Yula looked pleased. “Once you fully recover, I believe Miss would look even more beautiful than today.”
Ember didn’t really bother with appearances, but still, she wanted to acknowledge the effort that the servant put into her. “Reya, you’re amazing.”
“You credit me too much, Miss. It’s easy because your face is already pretty in the first place.”
Clio felt motivated. “It’s my turn now. I will make sure your hair will be just as pretty, Miss.”
Just as Clio started to set her hair, Ember spoke, “Uhm, is it alright if I do my hair?”
She had listened to everything they said, but for her hair, she wanted to make it the way she preferred.
“Of course, Miss.” Yula nodded and Clio handed over the comb to Ember. Though Clio was disappointed because she couldn’t show off, she was more curious about what Ember would do, so that next time she would simply follow the human’s preference.
Without a second thought, Ember fixed her hair in two braids that hung in front of her shoulders. She liked her hair this way because Gaia used to set her long hair like this. It was more comfortable and it reminded her of Gaia. She gave a satisfied smile looking at those two braids.
Clio then did some finishing touches, adding white flower and butterfly ornaments along those braids. “You look perfect, Miss!”
Ember felt embarrassed to be showered by their praises.
“You are finally ready, Miss Ember. I am sure His Majesty would be pleasantly surprised when he sees you,” Yula commented.
Ember didn’t know what to say as Yula often brought him between their conversations. She understood that he was their king and thus their master, but they acted like everything they were doing for her was for the King’s sake. What did he have to do with how she looked? She wanted to ask that question but she didn’t voice it out as she didn’t want to sound rude. This was the King’s palace and these people served him after all.
Clio put that wooden stool aside to make way for Ember to stand. Just as she took her first step–
“Ahh!”
–she ended up stepping on her floor-length skirt. She was about to fall but Clio and Reya were fast enough to hold her as they were standing close by.
They panicked. “Miss Ember, are you okay?”
“Are you hurt?”
It was unexpected for Ember as well. She collected herself and nodded. “I’m fine. I think this dress is just too long.”
Yula smiled. “Miss Ember, while walking, you have to hold the front like this.” Yula held her own dress’s skirt to show her how it was done.
Ember understood and held her skirt with her hands, lifting it just as Yula did. Though her feet wobbled a little due to the unfamiliar heeled shoes, she was able to take steady steps after a little practice. Ember was happy that she could manage to walk without falling, but then she fell into deep thought, ‘Will this be alright? If I keep holding the dress like this, won’t my arms hurt after some time? Not only that, my hands will be busy all the time. How am I going to touch the flowers in the garden? How am I going to hold things while walking?’ It was as if she was having the most difficult puzzle of her life.
“Is everything alright, Miss Ember?” Yula asked, seeing her dazed expression.
“Ah? Yes, everything is alright.” Ember nodded.
“Then, I shall excuse myself. Sadly, I have other things to do but worry not. Clio and Reya will accompany you and guide you to wherever you want to go,” Yula explained.
“They will be with me all the time?” Ember asked.
Yula nodded. “Yes, is there any problem?”
The problem was that Ember didn’t like this. She didn’t like to be watched by people all the time. Wasn’t that the reason why she was really thankful to Leeora? The High Elder would only come to visit her during mealtime but would leave her to her own devices the rest of the day.
This was the first time Yula and the two servants saw Ember put on a serious expression.
Seeing her obvious discomfort, Yula tactfully asked, “Please tell me if the arrangement is not to your liking.”
“It’s not that I don’t like the arrangement,” Ember started, thinking about how to explain without offending the nice elves who are looking at her with worry. “If it’s fine, I don’t want anyone to accompany me all the time. I want to be on my own. I am sure His Majesty would not mind that I want to explore the palace on my own.”
This time, Ember didn’t give a chance for Yula to mention the King again, saying His Majesty would like this and that.
“Of course, it’s fine. If it is what Miss Ember wants, there is no need for you to feel anxious about being honest to us,” Yula agreed as she could see that Ember was serious this time and she had to respect her wishes. Moreover, being the King’s mate, this palace now belonged to her as well. “The palace is very vast though. Are you sure you won’t need a guide?”
Ember showed her a grateful smile. “I know you worry for me as I am new here and you are trying your best to help me out. Thank you for taking care of me and treating me so well, but I think I prefer to explore on my own. I’m sorry, it’s just that I feel more comfortable alone and–”
“Oh, Miss. There is no need to apologize. You don’t need to explain it to me.” Yula offered her pleasant smile, “Miss Ember, you are His Majesty’s mate so your wish is our command. Just remember that if you find yourself lost or needing anything, don’t hesitate to ask the passing servants for help.”
“I will remember that.” Ember felt relieved to hear those words as she was worried that she might upset Yula. “Thank you.”
“I will take my leave then. Clio and Reya will stay here in your chamber to serve you after you come back. I hope you enjoy your day today, Miss,” Yula said with a smile before leaving.
Ember inhaled deeply as she was now ready to go explore this palace.
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