Page 42 of The Queen's Crown
“That’s all you’re needed for,” Lithane said. “Let’s go.”
Sabine looked at her men one last time. “Thank you.” She waved to them and then left the balcony, following Lithane once again through the palace.
“Was that sufficient, Lieutenant Lithane?” she asked, knowing she’d used the wrong title. However, he didn’t seem keen on addressing her appropriately, so she was hoping to make a point.
“Captain.”
“No, I’m Princess Sabine. Not Captain.”
One of the guards chuckled.
“Yes,” Lithane said, irritation seeping through his voice. “That was good enough for me.”
When they reached the corridor leading to her room, she stepped around him and hurried ahead, entering her room and shutting the door before he could protest.
“I’m not going to be executed,” Sabine announced as she went over to her dressing closet where she found Claire.
“Why would you be executed?”
Sabine shook her head. “Never mind.”
“The king is going to wear a midnight blue jacket lined with silver,” Claire said, holding up an outfit. “This will match him perfectly.”
Sabine removed her cape. “Are those diamonds on the dress?”
“Yes. The king wants you to look like a queen tonight.” Claire exited the dressing closet and went over to the bed, laying the dress across it.
As Sabine removed her clothing, she asked, “When my sister was here,” she had to keep her voice steady so it wouldn’t wobble from the grief she felt whenever she mentioned Alina, “who did she spend time with?”
“The princess wasn’t here very long before…” Claire’s voice trailed off. “Your sister was friendly and kind to everyone here at court. However, I don’t recall her doing anything with anyone in particular. She wasn’t here long enough to form any friendships.”
Sabine pulled the midnight blue dress on. Going over to the mirror, she examined herself in the reflection. The sheer material loosely covered her arms, tapering around her wrists. On her shoulders, instead of the fabric going up and over them, it cut across at an angle and wrapped around her neck. Then another section of the sheer fabric attached near her underarms and covered her breasts, leaving a lot of the skin on her torso exposed. The material tightened around her waist and then flowed to the floor. Two large slits had been cut up the front, showcasing her legs. Though the material was see-through, it darkened around her breasts and other intimate areas so no one would be able to see anything uncouth. When she moved, the hundreds of diamonds sewn all over it caught the light and shimmered.
“What do you think?” Claire asked.
Instead of answering, because Sabine truly did not know how she felt about it, she countered, “What should I do with my hair and makeup?”
“Sit,” Claire said, her voice sounding far too excited.
Curious, Sabine did as she instructed.
Claire applied dusting powder to Sabine’s face. After she finished, she combed Sabine’s hair back, leaving it unbound. “Now for the finishing touch.” She pulled out a silver crown adorned with diamonds and sapphires, setting it atop Sabine’s head. “Take a look.”
Her makeup had been applied darker than she normally wore it, accentuating her eyes and her cheeks in an odd way. However, that, coupled with her hair and the crown, completed the ensemble.
“I think you look stunning,” Claire said, standing back to examine her work. “Exactly as you should. Beautiful and desirable.”
“I am doing my best to understand and embrace your customs. Thank you for helping me.” She was getting the feeling that Rainer wanted a pretty wife to look at and not one to help him rule his kingdom. Hopefully in time, she could change that. For now, she’d go along with things and not cause problems.
“That’s what I’m here for,” Claire replied. “I’m happy to help. We need to get going. The sun is about to set.”
“Is there anything I should know for tonight?” No one had mentioned what would take place, so she had no idea if she’d be speaking to the people or if there were any customs she needed to be aware of.
“I don’t think so.”
“If anything comes up, please be sure to help me. I look to you for guidance.”
Claire shifted from foot to foot. “I won’t be there this evening.”
