TWO: Aiyana

An Eccedentesiast– a person who hides their sorrow behind a smile. That is what I am becoming. No, that is what I am. Elysium and its citizens had and would always come first, it was the price to pay for being born of regal blood.

It was in my nature to do things that I wasn't okay with, not because I was trying to please anyone but because I did not have a choice.

My older sister, Aurelie, had always told me "A monarch is merely a servant with a distinguished title." Embracing this truth early on was essential for the kingdom's well-being, even if she didn't mention that it was equally vital for my own.

I was getting married, while it was every woman's dream to find their soulmate I was not particularly cheerful about it. Why? Because I was to wed a complete stranger and my wedding was the very next day.

"Yer lookin' absolutely grand, Your Highness, ye'd be the finest bride, no doubt." The dressmaker's young apprentice commended, interrupting me from my thoughts, her Jade eyes stared dreamily at me as I stood in my wedding dress before the floor mirror in the royal fitting room.

"Orla!" The dressmaker exclaimed, her voice laced with a hint of caution. I sensed a touch of sympathy in her tone, but I had no desire for pity. A bride, especially a royal one, shouldn't be the object of pity.

"I apologize for her sudden outburst, your royal highness, she has a proclivity for outspokenness, even though I have told her it's very uncouth for a lady" she said, her gaze shifting toward Orla, urging her to follow suit.

"No need for an apology, Melisandre. One should never face censure for expressing words of admiration." I replied curtly, turning to meet Orla who's bulbous eyes stared intently at me. "Thank you for the acclaim, Orla."

"Why, I've just spoken the truth, Your Highness." She beamed brightly at me and I gave her a small smile in return.

I turned back to continue looking at myself in the mirror, the dress I wore was of course a masterpiece of design. The top half was adorned with lace, a pristine white that gracefully transitioned to a radiant ivory satin at the waist, creating an A-line silhouette. The lace extended off my shoulders, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble.

Its shoulders and bust were embellished with lustrous pearl ornaments, and the sleeves were long and bell-shaped. Delicate ruffles and small bows adorned the edges of the sleeves, adding intricate details to the design.

It had contrasting textures and colors, from the lace to the satin, creating a visually striking and haute couture piece, reflecting the meticulous work of the dressmaker.

I appeared rather comely in the attire, were it for another occasion, my heart would not be weighed down by melancholy.

"Is this not to your likin', Your Highness?" Orla asked and got an instant hiss from Melisandre.

"It is quite lovely, Orla, I am enchanted."

"Ye don't look quite happy about it, so that's why I asked. Are ye not excited to be gettin' married? Me mother says it's the best time of a woman's life." she blurted, causing me to turn and look at her.

She appeared to be barely 15 years of age, her hair akin to a cascade of autumn leaves, and her cheeks adorned with freckles resembling constellations of stars. Her innocence was unmistakable; what could she possibly comprehend, given that she was, undoubtedly, a child, and quite an inquisitive one at that.

"How long has she commenced working for you, Melisandre?" I inquired.

"She is the daughter of my distant cousin, and I took her under my wing just a few days past." She explained.

"So, she is not your apprentice?" I asked.

"No, Your Highness, I merely have her accompany me wherever I venture; she has a tendency to stir up mischief when left alone for even a brief moment."

"I see... Where might your apprentice be, if I may inquire?"

"My apprentice is currently indisposed, suffering from an illness. I sent her home to prevent it from spreading."

"It's quite evident that she's not from these parts," I remarked, drawing attention to her unmistakable features and accent.

Melisandre gave me a small smile before proceeding to explain. "Yes, Your Majesty, she hails from a distant land, having arrived after the unfortunate passing of my dear cousin and her husband."

"That's truly tragic to hear," I turn to Orla, "Please, accept my heartfelt condolences, my dear."

"Thank you, your highness." She bowed.

"Where is Sephora? She was meant to be here with my tea a few minutes past." I inquired, noticing the prolonged absence of my hand maid. She promptly arrived, carrying a tray with my teapot and teacup, even though there was no discernible steam emanating from the spout of the kettle, indicating it had cooled.

"Your Highness, I beg your pardon for the delay, but I bring news!" She announced as she swiftly crossed the room in my direction. Coming to an immediate stop, her eyes lit up, and she let out a rather loud gasp. "Princess, you look quite gorgeous!" She exclaimed.

While I appreciated Sephora's compliment, I was also curious about the news she had for me. "Thank you, Sephora. If I may inquire, what is the nature of the news?"

"It is a matter requiring discretion, Your Highness." She whispered.

I nodded in response and turned to the dressmaker and her companion. "You both may be excused," I stated. In return, they bowed and took their leave.

"So, what is the reason for having me excuse my dressmaker?" I inquired, suppressing a small laugh. It was one aspect I cherished about Sephora; I could always be myself when I was with her.

