[December 3, 2042]
Aina, fourth princess of Luvinia, had noticed that something had changed. Even half a year ago, she wouldn’t have owned such powers of observation, wouldn’t have had the emotional intelligence necessary to detect irregularities in the behavior of those around her. But living at an intimate distance from people she wasn’t expected to order around or pay tribute to had increased her capacity to see them as individuals. She had learned Ellie’s daily habits (typically a run early in the morning, before locking herself in her room late at night), the amount of times Ram would find the confidence to eat dinner with the rest of the house (three to four times per week), and the sorts of movies that Mel liked to watch in the living room after a quiet day (mostly stuff with serial killers and monsters and people running around in immodest clothing).
Aina had also learned that the peasant and Bridget got along very well. They would always be in the kitchen together in the morning when Aina entered, plating food, washing dishes, and chatting away about something or other like they lived in idyllic domestic bliss. Bridget would also mention Cal often at night, when she brushed Aina’s long, luscious red hair before bed. From the beginning, Aina had realized that Cal preferred her attendant to herself by a wide margin. At first, this had bothered her because it offended her pride, and she had had ugly thoughts that it was ridiculous anybody could possibly prefer a simple servant to a young and beautiful princess. Now it bothered her for a different reason that she couldn’t quite articulate.
Something had changed. Bridget had been skipping meals. She always had an excuse. She still helped Cal wash dishes, but the two didn’t exchange many words, besides courteous farewells and pertinent questions. They did not meet each other’s eyes, though Aina had seen Bridget steal a glance at Cal’s profile, a look of anxiety on her face. They both were pretending nothing was wrong, in order not to disrupt the harmony of the household.
Once, Aina might have ignored this, or it simply would have gone beneath her notice. But now, she saw what was happening between Cal and Bridget recently and connected it to the cycles she had seen her many siblings go through when they all had grown up in the castle.
Oh, she realized as she chewed her breakfast cereal and watched the pair. They’re fighting. Bridget is angry or dissatisfied with the peasant, for some reason. That’s new. Typically that’s my job.
Aina cared deeply and sincerely about Bridget’s well-being — years ago their relationship had far exceeded the simple dynamic of master and servant, and so she now thought it her own responsibility to cheer her attendant up. And if that meant reconciling her with Cal, so be it. Cal didn’t bother Aina with his behavior so much these days, or perhaps she had stopped taking slights so easily. Regardless, Aina decided, it would be better for everyone if the pair would get along. She missed seeing their smiles in the morning.
The plan was simple and brilliant, as befitting a princess. After breakfast, Aina called Bridget over to the mansion’s library for privacy. “I grow weary of my present wardrobe,” Aina announced. “Later today, we shall go shopping. I wish to taste the fashion of this strange plane we have found ourselves in. This is a mission of crucial importance, so do not be late! Also, I need that card grandfather gave you so I can pay for the spoils we acquire.”
Bridget looked very confused at this sudden declaration, adjusting a button on her chest. “I suppose that’s fine, my lady. I was hoping to get a start on steaming your dresses today, but a change of scenery could be beneficial. I would love to see more of the city.”
The next step was acquiring the peasant. Aina caught him just before he walked out the front door to head to the university. “Cal, a moment!” She said wearily, catching her breath. She had run from the library to here, which was more cardio than she had done in months. “A moment, wait…”
She took a deep shuddering breath, holding the side of her chest. Cal looked at her with pity and said: “You really need to do some basic exercise or stretches once in a while, for your own sake.”
“Silence, peasant!” she interjected. “I need a favor of great importance. Later today, I am heading to a clothing store, as you would call it, to acquire some new outfits in order to pass undetected in this world. I need your assistance in picking items.”
Cal made a face. “Oh, um, do you really need me for that? I’ve got an evening lecture. The school invited some big-shot scientists. Can’t you get Ram or Ellie to help you with something like that? I don’t really know anything about fashion.”
He gestured to his jeans, dark-colored hoodie, and coat, an outfit he had worn with very little variation for the entirety of the time Aina had known him.
“Ah, you have made great strides in the time we’ve known one another, but you still possess great ignorance in many regards-”
“This is how you ask people for favors?” Cal muttered.
“-it’s not as simple as you envision. I am a princess of Luvinia-”
“Really? You’ve never mentioned it.”
“-and as a princess, I must remain elegant and desirable in all forms of dress. Do you understand what I mean, peasant? I need a male eye for this particular excursion.”
