The kitchen had been enormous, beautiful, and well stocked. All the pots and pans gleamed in the bright lighting, and the marble counters and floors were spotless. The royal desserts chef had been there, a Mr. Malbeck, and shook her hand. He showed off the delicacies for the tea that afternoon. A few sandwiches had been gifted to her for her luncheon and she was given access to the pantry and ovens. An hour there and she'd made enough cream horns for the whole kitchen staff. Belladonna of course took several with great satisfaction, bragging that she was overseeing the Kuchen Lady of the Kitchen!

"My lady, we do need to get you prepared for tea."

She waved her off, "Oh, but this is so much more fun. I can just wear what I'm wearing now."

"I don't think my lady realizes she's gotten a bit of the batter on her skirts."

Sure enough, a splatter of flour and a trail of the eggy custard ran down the front of her dress. She sighed and shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, now it matches the rest of me."

"Come on, we'll get you cleaned up."

They headed back to the bedroom after a few fond farewells and Belladonna went through her trunks.

"Looks like these finally arrived while we were away."

"My family's doing, I'm sure. I'd only packed one to begin with."

"Only one trunk, my lady? You're very different. That stuffy Stellan girl brought eight and each of the Phlox girls had six each. I think they're trying to outdo each other."

Belladonna came up with one of her peasant style bodices and skirts and whipped her head at her.

"Do you often dress as such?"

Chammielle chuckled at her expression.

"Come now, what use are enormous ball gowns and expensive jewels when all I'll be doing is having a good read in the garden while the Prince decides which of my sisters he likes best?"

Belladonna pinned her with a chiding look and tutted at her.

"Don't sell yourself short. This is a nobles' game, and I've been around long enough to see the last two. You'll be needing a new dress every time you go to one of these events, including dinner. That's at least two if not three dresses a day. Your sisters have brought that much, haven't they?"

"Four, I'm sure."

"Good. Now I want you to pick your favorite dress to be in the garden and I'm going to borrow one of your evening...gowns...good Lord you only have two... I'm taking this to the dressmaker and telling her we need more."

Chammielle put her hands up.

"Oh, we can't possibly bother them. Such an expensive thing, a new dress."

Belladonna ushered her over to a stool in front of the trunks and sat her down a little forcefully.

"You're frugal, and I admire that. But you'll be the laughing stock of all the ladies here if you don't show up in something appropriate. And I can't have that. Duchess Columbine gave me strict instructions regarding your care. You need some new dresses."

She marched from the room and locked the door behind her. Chammielle could hear her thundering steps go down the hall and sighed to herself. One might feel trapped being locked in your bedroom, but knowing the danger involved in this competition it made her feel safe. And a little pushed to choose a dress.

She leaned over the trunk and rummaged around. It was quickly glossed over as the new trunk her sisters had packed for her, and the dress she wanted was nowhere in sight. She turned and opened the second trunk.

The amount of white lace that spilled out from unlatching the top of the trunk was alarming. She clearly didn't own these items, nor would she have packed them. Silk stockings and garter belts were flung to the side and she almost felt sick when she saw an entirely transparent lace bodice. Clearly these were items for a honeymoon. Why had they even bothered?

Finally she unearthed the butter colored daisy dress. The tiny pink and white flowers greeted her and she let her ungloved hands revel in the feel of the soft tulle. It really was her favorite.

She undressed quickly and found talcum powders and perfumes on the vanity set. One powder smelled like tea and refined powdered sugar, and she used it unsparingly. Most of the expensive perfumes she didn't care for, but one puff filled the room with a delicious vanilla and sweet almond scent. She spritzed herself lightly before putting on the new gown.

The dress had been altered to fit her perfectly, and she smoothed the skirts with her hands.

"Alright, my lady. The dressmaker is..."

She turned and saw Belladonna at the door, her face lit up in surprise.

"Excellent timing. Could you help lace me up?"

"You can dress yourself, my lady?"

