The Problematic Prince - Side Story 9 - Lady With Pretty Ankle

Lisa had come to the conclusion that there were no words, she believed, could adequate describe the current situation.

Even as she realised that her Mistress had snuck off, running away with her husband, Lisa had not been at all astonished. Undoubtedly, the Poisonous Mushroom Prince had something to do with it. The impact of the decision could only have stemmed from the Grand Duchess’ will.

“Your Highness, are you sure you can manage this?” Lisa examined the giant box sent to Erna.

“It’s from the Queen herself, we can not disregard her earnestness.”

“Sincerity has its limits,” Lisa sighed, making a start to open the large box.

Erna received an invitation for an intimate and private tea party with the ladies of the Royal Family the previous morning. Amongst all noble women from each nation, only the Grand Duchess of Lechen had received such an invitation. The queen rarely participated in social activities, reached out directly to Erna.

However, for Lisa, there’s something else  greater significance and delight than this particular matter.

Erna Dniester had won over Gladys Hardfort!

Lars had always boasted a close relationship with the Royal Family of Lorca, but not even the beautiful Princess Gladys had ever received a personal invitation from the Queen, a fact that the Lechen delegation took great pride in lording over Lars about.

Dniester and Hartford.

The ‘torrid’ relationship between the two regal families were common knowledge across the land, with Lorca taking great care to avoid any conflicts between them. Lechen and Lars, aside from their personal connections, maintained a mutual respect as allies, well… at least outwardly.

In a covert battle between the servants of two nations, trivial and childish skirmishes often broke out.

As the prince and princess of Lechen triumphed in the beauty contest, the servants of Lars revealed their ace – claiming the victory was due to personal connections.

While everyone accepted Lechen’s win in the prince category, the princess category presented a different story. The servants of Lars contended that Grand Duchess Schuber, a country girl, paled in comparison to the Crown Princess of Lars, who originated from Felia and boasted close relationships with royal families across the continent.

They insisted that Erna Dniester, the Lechen princess with beauty as her only asset, stood no chance against Gladys Hartford. Eager to silence the gossiping mouths spreading rumors and unveiling the truth, Lisa could hardly wait to put an end to their chatter.

Yet, unexpectedly, Grand Duchess Schuber received a personal invitation from none other than Queen Lorca!

The Lechen delegation were thrilled with this golden opportunity to outshine Lars once more. That is, until they saw the giant gift the Queen had sent the Grand Duchess in the morning.

“How on earth could they send garments that reveal your waistline so vividly? Not merely the waist, but the calves and ankles as well!” Lisa voiced her disapproval. To the Grand Duchess, a devotee of classic and traditional fashion, the customary Lorca outfits appeared strikingly similar to undergarments.

“I don’t think the Queen intended to force you to wear it, only that she wanted to express her gratitude.” Lisa said.

“True, it isn’t obligatory, but I think it would be delightful to wear it.” Erna calmly studied the foreign dress.

It was always a long standing Lorca custom to present guests with garments. Although cultural and customary traditions differentiated between the two nations, it was always polite to indulge in one another’s traditions and getting into the dress seemed like it was going to be a challenge. Erna was eager to nurture the friendship cultivated in the garden.

Princess Erna Dneister of Lechen was a newcomer to this world.

Undoubtedly, the circumstances have significantly improved from the days when she was perceived as an usurper, taking Princess Gladys’ position. Nevertheless, Erna must continue to strive diligently to adapt and blend in with those who have been deeply ingrained in that world for a long time. To think that the happenstance meeting with the Queen would result in such a heartfelt gesture, inviting the young foreign Princess to tea after a brief encounter filled Erna with gratitude and a sense of worth.

She would find her place.

Erna took a deep breath. She opted not to seek Bjorn guidance. It would be silly to summon her husband for this, besides, he was busy playing tennis with the other Princes. She desired to accomplish this task herself.

As Erna’s fingertips played along the fabric of the dress and her eyes took in the fine jewellery, a knock came at the door. It would be Karen, who Erna had sent away to find out if wearing the attire would compromise Lechen etiquette.

“In the past, donning the traditional attire of the host nation was common practice, to solidify trust and friendship. Sir Bayer does not believe it goes against Royal Etiquette or diplomatic customs. Though, he did warn that no female member of the Royal Family has yet worn such an unconventional garment.” Karen reported calmly, head bowed.

“Alright, thank you Karen,” Erna said with a smile and turned her attention to the Queen’s gift.

The dress was so revealing, Erna imagined it would induce dizziness in the male members and yet, it was still considered formal attire. Ignoring the prospects of disapproving gazes, Erna felt an even greater desire to honour the Queen of Lorca.

“Let’s prepare,” Erna said to Lisa.

