Chapter 271: The Gathering
Natalie~
The king was up to something. I could feel it in the way the air seemed to hum with quiet secrets, wrapping around the palace walls like an invisible fog. It wasn’t just a passing thought – it was a certainty thrumming deep in my bones, and Jasmine growled in agreement from where she paced restlessly inside me.
I followed the two women out of Zane’s suite, my bare feet padding softly against the marble floor. As I walked behind them, I couldn’t stop the quiet smile spreading across my face. Inside, I felt so light and warm, almost giddy, because Zane wasn’t angry at me or sad anymore. We’d cleared up the secret between us, and knowing that he still loved me, needed me, and wasn’t hurting because of me made my heart soar like I’d grown wings. The women walked briskly ahead, their matching navy uniforms swishing with each step, their hair tied in neat buns that bobbed slightly. Every few seconds, one would glance back to make sure I was still following them, as if I might slip away like a shadow.
When we reached my room, they opened the heavy carved doors and ushered me inside like I was some royal guest. Honestly, it still felt strange seeing my name engraved on the golden plaque outside. Princess Natalie. The words sent a weird flutter down my chest every time.
"Your Highness," one of the women said, bowing low. "Please allow us to prepare you for today’s royal gathering."
"Royal gathering?" I echoed, blinking in confusion. My voice sounded too casual for the silk-draped room. "What for?"
"We do not know, Your Highness," the second woman replied, her face smooth like polished stone. "But His Majesty specifically requested this gown for you."
She gestured towards the massive dressing mannequin by the window, and my mouth almost fell open. Draped elegantly over its white torso was the largest, puffiest gown I’d ever seen. The bodice sparkled with silver threads woven into delicate vines, and the skirt billowed out like a giant marshmallow cloud, layered with embroidered chiffon petals.
"Uh..." I scratched the back of my neck. "That’s...um...beautiful."
"Beautifully torturous," Jasmine growled in my head. "How do they expect us to fight in that thing?"
"We’re not fighting anyone," I told her as the women began to unbutton my robe. "It’s just a gathering."