A Small Matter

The prince's morning routine was as usual. No one but Neil spoke, and it was only to confirm the choice of each article of clothing that Arlan would be wearing for the day. Oriana merely waited on the side, not daring to look at Arlan. She kept her head lowered. 

Oriana could somehow sense his gaze on her, but she didn't look back at him. 

"Orian, your turn," she heard Neil call out. 

With her eyes fixated on the case where the brooches lay, she walked towards the prince to attach accessories to his clothes, resisting the pressure of the unyielding gaze on her. 

Her heart thundered, roaring against her ears, and her hands trembled as she started putting on the ornamental pins on his coat one by one. 

"Did you sleep well?" she heard his deep voice over her head. 

She didn't look up at him, "Yes, Your Highness." She pinned a tassel chain on the pocket on the left side of his chest, attaching it from the epaulet on his shoulder.