"It's just a dress. And clearly not, I can't lace this without difficulty."

She tsked at her and pulled the satin lacing ribbons tightly before tying them.

"You're going to make me feel like a useless old fool."

"Hardly. How on earth would I have been able to find the kitchen without you?"

The dress was on and fit like a glove. Belladonna went through her trunks to find some jewelry to go with her dress. Chammielle sighed.

"It's fine. I don't have earrings and I don't think there's a necklace in there that is suitable for this neckline..."

The maid came up with a smirk as she unearthed a gorgeous pink jeweled choker. It had pearls draping down from the front of it with a tear shaped diamond as the main pendant. It sparkled beautifully.

"I-I've never seen that piece before...it's exquisite."

She came around and looped the intricate piece about her throat. The pearls felt warm and touched the edges of her collarbone. As Belladonna clasped it at the back of her neck, she smiled.

"Belladonna, I won't ask where you got this. But don't try to hide that you come bearing gifts by faking a discovery in my trunk."

She turned and saw her smirk. She was right.

"Alright, my lady. But what gave me away?"

"It's warm. Like you've been holding it awhile."

She chuckled, "Duchess Columbine is right about you. Fair enough. I won't pull any punches with the likes of you. You see through things far too easy, and I daren't fall from your good favor."

"Cream horns that good?"

"Best I've ever had! Now let's redo that hair of yours."

...

The sun shone through a few clouds that had scattered across the afternoon sky. The wilding garden was full of common and exotic flowers in a potager style. A marble columned pergola with wrought iron lattice was covered in wisteria just starting to bloom. A long table was set out in full resplendence beneath, pink velvet chairs surrounding.

Chammielle met up with her sisters as they made their way through the garden.

"Oh, Chammielle! Isn't the palace beautiful?"

"My room is the most lavish place I've ever been! The bed is so soft I slept an hour and didn't realize it!"

"There was even a bouquet in mine! Oh it smells divine, you really must come and see it."

She smiled and clasped hands with all of them, feeling suddenly like things were back to normal. Her own little haven of friendship and exuberant teenage joviality surrounding her. They were so very dear to her. It reminded her what was at stake.

"I am so glad you're enjoying yourselves. I do hope you're quite hungry."

"Starved! I shall fade away from hunger and become one with the undergrowth below the roses! My soul shall nourish them by the strength of my will once I am dead!"

Ianthe put her hand to her head and made a moaning sound. The other two simply hurried to their seats.

"Well, while that sounds a tragic end worthy of you, I do believe sustenance is just around that hedge."

They came to the table and for the first time saw the faces of the other young women who'd been invited to the palace.

Lady Clarendine had truly golden hair and pale blue eyes like ice. She smiled, bored, and nodded to them instead of a proper greeting. Her lips were painted a pale pink that stood out from her sun kissed skin and paired well with her shimmering peridot silk gown with pink rosebuds littering the bodice and sleeves. Lady Rosenblum looked almost as pleased to be there as her sisters. She had ash blonde hair and milky blue eyes, and her face looked plump and amused. Her dress matched her eyes and was stitched with lavender and babies breath, and it was easily the most voluminous of the bunch. The Ladies Phlox could not be mistaken. The five of them all had deep chocolate colored hair in varying styles, creamy olive toned skin, and emerald eyes. But each one of them was eyeing the other as well as the rest of the party with a look of derision. Their dresses were all a different shade of pink and together they looked like a bouquet themselves. Lady Aconia sat at the head of the table. She was unmistakable. Raven black hair, naturally deep red lips, and a pale complexion that looked smoother than buttercream. Her dress was a dark pink and embroidered with blood red roses. She was stunning.

If she didn't already know one of her sisters had the Prince's eye, Chammielle would have guessed she'd won already.

"Announcing Princess Violet, and Princess Tulip!"

The ladies all stood and swept their skirts out to curtsy to the princesses. From the corner of her eye she saw Lady Aconia step away from the head seat of the table.

