Chapter 44

After having a good day driving Eleanor and the other seamstresses halfway to insanity, Amourora finally left to dinner with a satisfied smile. She could swear Eleanor looked like she wanted to commit suicide using a thread right then and there out of frustration. It's actually impressive she lasted that long with annoying Amourora, the look of relief on her face when Amourora was called to dinner was priceless!

'Poor woman must have been traumatized. Sorry, Eleanor. ' Amourora secretly laughed, feeling a little guilty. Turns out, she didn't have to run around to cause chaos, sitting on a comfy chair and letting her mouth do its job worked just as well.

"how was your day?" The emperor asked, he received a dozen complaint letters from the kitchen yesterday, and hopefully, nothing got destroyed today.

"it went well." Amourora smiled sweetly. "Eleanor taught me how to embroider some flowers today, she said I did well."

The triplets in the background stifled a smile remembering the contorted smile on Eleanor's face. Poor old lady didn't know to laugh or cry at the princess' actions. They could almost see her will to live draining out of her!

" how about you, daddy? How did your day go?"

"well, I read your letter." he chuckled, shocking and dazzling everyone with his rarely shown charming smiles. "I have to say, it's very clever. I ordered them to be framed and placed on my office."

"well, I'm glad you liked it." she gave a cheeky smile. "does that mean I'm forgiven?"

"... Yes."

"so you're not angry with me anymore?"

"yes."

"and I can go to the tea party?"

"no."

"awe...would a gift change your mind?"

"isn't that considered bribery?"

"not when it's from your sweet and loving daughter!" she bat her eyelashes and held her hands cutely.

Everyone smiled at the funny and warm father-daughter exchange. Dinner continued harmoniously.

*****

'Maylea...?'Amourora was starting to wonder if what happened was all an illusion. Maylea had been asleep for quite a while now, she took her everywhere she went, but all she could hear are snoring sounds. Maybe it's all in her head?

"your highness, would you like me to brew some Chamomile tea?"

" I'm not having trouble sleeping." Amourora dismissed everyone, "you are free to go."

She decided to leave Maylea's matter in the back of her head and focus on something else instead, but there were many of things to worry about, and loosing the opportunity to attend the special social gathering and expanding her network, she didn't know what to do next.

All her thoughts were running on a spiral in her head, and she's not sure where to start, so she went to the only place she could relax without people bothering her every two seconds. Her luxurious closet.

Her closet is the definition of dream closet, two stories overflowing of organized splendid clothes and shoes, display tables and drawers full of glamorous ornaments, couches and cushions on every corner, ceiling-length mirrors everywhere, and most importantly, no one can bother her here.

Even she did it dozens of times before, she would never get tired of admiring the perfect stitches and glamorous jewelry in every dress, shoe, and accessory. These ballet flats and cloaks are a tribute from the Cloud kingdom. Simple but comfortable. This dress is a present from Edward from her last birthday, it looked like a white carnation flower with red tips. Cute and light whith cool fabric perfect for summer. Oh! This emerald hair accessories are from her aunt. They matched well for a green walking dress.

Last time...didn't she discover a secret room? No. She should leave it alone, she has plenty of things to think about as it is. She lied down on her favorite soft cushion.

'what shall I do next... ?'

Maybe start with her family? They were smiling at dinner today, but let's face it. Her parents don't talk. Her aunt and mother are mortal enemies. Her brothers are as opposite as water and flame, and even if both like Edward, he is most likely busy with training even when he is around. Her uncle detached himself from the rest of the family, and the other one is had been avoiding his daughter ever since his wife's death. Lastly, Her cousin, having no parents around her, is desperately trying to fit in this royal family, unaware of the cracks in the relationships covered by a shiny curtain of diamonds and brocade.

Ugh. With her family like this, how can she even think of building her secret force and uniting all the noble ladies? She can't even unite her own family! She also can't forget her mother. She didn't look ill, just a little tired, but she knows that her health would keep deteriorating until her mysterious illness is no longer curable. She has to find a doctor quickly.