"Forgive me for my insolence, Your Majesty." Elsie addresses his father, deciding it will be better if she calls him by his title. "I am but a fool who thought I could go against you and chose to rebel when all you wanted was to give me what's best for me and our Kingdom. I realize that I acted irresponsibly, father. It is my duty to serve my country. And what I did was extremely wrong. I beg for your pardon." Elsie states, not even daring to lift her gaze from the floor.
Elsie's father, devoid of any inclination to engage, opts not to acknowledge Elsie's presence. Instead, he delivers a direct command to Elsie's maid, declaring, "Mise, see to it that she adorns the garments I have asked of you."
With that concise command, Elsie recognizes the plunging disappointment coming from her father, signaling his deep-seated frustration and discontentment towards her.
"I shall, Your Majesty," Mise says with a low voice and a much lower bow. She turns to Elsie, smiling slightly as she says, "Let me take you to your bed chambers, my princess."
Elsie just tips her head down in a nod, because words refuse to leave her mouth.
She allows herself to be ushered toward her chamber by Mise, her heart laying heavy inside her chest, her omega curling in on itself within her, overwhelmed by the weight of her emotions.
Elsie makes her way to her chamber, the silence from Mise becomes more pronounced as they walk, causing a sense of unease to settle in her over the burden of shame she carries. Yet, it's not until she steps into her chamber that the full extent of Mise's unusual behavior hits her, sending a chill of tension down her spine.
Once inside, she waits for Mise's outburst, but it never comes. The absence of her reaction surprises her deeply. Why is she non reactive to what Elsie has just done?
She pivots on his heels, her gaze following Mise's movements as she firmly shuts the door behind her, the sound resonating through the room. With swift movement, she strides toward the chest which holds every piece of cloth that falls under Elsie's ownership.
Mise retrieves a delicate pale pink garment, one that Elsie has never laid her eyes on before, its presence in her chamber unknown to her until this moment. Could it possibly be one of the many garments sent by the Emperor of Leivca just a few days ago?
"The King of Leivca sent this robe." Mise provides as she lays out the garment on the bed and lifts her gaze up to meet Elsie's. "Shall we proceed, Princess Elsie?"
Her jaw clenched tightly, a manifestation of the tension and apprehension swirling within her as she contemplates the implications of the unexpected discovery.
So Father wants her to wear the clothes the Emperor has sent her.
"There was a note stuck to it saying, Her Majesty, the King's mother wants you to wear this one for the mate meeting." Mise tells further as she reaches to tug at her mourning robe. "You should take this one off, Your Highness."
Elsie can't take this anymore, both the way Mise addresses her with the utmost respect, her usual love simmering in her voice is sealed with the duty of a maid, almost monotonous, and having to dress up in the clothes they want to see her in. The assortment of Mise's respectful demeanor and the pressure to conform to their expectations really bothers her, pushing her to the brink of frustration and resistance.
"I won't be wearing that, choose another," Elsie says with a tone of finality dripping down each of her words.
Mise's facade slips as a stripe of emotions colors her face. But it's gone in a blink. Elsie doesn't know why Mise acts like this. Is it because she called Mise by her name which she hadn't done in decades or because of the absurdity she had committed to?
A slight smile grazes Mise's lips, then she's saying, "It's his Majesty's command and I don't think it's wise to go against him twice, your highness." She says calmly, her hand on Elsie tugging at her robe again.
She hates that she can't argue anymore, can't resist anymore, because she knows what Mise says is true. Elsie can't shame his father more than she already did. It's going to cut her deep. And Elsie doesn't want that.
Elsie's silence serves as an approval for Mise to dress her in the robe her future husband's mother had chosen for her. With a quiet understanding, Mise retreats to the chest once more, affording Elsie a moment to shed her mourning attire while Mise prepares the regal garments for her to adorn. "Mother." she calls.
But Mise remains resolutely silent at her call, her focus unwavering as she continues to retrieve the jewels. "Mother, are you angry with me?" Elsie tries once more, her stomach tightening with apprehension at the lack of response.
Mise moves gracefully to the dressing table, delicately arranging the jewels she retrieved upon its surface. Then, with a gentle yet determined demeanor, she approaches Elsie, taking the robe laid out on the bed and skillfully slipping it onto her, her actions speaking volumes even in her continued silence.
The robe drapes delicately over Elsie's shoulders, its sheer fabric revealing a glimpse of her neck and shoulders. The neckline plunges deep, adding an air of allure to the garment. Adorning the sleeves, neckline, and hem are tiny white jewels, each one a proof to the exquisite craftsmanship of the attire, transforming the garment into a breathtaking work of art.
"Why, what did I do now?" Elsie queries further.
"Come, Your Highness," Mise's voice breaks the heavy silence, her tone coaxing yet resolute. "Let me comb your hair and adorn you with these magnificent ornaments."
Her breath catches in her throat as her eyes meet her reflection in the mirror. There, adorned in the regal robe which is embellished with jewels, she sees a vision of elegance and refinement staring back at her, a vivid contradiction to the restlessness raging within.
"Please sit."
Reluctantly, Elsie takes a seat, allowing Mise to gently comb through her long, white hair. Each stroke of the comb feels like a silent plea for understanding from Mise, a wordless acknowledgment of the emotions swirling within Elsie.
She closes her eyes.