"I am so pleased to make all of your acquaintance. I would like to introduce my little sister, Tulip."

The toe headed ten year old was wearing a matching dress with her older sister. She'd changed and was now wearing a pure white tulle gown with lace sleeves and applique lace roses. Princess Tulip's gown was identical except the bodice was shorter and had a more modest neckline. The pout on her face said she'd rather be off climbing trees or harassing the servants than be here.

Chammielle hid her amusement. She reminded her of Aster at that age.

"Princess Tulip, it is my pleasure to meet you."

Lady Aconia rose slowly from her curtsy, pinning a charming and elegant smile on the child.

For a moment, Tulip looked dazzled. Seeing this, the Phlox sisters all but said it in unison. It was like a cacophony and Lady Rosenblum giggled at them good naturedly. Lady Aconia remained composed and began chatting with the ten year old princess. Violet moved from her side towards the Kuchen sisters.

"How do you like your rooms?"

"Very well, your highness."

Chammielle's reply was nearly drowned out as each of the triplets expounded upon the many things they enjoyed about being in the palace.

"The mouldings are so incredibly stylish, I am quite certain they are solid gold!"

"It's positively exquisite!"

"I could live in my bed and read nothing but gothic novels and drink coffee all day! Oh it is simply divine. I could want for nothing more."

Princess Violet tossed her a wink and she nodded her head with a small sympathetic smile. They were vigorous with their praises. And not just when it came to royalty.

She placed a simple smile and listened to the girls, eyes half down as Violet was wrapped up in every detail. From the side, she kept an eye out for the other young ladies. And without gazing at their faces tried to recall or guess at their ages.

The Phlox sisters were not difficult. From the eldest down they were 22, 20, 19, 17 and 16 respectively. Their brother was about twenty-six and engaged to be married to a lady of 27 who could not participate due to her greater age gap with the Prince. Lady Rosenblum was more difficult. She recalled the Rosenblum's having announced the birth of their daughter in a published announcement from twenty years ago. The problem was they also announced the birth of another daughter but nineteen years ago. No deaths in their family had crossed her notice, and frankly Gladys Rosenblum looked fourteen. Lady Clarendine was eighteen but held herself with the power and charisma of a woman in her sixties who'd been around and couldn't care less about anyone else. Lady Aconia...she couldn't remember. Perhaps they were the same age.

While she considered this, she spied movement and saw the food and tea being brought out.

"Ladies, if you would all take your seats, I do believe the refreshments have arrived."

The servers set the stacked serving plates close to each of the ladies along with pots of tea. They were covered in a plethora of tiny sandwiches, scones, and sparkling treats and each layer was doused heavily in edible flowers of all colors. Teacups and saucers were set before each of the girls along with a small plate and some golden utensils. Apart from all of this, Chammielle saw something glittering in her cup.

To not draw attention to herself, she grabbed a pot closest to her, smelled the aroma of strawberries, and poured a small sip into her cup.

She sipped the tea, which was wonderfully fruity and luscious, and felt the jewel slide into her mouth. She then poured a full cup and reached for a berry tart she'd seen the royal dessert chef personally recommend to her earlier. Then, when she was sure no one was looking, spit the bauble into her cloth napkin and returned it to her lap. She took a bite and glanced down to see what it was.

A ring.

Pink and gold with pavé diamonds surrounding the central pink stone in a halo. It was exquisite, and it matched the necklace. Whoever Belladonna had gotten her necklace from was also slipping things to her via more slippery methods. She placed it on her satin gloved finger and watched it sparkle as she nibbled on the tart.

"Oh, Chammielle! These tarts are like those lemon and strawberry ones you made for us last Summer!"

Lady Clarendine snorted and fluttered her hand at Aster.

"You can't be serious. Chef Malbeck is from Franca and personally chosen by Dowager Queen Magnolia herself as the royal desserts chef. You're being far too generous with your sister's caliber of skill."

