298: Seren's Wish

Seren's Wish

Arlan returned to Griven's guest mansion. The moment he stepped out of the carriage, his gaze sought for Oriana who had her head lowered just like the other servants waiting to welcome him.  1

His gaze boldly eyed her mouth, causing a ghost of a smile to tug at his lips. He could not wait for the night to come and steal another taste of that sweetness. 

His feelings for his mate were becoming more and more difficult to manage as the time passed by. 

'It's fine to steal a kiss or two, isn't it? The way she responds even in her sleep, she doesn't seem unwilling as well.'

However, a small part of his heart wished for the day he could openly show his affections for her. 

Returning inside and having his midday meal, Arlan went to his study while Oriana's presence was requested by the Megarisian delegation. Arlan permitted her to go, since Drayce had already let his intentions be known beforehand.

However, the person who was summoned was uninformed of the reason why she was called. Oriana went to the guest mansion of Megaris with worry in her mind. 

'Is Her Majesty not feeling well?'

Oriana was led to the Queen's chamber. The sight she saw was similar to last time, with Seren and her servants paring various different dresses and jewelry in front of them. 

"Oh, Oriana, you are here. Come inside," Seren said the moment she spotted Oriana at the doorway. 

She walked inside and bowed to the Queen. "Greetings, Your Majesty. You called for me. Are you alright? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"

"Of course, I am alright. Do you think I will call you only when I am unwell?"

"Well." Oriana was stumped. She did have that idea, but she merely let out a gentle smile. "No, Your Majesty. In fact, I would pray for you to never be sick and you won't ever have to summon a physician for treatment."

Seren smiled under her veil. "That's right. Now come here and sit."

Oriana obediently found herself a seat and waited for Seren to explain the reason why she called her. 

"Oriana, I want you to accompany me to the ball," Seren finally informed her. "Please don't refuse."

"B-Ball? Me?" She was surprised, but she quickly recovered her senses. "Won't it look awkward if a male attendant accompanies Your Majesty?"

Seren chuckled. "I want you to accompany me as my lady-in-waiting."

"What?!" Oriana felt like the floor under her feet suddenly disappeared. If not for her sitting on the chair, she would have fallen hard. "I-I mean, Your Majesty…"

"You heard it right, Oriana."

"But—" 

"Trust me, you can do it."

Oriana was still shocked. She didn't know how to react. She didn't even know what to think of the situation. 

'I can't do it. There is no reason for me to do it.'

Sadly, she could not blatantly say 'no' to Seren. First, she was a queen, and the orders of someone of her status could even decide the life and death of a commoner, much less merely accompanying her to some social event. Second, Seren had helped Oriana a lot though, despite the difference in their status and their identities belonging to different kingdoms. 

She could only come up with the most valid-sounding excuses she could think of—tomake the Queen aware of her shortcomings. 

"Your Majesty, Lady Xena…"

"Xena is having some health issues so she won't be able to accompany me."

Xena was sitting right there and Oriana looked at her. "Lady Xena, what happened to you? Shall I check you?"

"Ah, no, Miss Oriana. I am having my monthly cycle and I face some difficulty during the first two days, you know what I mean. I won't be able to attend to Her Majesty all night."

"What about Miss Eva and Miss Marie?"

"Eva and Marie are necessary as her handmaidens.  Eva would accompany Her Majesty, but only as her servant who would be waiting in the parlor. Marie is needed to be here so she can help me pack Her Majesty's things as after the summit concludes, we will be leaving straight for Megaris."

"Oh." Oriana appeared deflated. It seemed like they had covered all bases.

She looked at Seren. "But Your Majesty, are you sure you want me to come as your attendant? I…I have never worn female clothes. I am not sure if I can even walk in them. I might end up embarrassing you the moment I fail to act ladylike, not to forget how to act like a noble."

The Queen's ladies-in-waiting were from high noble families, and they were educated from a young age about etiquette and manners, languages and literature, music and arts, and fashion among many others. They were armed with skills necessary not only to serve the Queen, but also diplomacy and social situations, able to sometimes represent the intentions of their master without needing to be ordered.. 

Ladies-in-waiting were figures of sophistication and refinement who were also equipped with weapons for social interactions. Oriana had not even an ounce of familiarity with the manners and conduct of the nobility.

What if she were to make an unforgivable social gaffe and embarrass Seren in front of the crowd?

"That's not a concern, Oriana. I know you will understand it quickly if you are told what to do," Seren said. "You have interacted with us plenty enough to know Xena. You don't need to speak much, merely stand behind me as my lady-in-waiting. I will tell you what to do when needed since I will be with you always. The rest, you can simply enjoy the ball as you see fit."

Oriana was still visibly perplexed. 

Seren continued, "About wearing women's clothes, we can give it a try now. As you are not used to walking in heels, we will give you flat footwears."

"Now? As in right now?"

Seren laughed like a naughty child caught in the act and turned towards Xena. "Everything ready?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

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