Chapter 19 Meeting the Royal Council

• "Oh Leslie, I don't know, but do you think this is going too far? I mean, I'm only meeting a bunch of old people. Heck, I can't even breathe properly in this!" Ashina complained as she looked at her reflection in the mirror just before her. She took a look at her feet, which were covered by her gown, and at her hair. Leslie had gotten the maids to get her dressed in a green gown. This gown had long sleeves and left her back bare, having only strings tied there to stop it from falling off. While this gown looked beautiful and exotic, it caused Ashina great discomfort. She looked at her face. It was almost like she was staring at a different person as her face had been bathed in make-up. Ashina thought the whole thing was too much and unnecessary. The only thing she liked about the whole preparation was the way her hair got tied into a bun and then kept intact with a golden ring.
• "Ashina, come on! You look great in this! Also, for the umpteenth time, please do not underrate the council! We have to get on their good side, so you should appear perfect in all ramifications!" Princess Leslie yelled as she ran her eyes all over Ashina, making sure there was no flaw in her outfit. Ashina let out a sigh. She wished her day had just continued with her stretching her limbs on the bed, being fanned and fed grapes. Noticing Ashina's uneasiness, Leslie approached Ashina, stood in between her and the mirror, and raised her hands to hold her cheeks.
• "Ashina, trust me, this whole thing will be over before you know it! Please cheer up and do this for me! For Scyta!" Leslie pleaded, grinning. Ashina looked her in the eyes with a straight face. She was close to regretting signing up for this. She had only gone with the flow as seeing Leslie cry had hurt her. Little did she know that letting Leslie do her thing was going to cause her greater discomfort. Well, she knew it was too late to want out. Also, after hearing Leslie's story, she sure wanted to see this royal council.