-Prior-
Prior was still asleep when someone knocked on her door.
She startled awake and wondered who could possibly want something from her so early. She looked at the clock. It was only eight o'clock.
There was another knock. This time a little more impatient.
Prior got up and opened the door just a crack. She was, of course, still in her pajamas, her hair sticking out in every direction, and sleep was surely still clearly written all over her face.
"Aren't you going to let me in?" she heard the queen's voice say.
Prior froze in shock. Looking the way she did, she absolutely did not want the queen to see her. But what choice did she have? She obviously could not refuse to let her in.
She opened the door, and the queen stepped inside.
"I seem to have woken you," she said as she sat down.
Prior wondered what the queen wanted from her so early in the morning. At first, she simply stood there, feeling the queen's eyes examining her. Then her gaze fell on the unmade bed, and she quickly started fixing it.
"I thought I would come by to discuss today's schedule with you."
Prior said nothing in response.
"It's so dark in here. Could you open the curtains?" the queen asked.
Prior walked over to the window and pulled the curtains aside. The light still hurt her eyes.
"Good. Have a seat," the queen said.
Prior sat down across from her and could feel the queen's gaze resting on her.
"Hm," the queen hummed. "I hadn't thought about nightwear. I'll have something commissioned at Damant."
Prior closed her eyes briefly. She had actually thought things were slowly improving with the queen.
"I didn't expect visitors this early. I was still asleep. Please forgive me," she said.
"The royal family does not have time for laziness either."
Hadn't Kashion told her they always had breakfast around nine? Then why was she already here now?
"I thought it best to come before breakfast so we wouldn't lose too much time."
So that was it. Prior nodded slightly.
"After breakfast, I'll come pick you up, and we'll go straight to the hairdresser. Afterward, Damant will come with the dress for tomorrow's fitting."
Prior simply nodded again.
"Then I'll also show you the fitness room."
She had almost forgotten about that.
"Can you dance?"
"A little," Prior replied.
The queen laughed dryly. "That's what I thought. It's expected that tomorrow you and Kashion will perform the opening dance."
Prior startled and looked at the queen. Her hands became damp. "Surely it wouldn't be too bad if he danced with someone else—"
"Absolutely not," the queen interrupted her. "He can only dance with you, and it has to look respectable. All the representatives of the other countries will be present. We cannot make fools of ourselves."
It all sounded terrible. Being at Kashion's side truly came at a very high price. She desperately tried to think of some kind of way out or excuse.
"Don't worry," the queen suddenly said in a warmer tone. Then she laughed again. "You look as though you're being led to an execution. It's not like that. You'll get used to events like these. And our dance instructor is very good. Besides, Kashion is an excellent dancer and can make up for your shortcomings."
Prior smiled weakly. Maybe she really could manage it. After all, she only had to dance with Kashion. Though somehow, that almost made her even more nervous.
It sounded like a very full day. But the queen was still not finished.
"We should also find you a lady's maid as soon as possible. I invited three possible candidates. They'll stop by this afternoon, and then you can see who you get along with best."
A maid? It sounded so unreal. She surely would not need one. But the thought that the queen would let her choose gave her courage.
"Do I really need a maid? Until now, I never had—"
"Absolutely!" the queen said firmly. "You'll have more and more appointments. You need someone to help you with your schedule. Someone to go through the news with you. And of course, someone to help with your appearance."
"Appointments?" Prior asked.
"But of course. This evening I'll also send someone to teach you a little more about the history and politics of our country. It won't be a one-time thing. After all, you were already in service to a princess and should have at least some understanding of general court etiquette."
Prior nodded. "I do." The last part about lessons did not even sound bad. That would actually interest her.
"You may not be able to see Kashion as often in the near future as you would like. But that is also a sacrifice one must make as the wife of a ruler," the queen explained, as though she had read her thoughts.
"I'll do my best to learn everything," Prior said.
The queen smiled now. "Good. With a little effort, we'll manage all of this." Then she paused and added, "Once you are married, you'll automatically be able to spend more time together."
At the thought, Prior felt heat rise into her face. She hoped the queen did not notice.
But the queen laughed again. "Oh, child. You don't need to be embarrassed by that thought. Naturally, the path you've chosen will lead to a wedding. And judging by the way you were admiring him yesterday, that surely isn't an unpleasant thought."
"Admiring him?" was all Prior could manage to say.
The queen wore a broad grin. In some ways, she even reminded Prior a little of Kashion. "That's nothing bad. Anyone can understand why you feel that way about him." Then the queen stood up, and Prior quickly did the same.
"I'm going to have breakfast with the king now. Make sure you eat something too and freshen yourself up. I'll come pick you up by ten at the latest."
Prior escorted her to the door and then said goodbye. She sat down on her bed and sighed.
Then she ordered something from the kitchen and went into the bathroom to freshen up.
-Kashion-
Kashion sat in his room together with Oren, the palace administrator, and the head chef. They were discussing the menu for the farewell banquet as well as the seating arrangement.
He had to grin slightly. This time Prior would be sitting at his side. He would not have to watch her across tables anymore.
They also discussed the decorations and music selection.
Once everything had been settled, Kashion and Oren remained alone.
Later, Kashion still wanted to prepare a short speech with Oren.
They also intended to go over the reactions to the interview.
Then Kashion remembered something else he had planned.
"Oren," he said. "I need Professor Nara and Wanyi with me this afternoon. Can you arrange an appointment with both of them?"
Oren nodded. "No problem."
Then Oren asked, "Nothing planned with Prior today?"
Kashion sighed. "My mother told me she already planned out Prior's entire day. From morning until evening. Unfortunately, I don't stand a chance."
"Do you think they'll get along?"
Kashion laughed lightly. "I don't think it will take long before my mother truly takes Prior into her heart. Prior is intelligent and ambitious. I'm sure she'll adapt quickly to life here in the palace as well."
Oren nodded. Then he laughed. "At least I don't have to play Cheqi with you anymore."
Kashion laughed too.
Then Kashion took his messenger and wrote Prior a message. If he could not see her, then at least he wanted to hear from her.
"FoxPriority, thank you for enduring today. I'm busy as well, but I keep thinking about you. At the latest, we'll see each other tomorrow and can spend lots of time together. I'm looking forward to it."
-Prior-
Prior read Kashion's message. She could not really say she was looking forward to the next day. The thought of all those people and the dancing simply made her uncomfortable.
"kashion233 I had no idea it required this much work to be the woman at your side. Do you really think it's worth it?" she replied. She had to grin while writing it and wondered what he would answer.
-Kashion-
Kashion read her answer and at first became nervous. She still did not feel completely comfortable. That would surely take time. But then he smiled and replied:
"I told you already that I would exceed your expectations. Just wait and see. You'll realize there is no better place for you than at my side."
-Prior-
Prior took a sip of coffee. She laughed when she read Kashion's reply. She hoped he was right.
She thought about the answers he had given the reporters. She had overcome difficulties and refused to let herself be defeated. She nodded. She would survive this day too and prove to the others that she should not be underestimated.
It was not the life she had imagined for herself. But now it was here, and she would make the best of it.