Chapter 37: Chapter XVI Spain-3

"Ugh, no. They cancelled it after five seasons because it wasn't getting the publicity it deserves," she grumbled to herself, examining her pitch black nails. She didn't like painting her nails but when someone else did it, it was okay. She didn't like the effort of doing it herself. My nails were a baby pink. But the thing was, neither of us had typically long nails for the employees to work. Neither gymnastics nor ballet gave room for long nails. With gymnastics it was obvious, and in ballet Madame absolutely hated it when our nails could touch the barre. Maybe that would change now. I even got a foot message, which was weird because of how injured it was. But it looked weird to have painted nails and a brace on. "Time for the reveal!" the hairdresser called, washing out the fifth wave of chemicals through my hair and drying it. She turned me to face the mirror, and I absolutely regretted not fighting enough. I looked so strange, so out of place. Sure my hair was a beautiful caramel colour that I knew most girls wished to have naturally, but this wasn't me. I wasn't this mediocre girl who stared at me through the mirror. Nothing of my old hair was there. I could see in the mirror's reflection how saddened Sarina looked. Who knew that the colour of my hair had such a great impact on my life? We exited the salon fairly silent, as I did not want to speak. I felt like a different person, but not for the better. I felt worse, as if I was returning to the terrible state I was in before I met Caleb and had freedom in the outside world. I was that terrified little Princess who couldn't do anything but be a damsel in distress. "It's not that bad," Sarina tried to coo, hoping to make me feel better. "It's bloody terrible," she didn't respond, nor did Ian say a word as we headed to back to the palace. It was silent in the ride, my anger calming on the journey. I took my beanie and tucked all my hair underneath it, refusing to reveal my hair to the world. We pulled up in front of the palace where we were assisted by Royal Guards. We headed to my room, Guards following behind us with their arms full of everything Ian bought on my behalf. I could tell Sarina was curious and after everything was dropped in my room, she finally asked. "What's all this stuff?" she questioned, throwing off her shoes and choosing to walk around with only her socks. Technically it was more hygienic than walking with the same shoes she walked outside with, so no one would be able to complain. Besides, I did the same. "You remember how my mother mentioned that I would be going to another country?" she nodded. "Yeah, this is for that," I answered in a soft tone, regarding the clothes Ian got. It was appropriate clothes for summer, but still wasn't formal or boring. It was fashionable like floral patterns and geometric designs. Ian knew my taste. "Where are you going?" she asked, helping me unpack everything from the shopping bags onto my bed. My handmaiden had asked to assist, but I wanted to spend quality time with Sarina. Alone. "Spain," I answered, mentally comparing clothes with each other. "That's not so far," was her response. I shrugged. "I'll be going for two weeks," "Two weeks? Wow. What about your birthday?" she asked me, helping me rearrange the clothes. "I'll return the day before that, which conveniently is the day I have another hospital appointment. The next couple weeks are going to be incredibly tedious," I admitted, sighing in defeat. I was winging my life so badly. I was unprepared for anything thrown at me, and now I didn't even feel as confident because of my appearance. I know it was silly, but I felt as if a part of my life was taken away. "When are you leaving?" she asked, mentally trying not to blow up. A lot of things could happen in two weeks. "Friday," Sarina looked up at me with surprise. "That's like... almost," I nodded in response. "Yeah. I just found out about all this today," "That sucks chicken nuggets," I chuckled. "What is with you and chicken nuggets?" I asked, shaking my head. "I learned it from Molly. She loves them so bad, which is terrible. She's a gymnast, she should know better," a spark was missing from Sarina's emotions and I noticed it. It must be because of my departure. I felt the same way. I didn't want to stay away for that long. "So there's this app that you have to get..." I started talking, bringing up a recent app I discovered that allows video calls over long distances. It was my answer to this problem, and frankly I thought it was better than just texting. "So I'll see you tomorrow? At the café?" Sarina asked at the end of our day, her tone full of hope. I smiled and nodded excitedly. "I can easily manipulate my appearance now. I wouldn't miss coming to see you for the world," I told her, leading her through the palace halls to Ian who was waiting outside to take her home. She was learning her way around the palace, which made me glad. Although I had yet to discover if she told anyone that she was frolicking around the palace, I doubted that she did. She was Sarina, and I trusted her. "Your Highness, the Queen asks for your company," a Royal Guard said, stepping out of another corridor and delivering the message before taking his leave. I sighed annoyingly and turned to Sarina. "I'm so sorry," I apologized but she just waved her head dismissively. I felt a bit panicky whenever I was requested by my parents, because it was rare to be called in to something that wasn't of importance. "You don't even need to mention it," a little caught up in my state, I took a hold of her shoulder and planted my lips against her cheek in a kiss before heading off. Sarina remained behind, shell-shocked at my action before a wide, enthusiastic grin grew on her face.