I laughed. “Oh my God, I’m so bad with this stuff. Today was all about how to take proper bites like a—”
“Lady,” she said with a laugh, speaking in Oscar’s posh London accent. “Oh, I know.”
“I’m trying not to mess up, but it’s so funny the way Oscar’s nostrils flare whenever he’s upset.”
“Or the way Giselle opens and closes her hands like this.” She held her hand up, making a fist by curling in one finger at a time, then opening her fist the same way.
We laughed together.
“Yes, exactly like that!” I said.
When we had a chance to catch our breath, Kinley gestured toward the clothes rack next to her.
“I know you have a million things on your mind, but there is something important you and I need to discuss.”
“Is that for me?”
“It is. And… well, why don’t we go into your chambers and talk?”
I opened the door and let her in, Kinley pushing the dress rack in front of her. Once we were inside and the door was shut, Kinley she closed her eyes and let out a sigh.
“So, here’s the deal. I’m going to show you your dress for the Harvest Ball. This was something I made per your father’s instructions. The king has seen it and has decided that it would be perfect for his daughter.”
She held up her hands. “It’s not your style at all. But bear with me. And don’t feel bad about telling me what you think, I can take it.”
With that, she opened the bag, a flash of pink fabric catching my eye. I watched with disbelief as she slipped the dress from the bag, hanging it up against the rack to let me get a good look at it.
“That’sthe dress?” I asked. “It’s so…pink.”
It was the understatement of the century. The dress was designed with a full skirt, long sleeves, a square neckline and lots and lots of lace. It was hard to even see how a woman could wear it without getting lost in the thing.
“Powder pink, to be exact,” Kinley said. “It was, ah, made to your father’s specifications, like I said. Believe it or not, this was one of my more understated pieces at one point.”
I stepped over to the dress, putting my hand on it and slowly dragging my fingers over the fabric.
“I mean, it’s nice, don’t get me wrong. I’m not exactly a fabric and design girl, but even I can tell it’s well made. Still…”
“Still…” Kinley echoed with a smile that let me know she was on the same page. “It’s a little much.”
“It’s a little much,” I agreed. “I don’t think I’ve ever worn anything this girly in my life.”
“Your father is very traditional about such things,” Kinley said. “And he took me aside to make sure that your body art, as he called it, wouldn’t be visible.”
“Of course. God forbid my true self be seen.”
Kinley pursed her lips, making it clear that she empathized with me.
“I know this is one more out-of-your-element thing on top of so many others. But I’m confident that with a little work, we can come up with something that you’ll lookandfeel great in. That’s my job, after all.”
I couldn’t help but smile at her positive attitude.
“Alright. Let’s try it on.”
I stepped behind the dressing partition and changed, Kinley helping me into the dress and keeping me abreast of all the new gossip from the serving staff. She was wonderful, knowing just how to keep my spirits up.
“Princess, forgive me if I’m stepping out of line, but you seem a bit distracted. Is… everything alright?”
The answer was no. But how the hell was I supposed to talk about it with anyone? I glanced over at Kinley as she moved about, checking over the dress. The warm look in her eyes let me know that she was someone I could trust.