Chapter 22: Flame and Frost

Princess Minerva wore a suit.

A man's suit, originally, but clearly altered to fit the curves of her form perfectly. I had no idea where she'd gotten the outfit, who had tailored it for her, how long she had been hiding it. Was this all a part of her plan from the start? To return to the public eye at the Winter's Ball?

Her pants were long and sleek, a dark maroon fabric that hugged her hips and waist closely enough to make my heart pound faster. Her blouse was tucked into her waistband, and over it she wore some article of clothing that I first assumed was a vest, but then decided it must be part corset. That, or her chest was bigger than I remembered.

Her collar lay open to a scandalous degree--I suspected I was not the only one staring. From the way she held her shoulders and the clear upward tilt of her chin, one could assume she intended that outcome.