Cal looked upward to the heavens, closed his eyes, and then turned to Aina, who was looking at him with expectant green eyes. “Okay, okay, but just for a little bit. I’m not sure how helpful I can be, but I’ll give it a shot. I’ll need time to get back to uni from the shopping district, and to get there from my afternoon classes. Is four in the afternoon good?”
“A perfect time for our quest!” Then Aina smiled, almost knowingly, at her own behavior, and winked. “Thanks, Cal. I appreciate it.”
He smiled back, the first time she had seen him smile since yesterday. “You’re welcome, princess. I need to take off now, though. Have a good day.”
“You too.”
When he was out the door, and it closed long enough to insulate the house from the cold December air, Aina grinned contentedly to herself and pumped her arm in victory.
“I’m such a genius,” she said out loud to the hall.
Ellie, who was passing through carrying a ham sandwich and had absolutely no context to what was going on, gave Aina a fist bump as she walked by. “You the best, princess.”
“Thank you, good citizen! It’s heartening to see a ruler appreciated in their time!”
When Cal entered the store that afternoon (a chiqe place that had opened off the city’s main boulevard with mannequins in the windows and models on the walls) he ran immediately into Ram and Bridget, who were standing by the front entrance.
“Ah, Ms. Bridget,” Cal said tensely. “Aina neglected to let me know you'd be coming.”
“Ah, Mr. Cal,” Bridget replied, not meeting his stare. “Likewise, my lady made it seem like it would only be the two of us on this excursion.”
They both looked at Aina, who was pretending to study the sailor uniform on display, a recent trend of fashion roaring back over 150 years after its initial hay-day. The princess carefully considered the collar and then turned her green eyes on them. “It must have slipped my mind!” she declared, putting a hand solemnly over her chest. “I take this isn’t an issue, Bridget, having Cal along? I thought a male opinion would just be what the doctor ordered.”
“Using native idioms now, are you my lady?” Bridget sighed. “I… have no problem with it. Do you?”
She cast a somewhat apologetic glance at Cal, and he shook his head.
“Very good!” Aina clapped her hands together and grinned. “Now then, let’s go!”
Aina led the way through the store as if she knew where going, got lost, went into the bathroom mistaking it for a kiosk — and then headed for the women’s section of the store — weaving through displays of clothes and customers who couldn’t help but glance at the beautiful red-haired woman wearing a charming pastel sun-dress. Aina grabbed things off shelves and stands as she went, her bright young face resembling a kid in a candy-store let loose without limit.
Cal didn’t take much notice of all this as he followed behind silently. He was looking at Bridget, who was decidedly not looking at him — intentionally, he thought — but also because she seemed sincerely distracted by the environment she had found herself in. Her inquisitive brown eyes studied the organic diodes illuminating the stores above their heads, the robots standing on podiums striking various poses in clothes 50% off, the LED screens and posters on the walls showing off women in lingerie.
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The trio reached the booths where women could change and try on clothes at their convenience, and Aina swung around, her red hair dancing, and jutted her finger at Cal and Bridget. “Now, you two! I’m going to try on these clothes here and I expect honest, direct feedback. I want to know if these outfits work on their own terms.” She paused. “Obviously, I look gorgeous in any outfit I wear, but try not to be too distracted.”
Aina nodded conspiratorily at Bridget (who looked confused), winked at Cal (who made a face that seemed to say “why’d you do that?”), twirled back around with the bundle of clothes over her shoulder, and with a sway of a purple curtain, vanished from sight inside the booth.
There was a long, excruciating silence. Cal and Bridget stood side by side, facing the booth, shoulders almost touching. As if suddenly conscious of this, Bridget stepped to the left to gain some more distance.
“She seems in a good mood,” Cal said at last. “Is this how she usually is, back in her castle of champagne and disco-music?”
Bridget sighed, not wanting to engage in conversation but seemingly feeling obligated to. “I’m not quite sure what those words mean, but your meaning is clear. Not quite. When she was younger, my lady would sometimes act in this manner, but as she got older, it became increasingly rare. Perhaps this is difficult for you to envision, but by the time my lady left the castle, she was a perpetual melancholic.” She played with a lock of her brown hair, twisting it around her finger. “My lady has seemed in high spirits recently, even taking interest in her magic practice again. Perhaps she is reverting somewhat to the way she was.”
