A knock at the door startled her, and she hurried to answer it. A young man in a very formal suit greeted her.
“My Lady Azura. I’m to inform you that Master Martin has been found, and he is safe and well, currently headed to the dining area for breakfast.”
“Thank you very much,” she said, her voice heavy with relief. “Tell him I’ll be there soon.”
“My Lady,” he said, bowing. She watched, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
It’s not like I’m used to people bowing to me.
The young man hurried away, and Azura headed back inside to finish her coffee. She was in no hurry to face Martin. For a while longer, she looked out over the town, feeling more content by the minute.
I think I could get used to this.
She took her time choosing her clothes, ending up in a dark blue gown of soft fabric with a scoop neck, long sleeves, and flowing skirts. The staff had brought only dresses for her, and she wondered if it was custom or if she was allowed to wear pants.
If I’m the lady of the house, I should be able to wear whatever the hell I want.
She sat in front of the mirror at the dresser, pinning her hair back with some beautiful clips that looked like butterflies. The bench was covered in small jars of different colors, and she figured out that they were moisturizer, lip balm, and eye shadow. All of them had a luxurious, silky texture and soft colors that complimented her perfectly.
Azura stood and eyed herself. She definitely looked like a ‘lady,’ and it was a completely new feeling.
This may be the first time in years I’ve felt well-rested, comfortable, confident, and pretty, all at the same time.
Her face hardened. There was nothing left to do.
Right. Time to find Martin.
She headed out the door, not feeling lost by the long hallways and high ceilings like she had when she first saw the palace.
These truly are halls for striding down in long swishy skirts, just like a fair lady in a fantasy tale.
When Azura reached the dining room, her nerves returned. Her stomach fluttered uncomfortably as she tried to control her anger. She was talking herself into opening the door when there was a soft touch on her shoulder.
“Onyx,” she breathed, relieved. He gave her a quick hug.
“They told me you’d be here. Let’s go and deal with that troublemaker of ours, shall we?”
Azura nodded, feeling more confident by the second. Just hearing Onyx sayoursmade her heart swell with love for him.
We’re together. It’s our problem, not just mine.
They entered the dining room together and saw Martin at the end of the table, shoveling pancakes into his mouth. Azura kept up her sure stride, straightening her back.
Feeling like a queen certainly makes me walk like one.
Martin looked up, scowled at her, then went back to his food. She held her temper in check as she sat down beside him.
What is his fucking problem?
“Martin, are you okay? No one could find you this morning.”
Martin shrugged. “I was around.”
Even though a retort was blistering her tongue, Azura held on to it.
“I was worried about you.”
Martin shrugged again. “Okay.”