The role of the Yarn Spinstress comes with responsibility and honor. Given to one maiden at a time for generations in Falworth’s history, the Spinstress may be called upon by the royal family to create opulent garments imbued with a touch of magic to bring out a specific quality in the wearer.

Beauty, charm, grace, courage, the skilled seamstress can imbue all her clothes with such traits, helping the royal family appear more skilled and talented to the public eye. She does this, of course, with her beautifully spun threads, made from the finest fibers and gems. It does not create an artificial trait, but rather brings out the traits they already possess so onlookers can see them more clearly.

Though a humble role in the eyes of the palace royalty and politicians, the Yarn Spinstress’ talents have supported the royal family in an unofficial capacity since Falworth’s founding. Though she is neither rewarded with great privileges nor wealth, she is respected—though seldom called upon to perform her duties. She, instead, often employs her skills as a mere local seamstress.

“Do you remember when I first visited your shop, Miss Abigail?” Emaline asked, breaking the silence in the Golden Threads workshop, the workshop handed down from Spinstress to Spinstress.

“Goodness, it’s your shop now, my girl,” she sighed nostalgically. “I’ll never forget seeing your chubby cheeks through this here window pane.”

Emaline was ten years old when she first discovered the role of the Yarn Spinstress. The beauty of the threads shone from Miss Abigail’s shop window into the heart of the little girl. In awe of the intricately crafted clothing, the homey heaps of cloth, and baskets of glowing thread, young Emaline knew what she wanted to do.

An apprenticeship at such a tender age was uncommon, but Emmy’s evident joy made refusal a difficult task. Not to mention, Miss Abigail was hardly someone who was easily swayed. When she saw Emmy’s gleaming eyes and skillful, though youthful, stitching, she resolved that she would become her successor.

“How quickly those days have passed,” Emmy mused.

I wonder how quickly the next 15 years will pass.

“All days pass quickly when you’re my age. Don’t worry about it too much,” Abigail said as though reading her thoughts. “Anyways, dear, I’ve finished making these handkerchiefs here.”

“Heaping bread basket. You’re as quick as ever. Can you stack them there on the table?” Emmy pointed to the corner of her fabric-strewn table where Abigail was sitting. “I’ll add some of mine to the pile for the fair tomorrow. Turrin will pick it up.”

Her brother, Turrin, offered to retrieve Emmy’s plentiful boxes of goods later in the evening and carry them over to their parent’s shop, as it was located in the heart of the marketspace. Then, in the morning, he’d help her unpack and set up her booth. Though she was far from a morning bird, she was grateful for her brother’s help. As a royal knight, Turrin was required to attend the royal family’s presentation, the dull part that officially kicked off the festival. Of course, this conclusion was greatly contested by the crown prince’s fangirls, but that was another matter altogether.

“Is this piece for tomorrow as well?” Abigail asked, indicating the pocket square in Emmy’s hands. “The paisley embroidery is divine.”

“This is actually for a bit of fun at Turrin’s birthday celebration. I used the technique you mentioned.”

“Oh yes!” Abigail let out a slight chortle as though recalling something humorous, “The tomfoolery stitch.”

Rap, rap, rap! Abigail and Emmy turned to the window to find a yellow blonde-haired young man with blue eyes and a kind smile. The siblings exchanged an enthused, pantomimed greeting through the glass.

“Turrin, come in!” Emmy shouted and waved for him to enter.

* * *

Though Prince Yuki had only a sister, all the attendants in the royal palace knew that if anyone came close to being a brother to the prince, it was the Royal Commander, Theo Radcliff. His brown hair, bright green eyes, and stoic countenance made him unforgettable. If that wasn’t enough, he was Prince Yuki’s childhood friend and comrade—and the sensible counterpart to Yuki’s good-natured mischievousness.

“I’m weary of all this talk about tomorrow.” Yuki rose from his desk, rubbing his eyes. Wandering to the front of his desk, he plopped on top of it, revealing his striped socks previously concealed by his sophisticated black suit.

“Me too,” Theo replied wearily. “Can’t you find someone else to introduce the royal family?”

“Is the fearsome Royal Commander afraid of a little public speaking?” Yuki asked with an amused smile.

Theo threw him a sour look. While Theodore had no problem addressing the knights under his command, public introductions were another matter altogether. Not that he was particularly shy. He considered himself to be an affable person, but putting on a charming persona for a public event made him want to mount his favorite steed and disappear to the forest. Trained in swordsmanship from a young age and introverted by nature, his skills were better utilized on a battlefield than on a stage.

“I’m sure everyone knows who you are by now. Why bother us with another introduction?”

“I’m afraid that isn’t the most patriotic sentiment. Besides, the festival allows your knights to earn recognition.”

The annual Presentation of the Royal Family included sparring competitions among the knights, in addition to a craft fair where the people of Falworth could sell their wares. The sparring tournament was one of Falworth’s most anticipated events; there would undoubtedly be a crowd to cheer them on.