“I really didn’t know Aina would do this. It took me by surprise just like it did you-”
“Oh, I know that!” Bridget hissed, irritation in her voice, though not directed at Cal. “She orchestrated this, clearly. Typically, I would be rather touched she noticed there was some antagonism between us and acted on it, I only wish-”
“Ta-daa!” Aina shouted as she bounced out of the booth, loud enough to make some bystanders glance in her direction. “What do you think, what do you think? Quite dazzling, isn’t it? Tell me I’m beautiful, hmmmmmm?”
She was dressed in a cute white top tucked into a long olive-green skirt that fluttered around her heels as she did a little spin.
Bridget made an expression somewhere between an exasperated frown and a smile. “You… look very beautiful as always, my lady.”
“Mhmm, mhmm.” Aina nodded smugly, proud of herself, before turning to Cal. “And you? Do these clothes suit each other well?”
“They…” Cal shrugged, unsure what to say at first. “They… fit each other nicely. The soft colors and casual modesty bring out a feeling that evokes youth and springtime.”
“Oh hooo?” Aina said dramatically, raising an eyebrow. “So you can have a discerning eye when you try. Hold on! Both of you will love this next one!”
She rushed back into the booth, the long skirt flailing behind her.
“A very good mood,” Cal remarked.
Bridget finally did smile, with sincerity and warmth. “My lady often intentionally acts ridiculous at times, in her speech or manner — what some would call brattish or simply immature. Haven’t you noticed? It’s her way of getting attention, attention that was so often denied to her by her parents or siblings. You’re a perfect replacement, Mr. Cal.”
“I see.”
The conversation fizzled out again. Pop music sung by a machine came on over the speakers. Despite standing close to one another, Cal and Bridget hadn’t looked at each other directly once during their conversation.
“I want to apologize again,” Cal said suddenly.
Bridget shook her head. “Mr. Cal, I- There’s really nothing more to apologize for. We’ve talked in circles already; it’s all done with. I’m not even as affected as I was. But… I don’t think I was wrong with my conclusions-”
“I lied to you.”
Bridget looked at him then, her brown eyes widened in surprise. “I lied about the kiss.” Cal was looking downward at the tiled floor of the store. “It’s true that I didn’t initiate it and wasn’t expecting it. But I realized what was happening quickly, and I didn’t pull away. I was curious. You see, nobody had ever kissed me before.”
For a moment, Bridget continued to look surprised, before she did a little dismissive shake of the head. “Mr. Cal, you really don’t need to continue these excuses for the sake of… sparing my feelings. I know that can’t possibly be true, I mean, you’re very… Even I, sheltered as I have been, have kissed a stable boy or two-”
“It’s true.”
Bridget wasn’t expecting the intensity in his black eyes, and almost took a step back. “Mr. Cal…”
“I’ve never been told by someone that they loved me or cared about me, not in that way. So when that happened, I was seized by a particular curiosity… to pretend to know how that might feel.” Cal raised his eyes upward to the ceiling, looking at nothing. “I don’t think Roxy is something to be feared, Ms. Bridget. I don’t regret my actions in protecting her. But I do regret lying to you to hide my own embarrassment, and I regret the way I phrased certain things. You're not hateful, only protective towards those whom you feel responsible for.”
“Mr. Cal-”
“Alright, round two!” The curtain was pushed aside and Aina strolled out, wearing a fashionable white coat a little too large for her and scarlet clothes underneath. “How is this?! Rather attention-grabbing, don’t you both agree?”
Bridget was distracted and took a moment of recentering in order to answer her employer’s question, but managed to flash a wide smile. “You look very lovely, my lady.”
“Yeah,” Cal said, half in sincerity and half because he wanted to finish his conversation with Bridget. “The colors suit your hair and complexion. It’s stunning.”
“Oh.” Aina said simply, standing awkwardly all of a sudden. She actually blushed. “Oh… I could get used to this sort of praise. Hold on, I’ve got one more I want to try!”
She vanished behind the curtain again, grinning toothfully.
Bridget let the air rest for a handful of pauses, and then began to speak in a deliberate manner. “Mr. Cal, I would like to reiterate that I disapprove of Roxy. I think your relationship is at best ill-advised and at worst dangerous. I can’t imagine feeling differently, now or in the future, however-” A tremble in her voice. “I’m sorry for the other things I said. Not just because they were hurtful — and were intended to be so — but because they are also categorically untrue. You see my lady. She’s having the time of her life, put simply. You’ve done that, you and all the rest of those lovely girls. The transformation is not only due to her own strength, it is due to all of your influence. We are both lucky to have you in our lives. So thank you.”
