It was chaos by the time I woke up. The designer and the maids were knocking on my door by dawn while I was still a complete mess from the night before. I had wondered if it would kill them to give me a moment to wake up. Though, I guess the first prince of the empire did send immediate summons…

"What about this style, Your Highness?"

The designer, Lee Defron, held his book of works before me. Everything was of the highest quality from silk nightgowns to leather shoes, hats, and more. But I didn’t find myself much interested until-

“What's that?” I pointed to one of the closed books on the side of the table. It had a masculine figure in trousers and a white blouse on top.

‘That's exactly what I’m looking for!’

“Oh. That's one of our male catalogs, Your Highness. We brought those in case His Highness arrives as well.”

“You won’t have to wait. Show me that set immediately.”

“Um, Your Highness, that is meant for gentlemen-”

“I know that. Must I repeat myself?”

The designer's face paled. 

“O-of course not, Your Highness!” Gesturing to his assistants they began laying out the male catalogs and attire before me. 

There were many styles I didn’t care for.

‘All of these would make me a laughing stock. These are simply men's clothes in these sections. I need something more ambiguous…’ I turned the pages aimlessly until I saw it. 

“I’d like to see some in this style.”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Panicked, the seamstresses and designer did their best to alter the set for my frame. Eventually, they got it into a befitting shape.

Turning around in the outfit I was ecstatic. 

A soft white blouse, and plain black riding pants. It was perfect. The exact mix I needed: active, comfortable, and presentable.

“I’ll take this and any similar sets you have here. Have them tailored and sent immediately.” 

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Knock.

“It’s Cassius.” Came from the door.

“Come in,” I recalled him saying he’d come to check that things were running smoothly. Hopefully, he won’t butt heads with me about my clothing choices.

Opening the door and stepping in, I couldn’t help but gasp at who entered.

“Amelia!”

Dashing off the platform, I ran and embraced her, nearly knocking us both over.

“Amelia.” I held her close.

“It’s good to see you too my-” She caught herself before continuing. “It’s good to see you too, Your Highness.” She looked up at me with glistening eyes. 

“Please have new uniforms fashioned for this lady as well, thank you.” My older brother spoke to the tailor.

“Cassius!”

“Your Highness, this is too much-”

“Consider it a gift for your marriage.” He smiled. I could tell he didn’t just mean the clothes today.

I turned away from him and hugged Amelia closer. Tilting my head his way, I whispered. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” He whispered back.

Stepping forward he spoke with the designer. He wanted to see the designs I picked.

‘Oh God. Please do not get into a fight with me about this.’

I still wore the blouse set and stayed by Amelia as he looked through the small list. I faced her with a soft, mischievous smile.

“Was it rough in the woods without me?”

“I wasn’t in the woods, my-Your Highness.” She worked to adjust herself to my proper title, while I absorbed what she said fully.

“What do you mean? Then where were you?”

“I was at the Baltess manor, the Duke's home, waiting for it to be safe to join you in the imperial palace.”

“Why were you-?”

“Little sister.”

Turning away from Amelia I looked to Cassius, who sat on the couch.

“I think it beneficial to have some dresses for formal occasions in your wardrobe. The meeting and the dinner the night before the wedding will need such.”

“My tastes lie elsewhere, as you can see, older brother.”

He was unbelievably calm in a situation where most high society types would cause a ruckus. “I understand. As long as you make sure to accessorize well, no one will find fault with how you dress. But my worries are with the impact it will have on your standing.”

“Brother. I know that much, believe me. Though, understand that I don’t intend to cultivate the image of a gentle bride or a docile princess. I will be me, above all else.”

The murmurs of the maids reached my ears.

“Then,” Began Cassius, “Will you at least prepare a few for future events?”

“Future events?” If it came to such a subject, my brother would be under the assumption Martok tailors would provide once I’m married. Unless-

“I understand, Cassius. I’ll select a few that go with my build.”

My brother smiled. He knew I had no intention to marry that king.

Sitting down with him we chatted with the designer a bit. Excited to find dresses for me, finally, the designer and his seamstresses jumped into action. Even a few sitting with Amelia and working on her new uniforms.

Deciding on a few simple dresses for everyday wear, three for banquets or celebrations, and adding generously to my previous list in my preferred style, we had finished the meeting. Not until a long portion of dress-up was had, of course. Honestly, I loved it. Even if I was more on the subtle side of things, I had an image to cultivate and keep. Though I’m sure with my brother's astute eyes, he and Amelia saw right through how happy I looked.

Being placed in cute, fitting clothes such as blouses, dresses, and slips was unbelievably fun, and I even got to choose roomy shoes and boots that matched my outfits. At the rate we went I was sure I’d need a new wardrobe to hold it all.

Once all the materials were cleaned up and my brother was about to step out I spoke.

“Brother.”

He stopped where he stood and eyed me gently, and carefully.

“What is it, Kalisto?”

I sized him up with one look.

“I appreciate your kindness in helping grow my clothing options, but I fear they may go unused. Martok fashion is quite different from the empires’, after all.”

Giving a small smile he looked at me with such a gaze, that I almost thought I was see-through.

“Little sister. I have no doubt you’ll find good use for them.” And with that, he slipped through the door.

“He knows I’m not marrying the king.”

“What?!” Amelia shouted.

“Oh.” I need to catch Amelia up to speed.