Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 58: A perfectly flawed plan

Chapter 58: Chapter 58: A perfectly flawed plan

Lyra gave a soft and indignant "Meow!" to Cassian and quickly ducked back into the pocket.

As he reached the entrance to the princess’s chambers, he smoothed out his coat, tucking Lyra’s little face fully out of sight. The princess’s personal maid, Lora, was already waiting, her hands full of fabrics and accessories.

"Cassian, there you are," Lora remarked with a kind but frustrated smile. "You are just in time. As usual, the princess is attempting to decide between too many possibilities.

They reached the princess’s private chambers, where she was looking intently at her reflection in an elegant mirror, surrounded by an array of extravagant clothes and jewelry.

"Ah! Cassian!" "Exactly what I needed," the princess murmured, turning to him with a teasing smile. "Come, help me choose. Which of these would make me seem... most intimidating?"

Cassian raised an eyebrow, smiling as he looked over the gowns. "Intimidating, Your Highness? Surely a princess’s beauty doesn’t need to frighten anyone off."

The princess chuckled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "It happens tonight. Mother is set on this marriage, and I’ll need to convince him that the prince thinks he’s picked the wrong princess completely." She lifted a gown with excessive decorations and vibrant colors. "Perhaps this one?"

Lora said, "That one would certainly make a statement, Your Highness."

The princess chuckled, but her expression included a tinge of nervousness. Cassian noticed it and took a step closer, smiling gently.

"Remember, Princess, the goal is to be just off-putting enough. Allow him to realize what a determined woman you are, one who prioritizes her own path above all else."

"Right," the princess said softly, her grin returning. She met Cassian’s gaze, her tone softening. "I believe you will keep a close eye on him tonight. We need this."

Lora tilted her head thoughtfully. "It might also help if you made an unusual comment about... a preference for rare, peculiar hobbies? Something that would make the prince question if he could live with such an eccentric partner."

The princess smiled at the concept. "Are you talking about rare hobbies? Perhaps I’ll mention my passion for bug collections? Isn’t that odd enough?

Cassian chuckled with amusement in his eyes. "That’s quite odd, Your Highness. Insects will probably give him second thoughts.

Lyra, overhearing everything from Cassian’s pocket, shifted slightly, her little paws pushing against his chest as if she, too, wanted to join in on the plan. Cassian gently patted his coat pocket to soothe her.

Lora raised an eyebrow and said nothing as she looked into the pocket. She went on: "If the prince tries to get close, you could also mention your late-night habits—perhaps pretending to be a night owl who practices music until dawn?"

The princess chuckled, obviously enjoying herself. "Perfect! By the end of the evening, he’ll be looking for the nearest exit."

They kept discussing specifics, with the princess carefully choosing accessories that would clash with the gown and an odd hairstyle that would further enhance the "unique" impression she hoped to convey.

Cassian remained close by, proposing subtle ways she may appear high-maintenance, stating minor differences and preferences that would indicate a personality completely incompatible with the prince’s refined tastes.

Cassian noted the princess’s grateful expression as they finished the preparations.

"Thank you, Cassian," she replied, her tone serious. "I understand this is not exactly... royal protocol. But if this succeeds, it would mean a lot to me."

He inclined his head. "Anything for Your Highness," he replied softly, meeting her gaze. "Besides, I believe you deserve someone who sees you for who you truly are, not as a pawn in a royal alliance."

The princess gave a small smile, glancing away as if embarrassed by her own vulnerability.

Lora broke the silence with a cheerful clap. "Alright, let’s hope this plan scares off the prince without much trouble! He’ll be quite speechless when he meets you tonight, I’m sure."

Cassian barely had time to let out a sigh of relief after seeing the princess ready for her plan when a knock at the door signaled an unexpected arrival.

Lora opened it, and in walked Lady Isolde, the queen’s personal maid, with an entourage of attendants behind her.

Lady Isolde held a gown in her hands, a vision of shimmering elegance with intricately embroidered silver and sapphire accents. She inclined her head with a polite but firm smile.

"Her Majesty has sent a gown and jewels for the princess tonight," she announced, sweeping her gaze over the princess’s eclectic outfit and unorthodox hairstyle with thinly veiled disapproval.

The princess’s face fell as her eyes darted from the gown in Isolde’s hands to her own attire. This new dress was the exact opposite of the eccentric look they’d carefully crafted—it was elegant, refined, and exuded royal grace.

Lady Isolde continued, her tone warm but edged with steel. "Her Majesty believes that tonight’s appearance is crucial to our kingdom’s image and has personally selected this dress to reflect our royal dignity."

Cassian and Lora exchanged worried glances, realizing their plan was unraveling quickly. The princess, momentarily stunned, found her voice after a pause, adopting a polite but firm tone.

"I... appreciate my mother’s consideration, but I had planned a different look for tonight, one that aligns with my own preferences."

Isolde’s smile remained, though her eyes glinted with the queen’s unyielding authority. "Your Highness, it is not a request," she replied. "I’ve been instructed to oversee every detail of your attire tonight."

The princess clenched her fists but knew better than to directly defy Lady Isolde or her mother’s orders. Turning to Cassian, she whispered, "So much for our plan. If I walk out in that dress, I’ll appear exactly as Mother wants—perfectly poised and perfectly matchable."

Cassian’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "There may still be a way, Your Highness," he whispered back. "Perhaps if we can’t control your look, we can still manage the conversation. Just remember the quirks we discussed—he might still see the match as less desirable if he finds you... eccentric in personality."