Page 28 of Mermaid on Heels
Bianca laughed.
“You are a great friend, not just because you are helping us, but in an all-round way; genuine, selfless, and compassionate. AndIdo not know how my sisters and I could ever thank the Creator either, because you are… you are more than I could ever thank Him for.”
Liriya smiled through the tears streaming down her eyes, trickling down her cheeks—another, new, odd feeling to experience.
Bianca released a chuckle that sounded more like choking back a sob, and wiped her tears away with her free hand. “No one has ever told me anything like this before, not even my stepfather.”
“Sometimes…” Liriya paused and wiped away her tears in an aggressive way, after watching Bianca wiping hers. “Sometimes sisters are more open than most.” She shot her a wink.
Bianca laughed, keeping her voice low to keep from waking up the other girls, her face infectious with joy.
“Indeed. And, as yoursister, what I was going to say earlier was, we need to present you at the ball like a noblewoman, if not royalty. You have no idea about the instincts of the people here; they judge with their eyes. You are a princess and you need to appear as one. I want to do my best to help you meet with the king and save your kingdom from your evil half-blood sister—ifthere’s something he can help you with.”
Liriya was reminded once again of the lie she told her about Luke. Then she reminded herself that telling Bianca the truth meant exposinghissecret, which she had no right to. Therefore, like the last few times, she cast away her guilt over the matter.
“What are you proposing?”
“Well,” Bianca drew out and placed the needle and thread away, signaling she was done for the night. “Hopefully, the dress is turning out all right to match one of a royalty’s attire—not priding over my own work—”
“I know Bia, the last thing you have is pride—”
“—but, I’m almost sure it’s as good as one, so no worries there. I haven’t seen a princess before so I have no idea what one’s attire is like—”
“Youhavemet three and know them as close as sisters, living in your house in case you forgot,” Liriya cut her off with a mischievous smile.
Bianca gasped and her eyes widened. “Oh, my goodness, I swear I didn’t!”
Liriya laughed. “You did, but I was only joking.”
Bianca composed herself and laughed along. “Well, thanks, or elseI’dbe offended. Besides,your attire might be way different from human royals’, so it won’t help even if I knew.”
“Oh, do you not worry. I am pretty sure there are a few princesses attending the ball so you would have your chances. I heard people at the square say so. They are also saying Princess Aeira of Garbia is exceptionally beautiful.”
Bianca made an unlady-like sound at the back of her throat. “Oh, butIheard she looks like a monkey.” She burst into laughter at her own joke.
Liriya brainstormed to recall if she had been told about amonkeybefore and somehow forgot. Bianca paused laughing when Liriya didn’t join her, an incredulous expression taking over her pretty features.
Realizing that it was a joke she was supposed to laugh at, Liriya shot her an innocent, sheepish smile. “What is a monkey?”
* * *
The long-anticipated day finally dawned upon Lectoria, and the air was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as the kingdom prepared to welcome their new monarch.
The cobblestone streets and alleyways of Ornwall transformed into a mesmerizing tapestry of celebration. From the modest wooden houses to the grand facades of the city’s structures, every inch was adorned with an array of decorations that gleamed in the sunlight. Garlands of flowers, ribbons of silk, and intricate designs of colored paper fluttered in the breeze, casting a spell of enchantment over the town. The national flag of Lectoria, a proud emblem of a white lily against a backdrop of navy blue, waved proudly from every corner.
The very atmosphere shifted into that of a grand festival on the coronation eve and the main square transformed into a vibrant center of celebration. The air was infused with an intoxicating blend of floral scents, as flower arrangements adorned every available surface.
Liriya and the girls went to the square to partake in the celebration that evening. The blazing bonfires were set up and the music of folklore songs filled the air, intertwined with the rhythmic beat of drums.
Dancers twirled and whirled to the melodies of traditional songs. Liriya’s mermaid heart swelled with wonder as she observed the vibrant festivities, all while politely turning down every man who asked for a dance. Of all the human lessons she had with Bianca and Kitty, dancing was the least successful. Even Ella had failed at it, only Sessa succeeded.
Bianca accepted a dance invitation from a man slightly older than her, whom Kitty told Liriya was the baker’s son. When she rejoined their little group, cheeks flushed, Liriya smiled in realization that a dance of love found had its rhythm.
The next morning greeted Liriya with a gentle touch of early light filtering through the curtains. Heart brimming with excitement for the day, she stretched on the bed she shared with Ella, the wide smile stretching across her face impossible to contain.
She got down off the bed after her limbs loosened from the embrace of sleep, laid out hers and her sisters’ new daygowns they purchased specially for that day, before waking Ella up and going to Kitty’s room to wake her and Sessa. She then went downstairs and helped Bianca—ever the earliest riser she knew—to prepare porridge for breakfast.
The morning sun painted the surroundings with a golden hue when they exited the house, ready to go up to the castle that had opened the gates for the citizens to glimpse their new monarch. The castle was far more than mere distance and Liriya didn’t find the idea of joining their nosy neighbors on the walk appealing. From what Bianca told her, she and her sisters had already become a topic of gossip in the town.