Chapter 18:
Lucina
I stand there, suffocating under the crushing weight of the corset.
My breath becomes shallower by the second. It's as if my abdomen is being squeezed in a vice grip. I struggle to remain composed.
"Are you trying to kill me?!!!"
I finally burst out, unable to hold back any longer.
"Just a bit more, Your Highness."
The maids' tone does little to reassure me. They continue tightening the laces, their faces a mix of determination and indifference to my suffering.
Stacy looks at me with a disapproving gaze. In her defense, she warned me to cut back on the snacks.
Did I listen?
No.
Now I'm paying the price.
With a final tug, the maids finish tying the corset.
I feel like a squeezed lemon.
They usher me to the vanity and begin working on my hair and makeup. I sit there, trying to ignore the discomfort as they fuss around me, transforming me into a vision of royal elegance.
But as the maids work their magic, I can't shake the feeling that I might pass out before the night is over.
After what feels like an eternity of hair-pulling and makeup application, the maids finally release me.
They tried to coax me into swapping my usual necklace for a heavy, ornate piece adorned with gold and diamonds. I staunchly refused.
My current necklace—a gift from the Pope himself—holds sentimental value beyond measure. I couldn't bear to part with it, even for a night.
I stand in front of the grand mirror they brought in for today's preparations.
I hardly recognize myself.
My usually curly white hair has been transformed into an intricate updo. Though I can't fathom why they tried to straighten it. The sky-blue gown is stunning, but perhaps a bit too revealing for my liking.
I am still seventeen, after all.
The gown seems more suited to my less-than-generously-endowed sister, Stella.
I chuckle at the thought.
Not mean. A fact.
I take a deep breath to steady myself. I look at my reflection and feel a surge of confidence.
Despite the discomfort of the corset and the unfamiliarity of the style, I can't deny that I look every bit the princess.
Stacy trails behind me as we make our way out of the room and toward the grand hall.
*
I stand before the towering doors of the grand hall.
I wait with bated breath for the herald's announcement. Tension fills the air. The excitement of the guests mingles with my own nervous energy.
"Introducing the Third Princess, Lucina Solana!"
The voice booms through the hall. My cue.
I take a deep breath, push open the heavy doors, and step into the room.
Instantly, a dazzling display of light greets me. The chandeliers overhead cast a warm, inviting glow. For a moment, the brightness blinds me. Then my eyes adjust to the opulence of the hall.
The hall is filled with nobles and dignitaries. Their elaborate outfits shimmer in the light. Soft chatter and clinking glasses fill the air, mingling with the gentle strains of music from the orchestra in the corner.
I make my way down the aisle.
All eyes are on me. The weight of their gaze presses down. Whispers and murmurs follow me like a trail.
I hold my head high, trying to exude confidence despite the discomfort of the corset and the unfamiliarity of the situation.
I reach the end of the aisle and curtsy gracefully before the Empress and the rest of the royal family seated at the head table.
I take my seat.
I try to relax and enjoy the evening ahead.
The evening's festivities unfold before me.
The grand hall is alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Guests mingle and enjoy themselves.
The first performance: a captivating dance by a troupe of skilled dancers. They move with grace and precision, their movements synchronized perfectly to the music.
One dancer in particular catches my eye.
There's something familiar about her... no, him.
I blink in surprise.
Kai.
Dressed in women's attire. Makeup on. Blending seamlessly into the troupe of dancers.
How did he manage this?
I chuckle to myself, quickly disguising it as a cough when Rose,seated next to me shoots me a curious glance.
Memories flood my mind. Kai and I sneaking into the women's bathroom back on Earth. He was always up for a bit of mischief.
Some things never change.
Despite my earlier dread about the birthday banquet, seeing Kai's unexpected performance fills me with joy and amusement.
The evening is turning out to be far more entertaining than I anticipated.
As the evening progresses, more festivities unfold.
A line of nobles approaches me one by one, presenting their gifts. Most are extravagant pieces of jewelry, promptly placed on a nearby table by the attendants.
I manage to avoid Luan's persistent requests to dance. I feign illness. It's not entirely untrue—I feel drained and lethargic from a day of starvation and this tight corset.
Throughout the night, I deflect numerous dance requests from various nobles. My supposed illness serves as a convenient excuse.
The noble ladies offer their fake congratulations. Their words drip with insincerity.
By the end of the night, I am mentally and physically exhausted.
The weight of the corset. The discomfort of the unfamiliar gown. The constant socializing.
All of it has taken its toll.
All I want is to retreat to my chambers and escape the suffocating atmosphere of the banquet hall.