42

42- DANIELLE

Two days after the party I received a formal letter coming from the inner palace regarding all the rules that I must observe before completely putting myself in the presence of the crowd or the media. It was a very detailed instruction that one cannot ignore. Together with this letter is the set of new things for me to use during the events. We were each given a new set of laptops and phones to use. One that is secure and can directly contact anyone in the kingdom, including the prince.

The instruction says that we have to use the new cellphones to make sure to communicate with the prince when we can since there will be scenes in the future that requires us to show a little part of our day-to-day conversation with the prince. Prince Luke is of course informed of this little situation and agreed to participate as long as we don’t hinder his work by texting or calling him too much.

The ladies assigned to me are still skeptical about what I told them to do days ago. They are still acting like how any lady maids would in front of their mistresses and I have to keep on assuring them that it's okay if I do some of my chores on my own. They just won’t allow me from time to time and it's kind of bumming me out.

Today I was requested to visit the Royal Regents chamber in secret so my lady maids had to make sure that I dress just like them as they were instructed to make sure that I reach the regent's place, unspotted.

Lalita was the one accompanying me as my other ladies remain so to avoid suspicion. This is just so perfect, right? I’m already doing suspicious things on my second day. I should be afraid of what I’m doing right now but here I am traveling together with Lalita in a maid’s dress and a fake mole on my left side cheek.

It is about after lunchtime inside the inner palace, and many should be resting right now. Some officials may have gone back to their respective places to do their own businesses, so I am hoping that no one really catches both me and Lalita sneaking inside the inner palace.

I walked silently behind Lalita as we were able to enter the inner palace without anyone stopping us along the way. It has been days since I moved out of this place. Nothing has changed since I left this place and I never thought I’d be back here so soon. There is a part of me that wonders why the Royal Regent wishes to see me, especially when all eyes are curious to every lady that is joining the choosing ceremony.

Lalita and I halted in front of the Royal Regents chambers, we were welcomed by her highness’ lady maids and I had to firmly shake my head to stop them from bowing in front of me. I was still dressed the same as them and It would be weird if others would see them bowing to another lady maid.

They led me inside and instructed Lalita to wait for me outside. I was hesitant to leave her behind but Lalita assured me that everything should be fine.

I followed the lady maid to the royal regents' office and there she asked me to wait patiently while her highness prepares.

I look around the room and it’s a little dull than what the royal regent would prefer. I may have only known her personally for weeks but this is usually not her theme. She loves color so much that sometimes she’s blinding.

The doors finally opened and there appeared her highness. I lowered myself in her presence and raised my head as I greet her.

“Greetings your highness. You have called for me?” She smiled in return and walks in front of me so as to look me in the eye.

“I wanted to see how you were doing” She held my hands and squeezes as she pulls me towards the couches and offers that we both sit. I followed her and with her hand still holding mine, she led me to sit beside her. I shouldn’t be seen being cozy with the Royal Regent like this but with the way her highness is holding me, I just can’t let go.

“Well, I am doing just fine your highness. The people assigned to my care are kind and helpful to me.” I politely answered.

“Yes, I personally selected those ladies to help you and be with you until the end. I trust that they are the best choices for you.” She smiled from ear to ear, like how she always does. “Now child we have something very important to discuss.” She then led me to sit on the couch so we can talk more comfortably. My heart started beating fast after what she said, I admit I’m a little scared and a little worried. The last time this happened, everything about my whole existence changed.

“So earlier today, a very young lady visited me to grant her the chance of serving you. She wanted to support you until the end and I have read her resume and she seems to be a great fit to join your ladies.” Another lady to serve me when I already have enough. I don’t mind someone joining my ladies but I don’t want to look like I’m someone who needs more than I already have.

“Your highness, as much as I appreciate someone wanting to support and help me during the events, I don’t really think I need another lady at my service. I already have enough and I don’t want to appear like I’m someone who can’t do things on her own.” I explained myself to her highness and made sure to politely tell her that I don’t need another lady to serve me.

The former Queen only smiled at my words but she didn’t look like she agreed with me either.

“I ask that you keep an open mind about this matter.” She raises her hand to order someone behind us and when I look to see what was happening, the maids have let another person in the room. Her head was lowered and she was wearing a formal dress suit and black pointed shoes.

She pauses in front of us and that’s when she bowed to greet the regent and then she finally raised her head. I gasped in surprise but I have to hold back and squint my eyes a few times just to make sure that my eyes weren’t playing tricks with me. When I was sure that what I am seeing is real, I almost jump in excitement and hugged the person in front of me. Completely forgot the fact that the regent is with me.

“Oh my god, you are here! You are real!” I inhaled her familiar scent and when she finally laugh at my words, I was positive I wasn’t dreaming.

Lori is here and she is with me. Lori wraps her hand on my back to hug me for a moment we both just squeezed each other to the bones. I didn’t know when was the last time we hugged each other like this. I truly missed her and now she is really here.

“What are you doing here? Why are you dressed like that? Where have you been?! Oh my God, I can’t believe you are here!!!” I feel like I wasn’t able to contain myself and that I asked too many questions all at the same time that it made Lori, speechless.

The Royal Regent couldn’t help but laugh at my reaction. Lori could only smile but I saw the excitement in her eyes as she squeezes my hand.

