She is bathed, corseted, and forced into the tight torture dress. Her frizzy uncared-for hair is spruced up and styled into bouncy curls. By the time all this is done and finished, Amaya is beyond weary.
The tightness of the dress induces her to struggle with everything while in it. Breathing appropriately is a problem, and she also has an issue with conversing. The crinoline used under the dress is so big that it causes Amaya to wonder how she can juggle her way through this thick dress. She was wrong when she assumed this peach dress was modest. After it was styled and put on the crinoline, she admitted it isn't as simple as she had thought.
"Wendy" Amaya whispers after countless efforts to alter the dress into a more suitable and comfortable piece.
"Yes milady"
"I can't breathe" she complains, not being able to extend her voice above a whisper. "Can the corset be adjusted?"
"I don't know about that milady. The queen said to make the corset as tight as possible for the dress to fit properly"
"Of course." Amaya rolls her eyes regarding the absurdity of the statement.
Wendy proceeds in peeling off the veil from the huge mirror. According to them, a lady isn't supposed to peek in the mirror while being dressed. The rules of this place are just so insane.
One looked at the mirror and her mouth gaped. She knew she was going to look ravishing after all the efforts, but she didn't predict to look this stunning. Her hair has never looked healthier before. Her waist, God her waist appears thinner than a rake to the extent she fears the damage that can be caused.
"Here" Wendy stretches forth a small bottle to her. "It's for your leg" she further clarifies
Amaya accepts it from Wendy and gobbles the content without even inquiring what it was made of. This is because she is slowly beginning to trust them when she certainly shouldn't.
"Okay, what next?" Amaya asks.
"It's time to go to the ball," Wendy says to her.
"Ok then" it is here the nervousness she has been waving off, kicks in. She breathes in sharply before finally making it out of the door. Five of her maids are already standing outside. When they notice Amaya has emerged from her chambers, they all bow in one accord and proceed in leading the way while Amaya trail from behind.
As they reach the ballroom, the sounds of the lute, psaltery, and harps cause Amaya to quiver. This is something she isn't used to, and as the king's mate, she has an opportunity to be the lady of the night. She's sure Lucan has already announced to the entire kingdom that he has found a mate. It's just something Lucan is prone to do.
They get to the massive entrance door and she is about to open the door, but Wendy doesn't let her. She walks towards the door and opens it for Amaya instead.
The place is lively, with people conversing and music playing. All of them seem carried away, but as soon as Amaya grazes her feet on the hall ground, she steals their attention and they start staring at her. Although she attempts to keep her cool and walk elegantly as she was taught, that doesn't stop her paranoid self from bringing up thoughts of her tipping over.
After scouring for Lucan for over 2 minutes, she finally glimpses him, talking to one of the guards. She breathes in sharply before walking towards him while her 6 maids stalk her from behind. Before she can get to where he is, Lucan's eyes meet with hers and she notices how they darkened instantly. He is stunned beyond words at how beautiful she is, how different and innocent she looks. He leaves the guard and begins sauntering toward her with lust-filled eyes.
Her anxiety doubles as she watches him make his way toward her without taking a second to peel his eyes off hers.
"Milady," he lets out, takes her by the hand, and kisses it. Amaya can't help but flush at his gentleness. Still holding her hands, he takes her to the dance floor where few people danced, and Amaya notices how all of them scramble to make way for the king and his mate.
Lucan proceeds to slip his hand around her waist and heave her closer to himself. He holds her other hand and they begin to move to the melody of the music. "You look stunning" he complements and Amaya can't help but flush as she rests her head on his chest to hide her red cheeks.
"All this comes with a price. I can barely breathe" she complains which causes Lucan to furrow his eyebrows in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"The corset is killing me"
"Hmmm," he humphs, spinning her around. "It isn't supposed to be as tight as that," he says as she whirls to her initial position.
"Of course," Amaya says. It was the witch's idea to make sure she doesn't get enough air that day.
"I need to get some air" Amaya announces, but what she meant is; she wants to get off the dress as soon as possible.
Lucan doesn't let her go so quickly. He leans towards her neck and whispers. "Why?" in a strained voice.
"I'll be back" she assures him because he doesn't look like he will let her wander off anytime soon.
The sensual movements made by Lucan are already beginning to get to Amaya. His hot breath on her neck, his hand fastened around her waist, and the proximity the both of them shared. Amaya knows it will only take a matter of time before she loses herself and kisses him on his lips which is not so far from her reach.
She breaks off from his hands and without turning back, she walks away from the ballroom. Her maids try to follow her, but she stops them. For the first time, she should be given the chance of being left alone.
Amaya doesn't walk back to her room, rather she exists the hallway and walks to the palace garden. She searches for a secluded place and the moment her eyes glimpse one, she sighs in relief.
After gazing around to make sure she is the only one in the garden, she unzips her dress, undoes the corset, and flings it far away from where she stands. She then proceeds to lie bare-chested on the floor. Now she can breathe. Her rib cage is no longer subdued to torture.
After laying on the grassy floor for a while, she stands up and begins to dance around in circles, stretching her arms in the air with her eyes closed as the cool wind evades her body. All her ecstasy is cut short when she bumps into someone. It takes the last pinch of courage left in her to open her eyes, and when she does, a gasp escaped from her lips.
"Amaya?" He calls out, sending fire through her body with just his voice.
Amaya's mouth can't stop gaping at him. She recognizes him even though he is way different from his childhood self. He is the exact replica of his brother, but his black hair and blue eyes are what distinguish them. It takes Amaya a while after admiring the young man in front of her to realize she is bare-chested!
In embarrassment, she turns her back to him, swiftly and begins to wear her clothes. After steadying and adjusting herself, she swerves to look at the handsome man once more as her lips part to speak
"Frederick?"