Just when I thought my torture was over and I could safely go back to lazing about in the gardens, Lady Augustine plopped down a massive catalogue of dress designs. “Now, these are the ones we think will fit you well and could be finished before the summit. Angeline’s also mentioned that you like flower details, so those are at the top! Take your time, darling, but not too long, alright?”

“Ah, ok…” It felt like my head was spinning. I took the hefty book into my lap. It was well-worn, but polished, and its pages were covered in sketches and intricately written notes I couldn’t understand. Just pick something, just pick something.  This was way harder than picking a dress for a lunch date. Not to mention all the eyes that were looking at me for an answer.

Finally, one caught my eye. It was lacy with chrysanthemum and leaf embellishments and a slim silhouette structured with a corset.  “How about this one?” I motioned towards it and turned the book around to face her.

“Ah, cold shoulder—corset, basque and an A-line cut. Split down the side, hmmm?” She murmured, looking over the sketch. “Alright! Let’s pick out the fabrics then!”

“Wait, what?” There’s still more??

…

 “Oh my god, I’m free!” Finally. Finally, it was over! I nearly collapsed into the dining room chair.

“Please, it can’t have been that bad.” Angeline laughed.

“Yes, it was! Are you kidding me? It’s already nighttime!” I groaned. Now that I had picked out the dress, things were starting to get real—way too real. Lady Augustine’s words haunted me; sure, I knew that there was no way this would last because nothing good ever lasts, especially for me, but Lord Rannon always said it with such certainty. It was like there was never a doubt in his mind that he wouldn’t become the Demon King.

“My lady?”

“Hmm, yeah?”

“How about some ice cream for dessert? The chef just finished a new batch. French Vanilla, your favourite.”

“Wow, another bribe?”

Angeline shrugged, smiling coyly.

“Only if you have some with me.”

…

The morning of the summit came sooner than expected. I woke up with a cold sweat, my heart beating fast and nausea swirling in my stomach. I hadn’t felt this bad since I got fired. Today’s the day.

The manor was quieter than the day before but still bustling. I hadn’t even seen Angeline yet. Usually, I’d loiter around in bed, staring at the gardens outside my window, but, with those nerves, I decided it might be better to loiter around in the halls instead.

Servants scurried to and fro, and the clanging of pans and whooshing of dusters followed them as they went along. I observed them quietly, their navy blue uniforms shining in the pale light of midmorning. They were completely focused on their tasks and only spared me a glance, a quick bow and cursty, or a very rushed “Good morning, my lady!”

I wasn’t used to it yet. But, with the thoughts on mind, there was a chance that I wouldn’t have to.

In my slow shuffle down the hall from my bedroom, I finally managed to see a familiar face: tawny skin and coke bottle glasses. “Morian!” I called to her.

Her neck nearly snapped as she whipped her head around to face me. She curtsied immediately, almost tripping over her skirt.

“Ah, shit, sorry, didn’t mean to scare you like that.” I laughed.

“It’s quite alright, my lady. I should’ve seen you and greeted you earlier.” Her eyes seemed to spin in their sockets; I guessed she was still getting used to everything as well.

“Nah, you’re good. I know it’s busy around here. Um, anyways, I wanted to apologise. For tricking you like that, I mean. I got you into trouble.”

For a moment, she looked at me blankly. I couldn’t tell if it was resentment or shock.

Then her face broke into an uncertain smile, “No, no, it was my fault. I should have kept my eyes on you.”

“You were just following what I told you to do. So, y’know, don’t blame yourself.” Damn, do I sound stupid for saying this? I know she got chewed out over that day. Should I just shut up?

“Well, then,” she suppressed a huff, “I’ll accept your apology.”

“Ah, I—um, I am really sorry.” Oh my god, just stop talking. “And, I hope I didn’t set you back too much.”

“You didn’t,” she replied, her voice a little strange.

“Ok, then, um, I’ll get going then.” I did a quick bow, unsure of what to do with myself after that, before brushing past her.

…

After a while of continuing my trek through the manor, I somehow found my way to the entrance of the gardens. Just as it was starting to feel a little too peaceful, I felt a hand spin me around. Jolting backward, I nearly screamed.

“Great heavens, my lady! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Angeline scolded, arms akimbo.

“Jeez, you know you scared the living bejeesus out of me just then, right?” I scoffed, catching my breath.

She tutted, sucking her teeth, “Are you joking? Why weren’t you in your room?”

“I was nervous, alright?!” I replied, my volume coming out a little higher than I expected.

Her eyebrows surged up before her expression quickly softened. “What Lady Augustine said bothered you, didn’t it?”

I sighed, finally releasing the air trapped in my chest. “A little, yeah. It’s just Ophiel seems so sure, which made me feel sure. But, now, I just—I just don’t know anymore.”

“You worry too much, my lady.” She laid a hand on my back, guiding me back into the manor’s halls. “For now, you just need to think about looking your best for the Lunarian Summit.”

“The Lunarian Summit is one of the most beautiful events the Etherium has to offer,” she continued, “Regardless of what happens tonight, I can tell you that it’ll be a night to remember. It’s an experience like no other.”

“Even if I get kicked out of here afterward?”

“Ha,” she scoffed, “I very much doubt that you’ll be leaving here anytime soon.”

Huh?