“Days before the actual event, I asked her mother to bring young Lori to me and personally asked her to become your assistant during the events. She knows you best and there is no better option than her.” The royal regent Czarina smiles proudly before speaking again. “Fortunately, she agreed and now she is here, trained and tasked to take care of you for life.” I looked at Lori and I am supposed to be happy with this news but flashbacks of when we were younger flew inside my head and I remember clearly how we both talk about our dreams and what we wished we would become.

As much as I know Lori, she loved her job, and being an assistant is not something she would do. So I am curious as to why or what made her do this?

And just like always, she knew exactly what I was thinking the moment she saw my reaction. She then gave me a small smile before speaking.

“I am not here to give up on my dream, I am here to help you and at the same time, make my dream more possible. I of course asked the Queen and the Royal Regents permission, and they both allowed me without question. So, you need to stop that look on your face and cheer up. I told you I would never allow you to be alone again, remember?” Lori genuinely smiles in front of me and I remembered how she promised me the same sentence back when we were just toddlers.

I would have asked her not to do this for my sake but I also know that I desperately need her right now and God only knows she keeps me sane.

“Young Lori can still do what she loves the most and I offered her a job that will conveniently help her succeed with what she wants the most. I know that as long as it is her. You will feel much comfortable within the walls.” The royal regent assures me.

I was worried that Lori must be doing this for my sake but looking at her now and seeing that she’s confident with what she decided to do. I can only support her just like how she wants to support me.

“Since everything has been decided, I could only be grateful to you now your highness” I bow my head sincerely. I am happy Lori is here and I don’t want the regent to think that I am not grateful for things she has given me. Among the ladies that are about to enter the inner court, I am one that she favors most. I know that because she made me feel that. In return, I want to make her feel that I am satisfied with everything that she’s giving me. Including this opportunity, she’s giving for me and Lori.

Eventually, Lori and I excused ourselves so that we can return to my chamber. Just like how we got inside, we also need to go out the same way. Fortunately, no one seemed to mind our presence since every official we encountered would just pass us by or glare at us.

We reached my place and my ladies bowed in front of me as soon as I stepped inside the room.

“Everyone, I want you all to meet Lori, she will be working together with Lalita and just like what I told you before, I don’t care about backgrounds or standing. I only care that you are here and helping each other live a life that’s easy and fulfilling. In addition, she is my best friend and so, she knows me better than anyone else. I hope that you all accept her the same way I accepted you all.”

I said to my ladies as they look at Lori curious. I did tell them that we are all equal and so it is only necessary that I introduce Lori to them and ask them politely to accept her as part of our team now.

After all, we are all going to work for a much longer time now so it is only appropriate that we all get along and accept each other while we can.

Lori of course introduced herself to everyone first while I excused myself so that I could change into something that’s comfortable. I left the ladies so they could bond while I think of ways to make sure that I don’t get them into any sort of trouble. Their safety is in my hands now and since Lori joined the team, I have to be extra careful from now on. As her friend, I want to also help her get to where she wants to be.

“My lady, permission to enter your room?” I rushed to the door after hearing her voice. Lori’s voice is like an imprint situated inside my head. I opened the door to find out that I was right and there she was smiling from ear to ear. I let her in, in excitement, I almost slammed the door shut.

We immediately hugged each other and since we couldn’t squeal in front of the regent earlier, we did it inside my room where I know no one else could hear and judge us for acting like teenage girls.

“I still can’t believe you are here.” Both Lori and I are now looking at each other as we sat on my bed like how we used to do back when we were younger.

“Well, you better do so or you might not get used to seeing me every day from now on.” She smiles in front of me and I recognize that sassy attitude even when I’m asleep.

“I am really happy that you are. The last time we talked, you told me that you were chasing a story, so I didn’t dare to bother you. But since you are here, we have a lot of catching up to do.” I squeezed her hand since I will need strength to explain to her the things that happened while we weren’t talking.

Lori first updated me with the things that happened to her while she was chasing a story and her encounters with Master Drey. I might need to talk to him as well since I have a feeling that his encounter with my best friend has something malicious written all over it. Right after that, I told her everything that happened with me while I was preparing for the events and of course everything that occurred between me and the prince. I did exclude some events, but I told her enough news to make her understand the situation I was in.

“So Lady snooty-head is after you.” Lori nods her head like she understands something that I don’t. in case you are wondering who is Lady snooty-head, well it's Lady Isabelle. Lori chose to call her that since according to her, she’s just another spoiled rich lady who can’t handle the fact that she’s basically nothing. “I am not so surprised with her acting that way towards you. She’s hanging on a cliff and you’re the only one who is holding her belt. In a way, whether she succeeds in this life or not will depend on you. With you in the picture, the life that she was supposed to have is now growing dimmer by the second. She’s desperate and you’re the one winning.” She smiles even more.

“My decision to go here wasn’t so bad after all. The story I was chasing led me to this place Elle, I thought I hit a wall but now…” she looks at me with contempt in her eyes. “ You…you just opened a door for me to come into.”

I never saw Lori this driven before. She looks like she just opened a pandora’s box and I’m the one who gave it to her. I know I should be happy for her to find something so intriguing to work on but the looks she’s giving me right now are worrying me. I don’t want to see her putting herself in trouble while she’s inside the palace. I have to protect her at some point and right now, I don’t have enough power to do that.

I just hope that whatever it is that’s running inside her head, is enough to make her feel like she could still be the person she wants to be while being in here. Because everyone knows that as long as you work inside the palace, things get a little crazy once you stray away from what you truly want to be.