Chapter 58: A perfectly flawed plan
Lyra gave a soft and indignant "Meow!" to Cassian and quickly ducked back into the pocket.
As he reached the entrance to the princess’s chambers, he smoothed out his coat, tucking Lyra’s little face fully out of sight. The princess’s personal maid, Lora, was already waiting, her hands full of fabrics and accessories.
"Cassian, there you are," Lora remarked with a kind but frustrated smile. "You are just in time. As usual, the princess is attempting to decide between too many possibilities.
They reached the princess’s private chambers, where she was looking intently at her reflection in an elegant mirror, surrounded by an array of extravagant clothes and jewelry.
"Ah! Cassian!" "Exactly what I needed," the princess murmured, turning to him with a teasing smile. "Come, help me choose. Which of these would make me seem... most intimidating?"
Cassian raised an eyebrow, smiling as he looked over the gowns. "Intimidating, Your Highness? Surely a princess’s beauty doesn’t need to frighten anyone off."
The princess chuckled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "It happens tonight. Mother is set on this marriage, and I’ll need to convince him that the prince thinks he’s picked the wrong princess completely." She lifted a gown with excessive decorations and vibrant colors. "Perhaps this one?"
Lora said, "That one would certainly make a statement, Your Highness."
The princess chuckled, but her expression included a tinge of nervousness. Cassian noticed it and took a step closer, smiling gently.