I opened my eyes slowly, my mind still foggy from sleep. My senses slowly became alert to my surroundings, and I could feel the softness of the bed under me as I stretched out, feeling pleasantly relaxed and refreshed after a deep and restful sleep. The soft sunlight was shining through the curtains, casting a vibrant and sparkling light that illuminated the room with a subtle warmth. I rang the small bell that lay upon the tabletop next to my bed. And shortly after the servant entered the chamber and said, "Good morning, your grace," the same young girl from yesterday greeted me as she moved the curtains, letting in the bright morning light and freshening the atmosphere. The brunette helped me move the blankets, and I sat up gently, brushing the folds and wrinkles out of my nightgown. I leaned towards the washing stand in the corner of the room, preparing to wash my face, when the servant politely insisted on doing it for me. I tried to protest, but she was quite insistent. After that, she helped me to remove my nightgown. She was gentle and delicate with the task, and I remained quite passive as she quickly removed the gown, folding it neatly and setting it aside. I stood still in front of the full mirror as she helped me with my light green dress, the corset being the first part to be laced. I watched her work swiftly and efficiently, enjoying the gentle, calm sensation that came with watching her movements. After she finished the corset, the dress was pulled onto me, and she began the intricate process of lacing the back. The dress was pulled tight, and the laces were pulled in perfectly even strips.
"Could life be better without corsets? I wondered aloud; the girl seemed confused and perplexed by the question, as no one had ever asked such a thing in her presence. "Y- Your grace... I'm not sure I quite understand the question. The corsets we wear are designed to provide structure and support, and they were designed to flatter the shape of a woman's body. They are an integral part of the fashionable attire we wear." "Well, they suffocate me. That's for sure." I mumbled, my expression becoming frustrated and annoyed. "They may restrict your breathing and are quite uncomfortable; that is true. But they do give the shape of a woman a pleasing and desirable form. Without them, you would likely not look quite as elegant and sophisticated as you do now." "Desirable?" I turned to her, fully facing her, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. She remained silent for a moment, trying to figure out a suitable response without offending me. Then she finally replied. "Yes, desirable, your grace, The shape of a woman's body is considered a sight of beauty. Your waist will appear more streamlined and your shape more striking to the male gaze." I stare back into the mirror, pondering the words 'male gaze', and the unpleasantness that comes with them. I stayed silent as she helped with my necklace and ring. "Is her majesty awake?" I said it in my most polite voice, attempting to hide the irritation and frustration in my tone. "Yes, your grace. Along with Queen Eleanor and your sister, Princess Sophia," the brunette announced politely. I nodded quietly. As she helped me with my shoes, I suddenly paused. "Wait. Have I overslept?" I questioned, my tone slightly panicked. "No, your grace, you have woken up at the right time," she smiled. Her smile was soft and comforting. "We shall go then," I said, taking one final look in the mirror and nodding with satisfaction at my appearance.
As we walked down the stairs of the castle to the dining hall, we passed some statues that were arranged along the side of the corridor. I was surprised to see them, and it made me slightly uncomfortable. I glanced away, not wanting to view their naked form without their permission. Even if it was just a statue.
There was a buzz of conversation, and laughter could be vaguely heard as we got closer to the dining hall. "Good morning," I said, politely greeting everyone as I saw them seated at their places. Mother and Sophia were both present at the table. "Good morning, daughter. I hope you rested well," Father said, acknowledging my presence at the table. He was sipping his morning tea and seemed to be in a good mood. "I did," I replied, accepting the tea from the maid as she poured it for me. I sipped the warm and soothing liquid. "We were discussing where the wedding would be held," my mother said, smiling sweetly at me. "Oh yes, and we have come to the decision. It will be held at Castle Astoria. This Tuesday." Queen Victoria said it cheerfully. "In our castle?" My heart sank at that. "Yes, daughter," my father chimed in. "We thought there could be no more suitable place than Castle Astoria for this joyous occasion." "I agree," King Harold said, nodding his head in agreement. "Castle Astoria is the fitting location for such a grand occasion. It is known all over the world for its beauty and grandeur, and it will lend itself perfectly to the ceremonies and celebrations." "I see..." I mumbled, not quite knowing what else to say. "It has been years since I've been in Rosenia, and I cannot wait to be there." William, a man I dared not consider a prince or even worthy of that title, spoke, and I saw my father smile approvingly at him. Oh yes, I am sure you are looking forward to being there, with all the women of the palace surrounding you, offering their "services."
"It is still the same," I responded, keeping my tone neutral and calm. I resumed eating the lemon cake without looking at him. "It is going to be a day full of preparations," mother remarked in an awkward attempt to make the tense atmosphere pleasant.
