When the maids were finished with Sinead, she was wearing a green dress with gold and silver embellishments on the bodice and sleeves. It was a little more daring than the dresses she usually wore, but this was an Occasion, she could afford to step out of her comfort zone a little. Her hair had been pulled back off her face, half her hair tied into a bun and the rest flowing freely. For what felt like the first time since her coronation, she actually looked like a queen.
Sinead made her way down to the ballroom. The festivities had already begun, allowing Sinead to slip in without any of the pomp and ceremony that usually followed her arrival into a room. Casting her gaze around the room, she spotted Isabelle, dressed in a deep blue gown, and the two princes milling among the crowd. Sinead walked through the crowds, until she was standing behind Nathaniel, "I confess, Nathaniel, I am surprised you have the energy for such an occasion," She said quietly, a smile tugging at her lips, "Though I am pleased you made the effort."
Sinead, by some miracle, managed to avoid dancing until the food was served. She found herself say next to Nathaniel, who was proving to be surprisingly charming company despite his earlier attitude, "You look lovely, Your Highness," Nathaniel said to her over the course of the meal.
Sinead looked up from her meal, "I thank you kindly for your compliment," She answered, still unsure how to handle this change in demenour from the prince.
Sinead was thankful when the celebration came to an end. She was tired from the travelling and the festivities had sapped her of what little energy she had left. Nathaniel escorted her back to her room and politely took his leave. Sinead closed the door to her chambers behind her and let her shoulders drop. She was nearing exhaustion. The red haired maid she had spoken to her earlier deftly untied her dress, "What's your name?" Sinead asked.
"Milly, Your Highness."
"Thank you for your help today Milly," Sinead said from behind a dressing screen as she changed into her nightgown.
"It's nothing Milady. I will see you in the morning, Your Highness."
Sinead nodded, "Of course," She heard the door close and was about to climb into bed when she heard another knock at the door. Lighting a candle, Sinead opened the door. She found a palace guard standing there, "Can I help you?"
"Forgive the intrusion, Your Highness, but an intruder was found in Queen Isabelle's room. I merely wished to be certain you had not found yourself in the same circumstances."
Sinead looked around into her room, "There are no intruders here, my good Sir, but I thank you for your concern." She said, quietly closing the door as the guard took his leave. Sinead climbed into her bed, pulling the covers tightly around herself. How had someone managed to sneak into Isabelle's room. She tried to comfort herself that the same event couldn't happen twice in one night. No doubt the guards had increased their patrols. Even so, sleep did not come to Sinead easily that night.