Bridget bowed suddenly, in a way that seemed practiced and automatic. “And if I may add a personal dimension-”
“Seriously Bridget, don’t bow.” Cal said, immediately uncomfortable at the gesture. “I’ve said before-”
“And if I may add a personal dimension-” Bridget said, plowing ahead. “…I waited the morning after our argument in the foyer, as I always do, l waiting for you to come down and to resume our chats, as you always do, and when you didn’t, it was like the bottom fell out of my very stomach.”
“I thought… you wouldn’t want to see me, so I came down with everyone else, so you wouldn’t have to suffer the awkwardness of being alone with me.”
“I understand that. I understand that you were trying to be considerate. But when this repeated, and repeated, I realized in those moments that I missed our talks. Viciously, desperately. May I please ask that we resume them?”
Cal almost reached forward to touch her, trying to get her from continuing the bow in the middle of the store, but caught himself just in time. “Of course, of course. Just raise your head Bridget, it’s all-”
“Third outfit, discuss!” proclaimed Aina, exiting the booth with a dramatic flourish of the hand. Her face was clearly elated to show off the smart-looking checkered blouse she was wearing, but it fell when she saw the scene in front of her. “Bridget, you shouldn’t be bowing to a peasant like this… although I take this to mean whatever problem existed has been cleared up?”
“My lady!” Bridge instantly straightened, her face deep red. “Um, no, well yes, that is to say-”
“No matter, no matter, I expect you shall recount it in detail tonight. Attendant!” Aina waved her hand in the air dismissively as she called over a confused-looking employee of the store. “May I get this outfit, as well as the coat, shirt, and skirt hanging back there in a size permissible for my companion here?”
Bridget blushed even deeper. “My lady!” she said in a startled voice. “I cannot accept-”
Aina raised an eyebrow. “You claimed these very clothes to be excellent, did you not? Unless you want the mark of a liar, you shall accept them. I’ve long thought you need a little more diversity in your wardrobe. Consider this an order if you wish.”
“My lady, those clothes fit you! I am far less beautiful than yourself, not worthy to be looked at. Thus they would be wasted on me.”
Aina didn’t say anything for a moment. A discontented expression passed over her face, before she looked at Cal. “And what say you, peasant? Do you find my Bridget not worthy in her features to be looked upon? Forget about comparisons to me, for a moment, for of course my beauty would make anybody look dour in comparison-”
“I get it, Aina, what you’re doing.” Cal raised a hand. He had an appreciative expression. “No need to go on. Bridget, you would look lovely in those clothes, just as Aina did. I think you should take them. Besides, I’m curious to see what you would look like in something besides your uniform.”
Bridget’s face had reached a scarlet zenith. She was actually holding her hands in front of her face in a fashion that seemed to suggest she wanted to physically hide her blush. “I… well… if you both insist…”
“We do!” Aina nodded, smiling sincerely without pretense or preformativeness. “And, because I am an ever-generous royal, I shall let you pick an additional outfit of your own discretion. Come now, let’s see how you fare!”
A few minutes later, the purple curtain parted again, and Bridget stepped out. She was wearing an extremely simple dark skirt and cozy-looking brown knitted sweater that hid the curves of her body. She held her hand bashfully behind her back, not looking quite at anything at all. Her fingers intertwined and her feet shifted back and forth — uncomfortable with being put into this different sort of situation.
“So those are the clothes you’ve chosen,” Aina held her nose up in the air, though it may have been in an intentionally ridiculous manner. “Not bad. Nothing compared to my taste, but that’s to be expected, not everyone can have the discerning eye of a royal. How about you, peasant, what do you think?”
“I think she looks very good,” said Cal, looking at Bridget with a smile. “Their humility and modesty suit her.”
Bridget tried to smile back timidly, but couldn’t seem to face Cal’s direction. Her body kept turning despite itself as if trying to prevent a direct view of her body and clothes.
“Well, isn’t that nice?” sniffed Aina, pulling at locks of her red hair, “I can’t be outdone, can I? We shall have to return again, Cal, and pick me out some clothes that will make you smile in a similar way to the manner you are now.”