Illyria's mind was pulled from daydreaming at the sight of the reception ahead of her. Behind her, in an intricately decorated carriage, Princess Maleea of Dasvrochi sat comfortably atop a pile of furs, surrounded by her ladies in waiting. Illyria, also one of her attendants, travelled ahead on horseback.
The men that traveled with them seemed to be just as impressed, whispering among each other like school children. Back home, such luxury would have been frowned upon on the best of days. Groups of people in beautifully crafted clothes stood waiting expectantly, stealing looks at the carriage in the hopes of catching a sight of their new Princess to be.
They came to a stand still and someone promptly took the reins of her horse. She dismounted and grabbed the stable boy's arm before her could escape.
"Give him some honeyed water, would you? It's been a long journey" she said as she patted the animal's neck. Weeks at sea and another two on the road had left everyone feeling weary, especially the animals.
Illyria felt as if all of them stood out from the royal beauty of Metaschi. She wore one of her best tunics, trimmed in a beautiful sapphire color that matched her dark brown hair and even darker eyes. But here in the middle of such wealth, she felt completely displaced.
Illy had been selected as a handmaid to the princess two years before, when she was only 18. Defiant to the bone on marriage, her mother and father had resigned themselves to providing the best possible option for an 18 year old woman that did not wish to be married. The other attendants to the princess were much younger, the oldest a mere 17, all with sparkling eyes and hopes of finding a husband from Metaschi. Illy, without really asking for it, seemed to have been put in charge of all the younger ones.
She turned to them now as they helped the princess from the carriage. Maleea had beautiful waist length blonde hair, a rare appearance for a Dasvrochian. Most had tan skin and dark hair, like Illyria. The princess had beautiful green eyes, and wore a golden gown adorned with hundreds of small gems. She truly looked worthy of a God. If only she had the temper to match it, Illyria thought sadly.
Gasps ensued as the procession marched forward, Maleea at the front escorted by her ladies. Before too much gossip could ensue they were shown to their quarters, beautifully decorated in Metaschi colors and emblems. As soon as instructions had been given for dinner and they had been left alone, Maleea's smile dropped and the handmaids looked sullen.
"Well he must be very rich, at least" Maleea said with an eye roll. She walked around touching everything as if to prove its quality.
"I hear he is very handsome as well, my lady. I am sure you will make a spectacular couple. Just imagine, everyone will want to be you!" one of the younger girls said.
Maleea looked at her and grunted dismissively.
"Whatever the case, get me out of these clothes. Annalise, read to me. Something less boring than usual. Marta, do my hair. Properly this time, if you don't mind" she waved at the two girls who set to their tasks.
A few hours went by as the women acquainted themselves with the quarters, delighting in the fragrances found inside the small drawers and chests. Maleea motioned for Illyria to come closer.
"I was told to let them know when we're ready. Go inform the master of ceremonies, would you" she said as she applied rouge to her cheeks. Illyria nodded and walked to the other room, adjusting her very unimpressive dress and hair. It also fell above her waist, but it was much curlier than Maleea's beautiful locks.
She walked through the corridors, following the directions given to her by a kitchenmaid but getting extremely lost in the process. An opulent looking door stood before her and she knocked, almost falling backwards when she was greeted by Prince Polkos face.
"Holy sh--" she said as she took a step backwards, and then remembered to finally curtsy and take a deep bow.
"Your highness, I very much apologize. I was told to find the Master of Ceremonies and I got lost." with her head bowed, she walked backwards until she hit the wall and cursed under her breath. She scurried away quickly, her face flushing. Hopefully Maleea would not hear of this.
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They walked into the hall, Maleea shining like a million stars at the front followed by the handmaids, Illyria at the back. Music stopped and people gasped as she walked past and was led to the top of the room to a massive wooden chair carved with rubies and emeralds. She sat down and offered a smile. Illyria and the handmaids sat to the side, near one of the further walls. Whatever they did, they wouldn't be noticed tonight. Not with Maleea shining her light all over the hall.