Chapter 76: The Lady Of The Castle
"All is done. You are all ready for the dinner, Your Highness."
Bella took a step away from the princess, admiring the results of her meticulous efforts and assessing if her lady’s appearance was still in need of any adjustments. However, just as always, Aideen’s appearance only stunned her even more and the maid had to admit that the young woman would look fantastic in absolutely anything because it was her innate beauty and charm that made her overshadow the beauty of anyone she had chance to meet during her life.
"I am so nervous, I don’t know what to do with myself."
Aideen offered Bella a timid, even scared look which made the latter release a somewhat disapproving sigh. Shaking her head, she stood right in front of the princess, gently took her hands in hers, and tried to provide her with some kind of consolation,
"You shouldn’t be, My Lady. These are just regular people like me or Safie; simple and warm. And since they like and respect our lord, they will treat you with the same level of regard."
Although the woman’s words indeed succeeded in soothing her trembling heart, Aideen still could not help but feel insecure.
"Thank you, Bella, but it seems that my entire being has no means to fight it. I have never hosted any kind of event, you see. I’m afraid they will see it and be disappointed with me. I certainly don’t want to taint His Grace’s reputation."
"You are giving these men too much credit, Your Highness. It is true that His Grace considers them his friends but it is simply because he has known them all his life. But it is all the same––they are not nobles and whatever they think does not affect anything."
The princess lowered her head, mulling over Bella’s words. The maid was not wrong––in the Capital, the distinction between the nobles and peasants was too noticeable and the opinions of the latter never mattered.