Free Missing Royal by Konstanz Silverbow Page A

rode with Valentino, and my belongings were attached to Star’s saddle.
    I look around in panic, hoping someone brought it to my room but it is nowhere in sight.
    “Your Highness, you need to get dressed. Your parents are waiting, as is the entire royal court.” Her words hit me hard.
    “The entire royal court? I’m meeting my parents—in front of other people?” I thought it would be a more personal affair. I thought we would meet in a cozy room somewhere.
    “Of course. The entire kingdom has been awaiting your return, Princess. This is a day of celebration for not just the kingdom, but the world.” She has one eyebrow furrowed, the other raised, confused at my confusion.
    “I just thought it would be different. Sorry,” I mumble. “If they’re waiting, you’re right. I should get dressed.” I hold out my hand for the dress.
    “Milady, I assure you this will be easier if I help you. As I am to understand, you’ve never done up a dress like this.” She shows me the back. There’s no zipper—just laces. And Edda’s right—I’ve never worn a dress like this. So I nod and allow her to help me put it on. Which is more than a little awkward but she is kind to turn away until the dress is on.
    She ties the back up so tight, I feel like I can’t breathe. I don’t say a thing—she has to know what she’s doing. I suck it in and take small breaths. “It becomes easier in time, I assure you.”
    I just nod and look out the window. “Turn around,” she says. I turn. Before me is a full-length mirror and I have to admit, I look stunning. The only thing that doesn’t fit is my wet, knotted hair. “Take a seat.” Edda places the velvet chair behind me. I don’t want to touch it but I do as she says.
    I cringe as I feel the way the velvet moves beneath my dress. Edda carefully brushes my hair. Not once do I feel the pain that usually comes with getting four-day tangles out of one’s hair.
    “Edda?” I’m afraid to make the request. I don’t know what the limits are, what the rules are.
    “Yes, milady?”
    “Is this my room now?” I almost hope she says no but I have a feeling it is.
    “Yes, Your Highness. Unless it is unfitting, in which case we can find you a bigger room,” she offers. I look around the best I can while she’s holding my hair.
    “Oh, no. I don’t want bigger.” I don’t know what I would do with a bigger room.
    “Is something wrong with it, then?”
    “Well, I don’t like velvet. And this room seems to be overrun with it,” I finally say.
    “I see. Do not worry, Princess. I shall see to it that it is taken care of.”
    “Thank you.” I look back in the mirror and see the braids she has put in my hair. Two braids, one on either side of my head, and they meet in the middle to make a ponytail. The rest of my hair is straight and hangs loose. I’ve always braided my hair back but I like how this looks on me.
    I’m beginning to believe that she could make a princess out of me yet, if only in the looks department—something I never thought would happen. She makes the last finishing touches, somehow getting my hair to stay without an elastic band.
    “Thank you. I’m stunned.” I touch my hair and spin around in the dress, and for once I feel like I’m worth more. The sleeves of the dress are longer in the back and almost reach the floor. Trimmed in gold, the gown makes me feel more beautiful than I’ve ever felt.
    “That’s fitting because you look stunning, Your Highness.” She smiles, and I believe we will be great friends.
    “Thank you,” I say kindly. I appreciate all she’s done for a total stranger.
    “Now, milady, your escort awaits you.” She pushes me toward the door.
    “What about shoes?” I look at my bare feet, freezing on the cold floor.
    “I am so sorry, Your Highness. Please forgive me.” She curtsies and opens the wardrobe, pulling a pair of gold slippers from the base. I slip them on and run out the door, running right into