Princess Aravo Part 1

23

Some time passed since the events described by us earlier. Irbis's documents had been ready by then and she could open a bank account. Then loads of purchases were made of clothes, household goods etc.

Her wardrobe was renewed according to the latest Westonia fashion. Then everyone wore asymmetrical clothes. The unmarried ones and widows and widowers had the right side "heavier" and the married ones the left side. Exceptions were wedding gowns and uniforms. Women in the High city and especially ladies at court could wear trousers and dresses and skirts of different length but according to fixed norms. At all official events in the palace they should wear floor-length dresses. On hunting they were allowed to put on trousers. At very special events like balls, weddings etc. they wore luxurious gowns with light crinolines like those in the middle of the 19th century. Under-age girls couldn't wear floor-length clothes. In all other cases women wore things they liked but there was one more norm only that was more of beliefs' character. In high society the mini-length was considered very vulgar and plebeian. Such clothes were liked only by women of the Low city.

Tobro helped Irbis to choose suitable for her things. She purchased different shirts, jackets and trousers for working in the library where she had to climb ladders a lot. And of course there were some skirts and dresses. Also there was one more detail in Tinalden's fashion. There women liked to wear little elbow-length tippets which were clasped either at the left (for unmarried) or right (for married) side. They covered the upper part of a back entirely while in the front they were asymmetrically opened. Evil tongues said that they were invented by the late princess to conceal the fact that she had one breast bigger than the other. It is not known for sure but such tippets from warm materials were very convenient for that not yet warm time of year. The only woman in the city who refused to wear them was Dilarita, the prince's favourite. But I think, my dear reader, that I should tell you about her style later so that not to overload you with fashion to much. 

What about shoes Irbis chose for herself comfortable soft noiseless slippers to work in the library to make as little sound as possible. Tobro also bought for her a couple of pairs of heel-shoes. She tried to walk in them but she wasn't used to them. The fool told her that she would have to wear them for official event and needed to learn walking in them. Plus he bought some things for himself and said to the girl that by paying for them she wouldn't owe him anymore. Well, I think that is enough with clothes and let's talk about something else.

The girl was learning all rules of behaviour in the palace, etiquette, the librarian's guidebook (all of this was pretty much) and just getting used to living in that world for all that time. Then, of course, she began working in the palace library.

Her position had all advantages to be liked. Our girl learned theory of working in such place but she lacked the working experience. At first she felt a bit nervous to step in this something unknown. The Master Manager gave her instructions what she had to do and Irbis tried to do her best. She needed to keep catalogues, watch the book to be on their right places and that everyone to return them in time, put right labels at book-shelves, water plants, keep everything in order etc. etc. Also there were many not translated works. In general, it was very interesting for her to do all this and reveal different secrets of old times.

Once on her first days she was translating an ancient and very exciting book. The girl was so absorbed with her work that she didn't notice at once the ringing of the bell calling for her. Irbis was in the locked for visitors section and somebody was waiting for her at her main desk. On it was that bell and she hadn't got used to its sound yet. As she understood what it really was, she darted herself to the visitor. She ran fast between bookcases and turned the corner to her desk. The prince was sitting there waiting for her to come at last. She rushed to that place and right then slipped the floor and fell.

"Oh my!" the prince exclaimed. "Are you alive? I hope you are not succeeding to break all your bones."

"I am all right..." said Irbis recovering her breath after such run.

The prince came up to her and helped her to stand up. And then it started...

"Miss Widelzerin, why do I have to ring thousand times and wait for a half an hour for you to do me a favour and come?"

"I am really sorry, Your Highness. It is my negligence..." said Irbis lowering her head.

"Then I should remind you that it is a library and not a stadium. Here you should walk and not run with breaking of your nose. How can you explain such behaviour?"

"Forgive me, Sire. I was in the section with ancient books translating. I didn't notice the ringing."

"Maybe you need not a bell but a siren to notice it wherever you are and whatever you are doing?"

"Forgive me..." said the girl ashamed.

"Remember, Miss Widelzerin, you should be always ready to meet your prince whenever We wish to come. And you should always have everything in order if We want to see how you work. Was the book you have been translating so interesting?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Show me it later and now I want to see the catalogues."

She turned the magic mirror to him.

"All in black..." he said looking at her clothes. "Really, I thought you and Tobro would choose something merrier."

"But you are too in black," said Irbis.

His eyes stopped on her.

"Miss, you should remember that behaviour of your sovereign is not discussed."

"I am sorry," she again lowered her head.

"If you want to know, I mourn my late wife."

"My consolations... I too mourn my father. It is not 40 days since it happened..."

He cast a look on her and then silently continued looking through catalogues. Then he decided to see the bookcases. Irbis suddenly remembered that she hadn't put one book on its place yet. She quickly took it, followed him and while he wasn't seeing her put it in no time on the right shelf. When she turned herself to him he stood looking at her. Her eyes were guilty.

"Miss Widelzerin, it has been already made so many favours to you as it was not made to anybody else. Now the time of indulgence is over. Now you should make your way with hard labour and only by yourself."

She lowered her head and he continued. After seeing the cases, the prince wanted to see her translation. Irbis leaded him to the locked section and showed him the desk with her work.

"You should keep your working place tidier."

"Forgive me... I was in a hurry..." she tried to justify herself but he had already started checking up her work.

His face was cold and expressed no emotions at all, no approving or disapproving... It was such face that could make you most nervous. Irbis too sat down. The prince suddenly looked at her.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"I am sitting or is it not allowed to do in your presence, Your Highness?"

"No, all women despite their rank, fortune and age are allowed to sit in my presence. Only I just thought that sitting on a stool is much more comfortable."

Oh! She in her anxiety didn't notice that instead of the stool she sat in an old garden vase standing near it. The prince continued reading her works.    

"I am delighted with your translation," he said at last easing the girl's conscience. "Next week will be your first exhibition. Try to do your best. I excuse your mistakes at the start but only at the start so do not relax," he said and went.