FIFTY SIX: Could I Trouble You?

"Please take us to the newly opened dress boutique near the city square," Kel heard Lucy instruct the coachman as she was climbing into the carriage.

Pausing with her foot on the step, Kel turned toward the two. "No. I'd like to go to Madame Mae's."

"Are you sure, Princess?" Lucy questioned. "I remember you having some.. complaints.. about the dress you received there last time."

As the maid spoke, she subtly mimed a v shape across her chest with one hand, in case Kel had forgotten the uncomfortably exposing neckline of her most recent ball gown.

"I'm sure," Kel responded flatly, stepping inside.

Lucy was right behind her after taking a few moments to clarify things for the confused coachman.

After departing, the two women bumbled down the road in silence for several minutes, each watching the scenery fly past as they traveled farther and farther away from the palace.