The Slave Queen - Chapter 60: Chapter 60
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Not long after, Maryellen was led into the room.
Following close behind were two assistants from Lumen Closet, each carefully carrying a garment box with Raelynn's new outfit inside.
"My good girl, go on—try it on!" Margot urged eagerly, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the cloud-gray brocade robe, elegant and ethereal in design.
Raelynn had no choice but to follow Esther into the inner room to change.
When she stepped out again, everyone was left stunned.
Raelynn had always been striking, but after some time spent recovering, her complexion had grown even fairer, her features softer yet more captivating.
Ordinarily, a rich crimson gown might have emphasized her beauty more dramatically, accentuating her vibrant and expressive features.
But no one had expected that this pale, understated outfit would make her look even more celestial—like an immortal beauty descending from the heavens.
There would be no shortage of noble ladies at the Ice Party. Though Margot genuinely wanted Raelynn to enjoy herself and be seen, she also feared that too much attention might stir up envy or gossip.
It was, after all, Raelynn's first formal public appearance since her return.
Better to keep things subtle—for her protection.
But...
That face, that grace—there was simply no way to downplay it.
While the others in the room were filled with admiration, Raelynn seemed a bit ill at ease.
Though the gown looked clean and simple at first glance, once worn, it became clear that the materials, the craftsmanship, and the embroidery were anything but.
The outer layer of the skirt, in particular, was made from shimmering mermaid silk. It looked subdued when still, but when she moved, it shimmered like starlight—iridescent and impossible to ignore.
She hadn't wanted to stand out.
After four years as a palace maid, she'd grown used to disappearing into the background—staying invisible had meant staying safe.
But she couldn't bear to refuse Margot's kind intentions.
Hurting her feelings over something as trivial as a gown wasn't an option.
Esther beamed, unable to hide her delight. "Lady Raelynn, you really are a rare beauty—enough to make others envious. Maryellen's craftsmanship is simply divine. Wouldn't you agree, Lady Margot?"
Margot was beyond pleased. "This is exactly how I want to see my Raelynn—shining bright. This is the dignity and elegance of my granddaughter!"
Raelynn looked up slightly, meeting Margot's gaze.
She understood—this was Margot's way of encouraging her.
She lowered her head with a faint, shy smile, saying nothing in return.
Maryellen added with sincere admiration, "Lady Raelynn is the most graceful woman I've ever seen in white. Pure as snow, elegant as jewel, like a figure painted straight out of a scroll."
"You flatter me, Maryellen," Raelynn said softly, her cheeks tinged with pink.
Margot then ordered Esther to bring out a stunning set of rare Eastern pearl hair ornaments and instructed Nina to style Raelynn carefully for the party the next day.
Nina accepted the task eagerly, stepping forward to receive the box, her eyes gleaming as she glanced at Raelynn, unable to hide her amazement.
Margot not only paid handsomely for the custom dress but also tipped Maryellen and her two assistants some money each. Then, citing fatigue, she dismissed the rest of the attendants from the room.
Raelynn changed back into her usual clothes and was about to take her leave when a graceful, slender figure swept into the courtyard.
"Grandmother!"
It was Julia.
Today she was dressed in a pale moon-colored palace gown, aiming for a fresh and delicate look.
And she might've pulled it off—if not for the fact that Raelynn was standing right there, radiant and unforgettable. Next to her, Julia's presence seemed flat and uninspired.
Margot, clearly tired, forced a bit of energy into her voice. "Julia, what brings you here?"
Julia clenched her teeth inwardly.
Before Raelynn returned, Margot had called her "good girl" too. She'd once thought it was a special term of endearment.
But now, with Raelynn back, that title had been given to her instead.
The difference was as plain as day.
Still, years of practice had taught her how to mask every trace of displeasure.
She walked forward sweetly, linking her arm through Margot's.
"I saw Maryellen arrive, Grandmother. Did she come to make my Christmas gown?"
It was a fair question.
Before Raelynn's return, it had always been Maryellen who came to tailor custom garments for her and Gabriel as Christmas approached.