Lisa sighed as she realised the Grand Duchess had been tainted by foreign powers. It seems that her Mistress was destined to be poisoned by mushrooms.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The impact of Lechen’s Grand Duchess making an appearance in traditional Lorcan attire caused quite a stir. The ladies of Lorca’s Royal Family could only watch Erna in wide eyed shock and admiration.

Erna strode with her head held high and her back kept straight. In truth, if Erna moved in slightly in the wrong way, the delicate fabric of the cloth would tickle her. The same could be said of the jewellery she wore too. The more she endeavoured to stay calm, the more acutely she became aware of the dresses attempt to break her poise.

Growing anxious amid the growing silence, Erna cast her eyes downward to inspect her garments, had she missed something? Was there something out of place? Though the Lechen maids were unfamiliar with the attire, Lisa would not have let a single thread out of place.

Just as the fear that she had done something wrong started to take over, the Queen approached Erna. Her eyes sparkled in pure delight.

“Her Majesty enquires if it would be permitted to greet you in the traditional Lorcan manner.” A middle aged maid said, standing just off to the side of the Queen.

“Yes, of course,” Erna said with a smile and a nod.

The Queen took the meaning before the maid could translate and approached without delay. The Queen placed a wrinkled hand on Erna’s chest and kissed her cheek. Later, Erna learned that the placing of the hand on the chest symbolised sincerity from the heart.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Once Bjorn had finished showering, he made his way out onto the balcony. On a table, he had his attendant place his mail, all letters from the bank back in Lechen.

Settling into a plush pile of cushions, freshly lit cigar in hand, Bjorn began opening one letter after the other, perusing the contents of each letter for a second, before moving onto the next. The afternoon seemed particularly languid, perhaps due to his early starts.

Setting aside the last letter, Bjorn puffed a cloud of cigar smoke into the sky. Then he noticed a young maid standing by the balcony doors, who stumbled back in surprise when she realised Bjorn had noticed her.

“Her Highness is in the palace of her Majesty, the enigmatic Queen of Lorca.” The maid avoided eye contact with Bjorn, as she gave the unexpected revelation.

Bjorn let out a chuckle as he understood. Erna had mentioned the invitation from the Queen several times, so much so that Bjorn had started tuning it out.

Shouldn’t she be returning soon?

Bjorn looked at his watch. Bjorn put down the cigar and poured himself a brandy. With a slight nod to the maid, Bjorn took up the glass. He filled a glass of ice, resting on a silver tray, with the transparent, amber-hued liquor. His still damp hair and the hem of the gown twitched in a breeze. The maid departed with a courteous bow and the bedroom became silent again.

Bjorn’s eyes, once captivated by the sun-drenched garden, shifted back to the documents he held.

The afternoon was uneventful and mundane.

****

Once the carriage departed the abode of the Queen, trundling down the path lined with charming outbuildings, Erna finally let herself relax.

“You did a really good job,” she thought, permitting herself a moment of pride.

The Lorca Royal Family held onto a strict code of conduct, maintaining a divide between male and females. Men, unless related by blood, were forbidden from entering the female accommodation. This extended to never allowing a male member present in the company of an unwed guest or one accompanied by her spouse.

This ensured the Queen’s domain remained a sanctuary for women. The only males permitted were young boys in the care of their nannies. To Erna, these guileless boys were no different from the other girls, and she could effortlessly welcome them without any second thoughts. Her husband, the notoriously envious and stern Grand Duke Schuber, would even make allowances for these young gentleman.

When the carriage slowed again, Erna quickly put on her cloak. It was not the weather for such garments, but Erna did not want to appear indecorous in the presence of her attendants and coachmen.

Has Bjorn already returned? She thought to herself.

Erna looked at the anklet beautifying her ankle, remembering Queen Lorca’s words at the earlier celebration. “My dear, your ankles are pretty,” the Queen remarked with a warm smile, aware of Erna’s discomfort in her unfamiliar outfit.

The anklet produced a gentle jingle with every movement Erna made. Flustered, she offered an apology, which was greeted with an even more radiant smile from the Queen. The princesses, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters of the Lorca royal family were all mesmerized, lavishing Erna with praise for her alluring ankles. Erna recalled the moniker bestowed upon her, “ A lady with pretty ankles”

Clutching the hem of her cloak, Erna hastily made it down from the carriage once it came to a halt. She hoped to hear from Karen that Bjorn was in attendance.

Erna strode from the carriage and almost flew up the stairs. As she neared his presence, her anticipation heightened. By the time she reached the bedroom door, her cheeks were flush and she had a quickness of breath.

Bjorn….

She hesitated, thinking to call out his name, but decided against it as she gently pushed open the door and tip-toed into the room. The soft rustle of fabric was all that could be heard in the room, a delicate reminder of her presence.