Maxi wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt as she looked out of the wide-open front doors.
For a while, it was only their voices that reached them, but soon enough, a company of people dressed in fine garments began ascending the castle steps. Maxi immediately identified Princess Agnes.
The princess was the epitome of dignity as she made her way to the great hall. Two young ladies-in-waiting, half a dozen male attendants, and knights in silver armor trailed in a long procession behind her. Their entire party was flanked by the Remdragon Knights, with Riftan personally escorting the princess.
Despite Princess Agnes’s royal grace, Maxi was completely taken aback by her appearance, so much so that she forgot to curtsy. The princess was dressed in men’s trousers, high boots, a knee-length purple tunic, and a cloak. Her golden tresses were unadorned, tumbling loosely over her shoulders. An easygoing smile stretched across her sun-kissed face as she strode toward the castle. She seemed so uninhibited and vibrant, nothing at all the way Maxi had imagined. She wore no jewels, but her dazzling blue eyes put any sapphire to shame.
Maxi greeted her, feeling slightly disarmed.
“I am so glad to make your acquaintance, Lady Calypse,” said the princess. “I am Agnes Drachina Reuben.”
“It is…an honor, Your Highness…. I am Maximilian…Calypse.” Maxi’s greeting was slow, but free of stuttering thanks to the hours she had spent practicing in secret. “I hope that you will…enjoy your stay here i-in Anatol.”
Maxi spread her skirts in a curtsy, the maidservants following suit behind her with their heads bowed.
Princess Agnes remained the picture of refined grace, even as she gave Maxi a carefree smile. “Thank you for welcoming us so warmly at such short notice.”
Riftan stepped between the two women, his back to the princess and eyes on his wife. “I will show the knights to their quarters. I leave it to you to show Her Highness to her room.”
With his back to the light, his shadowed face looked graver than usual. His dark blue tunic and silver breastplate only magnified his imposing brawn.
“I…will.” Maxi met his intense gaze with a soft nod. Shewas hoping for a peck on the forehead or cheek, but Riftan merely looked down at her from a respectful distance before turning to the knights.
“Allow me to show you to your rooms.” He strode away toward the annex, the royal knights and their attendants following behind him.
Hiding her disappointment, Maxi ordered the maidservants to show the rest of the royal retinue to their rooms. The maidservants promptly began to move the luggage.
“I’ve prepared a room…o-on the second floor of the great hall…for you, Your Highness. Your attendants…will be on the s-same floor…. I hope that is to your satisfaction?”
“Of course. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
“Th-Then…allow me to show you the way.”
Maxi started up the carpeted staircase, the princess beside her. The princess’s eyes took in the castle’s halls, bright with interest.
“What a splendid home you have. I must say, I was surprised at how much bigger it is than I expected.”
Maxi glanced at her awkwardly, unsure how to respond to such affability. Despite the long journey, the princess did not look tired in the slightest. She ascended the stairs with a bounce in her step as she took in the sight of Calypse Castle: the lavishly decorated banquet hall, the high arched ceiling, the rustic pillars, and the sunlight streaming through its classically vaulted windows.
“I heard that Calypse Castle is older than Drachium Palace. It looks very well maintained.”
“Th-Thank you, Your Highness.” Maxi unconsciouslyadopted a servile tone. Even dressed like a young man, the princess commanded an overwhelming air of royal authority.
Falling two steps behind the princess, Maxi watched her, transfixed by the princess’s confidence. She was a tall woman, at least five kevettes and two henches, her arms and legs long and lean, reminding Maxi of a deer. She was not at all the classic beauty Maxi had imagined. Instead, Princess Agnes radiated a provocative charm that was entirely different from Rosetta’s delicate loveliness. Full lips too large for her face; a thin, sharp face with a straight nose; and almond-shaped eyes that were slightly upturned, giving the impression of the cat who ate the canary. She was more handsome than beautiful.
“It feels as if I’ve traveled back to the Roem Dynasty,” the princess continued in a placid voice. “Could I trouble you for a tour of the castle later? I would love to explore it further.” She turned to Maxi, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Although her expression was friendly, her blue eyes were penetrating.
Maxi reflexively hunched her shoulders and nodded. “O-Of course.”
“Thank you. But first, I’d like nothing more than a bath and a change of clothes. Which way was it to my room?”
Ludis, who had been trailing behind them, stepped forward with a bow. “This way, Your Highness. Please follow me.”
Princess Agnes nodded toward Ludis in acknowledgment, then smiled again at Maxi. “Well, I shall see you later.” With that, she pivoted gracefully to follow nimbly after Ludis.
Maxi could only watch them go, her own legs rooted to the spot. It was only their first encounter, and she already felt as if she had been swept off her feet. She blinked several times until clarity returned, and she gestured for another maidservant. “P-Prepare baths…for the guests…and be…especially attentive…w-when attending to Her Highness.”
“Yes, my lady.”
