomfort as they fuss around me, transforming me into a vision of royal elegance.

But as the maids work their magic, I can't shake the feeling that I might just pass out before the night is over.

After what feels like an eternity of hair-pulling and makeup application, I'm finally released from the clutches of the maids. They had tried to coax me into swapping my usual necklace for a heavy, ornate piece adorned with gold and diamonds, but I staunchly refused. My current necklace, a gift from the Pope himself, holds sentimental value beyond measure. I couldn't bear to part with it, even for a night.

Standing in front of the grand mirror they brought in for today's preparations, I hardly recognize myself. My usually curly white hair has been transformed into an intricate updo, although I can't fathom why they tried to straighten it out. The sky-blue gown they've chosen for me is stunning, though perhaps a bit too revealing for my liking, I am still 17 after all. It seems more suited to my more less than generously endowed in the chest area sister, Stella. I chuckle to myself at the thought, finding some amusement in the mean thought. Not mean. A fact.

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I look at my reflection and feel a surge of confidence. Despite the discomfort of the corset and the unfamiliarity of the style, I can't deny that I look every bit the princess. With Stacy trailing behind me, we make our way out of the room and towards the grand hall where the banquet is to be held.

*

Standing before the towering doors of the grand hall, I wait with bated breath for the herald's announcement. The tension in the air is palpable, the excitement of the guests mingling with my own nervous energy.

"Introducing third princess, Lucina Salona!" The voice booms through the hall, signaling my cue. With a deep breath, I push open the heavy doors and step into the room.

Instantly, I'm greeted by a dazzling display of light, the chandeliers overhead casting a warm and inviting glow. For a moment, I'm temporarily blinded by the brightness, but soon my eyes adjust to take in the opulence of the hall.

The hall is filled with nobles and dignitaries, their elaborate outfits shimmering in the light. The air is filled with the sound of soft chatter and clinking glasses, mingling with the gentle strains of music from the orchestra in the corner.

As I make my way down the aisle, all eyes are on me. I can feel the weight of their gaze, the whispers and murmurs following me like a trail. I hold my head high, trying to exude confidence despite the discomfort of the corset and the unfamiliarity of the situation.

Finally reaching the end of the aisle, I curtsy gracefully before the empress and the rest of the royal family seated at the head table. I take my seat, trying to relax and enjoy the evening ahead.

Sitting in my seat, the evening's festivities unfold before me. The grand hall is alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses as the guests mingle and enjoy themselves.

The first performance of the night is a captivating dance by a troupe of skilled dancers. They move with grace and precision, their movements synchronized perfectly to the music. As I watch, one dancer in particular catches my eye. There's something familiar about her... no, him.

I blink in surprise as I realize that it's Kai, dressed in women's attire and with makeup on, blending seamlessly into the troupe of dancers. How did he manage this? I can't help but chuckle to myself, quickly disguising it as a cough when Rose, seated next to me, shoots me a curious glance.

Memories of Kai and I sneaking into the women's bathroom back on Earth flood my mind. He was always up for a bit of mischief, and it seems he hasn't changed one bit.

Despite my earlier dread about the birthday banquet, seeing Kai's unexpected performance fills me with joy and amusement. The evening is turning out to be far more entertaining than I had anticipated.

As the evening progresses, more festivities unfold. A line of nobles approach me one by one, presenting their gifts. Most of the gifts are extravagant pieces of jewelry, which are promptly placed on a nearby table by the attendants.

I manage to avoid Luan's persistent requests to dance, feigning an illness. It's not entirely untrue, as I'm feeling drained and lethargic from the day of starvation and tight corset.

Throughout the night, I deflect numerous requests to dance from various nobles, using my supposed illness as an excuse. The noble ladies offer their fake congratulations, their words dripping with insincerity.

By the end of the night, I'm mentally and physically exhausted. The weight of the corset, the discomfort of the unfamiliar gown, and the constant socializing have taken their toll. All I want is to retreat to my chambers and escape the suffocating atmosphere of the banquet hall.