“You want me to what?!” I demanded, unable to believe my own ears.
Alex sighed. “Don’t make this harder than it has to be, we need to convince Aero that you’re Gwendalyn.”
“I’m not throwing him a goodbye party, just kick his ass to the curb and lock the door!”
“Look, I know you don’t give a shit about any of this, but this Kingdom needs a good relationship with theirs. In truth his Kingdom is extremely dangerous and if it comes down to it could probably easily defeat ours.” He seemed to snarl, unhappy with the situation. “While I was busy building the town making everyday life easier, he built up his military. We indeed need to keep him on good terms.”
“Ughhh.” I’m frustrated for sure, on one hand I don’t really care, but on the other I don’t want innocent people to die because I can’t get over my beef with Aero. “Fine I’ll throw the stupid party, but you owe me.”
“I owe you nothing.” He flat out replied.
“Okay.” I threw up my arms “Have fun throwing the party I’m out.”
“Fine.” He acted as if he’s never had to compromise like this. “What do you want?”
“Hmmm.” What do I want? I didn’t actually think he’d say okay. I thought about it a bit and answered, “Hm, I think I want to explore the town more. I’ve been pretty much stuck inside these walls. Any longer and I might go stir crazy.”
“You’ll go out at night in disguise with a pack of knights. It’s too dangerous to just let a Queen wonder around.”
“Fine.” I didn’t like the compromise, but I was already brainstorming ways to sneak off from the pack. They have no idea who they’re dealing with.
“Go meet with the maids in the ballroom, they’re already underway for the event tonight.”
“Ugh.” This seemed like a lot of work, I headed to the ballroom, only getting lost a few times, but hey I made it there!
The maids were already well underway with the decorations, setting up tables and chairs. I saw one lady with a clipboard pointing and bossing others around. “Hey I’m supposed to help with the party.”
“Oh your Majesty! It’s an honor!” She did a small curtsy, careful not to drop the clipboard. I couldn’t help but notice she was using an old fashioned fountain pen, which made me wonder if anybody here used ballpens. I still don’t understand the technology and advancements here. For one, cars are a thing and tvs, but they are extremely old fashioned and honestly don’t work well. Also expensive and not really that popular, not even Alex has a tv. On the other hand they still dress like prudes and don’t have guns, still use fountain pens, and horse and carriage are still popular. Not really sure what to make of it. I get that it’s a different world, but how did the advancement work, why didn’t they advance like our world? Was it too much war, or perhaps instead of making a democracy, did sticking with Kings and Queens change the environment and delay progress?
“What do you need me to do?”
She seemed shocked that I was actually volunteering to work, I guess Gwen didn’t exactly do physical labor. “Oh no Madam, I couldn’t possibly ask you to help.” She turned to one of the maids who took the opportunity to slack off and relax a little. “HEY. Get back to work!” She practically screamed, making me jump slightly as I wasn’t expecting that. “Oh terribly sorry your highness, these girls will take any excuse to slack off!”
“Er, well maybe I can help set up tables?”
“Gloria!” She yelled. “The Queen would like to help you with tables.”
“Yes Ma’am! Right this way.” She showed me where she was setting up along with the intricate tablecloth and decorations.
“Sure, I’d love to help!” I got to it, taking one side of the tables to make it easier on her. We were able to make pretty good progress when the head maid called me back over.
“Your stylist is here.” She replied, another woman stepped forward.
“Good Evening your highness. I’m your stylist for the evening.” Everybody here is so formal to me, it’s hard to get used to. “Please follow me. We’ve got a few dresses for you to pick from.”
She took me to a part of the castle I haven’t been in yet, the room was large and spacious. Mannequins were set up with different dresses. There were tables with different shoes and accessories too. A few other stylists were already in the room waiting.
“May I suggest this dress?” One chimed in as I walked by each one examining them. They so weren’t my style. They were stereotypical ball gowns; large, fluffy, and hard to move in, however, they were extremely beautiful and sophisticated. I dread having to squeeze into one and walk around for hours in it. Why are clothes here so uncomfortable?!
“No no, the Queen would look so much better in this!” Someone shoved another dress near me.
“You have no taste! Why are you even here!” I guess the battle between stylists is on.
“Ladies, ladies! Please!” I tried to calm everyone down. “Just pick something and I’ll wear it.
They continued bickering amongst themselves until finally they emerged with one dress. It was very elegant and beautiful, it seemed to sparkle in the light. However, it also looked tight and uncomfortable. It’s just one night. I can do this! “Okay let’s let’s get this torture device on.”
At first they seemed confused what I was talking about but quickly snapped to and figured out I was referring to the dress. They stuffed me and squeezed me into the dress. Finally one retorted. “Did you gain a few pounds Ma’am?” But quickly realized what she asked and in a panic replied. “Oh but it looks great on you!”
I huffed a little. Well sorry I’m not as skinny as Gwen, but I’ve got some great assets, and when I say assets I mean ass. I’ve got a great ass. We finally got the dress on though, cue the bickering over the shoes and accessories. I sighed and dragged myself and the heavy dress over to the chair in the corner to enjoy the show. I waited until they decided on shoes and accessories, they then moved onto makeup and hair. It took a few hours but we finally got everything sorted out.
The dress is way too poofy and is pinching my skin, the shoes hurt, the accessories are way too sophisticated, and it feels like my hair is sticking to my head with all of the hairspray. But holy shit I look amazing! I look so beautiful, almost like a real Queen. And I sparkle in the light! Wow! I never thought I could look this good! I almost wanted to bounce up and down and squeal with joy, but of course with what I’m wearing I couldn’t.
“Phew.” The head stylist sighed. “Just in time too.”
They guided me out the door, where Alex was waiting. He was wearing the King’s traditional uniform, it was white with tassels. He looked amazing, it was form fitting and looked really good on him. For a second I was excited I got to go with him, until I remembered what situation I was in.
He looked surprised. “Wow you actually look good!”
“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?!”
He laughed and outstretched his hand. This time I didn’t hesitate, I took it. He guided me back to the ballroom, I was draped on his shoulder like an accessory. After all, that’s all I really am to him. I’m not the real queen.
We entered the ballroom in a grand display of an entrance. We even had the red carpet. All of the guests stopped and watched us as we gracefully walked forward. I looked around and saw Aero staring, I couldn’t help but narrow my eyes and glare back at him. He seemed unfazed about my reaction, but at this point I’m sure he had no doubt I’m not Gwen. I pried my eyes away from him and did my duty as the King’s wife, smiling and greeting guests.
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