Preparations

[Alessandra]

I gathered my skirts and walked down the palace halls, softly lit by the afternoon sun. Meeting with the girl, Diana, has made me anxious. I hope I won't come off as imposing or anything.

All of this feels so surreal. Like I'm drifting in a dream. Creator above, please give me the words and the composure while I speak with her.

It took a couple of minutes before I reached the suite. Mara accompanied me to the suite. Fear gripped me as I grasped the door handle.

"You don't have to be afraid, your Imperial Highness," Mara reassured me.

I nodded and smiled in response. I knocked on the door and waited. Noises were coming from the suite. It seemed chaotic in there. I tapped on the door again and asked, "Is everything alright?"

Silence, then a muffled reply, "Yes, I'll quickly open the door."

The door swung open, and standing before me was Samina. She looked disheveled- as if a hurricane had passed.

"Y-your Imperial Highness," She stuttered.

"What's going on in there?" I asked.

"Um, well, Diana's having difficulty changing," Samina answered.

"How many accessories do I have to wear?!" Came a muffled scream from within.

Samina and I glanced at each other before I said, "I'll just let myself in."

"I'm sorry, your Imperial Highness," She said.

"No, it's fine," I asked, "Where's Diana?"

"She's in the bedroom," Samina pointed.

I nodded and walked in that direction. I knocked first, then entered the room.

"Well, what's the problem here?" I asked upon entering.

"Your Imperial Highness!" Devia exclaimed as she bowed.

Diana did her best to do the same but failed impressively.

"You don't have to do that," I paused, "I just came here to check in on you; and potentially provide any assistance."

"W-well, some help would be appreciated?" Diana said hesitantly.

I nodded and walked over to her side. The dress she chose was too intricate. The brooch that held the straps of her bodice was nowhere to be found; her skirt was a mess, and some of its sewn-in beads were scattered all over the floor. I smirked in disbelief and amusement.

"How were you able to damage a Levelian gown?" I teased.

"I, well, it wasn't my intention, your Imperial Highness," Diana said timidly.

"It's my fault, your Imperial Highness," Devia continued, "I was careless. I apologize."

"There's nothing to apologize for, Devia," I reassured her.

"Now, let's get you out of this gown and into something simpler," I said.

Diana and Devia nodded as I accompanied them to the dressing room.

~o0o~

After some time, we got Diana into a much simpler but equally elegant dress. I chose a dark blue gown decorated with crystals arranged in a pattern that emulates a starry sky. The gown's "sleeves" were held in place by a brooch. The brooch had a golden flower at its center with smaller, delicately carved; crystal flowers at its sides. The ornament was my mother's, and it took inspiration from the Star of Va'Najla, a flower native to Stannavusch.

"This gown once belonged to my mother," I reminisced.

"It's quite beautiful, albeit rather stiff," She winced.

I chuckled and replied, "Stavanese gowns are traditionally like that. I added some adjustments for flexibility and a sprinkle of comfort."

"It's still rather uncomfortable, but thanks, I guess," Diana replied.

"Come now, we'll be having tea in the gardens," I beckoned them to follow as I exited the dressing room.

Thomas and Samina leaped from their seats as I entered the parlor.

I sighed; these youngsters are too formal in my presence. Is it the way I walk or the way I stand?

"At ease. There's no reason for all of you to be so formal," I assured.

"It's not that easy, your Imperial Highness," Samina replied.

"Why is that?"

"Well, you could be quite intimidating," She replied.

I thought about it and wondered how a frail woman like me could look intimidating.

"Is it the way I look?" I asked.

"That and how you carry yourself," Thomas spoke up.

"Expound, please."

"There's an air around you that makes you seem unapproachable," He answered.

I scoffed and replied, "I've known you both since the day you were born. You've also grown alongside my children, and I've technically raised both of you. If you're feeling any apprehension due to the events that have occurred, then know that I harbor no ill feelings toward the both of you."

"That's quite reassuring, your Imperial Highness. Thank you," Sam replied.

Thomas nodded and said, "We felt we did you a great disservice by not informing you or anyone of the situation."

"It's all water under the bridge. I'm glad that we could settle this here," I replied.

"By the way, where's Diana?" Samina asked.

I sighed and replied, "She must still be in her room with Devia."

"I'll go fetch them," Sam volunteered.

I nodded and replied, "Thank you, Samina."

She walked over to Diana's room and knocked before getting dragged in by a pair of hands.

I turned to Thomas, and he shrugged. I sighed in amazement. If only you were still here to see this, Ferandroch.