Decadence

[Diana]

Devia and I did all we could to pass the time: playing card games and reading books. We even went through the entire collection of clothes and accessories stashed in the closet.

However, nothing helped cure our boredom, and with the door guarded by two enormous men; we dared not force ourselves out.

"How long will this lockdown last?!" I exclaimed as I collapsed onto the silk sheets of my bed.

"My guess is that: as soon as the council meeting adjourns, they'll lift the lockdown, and we can then freely move around the palace," Devia said.

Unexpectedly, we heard the door outside the bedroom open. Soon enough, a knock echoed through the bedroom.

"Who is it?" Devia called out.

"Devia? It's me," the Empress answered.

Devia quickly opened the door, and I swiftly rose from the bed. The Empress stepped into the bedroom and greeted us with a gentle nod.

"I have news for the both of you," She announced.

I sat up straight and gazed expectantly at her.

"The Imperial Council doesn't seem to have any issue with the both of you roaming the palace grounds. This means you are free to roam the estate starting right now," She said.

Devia and I looked at each other, then back at the Empress.

"However," The Empress paused, "You will be accompanied by guards. This was the request made by Senator Obed and Lady Kreykaschka."

"Of course," Devia nodded.

"So, does that mean we have free access to the gardens again?" I asked.

"Yes, both of you are now free to roam the palace grounds again," The Empress enthusiastically answered.

Devia and I looked at each other again. Excitement and joy sparkled in her eyes. Then I remembered Samina and Thomas.

"Your Imperial Highness, how's Samina and Thomas?" I asked.

"Ah, yes, they're supposed to be discharged soon. You have nothing to fear. Levelian medicine could quickly heal the worse injuries. The ones they received are nothing compared to others," The Empress answered.

"That's good," I said as I sighed in relief.

"That reminds me, you have a ball to attend!" She exclaimed.

"But isn't it tomorrow?" I asked.

"Well, we have to prepare. I may have loaned you a dress, but we still need to decide on which accessories you'll wear with it," The Empress answered as she walked towards the closet.

Devia and I followed her in and began browsing the closet's collection.

~o0o~

After hours of browsing, I finally settled on a few pieces of jewelry and a small clutch to accompany the gown. The jewels in question were quite extravagant. The Empress chose intricately designed gold earrings with teardrop-shaped sapphires hanging from the golden, vine-like hooks. Aside from the pair of earrings: were five bangles and a cuff to decorate my forearm.

"Your Imperial Highness, don't you think that these bracelets are too much?" I asked.

"Of course not! The holo-band is not enough; the nobles would think you have no taste," The Empress replied.

All I could do was stare in disbelief at Devia and the Empress.

"You'll get used to it," Devia said.

"Alright, come now, let's see what you look like in the mirror," The Empress said as she led me to the mirror.

Upon seeing my reflection, my jaw immediately dropped. I couldn't recognize myself with all the jewelry and makeup.

"So this is how Levelian nobles dress..." I mumbled.

"You look gorgeous," The Empress complimented me.

"I look gaudy..." I replied.

"The correct term would be: 'radical,'" The Empress noted.

"R-radical?" I asked.

"I'll explain it later," Devia replied.

"Well, with your outfit sorted, you're ready for tomorrow," The Empress happily announced.

"But," She paused, "We have to be careful. I'll be assigning you a couple of guards to accompany you for the event."

"Will that be necessary?" I asked.

"There will be many who'll buffet you with questions. Not to mention the libertine nobles present," The Empress answered.

Devia nodded and added, "There are those who will see you as a bargaining chip or a tool to increase their influence and power."

"I don't think I have the brain power to process this," I said weakly.

"Alright, get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day," The Empress said.

"Yes, your Imperial Highness. Oh, and thank you for today," I said.

She stood there for a moment, surprised it seemed- then she smiled and said, "You're very welcome. I shall send Mara to bring up dinner for the both of you."

Devia and I bowed as the Empress left.

"Let's put those accessories back where they belong," Devia said.

I nodded, and Devia began removing the jewels from my body. I helped her out by taking off the earrings and the bangles.

"Thank you, Devia," I said.

"You're welcome. I'll prepare your bath now," She said.

I nodded and watched as Devia walked into the bathroom.

I sat there and contemplated all that had transpired today. Then I thought about Mom, Dad, and Alexei; how they are, if they're being taken care of. I just wanted to see them again, to hold them again.

I took a deep breath and stared at my reflection in the mirror.

"Soon, everything will be normal soon," I told myself.