ON the day of the ball, Fiona wore another dress Linus had ordered for her. The skirt’s fabric was particularly eye-catching. A deep bluish-purple embroidered with silver thread and studded with countless beads, its beauty resembled the expanse of the night sky. A layer of translucent cloth in the same color gathered in complicated frills gave the viewer peeks at the starry fabric underneath.
White and silver lace in wing-like patterns covered the simple indigo bodice of the dress. The lace wound down to her waist in a spiral pattern, creating an overall polished but glamorous air.
Her gloves and shoes were the same bluish-purple, and her silver bracelet glittered. She wore the same necklace made of indigo-colored stones Linus had gifted her last time and layered a braided silver one over it. The silver lace thread hanging from her silver and white, flower-shaped hair ornament connected to her floral earrings. The combination of a mature color scheme and pretty details made it a splendid outfit.
As soon as Ada skillfully finished styling her hair, she put makeup on Fiona. It amazed her to learn that Everett housekeepers had the ability to doll her up in a fashion fit for an aristocratic social event. When she said as much out loud in a wondrous tone, Ada laughed in surprise.
“Well, that’s because I used to work in the royal palace.”
“Oh, really?”
Fiona had assumed she’d always been on staff for the pontiff, but apparently, the older woman had an unexpected personal background.
“I was His Highness’ governess and took care of him since he was a little boy. When you arrived ten years ago, Fiona, he worried about the lack of a woman’s presence in your life, so he sent me to work here instead.”
“I had no idea.”
Though she didn’t know the particulars of Ada’s role in the palace, working there must have been quite the honor. And in light of her taking care of Linus, the crown prince himself, clearly, the woman was capable professionally. Fiona felt guilty that someone so incredible wound up working in a commoner’s household just for her sake.
“Ada, don’t you ever think about wanting to return to the palace?”
“Life there is interesting in its own way, but I enjoy the relaxed pace of our life here, Fiona. Although…I have a feeling I’ll find myself back there eventually.”
“Huh?”
“Right then, we’re all done here. Have a marvelous time, our very own Lady Saint.”
Ada grinned cheerfully and gently pushed Fiona out the door, where Charles waited for her. They both boarded the coach, which set off for the palace. As soon as they arrived, the door to the vehicle opened, and there stood a gorgeous, silver-haired young man. A gasp escaped her lips at the outrageous situation.
“You’re the crown prince. What in the world are you doing?”
The heir to the throne of an entire country should not be opening carriage doors for a commoner like Fiona. Just because Charles was the pontiff and Fiona the saint did not make it appropriate for Linus to wait for their arrival.
“You’re my dearest saint. You should be glad I didn’t ride out all the way to your house because that’s what I really wanted to do.”
When she grasped his outstretched hand, the bracelet on her wrist tinkled merrily. As she stepped down from the coach, the brooch pinned to one side of his jacket grabbed her attention. The elegant lace, which resembled white and silver wings attached to flowers, looked undoubtedly familiar.
“That matches the trimmings on my dress.”
“Of course it does. Because we are a match.”
The fact that he’d done the same thing last time told her Linus really loved matching.
“I appreciate you noticing this, but maybe you could throw me a bone and notice the color scheme of the dress itself?”
“The color scheme, you say?”
It was a lovely palette reminiscent of a starry sky. What was she missing?
“The color of my eyes and hair. They’re in those necklaces too, hm?”
Now that he mentioned it, she realized it was true. Both the deep bluish-purple and the glittering silver thread were the exact shades of his indigo eyes and silver hair, respectively. Linus’ jacket, too, reflected those colors, making them a matching pair in that sense as well.
“Goodness, you’re right. I can’t believe it took me this long.”
“Mmm…you truly are a tough nut to crack, Fiona.”
“Well, Your Highness, it’s your and my fault she’s like this since we did our darndest to keep her away from that part of life.”
“I can’t deny that. What’s done is done. She’s too adorable, and neither of us wants to deal with any pests swarming around her.”
Confused about their conversation, she looked to Charles for clarification. His smile was chagrined as he replied.
“Generally speaking, dressing one’s lover or spouse in one’s colors is an expression of affection and possessiveness.”
“Possessiveness.”
“It means because you’re my saint, Fiona, I want to paint you in my colors. They really do suit you, too. You’re enchanting, Fiona.”
His eyes narrowing in delight, he scooped up her hand to press his lips to the back. The sight of Linus kissing her in his formal wear was leagues more powerful than usual, and she couldn’t help the racing of her heart.
Truly, the power of formal attire was frightening. If such were the results of spending extraordinary sums of money on tailoring, one would be extremely satisfied with the cost-effectiveness.
While Fiona’s bewildered mind contemplated the cost of clothing, Linus grinned, obviously enjoying himself.
“Fiona, you are my only saint. You are also my one and only fiancée. Don’t forget either of those things.”
“But I’m a fraud. And our engagement is still under consideration.”
Before she finished speaking, his face drew near, and his lips brushed across her forehead. Though fewer people were outside than in the ballroom, evidently, Linus’ sexual harassment was in top form tonight as well.
“When we head inside, I’ll have to leave you both as I have my own rounds to make… So keep this word in mind, Your Highness. Moderation.”
“Of course, of course. Shall we go then, my lovely saint?”
She’d wanted to grumble a bit, but the words on the tip of her tongue disappeared in a flash in the face of his dazzling smile. The power a beautiful crown prince wielded was infinite and, frankly, troublesome. Fiona sighed, then took Linus’ hand and started walking.
The venue was the same, and the chandeliers sparkled as brilliantly as ever. The color of the tablecloths was different, but if they continually changed things like that every time, well, how very extravagant that was.
No sooner had they finished greeting the king than two striking individuals, one with midnight hair and the other with golden, approached them.
“Linus, I want you to be my escort!”
Fiona’s jaw dropped open at Manaka’s sudden demand. No greeting or any hint of politeness preceding it. Even she had better social graces than that. Though Manaka looked lovely in her pale green dress, her outrageous words and conduct almost overshadowed her beauty.
Paul, who had lagged a few steps behind Manaka, looked dashing in his snow-white formal wear, which unmistakably marked him as royalty. But his expression told Fiona the prince from Slava was already exhausted.
“I was under the impression that Prince Paul is your escort, Saint of Abundance.”
“I’d rather have you, Linus!”
“Be that as it may, I’m already escorting my saint.”
“Just let Paul handle her then.”