The Dandelion System

Chapter 14

On Sunday I woke up to both Aideen and Oda waking me up.

"What's the matter?" I asked and sat up defensively, having them both recoil away. "What are you two doing?"

"You must be dressed formally," Oda demanded,
"I found out Mother will be eating breakfast with the Dandelion System contestants."

"Breakfast? That's too early!" I gasped, standing up too and hastily combing my hair before the vanity table.

"She will change the time she visits each Sunday," Aideen added, making it no better.

"I've brought some newly made dresses from the tailor in your measurements," Oda said quickly, and I debate to myself if she was being kind or simply distrustful of my taste. Aideen gently laid down an array of dresses on my bed. I placed down my comb and looked through them. 

To my curiosity, all the dresses were either dark blue, deep green brown, or some other gloomy color. They had no patterns, and the bodice and sleeves were undecorated.

"Why is it that the palette and dresses are so plain?" For some reason, Oda smiled proudly at my question.

"Mother despises too much decor and frivolousness. She would prefer a lady who is simple, quiet, and obedient. Act as polite and graceful as possible." I frowned at her directing. It seemed like Oda was the opposite of her Mother's preferences.

"I thought she already had someone in mind, why would it matter for her to like me?" I gently lifted up a blue gown, surprisingly light and soft. It reminded me of the day of the ball, when my dress got ruined and I received one from Princess Oda—but only after the hassle of agreeing to be her pawn.

"You are so unintelligent," she muttered. "Don't you want her respect so she might not mind you winning?" I couldn't help but chuckle at her obstinate confidence.

"It's time for you to leave now," Aideen reminded Oda, who scowled.

"After I come back today, we will go back to Otto," she reminded me. I nodded, and then she left. I sighed before I change out of my nightgown and Aideen proceeds to lace my corset.

When we go down the stairs, we see a crowd of girls in the hallways, making it a lively scene. It took a while for me to find Oriana, who was wearing a rather simple pink gown. Annabelle, however, was like most of the others, dressed up impressively and wore heavy-looking hair accessories.

"Have you heard? The Queen is eating breakfast with us," Annabelle asked.

"I only just heard," Oriana said, "But it seemed like everyone else knew." The moment the dining room door opened, the girls shrieked and pushed one another to get in first. I tried my best to stick with Oriana and Annabelle so I could sit with them.

Inside the room, sitting prim and radiant, is the queen. Her hair was pulled back and dark ringlets brushed her neck, and she gazed forward, indifferent to us. She looked just as refined as in the painting, but a few wrinkles lined the edges of her eyes and mouth, possibly due to stress of the King being poisoned and her ruling the kingdom alone.

I couldn't help but think that Oda, who frowned regularly, would have an abundance of wrinkles when she gets older. Although they hardly looked like mother and daughter, they had a similar demeanor—like they are ready to attack anyone who dares step to out of line.

"That's the Queen, Queen Sonota," Oriana whispered to me, saving Annabelle and I, who didn't know her name.

"She looks slightly like Princess Oda." She nodded in agreement. All three of us, without mentioning it, choose seats far away from the Queen. I see a girl in a black dress walk by, and instantly know it's Tristesse. Even for a day like this she was in her mourning clothes.