บท 22: Let's get this over with
The day of the banquet had arrived, and I felt completely unprepared. No, unprepared wasn't the right word dread was more accurate. I woke to the sound of soft, hurried footsteps approaching my room.
The door creaked open, and before I could even register the early morning light seeping through the curtains, the maids entered, their arms full of luxurious fabrics, gleaming jewelry, and makeup tools that looked more like instruments of torture than anything else.
"Lady Ren, we must get you ready," one of them chirped, her smile bright and entirely too chipper for this hour. Another was already laying out a gown on my bed, its deep crimson fabric shimmering even in the dim light.
I sat up, still groggy from sleep, rubbing my eyes. "Wait, what's all this?" I muttered, blinking at the sea of silks and ribbons.
"The banquet, my lady," the head maid, Lira, reminded me with a soft but firm tone, as if I hadn't been dreading it for the last few days. "We need to start preparing you immediately."
I looked at the gown, then at them. "I don't need all this," I said, waving a hand dismissively. "A shirt and pants will do. Something comfortable."
Lira's eyes widened as if I'd just suggested attending the banquet in my undergarments. "Oh no, my lady," she said, shaking her head vigorously. "The royal banquet is a formal affair! A gown is absolutely necessary."
Before I could protest further, the maids descended upon me. I barely had time to stand before they were pulling me into the bathroom, insisting I wash up while they laid out everything I'd need.
The bath was, thankfully, quick and relaxing until I was dragged back to my room and confronted with the gown.
It was gorgeous, I couldn't deny that. The fabric shimmered with every movement, the crimson threads catching the light in a way that made it almost glow. But there was no way I was wearing that.
It looked far too tight, and the thought of being squeezed into something so constricting made my stomach churn.
"Are you sure there isn't something a little... less restrictive?" I asked, eyeing the gown with suspicion.
Lira shook her head again, this time with a small, amused smile. "It's perfect for your figure, my lady. Now, arms up."
I hesitated, but they were relentless. With a resigned sigh, I lifted my arms, and the maids worked quickly, slipping the gown over my head and tugging it down over my body.
I could feel the fabric pulling tight against my skin, hugging every curve and bulge in ways I wasn't prepared for. My heart sank as I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
It wasn't terrible, I had to admit. The gown flattered my figure in the right places my waist looked smaller, my chest more pronounced but there were still bits of fat peeking out at the edges, small rolls along my back and sides that the tight fabric couldn't quite conceal.
"I look ridiculous," I muttered, grimacing as I ran a hand over my stomach, feeling the gown press uncomfortably against me.
"Nonsense!" one of the younger maids piped up, stepping back to admire their work. "You look stunning, Lady Ren."
I wasn't convinced. My reflection stared back at me, wide-eyed and clearly uncomfortable. It didn't feel like me. This gown, this overly tight, elegant thing it belonged to someone who was confident, poised. Someone who belonged at a royal banquet. Not me.
Before I could dwell on it, they whisked me over to the vanity and began working on my hair. One of the maids gathered my long, dark locks into her hands, twisting and tugging them this way and that, while another worked quickly with pins, securing strands into place.
They tried one intricate updo after another, each more elaborate than the last. At one point, they twisted my hair into a high bun with strands of it curling elegantly around my face. I stared at myself in the mirror, my brow furrowed.
"This doesn't feel like me," I thought, my hands fidgeting in my lap.
The maids laughed when I voiced my concerns, brushing them off with lighthearted giggles. "Every young lady must look elegant at a royal banquet," one of them said with a reassuring smile.
I wasn't sure if she was trying to comfort me or mock me.
They continued their work, chatting amongst themselves as they pulled and pinned my hair into place. I let them, too tired and too resigned to argue anymore.
My mind was already racing with thoughts of the banquet, the people I'd have to face, the scrutinizing eyes of the nobility.
I didn't know any of them, not really, but I knew what they'd think when they saw me. Who is she? Why does she look like that? I could almost hear their whispers.
"Try not to frown so much, my lady," Lira said gently as she worked on applying light makeup to my face. "You'll look even more beautiful if you smile."
I gave her a weak smile, but it felt more like a grimace.
By the time they were done, I hardly recognized myself. My hair was swept up in a low, elegant bun with a few strands framing my face, softening my features.
The makeup they applied was light but effective just enough to make me look polished but not overdone. I stared at my reflection, blinking at the woman who looked back at me.
I didn't look like the same Ren from two weeks ago. The one who had dragged herself through the dirt during training, the one who had struggled through reading lessons with Amara.
This woman in the mirror looked poised, almost regal, despite the bits of discomfort still clinging to her. And yet, it didn't feel like me. I felt like I was playing dress-up in someone else's skin.
"You look absolutely breathtaking, my lady," Lira said, her voice soft with pride. "The royal family will be most impressed."
I swallowed the lump in my throat, trying to push down the anxiety bubbling up inside me. "Thanks," I muttered, not really sure what else to say.
They stepped back, allowing me a full view of myself in the mirror. The gown hugged my body tightly, but it shimmered beautifully, the rich crimson fabric flowing down to the floor like liquid fire.
The jewelry they'd chosen delicate gold chains and matching earrings sparkled softly in the light, adding an extra touch of elegance to the ensemble.
But even as I stood there, fully dressed and ready, I couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort. The gown, the jewelry, the hair it was all so beautiful, but it felt so foreign. So far removed from who I actually was.
My hands fidgeted at my sides, my fingers brushing against the smooth fabric of the gown.
"I'm not ready for this," I thought, my heart pounding in my chest. "I don't belong here."
But there was no turning back now. The maids had done their job, and soon enough, I'd be standing in a grand hall, surrounded by nobles and royals alike. I'd have to smile, bow, and pretend I knew exactly what I was doing.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stand up straight, my shoulders back. I wasn't ready, not by a long shot. But I'd gotten this far. I'd survived Elira's brutal training and Amara's cold lessons. Surely, I could survive one night at a banquet.
Right?
I stared at my reflection one last time, feeling completely out of my element. The woman in the mirror was dressed for a world I didn't yet understand, but for tonight, she would have to do.
With a final, shaky breath, I nodded to the maids. "Let's get this over with."
And with that, I turned away from the mirror, bracing myself for whatever lay ahead.
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