Holly bowed, but did not leave.

“Is there something else you need? Would you like to ask about my personal belongings as well? Rummage through the room? Or would you like to take away the plates?” I asked a little too archly. I was tempted to also let out a very long and loud sigh. I didn’t want to act this way, but I was tired, and cross. I wanted her to leave as soon as possible.

“I do… apologise again my lady,” she said after a short pause, as though collecting her thoughts. “If you will my lady, there a few items of note that I must inform you of.”

“Oh?” I said. “And what are those?”

“You would be told this tomorrow, but I think it would be wise to know of this now. There are a few changes to this year’s Trial. In your cupboard in the bedroom you will find several identical white dresses.”

“Oh?”

“Those will be your uniform during the entirety of the trial, excluding any ballgown events that are to be had.”

“What?” What about the dresses Uncle bought me? What use are they now? Well, I guess I can still use them for the welcome ball at the very least… there are at least two balls aren’t there? I should check the itinerary later.

“They are the only dresses allowed to be worn during the trial, aside from formal events,” she repeated.

“Sorry, I mean why? Why was I not previously informed of this before arriving?”

“No one has been informed. I myself have only been told yesterday, that everyone will be told upon their arrival, lest any disagreement about the attire ensues.”

“Do you know why this rule has been implemented?” I asked.

“The Crown Prince does not like displays of fanciful dresses, and believes it would be a detriment to have the ladies fighting over the position of his wife based on how expensive their dresses are, and thus has commissioned this …uniform for use during the trial. If there is damage or if a dress needs replacement or laundering, please instruct me and I will make sure it is done as soon as possible.”

“Will the dresses fit?” I said a little perturbed.

“Yes my lady. The tailors have been made known of your dress sizes from your last tailored outfit.”

I suppose anyone could find out this information, but it’s a little weird to waste resources on this isn’t it?

“Alright,” I said. “Thank you for letting me know. Aside from that?”

She bowed. “There are a few changes to the itinerary. The one provided to you in the invitation is incorrect.”

I guess I won’t be checking the itinerary later.

“Oh.”

“You will be issued a new one the day after tomorrow.”

“What happens tomorrow then?”

“Tomorrow the schedule is unchanged. The other contestants will begin to arrive in the afternoon, and the welcome banquet will be held in the ballroom below. The next day each contestant will be called to meet with their knights in the afternoon, and be given their new itinerary then.”

“I thought we were to get our knights before the banquet?” In case our competition tries anything beforehand. As has happened before.

“That has now been changed. His Majesty the prince, would like to meet all contestants first at the welcome ceremony before assigning knights to them.”

The Prince plans to assign the knights himself? I thought the Captain of the Guard was meant to pick the most capable of knights and then assign them in a fair draw, so no one can complain about the knights they were assigned. If the Prince is picking them… does that mean if anyone has a problem with the knight they will have a problem with the Prince? Is this some sort of test?

“Oh. I see. Alright then. Thank you for relaying this information. Anything else I need to know?”

The maid shook her head. “If anything else comes up I will be sure to let you know. If you would like anything else, please let me know.”

“Thank you,” I said with a small smile. “You are free to leave then. I… would like to take my bath now.”

“My Lady, may I… perhaps suggest a walk around one of the gardens after your bath?” She said quietly. It seemed like she was trying to make up for the knights behaviour still.

I perked up. I wanted to ask if that was allowed, but held my tongue. I was planning to stay in my room today and explore the place tomorrow, but maybe I should do it today when there wasn’t anyone else around. I didn’t know what time everyone would come after all.

“I can lead you there if you’d like,” she said. “If there are any gardens you would like to go to.”

“The main garden,” I said quickly. The one with the glass labyrinth. Where our final trial would take place. I need to know how to get there. “I would like to see the main garden.”

“Very well,” she said with a bow. “If you would pull the cord after you are done with your bath I will take you there.”

“Yes, that would be nice,” I said attempting a smile. Though I expected her to take her leave, the girl stayed standing at her spot.  

“Is there, something else you would like to add?” I asked gently.

“I… apologise once again for the attitude of the knight.”

“Oh? You don’t have to apologise for him. You did nothing wrong.”

“No, no.” She shook her head. “He is my responsibility. He is… my brother,” she said quietly. “His name is Ash. He has only recently been knighted and assigned to the Rose Palace, whereas I have worked in here for much longer. I… recommended him for the job.”

“Yes. I see.” I think she’s trying to say that if anyone is to blame for his behaviour it’s her.

“He is usually such a good boy. It’s just… he does not like the fact that I have been assigned to you,” she said with a small voice.

“I… see.” I wanted to ask why, but I didn’t want to press her too hard. I could guess why he was upset. “Thank you for letting me know. It is no problem,” I said quietly.

“It’s just that… He’s so young, and doesn’t understand his actions may have consequences. He hasn’t been away from home for very long, or from our village really…”

I didn’t expect her to ramble like this. She did not seem the type. I thought she was more stoic. I suppose people are different if it is for their family. I can understand. I would be worried if anything were to befall Dusk.

“Holly?” I said interrupting her.

“Yes my lady,” she said snapping her head up at me and then quickly looking back down. “Sorry my lady.”

I took a deep breath in. “Holly, I don’t… know what you think of me. I don’t know what your brother thinks of me. Or of my family. But I understand your trepidation. I know… my houses’ reputation. I… I’m not planning on doing anything to him,” I said quietly. “Or to your family. I promise.”

She bowed. “Thank you my lady. I apologise again my lady. I’ll be sure to educate him. It won’t happen again. I’ll… take my leave. Please pull the cord when you’re done.”

I sighed as soon as she was out the room.

She didn’t take the plates away. I guess she was just relieved. Or maybe she plans to remove them once I leave for my walk. Do I really want to go though?

I wondered if I really did want to explore the place. I was so tired. I felt more like retiring early to bed. But I shook my head in an attempt to wake myself up a little.

No. I should take the time to explore.

I got up and went to my suitcases, and opened the one filled with my dresses. As soon as it opened, my dresses sprung up and scattered all over the place. It looked as though they shoved it in without much thought or care after performing their inspection.

Oh no. All of Martha’s careful packing. They crushed the snacks she snuck in there as well. They didn’t have to treat my clothing so badly.

I quickly opened the next bag filled with other items. Though out of place, luckily nothing was actually broken. I picked up an old black book, and rifled through it.

Mother’s favourite poetry book. Dusk must have snuck it in. I told her to keep it for us. She must have wanted something of mother’s close to me. Oh good. None of the pages seem to be missing.

I hugged the book close to my chest for a moment before setting it back down gently. I lifted up my dresses and inspected them one by one.

Fortunately they are providing us with a uniform. There are only three dresses here that are not heavily wrinkled. At least I will have something to wear for the ball tomorrow. I… think this one has been stepped on. Ha! I guess I should be grateful they did not decide to slash open any of the dresses with a knife to see if there would be anything inside. Or set it on fire, to see if it was flammable. …Why? What did I do to deserve this?

I picked up my most unwrinkled change of clothing, and took it with me angrily to the bathroom, trying my best not to let the tears I was desperately holding back, escape.