Following close behind were two assistants from Lumen Closet, each carefully carrying a garment box with Raelynn's new outfit inside.
"My good girl, go on—try it on!" Margot urged eagerly, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the cloud-gray brocade robe, elegant and ethereal in design.
Raelynn had no choice but to follow Esther into the inner room to change.
When she stepped out again, everyone was left stunned.
Raelynn had always been striking, but after some time spent recovering, her complexion had grown even fairer, her features softer yet more captivating.
Ordinarily, a rich crimson gown might have emphasized her beauty more dramatically, accentuating her vibrant and expressive features.
But no one had expected that this pale, understated outfit would make her look even more celestial—like an immortal beauty descending from the heavens.
There would be no shortage of noble ladies at the Ice Party. Though Margot genuinely wanted Raelynn to enjoy herself and be seen, she also feared that too much attention might stir up envy or gossip.
It was, after all, Raelynn's first formal public appearance since her return.
Better to keep things subtle—for her protection.
But...
That face, that grace—there was simply no way to downplay it.
While the others in the room were filled with admiration, Raelynn seemed a bit ill at ease.
Though the gown looked clean and simple at first glance, once worn, it became clear that the materials, the craftsmanship, and the embroidery were anything but.
The outer layer of the skirt, in particular, was made from shimmering mermaid silk. It looked subdued when still, but when she moved, it shimmered like starlight—iridescent and impossible to ignore.
She hadn't wanted to stand out.
After four years as a palace maid, she'd grown used to disappearing into the background—staying invisible had meant staying safe.
But she couldn't bear to refuse Margot's kind intentions.
Hurting her feelings over something as trivial as a gown wasn't an option.
Esther beamed, unable to hide her delight. "Lady Raelynn, you really are a rare beauty—enough to make others envious. Maryellen's craftsmanship is simply divine. Wouldn't you agree, Lady Margot?"
Margot was beyond pleased. "This is exactly how I want to see my Raelynn—shining bright. This is the dignity and elegance of my granddaughter!"
Raelynn looked up slightly, meeting Margot's gaze.
She understood—this was Margot's way of encouraging her.
She lowered her head with a faint, shy smile, saying nothing in return.
Maryellen added with sincere admiration, "Lady Raelynn is the most graceful woman I've ever seen in white. Pure as snow, elegant as jewel, like a figure painted straight out of a scroll."
"You flatter me, Maryellen," Raelynn said softly, her cheeks tinged with pink.
Margot then ordered Esther to bring out a stunning set of rare Eastern pearl hair ornaments and instructed Nina to style Raelynn carefully for the party the next day.
Nina accepted the task eagerly, stepping forward to receive the box, her eyes gleaming as she glanced at Raelynn, unable to hide her amazement.
Margot not only paid handsomely for the custom dress but also tipped Maryellen and her two assistants some money each. Then, citing fatigue, she dismissed the rest of the attendants from the room.
Raelynn changed back into her usual clothes and was about to take her leave when a graceful, slender figure swept into the courtyard.
"Grandmother!"
It was Julia.
Today she was dressed in a pale moon-colored palace gown, aiming for a fresh and delicate look.
And she might've pulled it off—if not for the fact that Raelynn was standing right there, radiant and unforgettable. Next to her, Julia's presence seemed flat and uninspired.
Margot, clearly tired, forced a bit of energy into her voice. "Julia, what brings you here?"
Julia clenched her teeth inwardly.
Before Raelynn returned, Margot had called her "good girl" too. She'd once thought it was a special term of endearment.
But now, with Raelynn back, that title had been given to her instead.
The difference was as plain as day.
Still, years of practice had taught her how to mask every trace of displeasure.
She walked forward sweetly, linking her arm through Margot's.
"I saw Maryellen arrive, Grandmother. Did she come to make my Christmas gown?"
It was a fair question.
Before Raelynn's return, it had always been Maryellen who came to tailor custom garments for her and Gabriel as Christmas approached.
End of The Slave Queen Chapter 60. Continue reading Chapter 61 or return to The Slave Queen book page.