"Your soon-to-be husband is here, and I must say, he is remarkably handsome," she exclaimed, fanning herself theatrically with her hand.

"You, Sephora, would be an excellent palace jester," I replied with a playful smile.

"Touché, Your Highness," she replied, placing her hand over her heart.

"Someone has been keeping company with Lisette recently, haven't they?" I joked, accepting the lukewarm cup of tea from the tray she presented before me. "But oh, Sephora, my anxiety has grown to such an extent that it feels as though it might be the death of me. Share with me everything about him, from the color of his eyes to the tiniest of details."

"I did not pay any mind to such particulars; you will soon have the pleasure of meeting him. I was sent to prepare you for your meeting with King Elrond of The Nedor Kingdom. It does sound rather splendid, doesn't it?" She beamed, and in an instant, my excitement waned, and I was once again enveloped by sadness.

"Why the long face, Aiyana?" she inquired, her countenance reflecting deep concern.

"I do not wish to meet with him." And in all honesty, I did not wish to. The marriage still felt so much like a trade to me, except it was not a feeling it was an actual trade.

"Your current emotions are entirely understandable, but would you be willing to grant yourself the opportunity to become acquainted with the person you may potentially spend the remainder of your life with?" Sephora inquired with a composed demeanor, placing the tea tray on the low table at the room's center.

"Yes, but…" I began, but she interrupted me abruptly.

"No 'buts.' You will meet him, get to know him, and determine if he is like the men from your books."

"What good would it do to get to know him? I'll still marry him, regardless of whether he is like the men in my books," I lamented, turning my back to Sephora for help in removing my wedding dress. "What if he pretends to be kind here in my kingdom but reveals his true, unkind self when we depart for his own kingdom? Perhaps he only desires me to look elegant, bear an heir to his throne and warm his bed whenever he pleases…"

"Enough of such imagination, Aiyana. Focus on the potential positive aspects of your marriage to the King," she said, loosening the corset with a pull of the ropes. As it came undone, my lungs breathed a sigh of relief. "I leave for a few minutes, and those dressmakers have ruined your chignon. Trust me to leave you in capable hands." She muttered under her breath.

I stepped behind the dressing screen, carefully removing the dress from my body. "Aurelie's fate seems more favorable than mine, don't you think? at least she isn't leaving home or being offered as a diplomatic gesture to another kingdom."

"But it deeply saddens her that you're getting married before her," she spoke, from the other side of the screen.

"Why should she be so disheartened? It is not as if I willingly consented to this, and how do you know about it exactly?" I inquired, stepping out of the dress and extending my arm out from behind the dressing screen to hand it to her.

"She hasn't been in her best spirits ever since your father announced your marriage. I'm quite certain even the most oblivious could have noticed it. It is a bit surprising that you haven't," she responded, moving across the room to place the dress on the mannequin.

"Are you implying that I am oblivious?" I gasped, feigning astonishment.

"I would never!" she chuckled. "Oh, and you aren't planning to wear that when you meet the King, are you?" She gestured toward my day dress.

"Do you have something specific in mind?" I inquired, standing behind the screen in my undergarments.

"I took the liberty of asking Lisette to select something simple yet remarkable. She should be here any moment," she informed me.

Almost immediately, the door swung open, and I could hear the distinct sound of shuffling feet, followed by an excited exclamation from a very familiar accented voice, "Princesse, I have found the perfect dress and shoes!" The shuffling came to a halt, and the voice spoke again, this time with a hint of confusion in their tone, "Où est la princesse?"

"Behind here, Lisette," I declared, extending my arm from behind the dressing screen. Upon feeling the fabric in my hands, I withdrew my arm with the dress in it, and I must admit, judging by the material, it was absolutely perfect.

"You must hurry, your highness. C'est une excuse assez valable that you were with the dressmakers for your fitting, the King is growing quite impatient," Lisette urged.

I maneuvered the dress past my hip and inserted my arms through the sleeves. Stepping out from behind the screen, I turned my back to both of them for assistance in cinching the dress corset.

Once the dress was cinched to perfection, I was escorted to the dressing table, where my hair was meticulously arranged, makeup refreshed, and my fragrance reapplied.

Lisette departed to attend to her other duties, while Sephora remained by my side to offer reassurance.

"Remember the conversation we had earlier about a promise we made as children," she began.

"Yes, you were about to tell me what it was before you were interrupted," I replied.

"Well, I pledged to be by your side and watch over you until time and death part us, and I won't falter in that commitment. If you must journey to a distant land, I shall go with you, and before you say anything contrary, I insist."

"Oh, Sephora!" I pulled her into an embrace and in that brief moment, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. I was grateful to have her, I was grateful to have a friend.