As the breakfast went on and we finished eating, the servants began to clear the table. I watched them go about their tasks silently and waited for the moment when the meal would finally be over. My attention was diverted as my father stood and cleared his throat. "King Harold, it was a pleasure staying in your castle," he said with genuine politeness. "But I'm afraid it is time for us to return." King Harold's expression was soft and kind as he replied, "It was also a pleasure having you here. I appreciate your kind words, and I wish you a safe journey back." Everyone stood up as the king offered his pleasantries and farewells. Queen Victoria placed her hands on my mother's, addressing her directly. "It was truly delightful to meet you again, along with your daughters," she said kindly, her warm and endearing manner shining through. I observed my mother, noticing the soft smile that spread across her face when she saw the Queen holding her hands. She seemed genuinely pleased by the gesture. My attention was quickly drawn to the queen when she turned towards me and spoke. "Princess, I have a present for you," she said, turning to one of her ladies, who was holding a box. My eyes widened with curiosity as I waited to see what might be inside. She continued, "I wore this dress on my own honeymoon. I wish for you to have it, and I hope it brings you joy and prosperity as it did for me." "Your Majesty..." I exclaimed, my voice trailing off as I was completely stunned by her generous gesture. "Annabel, please put this on the carriage," the Queen instructed. Her lady-in-waiting bowed her head and left the hall. My mother looked at me expectantly for a moment, waiting for me to express my gratitude to Queen Victoria. I looked back at her with warmth and appreciation and then finally said, "Your Majesty, I am truly grateful for your generous gesture. I will cherish this dress and think of you whenever I wear it. It is a truly generous and considerate present, and I am honoured to receive it." She nodded in reply, seemingly pleased with my response.
I turned to leave as Sophia was bidding her farewells, but suddenly I heard William's voice call out to me. I turned back to face him, my heart sinking as I realised he wanted to speak to me. As he walked towards me, I felt my heart sink even further. I knew I had to keep my composure and remain polite and dignified despite the dread and discomfort. As he reached me, he kissed the back of my hand. "See you at the wedding, my future bride," he said with a smug smile on his face. I felt my skin crawl at his touch and expression. "So it seems," I said, forcing a smile that was barely noticeable. I must act as if I'm in love, for the sake of the queen and king. I can't risk upsetting them or causing any trouble. As he let go of my hand and put his hands behind his back, I did a final curtsy. I wanted to show my politeness and respect despite my feelings of uneasiness and discomfort. I then nodded to Prince William and walked to follow mother and father, relieved to leave his presence and to be on my way back to the castle.
In the carriage, I took a deep breath and tried to steady my thoughts and feelings. I sat silently, staring out the window and watching the landscape pass by. I sat across from my mother in the carriage as she settled herself in her seat. Her eyes were fixed on me, and her expression was filled with a mixture of concern and sympathy. "He is not so bad, Anna," my mother said, trying to reassure me. "Handsome, respectful, and loyal," my mother continued, listing the positive traits that she associates with Prince William. "Loyal, huh" I muttered sarcastically, my eyes rolling involuntarily at her naive belief that the prince was actually loyal. My mother's expression soured at my sarcasm, and she sighed irritably. "My dear, what will I do with you?" my mother sighs, clearly exasperated.
After we arrived back at the castle, I decided to take a walk in the garden with Alina to clear my thoughts and calm my nerves from the unpleasant and awkward encounter with Prince William. It was a beautiful day, and the fresh air and greenery provided a calming atmosphere that was much needed. "All they were talking about was how talented and wise he is." I sighed as I explained to Alina how the conversation had gone while we walked in the garden. "It was...sufferable," I added. "What do you think of him?" Alina asked curiously, turning her eyes on me. "I don't know. But I will not let him trick me with his acts," I echoed, my voice firm and decisive. I had made up my mind that I would not fall for the prince's charming and appealing exterior. "What do you think?" I echoed, my eyes glued to the green grass. As I watched the grass crunch underneath my heels, Alina listened intently and considered for a moment before she replied. "I think that you should follow your instincts and trust your gut. If you are feeling uneasy about the prince but are forcing yourself to believe he is a nice guy, then that is not a good sign. You need to ask yourself if he really is who he presents himself to be. If you feel that there is something off about him, then there probably is." "Hmm," I replied as I considered her words. Her advice was sound and wise, and I respected her opinion. "I have to do this for the sake of my mother and father," I mumbled to myself, my pace slowing as the reality of my situation settled in my mind. I knew that I had to honour my duty to my parents, even if it meant marrying someone I did not like or trust. "It is my duty, after all."