Aster pouted her lip, "Not at all. Chammielle is a wondrous baker of all sorts of sweet and savory dishes. I'm sure even Chef Malbeck would agree."

Before Petulia could speak another word, Chammielle decided to intervene.

"Actually, Aster, I had the pleasure of meeting him earlier. Such a kind man."

Chryssia sat straighter at that, "Did you have a tour of the kitchen then? I knew you would!"

She was happy to change the subject and end the argument that really had no merit. It wasn't like they could actually settle it, and she didn't care for the attention. She drank her tea a little hastily so she didn't have to reply so soon. But then she saw him. An attendant she recognized from the kitchen staff bowed forward to pour her another cup of tea, a smile on his face.

"If I may, Ladies, her ladyship's cream horns were not only scrumptious but personally praised by Chef Malbeck."

She had been so distracted by the ring she'd not noticed the young man from earlier. Chammielle thanked him for the tea and he returned to his post by the wisteria trunk. Lady Clarendine did not appear amused.

"Oh! If you're that good, please do make us all some treats. I'm sure the kitchen wouldn't mind."

Gladys had chimed in and at the same time reached for another pastry. Petulia glared daggers at her. But then she smiled. Her smile put a terrible feeling in her stomach and she tried not to show her notice of it. Chammielle looked where her eyes had gone.

The pastry was flaky and golden, with curls of chocolate on top and a pure red center. Only, she knew what the chef had prepared beforehand. His creations were all stored away in her memory for later should she decide to try and replicate them. This one...this was not on the menu.

She needed to say something.

"Lady Rosenblum! May I call you Gladys?"

Startled, she held the morsel away from her mouth.

"Why, certainly, Lady Kuchen. How may I call you?"

"Chammielle, if you please. I must say, that pastry you have there looks wonderful. But I can't seem to find the same one over here..."

Gladys chuckled lightly and set it down on the small plate. Chammielle sent a quick look of warning to Princess Violet, hoping she understood her urgency. Still, she continued her calm line of conversation.

"Would you be a lamb and see if there is another on your settee?"

Lady Rosenblum put her hands up and seemed to be picking through the air near the pastries on the petite platters directly before her. Two of the Phlox sisters also commenced doing the same for theirs, digging through piles of flowers to even see the goodies. But Chammielle already knew there was none other to be had.

"My...I don't seem to see anymore. I'm so sorry Chammielle...I-"

Tulip rushed past her, knocking the small plate to the floor with a loud crash. She hurriedly went to the kitchen attendant.

"How come only she gets one? Raisen, go to the kitchen at once and bring back more of those. Oh, and clean up that plate. It slipped."

Gladys was so startled she fanned herself with her hand. The plate and offending dessert were swept up immediately and carried away. Princess Violet gave Chammielle a small glance before turning to the shaken Lady.

"I am so sorry, Lady Rosenblum. My sister can be so thoughtless...oh, dear."

"Not at all your highness! Oh, it's fine really."

Tulip came over and made big eyes at her.

"Truly, I am sorry. Here, let me get you another pastry."

The kitchen attendant did not return and the event was quickly forgotten by everyone at the table it seemed. Princess Tulip chatted away with Gladys, continually explaining which treats were her favorite and that she must try them. Lady Clarendine seemed miffed and nibbled sparingly on a cucumber and cream cheese sandwich. The Phlox sisters argued over which of them could compete against Chef Malbeck as well, some using thinly veiled threats against each other. Princess Violet struck up a conversation with Lady Aconia, and the triplets chatted amongst themselves and a bit with Chammielle.

When the tea had all been drunk and Gladys could not eat another bite, Violet stood.

"Thank you all for joining me at this little tea party. It has been so wonderful seeing you all getting along. I do hope we can all get along even better in the coming days."

Her eyes went to each of them in turn, and Chammielle inclined her head in what she hoped appeared to be a humble smile.

"Dinner will be at half past seven, and I do hope to see you all there. My mother the Queen would very much like to meet you."