Princesses Morla and Leeta flounced into the room, leaving the door wide open.
"Good. You're dressed," Morla said.
"Good morning," Princess Leeta said. "I hope you slept well."
Bree rolled her eyes at Morla and smiled at the other princess. "I did, thank you, Princess Leeta."
"Please, call me Leeta when we are not in others’ company."
"Sit down," Morla said as she pulled the chair away from the narrow table under the window.
Bree flopped into the chair. "You don't have to be so bossy, you know."
Morla flicked Bree's long red hair. "I apologize. I had to be abrupt with Garlain for so long, it is hard to harness my manners again."
Leeta opened the bag she'd brought with her and pulled out a wide-toothed comb and what Bree could only assume was a large horse brush.
The princesses set about combing and brushing Bree's hair until it was dry. Bree only complained when they were far too eager to rid a thick lock of hair of its tangle.
Leeta patted her on the head. “There, that wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.”
“Not for you, maybe,” Bree said.
Leeta laughed and set about twisting and braiding Bree’s hair.
Morla knelt to place shoes on Bree’s stockinged feet. Although Bree and Morla had a tumultuous start to their relationship, Bree was glad she had been there for Garlain and even though she wasn’t a royalist, it didn’t feel right for a princess to put shoes on a commoner.
“I’ll do that,” Bree said.
“Nonsense,” Morla said. “Sit still so Leeta can finish your hair.”
She slipped the hard leather shoes on Bree’s feet and pulled the laces tight and tied them over Bree’s instep. The laces didn’t pull the leather together, but Bree liked the decorative effect.
Leeta pulled the braids of hair together and wove leaves and flowers through them and on the top of Bree’s head.
Bree smiled at her reflection in the polished metal mirror. The effect was magical, and she couldn’t wait for Horland to see her.
THE PRINCESSES HURRIEDBree out of the door and tried to hurry her down the stairs, but Bree stopped short. Below, her cousins and their partners stood smiling up at her. Laura had her baby girl in her arms.
Bree rushed down the stairs and into the arms of her girl cousins. With arms and hands and kisses going every which way, Bree laughed. “It’s so good to see you all.”
“It’s good to see you, Bree,” Abby said, as Garrett and Laura pushed their way into the circle.
“Bree,” Garrett said, smiling widely.
Bree hugged him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Garrett gazed around the huge foyer. “Me too. This is certainly better than some condo.”
“It is,” Laura said, giving Bree a one-armed hug.
“I’ve missed you,” Bree said, pulling the blanket away from the baby’s face. “Ooh, she is beautiful.”
“Isn’t she?” Garrett said.
“Okay,” Izzy said, “give Bree some room and let us see your baby.”
Bree noted the men standing back. Iain, Edward, and Peter all smiled lovingly at their wives. Bree went and gave each one a hug. “I’m glad you’re all here too.”
