I woke up feeling exhausted. I had studied the book deep into the midnight hours, and my sleep was far from enough. After a quick bath, I slipped into a gown and made my way to the lobby to breathe in the crisp morning air. The snow had ceased falling, but the palace grounds remained cloaked in white.
After some time, I decided to visit Vera in her chambers. On my way out, as I reached the entrance of my chambers, Marta approached.
"Good morning, Princess Irish," she said, bowing low.
I pretended not to hear her. "Prepare my gown. I will be going out," I commanded without looking back.
"Yes, my princess," she answered from behind me.
I walked toward the tunnel hidden at the corner of my storehouse. Its spiral stairs connected to different parts of the palace—a private shortcut I often used. Soon, I arrived at Vera's chambers. Her maid ushered me in, where Vera was finishing her morning exercise atop a curious machine.
"Good morning, Iris," Vera greeted, stepping off the contraption.
I stared at it with wonder. It was forged from steel and wood, and I suspected it ran on crude oil. "Where did you get this high-tech marvel?" I asked, curiosity brimming in my voice.
"Oh, this? My fiancé, Prince Martin of Austria, gifted it to me," Vera replied proudly.
"Ah, that explains it," I said, mesmerized. "The design is far too elegant, too advanced. A true masterpiece."
"Yes," Vera boasted, lifting her chin slightly. "Austria leads the world in such machines. Ephesus follows after, but none rival Austria's craft."
When she finished dressing, I bounced on her grand bed with a playful grin. "We shall go out today, after breakfast," I announced.
Vera emerged in a cream-colored gown, her black hair pinned back with white lilies. Slipping her feet into a black veil, she sat as her maid applied her makeup. Before they could finish, another maid entered, bowed, and said, "My princess, breakfast is ready in the dining hall."
Vera quickly perfected her makeup, and together we departed her chambers. Suddenly, shadows appeared—her nines. They trailed us in silence until Vera cast them a sharp glance and they melted away.
"They're yours?" I asked.
"Yes," she muttered in annoyance. "And I hate it when they linger."
Her words struck me. To have nines seemed less like an honor and more like a burden.
We passed the hallway that led to the dining hall, and to the left, the stairs curled upward toward the chewing room. Just as we were about to climb, I realized my gown was far from suitable. "Go ahead without me," I told Vera. "I must change."
Back in my chambers, the maids were already tidying up. Martha stood over my gown, misting it with delicate fragrances.
"Martha, are you done?" I asked, shrugging off my pre-gown.
"Yes, Your Highness," she replied, carefully presenting the gown.
She helped me dress and slipped my feet into black shoes nearly hidden beneath the gown's heavy folds. My golden hair was left loose, cascading freely, while Martha crowned it with a golden chair-shaped ornament. Her light makeup touched only where it was needed, letting my natural features shine.
The gown itself was white, embroidered with golden creeping vines. I looked more radiant than ever; my hair alone carried the magic, but the golden crown accentuated it.
Descending the stairs to the dining hall, I felt the maids' eyes upon me. Even the nines seemed spellbound. I entered with quiet majesty and took my place beside Louis. Across the table, Isabella's eyes blazed with fury.
A maid placed food before me, but before I could lift a hand,
Lord Christian's voice broke the silence.
"Why are you late?" he asked, his gaze fixed on me.
"I wished to present myself properly, as a princess should," I answered calmly, fingers gliding slowly through my golden hair.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Issy's expression—it made a shiver creep down my spine.
After breakfast, Vera and I hurried toward the palace gates, our day finally about toBegin
"I have to use the washroom," Vera said, hurrying off to the nearest chamber.
I decided to walk ahead, aiming for the palace entrance, when Arteries suddenly caught my hand.
"Iris, where are you going? You look beautiful today. Why don't you take a stroll with me?" he asked gently.
"I'm sorry," I replied firmly. "As you can see, I'm heading out with vera. Perhaps another time."
I pulled my hand free and continued walking.
A moment later, Vora emerged, looking refreshed and calm.
"Let's go," she said, moving ahead of me.
We reached the grand palace gates where the stewards had already prepared the chariot. It stood waiting for us—majestic and polished, gleaming in the daylight.
Just before we could enter, two knights clad in black armor approached swiftly. They bowed low.
"Princess Iris," one of them said with grave respect, "Lord Christian has commanded that we serve as your knights from this day forward."
I acknowledged their words softly, then stepped into the chariot.