Day 1: AU / most expensive outfit / going shopping
Rose and Jett are from my co-written urban fantasy romance ❤️
Princess Rose lounged in her tower, a breeze artistically tangling the blonde waves of her hair as she gazed out the unshuttered window. Displeasure tainted her expression, red lips pursed into a pout. Her handmaiden offered, “If you are dissatisfied with these surroundings, perhaps we could go into the city.”
Rose rested her chin upon her hand, “For what purpose?”
“… a new dress?” The handmaiden offered.
“Is that an answer or a question? I question you as well, I can have my dresses made here.” The crease between her eyebrows deepened.
The handmaiden blurted, “It's the new fashion! To go to a place beneath you and experience how others live.”
This gave the princess pause. Intrigue filled her blue eyes and her lips curved into a wicked smile. “I suppose there would be others about.”
Hand to her chest, the handmaiden appeared frightened. Rose laughed and got to her feet, the silk of her dress clinging seductively to her skin. “Yes, let us descend upon the city.”
The staff in the castle knew the monsters that they served. The city slumbered unaware. Not giving any time to prepare, Rose appeared at the stables demanding her carriage. The stable master, Jett, smiled at her. He dared to engage her in conversation while his staff scrambled to harness the horses. Despite being plain and stunted in growth, the man had the heart of a hero to delay the princess and save his staff from harm.
No one else dared draw close, so no one saw the soft expression on Rose's face. The stable master had a way with animals. Once she had brought an injured bird to him in secret. Another time, a cat who had its tail run over by a carriage. She'd asked him to dispose of it. The cat lived in the stables still.
The conversation put the princess in a good mood, so much so, that everyone survived the carriage ride to the boutique unscathed. The stable master was a hero indeed.
Rose swept into the shop, maids in tow. Lesser ladies scrambled to make way so she could drape herself elegantly upon a couch. A glance commanded staff attention followed by the demand, “Your most expensive outfit.”
The shopping part of the expedition settled, Rose turned her eyes upon the ladies present. With a smile she held small hands outstretched, “Lady White!”
Of course the other woman must take her hands, be drawn down beside the princess. The maids stared at their feet, quiet as mice. The princess visited. One by one, she drew others into conversation with sweet smiles and sparkling eyes. Measured and pampered and complimented, she returned to her carriage. Now, Rose had much to dwell upon, secrets stolen from ladies' futures. A thousand paths she could have them walk. How enjoyable this idea had turned out to be. Perhaps she wouldn't torment her handmaiden until she jumped from the tower. At least not this moon.