The knights worked tirelessly, exerting all their energy in pursuit of greater skill for the protection of the kingdom. If there was anything for Theo to look forward to, it was the pride he could take in the performances of his men. The last four years, Theo transformed an ill-disciplined company of knights into adept warriors. Falworth’s military history was complex. Though a rich kingdom, they favored neutrality politically, which evolved into a perceivable weakness as the knights were all but disbanded.

“The men have been training ceaselessly. I have no doubt we will impress King and Queen Clarion.”

“Don’t get your hopes up too high, my friend. Far be it from them to express gratitude or offer praise.” Yuki’s eyes dimmed before resuming their usual spark. “Never mind that. Do you want to practice your introduction?”

“I’m not a child; I can handle it myself.”

“Oh, of course, of course. You know, it wouldn't hurt to let the public see just a smidge of your down-to-earth side. I must admit that the Stoic Commander routine isn’t a fan favorite.”

Theo’s stone-faced countenance didn’t help him secure favor with the knights or the townsfolk. Though Yuki once pointed out that the maidens didn’t seem to mind. Nevertheless, he’d recently gained a reputation as the Stoic Commander—something Yuki hoped Theo would be able to overcome. He’d give his friend a gentle push or an outright shove if he had to.

“Are you insulting my face again?” Theo asked, suddenly weary. “We’re not all gifted with such expression and exuberance as you, your highness.”

“We both know you only call me that when you’re being sarcastic. I’ll ignore your tone of hostility for now,” Yuki retorted lightheartedly. “Though think about what I’ve said.”

“Anyway, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you…”

Yuki, hoping Theo looked at him in surprise.

Perhaps today’s the day he looks to me for advice, Yuki thought warmly.

He was certain Theo trusted him, but he rarely entrusted him with his deepest thoughts or asked for a favor. With hearts in his eyes, Yuki waited, hopefully.

“What is with all of the fabric swatches?” Theo gestured to the random assortment of fabric strewn about Yuki’s desk. Yuki’s face deflated, and while he felt a slight pang of disappointment, he wasn’t surprised.

Theo then inquired whether his friend had taken up a new hobby as a shadow of a wry smile emerged. This slight diss could only be countered by one thing, something even more ridiculous!

Yuki reached out to tug on the Royal Commander’s sleeve, sighing, “Oh Theo, there’s so much color in this world.”

Incredulous, Theo hastily shook off Yuki’s grip, and he clung to him tightly until the momentum flung him off. “What are you, a heroine from a fiction novel? Stop messing around.”

Yuki basked in his success. This back-and-forth was an age-old custom between them and an area where Yuki excelled. His success lay in his uncanny ability to shed his pride at a moment's notice. Over the years, Theo had assured him that if the monarchy was ever deposed, he’d excel as a traveling thespian.

“I have to try out my lines on you before I use them with the ladies,” Yuki said with a carefree laugh. “As if you have any ladies.”

“As if you have any ladies.” Yuki turned to collect the fabric to show him.

For a second, Theo pictured a basket full of threads and a sweet smile.

Just who was she anyway?

Not that it mattered… Between keeping Yuki in check and his ceaseless job training the knights, he would doubtfully see her again—or gobble down another cherry Danish, for that matter.

His sweet tooth was another side he preferred to keep hidden from others. He could just hear the jokes and insults his men would give him if they ever found out. They’d probably conspire to call him some other ridiculous name. He rubbed his bridge and sighed at the dismal thought.

“They’re trimmings from the Yarn Spinstress,” Yuki replied, his voice calling Theo back from his scattered thoughts. “You’d like her. In fact, if my life wasn’t a blazing rubbish heap, I just might try to win her over with my shining chivalry.”

“But since it is, does that mean you’ll let me woo her?”

“Sure, sure, by all means.” Yuki flapped his hand at him dismissively, brushing it off as a joke.

Perhaps they would suit each other, though, he thought, remembering the portrait Albert handed him. Yet, marriage was a topic rarely discussed between the two of them. Theo appeared content with his position and they both knew a political marriage awaited Yuki in the next few years.

“Has the king mentioned anything more about an engagement?”

Yuki shook his head slowly, “Nothing of note. But I’m resigned to it.”

Despite Yuki’s renown for his good looks and charm, Theo knew Yuki cared little for this reputation. He was never the type to burden others with his problems, and while he might put on a good show, he wore his heart on his sleeve.

Theo clapped his hand onto his friend’s shoulder. “Never mind that. We have to focus up. Maybe I’ll practice my intros after all. But then, I really must attend to the knights.”

“Then I shall gladly critique you!” Yuki jumped up with newfound enthusiasm.

“Fine, just hold all criticism until the end,” Theo sighed. The things you do for friends…

“Fine, fine, just go already.”

Theo stared at him until he politely sat down and folded his hands together.

Okay, let’s do this.