Dream and Fate

Chapter 7. The Long First Step

Chapter 7
The Long First Step

The sun had started to rise when Mirai opened her eyes. When she did not recognize the room, she woke up hastily. For seconds her mind assessing her surroundings. She clicked her tongue once the comprehension came. She needed to convince herself that the marriage she had been through the day before was not a mere dream before realizing that it was real. Once the marriage thinking was over, another question appeared.

Why am I on the bed? Didn't I sleep on the couch?

She thought for several possibilities, but in the end she shrugged them, thought that it was not that important. What she had to think right now was how she would survive the palace life. Sure, Prince Ryosuke had made it looked easier by his offer last night, but she could not be careless. She did not want to risk anything again by easily trusting people. No, I won't be betrayed anymore.

Someone knocked the door and called, "My Lady, it is Miru. May I come in?"

Mirai rose, making sure her attires was decent. "Come in."

Miru entered, followed by some other maids. While Miru walking closer to Mirai, the other maids lined up in front of the door.

"We came to help preparing your first day, My Lady," Miru bowed.

"Oh, okay." Mirai could not think other answer.

Miru signed to some of the maids. One of them came to front holding a tray, containing Mirai's usual starter for the days. The other two approaching the bed, collecting the bed sheet and changed it with the clean one. Once the bed had been set, three other maids laid on it some clothes and accessories. Miru checked the bed sheet, before sending the maid to do her next task.

"We have prepared a special potion for your bath, My Lady. It sure will lessen your sore," Miru gave her a knowing smiled, the other maids followed immediately.

Mirai could not help but to blush. Even though she knew that it was just a lie, knowing what people thinking of what she and Prince Ryosuke might have done, made her very embarrassed.

After two long hours, they made Mirai stood in front of a mirror. Mirai could see how different her look now. She wore a light make up and a simple-yet-beautiful sky-blue dress. The color blue, as one of the maid said, was Prince Ryosuke's favorite. Aware of their teasing, Mirai blushed more. But then seeing her own appearance, she thanked them. Growing as a boyish girl, Mirai never mastered how to use cosmetics or to dress up though she had learned them in Royal Academy and even it was much to her mother insistence. It was Miru that always did the work to doll her up. And Miru knew how much Mirai did not like a heavy make-up or fancy dress.

Reaching some point in her memories, Mirai turned a bit tense. It was because during all those doll-up times, Miru always talked about a certain thing. And it was all about Prince Ryosuke. She felt a pang in her heart. If Miru believed the lie Mirai created, Miru might be hurt now. And the thought of her betrayed her friend squeezed her heart in pain.

"Miru..."

Miru heard her. As Miru saw Mirai hesitated, she shunned the maids out from the room. After they were left alone, Mirai looked up to Miru, eyes teary.

"Now, now, why are you crying dear?" Miru cupped Mirai's face as a big sister would do.

Blinking her tears away, Mirai asked, "Do you hate me now?"

"Why should I?"

"Because now I and... Prince Ryosuke...are...," Mirai trailed. Miru stared at her with confused look.