Princess Thief [✔]

28. The King and His Brides

My maidservants came afterward. They were six in total since there was apparently no justification if others discerned I only had a pair when I came all alone.

They split in half. The three were still unpacking while the other half assisted me. My eyes roamed around to observe my surroundings that were reflected in the mirror.

I was sent to the same room I had last time. Only that the sheets were a color of lavenders in the deep night while draperies on the side of the bed were of a lighter shade. A stark contrast to the corridor outside that was void of color.

Time flew fast as the shadows darkened within the chamber. I checked the clock and it was exactly five in the afternoon. It took me almost two hours to prepare for the banquet tonight. I put on a dark red gown, almost like dried blood in color. I could not say it was a conservative one even with its collar almost up to my chin since it exposed the skin in between my neck and chest.

The sleeves were tight-fitting up to my elbows as my skirt was not as puffy, almost like a day dress. It had trimmings on the side that showed the laced black cloth at the center with a similar colored belt that emphasized my waist.

My ginger hair, which became brighter in color due to my gown, was let loose and tamed into big wavy curls. It was parted with the right side tucked behind my ears and accessorized with golds and rubies that complimented the sapphire dropped earrings I had. But what evidently threw me off was my make-up.

They applied deep colors to my eyes making them look rounder and my violet eyes much noticeable. My cheeks were flushed into a natural glow with shimmers on them and it was topped off with a red velvet rogue on my lips. It was even worse since the fierce expression that I had completed the look.

Bloody tarnation. I look like a temptress!

I really didn't pay attention when they were doing my face as I had the talent to drift off my thoughts even when I was wide awake and now here I was regretting not doing so.

I wanted to change. I looked like I was ready to conquer the king when it was the farthest thing I wished for. However, it was already time for the party. I'd rather go in early than became a center of attention coming late again.

Willow was not here and I had no desire to become a spectacle. I eyed my appearance, glaring at it once more before inhaling deeply to compose myself.

One of the maidservants opened the door and Reid was at the opposite end of the hallway. He had his arms crossed as he leaned on the wall. He raised his head and his eyes almost bulged out seeing me. 

I could fully relate as it was my initial reaction too after I saw myself.

He cleared his throat after swallowing several gulps then bowed. "Greetings, Princess. Let me guide the way to the Great Hall."

I nodded and followed him along.

***

Reid was in front of me as we walked. Regular circumstances actually didn't allow them to do so as a knight should always be behind their master to guard them but since I was just a guest in their kingdom, he had the right to be in the lead.

Despite that, he kept looking back at me.

"What is it?" I called him out after I caught him glancing again.

"Nothing, Princess," he replied right away.

"You act like a creep and your neck must've ached from all the turning you did. If you want to say something, say it."

I strode right beside him. I was already in a foul mood due to my appearance and his actions didn't help either.

"In my humblest opinion, your highness. I can't believe you can look so different from this morning. Women undeniably do change with a make-over. You almost took away my breath, Princess. There was no doubt you deserve the title of the Jewel of Ezriel," he answered, still looking ahead.