Meredith lay awake at night. Tonight is the first night she stayed in the palace. Earlier, maids came in to change her clothes and drew her a bath. They also came in to give her her dinner. A dinner with steak and vegetables. It wasn't as fancy as she had her meals before, but it was better than the potato and cabbage soup they were having for days on end.
She wondered if her family were still having them tonight or something more fancy with the money her mother got from selling her. Did they find out already that she was gone? Were they searching for her? Were her siblings wondering why their dearest sister has gone missing? Why there was food on their plates?
Meredith laid on her side and decided not to think about her family. For now, she must rejoice in the luxury she had gone back into. It being the palace, it was more luxurious than anything she has ever possessed. Yet, it didn't feel as though it was something she could rejoice in.
She thought she could finally sleep on the bed. It was more comfortable than the bed in the house they lived in as it wasn't stuffed with hay that could poke you throughout the night. This bed was more comfortable. More comfortable than her bed when they were still nobles, too.
Meredith sighed, lying back down on her back, looking at the canopy. She stared at it until the sun rose and peeked through her window.
"My Lady?" The maid knocked on her door and entered. "Good morning. The chef would like to know what meal you would like to be served?"
Meredith slowly sat up. The maid's name was Fiona, as she recalled. She was assigned to her as Theodore instructed. She looked youthful yet serious, Meredith couldn't tell if she was younger or older than her.
"Anything will be fine. I am not sensitive to any food." Meredith left her bed and went to the bathroom.
"Let me draw the bath for you, My Lady." Fiona followed and went straight to the faucet of the bathroom, grabbing the bucket.
Meredith shook her head. "No, I shall do it myself."
"I... er," Fiona hesitantly looked at Meredith, wondering if she should follow her orders. Meredith was still a noble, yet she wasn't one for two whole years. Wouldn't she want to be pampered like before? Seeing how Meredith's face was serious, Fiona bowed. "As you wish, My Lady. I shall speak to the chef." Fiona left the bathroom.
Meredith sighed and trailed her hand over the flowing water. She prepared the bath and went in, allowing herself to rest. She hasn't had one of these relaxing baths in a long while.
A few moments later, Fiona came back, looking frantic and nervous.
"Uhm, My Lady," she knocked on the door. "I apologize for interrupting, but His Majesty wishes to dine with you for breakfast." Her voice echoed from the door.
Meredith's eyes opened wide. Her relaxing bath had been interrupted. Quickly, she stood up, the water splashing and spilling everywhere. She grabbed the towel and wrapped herself, allowing Fiona inside the bathroom.
"Do help me get ready." She ordered. Fiona nodded and grabbed a gown for her.
Drying herself, Fiona helped her put on her clothes. Attaching the corset, the bodice, and the rest of her clothing.
"Thank you," Meredith uttered as she breathed, sucking in a breath. Fiona nodded.
After getting ready, Meredith made her way to the dining hall, Fiona guiding her.
Guards were stationed at the open doors of the dining hall, their hands gripped on the handles of their swords in their scabbards. As Meredith entered, her eyes gazed at the enormous room, and the table almost to the length of the hall. Her gaze then landed on Krillien, who had already begun eating the bacon and eggs they were having for breakfast.
"Good morning, Your Majesty." Meredith bowed and made her way to the table, sitting on the chair beside Krillien, her plate already served.
"Lady Ryvetsky," Krillien looked up from his plate, acknowledging her presence.
Meredith picked up the knife and fork on the table. "May I ask why you asked for me?"
"The palace will be holding a banquet," he said then looked at her. "To announce our engagement."
"When will that be?" Meredith asked, slicing the egg from her plate.
"Tonight."
"Tonight?" Meredith's eyes widened. "How come? Shouldn't there be preparations for this..." Meredith kept her mouth shut when Krillien continued to eat, raising an eyebrow at her.
"There are. A seamstress will come by to measure you, they will give you your gown by tonight. The only thing you must do is keep that appointment." He explained, still eating. "If you have any questions... or concerns, ask Theodore. Or your maid." He pointed at Fiona with his fork. "They know the inner workings of the palace better than you do."
"I see..." Meredith uttered.
Krillien continued to eat, chewing, and with his last gulp of his meal, he then asked her,
"Will you be inviting your family?"
Meredith froze, clenching on her utensils. Continuing to eat, she turned her head towards Krillien and mustered a smile that reached her ears.
"No."