Coronation Day

I could hardly contain my excitement—today was the day, the long-awaited coronation. From midnight until dawn, sleep eluded me; it was as if the anticipation itself had stolen every peaceful moment of rest from me. Even the darkness of the night trembled with the promise of what was to come.

Determined to be prepared for this historic moment, I rose at the earliest hour. My maids attended to me with a flurry of gentle efficiency: they bathed me in warm water that soothed my weary limbs, then massaged away any lingering tension.

Their delicate fingers worked expertly as they applied a layer of makeup, dressed me in the ceremonial gown, and impeccably arranged my hair. Though I loathed the confinement of a corset, I surrendered to its necessity; my gown was designed in a corset style—a luxurious, puffed lace creation in an off-white, almost cream hue. Its layered fabric was both exquisite and cumbersome.