The rain began to pour as the sun set. Meredith looked out the window, thinking how fitting it was for the gods above to rain down upon this event. Perhaps the gods themselves did not wish for His Majesty's engagement.
"My Lady, Madam Miriam is here with your gown." Fiona knocked before entering her chambers.
Meredith stood up, her face and hair all ready for the banquet. Her hair was tied in an updo, letting a few pieces of her hair fall to her face which was dabbed with red makeup, suiting her fair skin.
"Your Highness, your gown is ready." Madam Miriam entered the room, and her aide went in as well, carrying a huge box with him. She gestured to the box as it was placed down on the table as her aide opened it.
In the box, her black gown sat inside.
Meredith's eyes widened at the color. Unsure of how to react. It would be rude to Madam Miriam who spent all day tailoring it.
Though the color was unsightly for an occasion such as an engagement, the design was suited well for a future Empress.
As Fiona helped Meredith put it on, she stared in the mirror, examining the gown's details. The dress hung on her with a strap, with lace outlining the ends of her outfit, her off the shoulder sleeves with lace decorating it as well, the fabric falling to the floor, a small train following behind her. It wasn't a puffy dress like all the ladies in the kingdom had been wearing. It wasn't as tight as the women in the brothel were wearing as well.
Meredith couldn't help but applaud Krillien for choosing her gown. She might not have chosen a design as well as he did.
"This is wonderful. You did a fantastic work, Madam." Meredith smiled at Madam Miriam who was wistfully watching her with a smile.
"I am happy to dress the future Empress, Your Highness. It is a wonderful occasion." She said as she brushed Meredith's hair behind her neck, showing her collar and neck line much better.
"Will you be joining the banquet?"
Madam Miriam slowly shook her head. "Apologies, Lady Meredith. Hans and I were in such a rush making His Majesty's and your outfits for tonight that we were not able to get a good night's rest or any rest for that matter." She glanced at her aide who had bags in his eyes that began to sag.
Meredith wanted to scold Krillien for making such a haste of things, especially for an occasion like this. But what could she do with a man who had rules of his own? Being the Emperor as well.
"I see," Meredith sadly smiled. "Still, thank you for making the gown. It is beautiful."
"You are most welcome," she smiled. "I congratulate you on your engagement to His Majesty, Lady Meredith. I wish you prosperity." She bowed along with Hans.
"Thank you," Meredith smiled and watched as the two of them left. It would have been nice to have someone she liked to watch the banquet as they announced their engagement. Her family was not there to cheer for her, after all. But they would not be cheering. No one would.
Given Meredith's reputation for being quite the debutante a few years ago, no one might like the idea of these two's pairing. The fate of the empire at the hands of these two would not be anyone's dream.
It won't be long until someone decides to take a stand against them. Meredith thought, her head turning towards the window where the orange hue of the sun peeking through the dark clouds.
The banquet was about to begin.