Leonor learned the value of long nights.
She, King Stephano, and Desmond got into transforming Piedmont into sothing worthy of tourists and a festival, she understood how easy it was to stay up late when you were busy with sothing.
A few tis in her Academy years, she stayed up late to study. There was no forcing herself awake as they prepared the festival.
They would be so busy that she didn’t realize how late it was until they stepped back from their tasks and saw the world had been overtaken by darkness.
Leonor was more useful to the organizers than she originally realized. Since all authority figures were n, they thought a woman’s touch was necessary for decorations. Considering she was the duchess, they figured she was more than qualified.
Leonor thought of flowers when she thought of spring, so that was the the they went with.
By the end of the week when it was ti to start festivities the next day, Piedmont looked as if a flower had exploded and coated the town. Decorations were up and flower pots were brought out to honor the duchess’ decision.
The floral the fit perfectly considering the festival’s purpose was blessing the farmlands for fertility that planting season.
Banners and strears went over the street. There were lines of lanterns that would be lit the following day and each night for five days so the people of the town could celebrate well into the night.
Desmond warned her that people drank heavily during festivities. rchants were there with new and exotic forms of alcohol that were sure to sell well.
Despite the last ti Leonor drank with the duke, she wanted to participate as much as possible. Even though she hadn’t attended an official event, she needed to put her best foot forward.
While she couldn’t go out without being recognized considering she, the duke, and the king were ant to open up the festivities with a parade, she wanted to celebrate with the people of Piedmont.
It gave Desmond much to consider.
His dislike of crowds clashed with the need to be with Leonor and ensure no one laid a hand on her. With him by her side, he doubted anyone would dare look at her in an unsavory way
While the greater people of Piedmont were grateful for Desmond, tis in his past still hung over his head. The words of people were wounding despite his duchy having mostly accepted who he was. His contributions greatly outweighed his appearance for those loyal to Montclair.
The three nobles rode a carriage back to the estate where they would finally be able to go to sleep. As they departed the township, Leonor looked out the window at all the work they oversaw that day.
It was amazing what had transpired in less than a week. Tourists from within the duchy were already arriving while most would arrive the next day. It would be good for the duchy to earn money in such a way.
rchants appeared to set up their stalls and introduce the township to more unique items, food, and drinks. It was what Leonor was most excited about.
While Burien had its fair share of festivals and carnivals, she was rarely ever allowed to participate. It would an her father would have to hire guards and give both daughters equal care considering they would be in public view.
For Count Mikael, it was easier to pretend his children were greatly affected by the health of his wife and leave them behind as he participated in the festivities and ca ho reeking of alcohol.
"Are you tired?" Desmond asked Leonor when she finally settled back into the carriage seat.
As they went into the tree line that led them up to the estate, there was nothing more to see in the darkness of night. She wanted to wind down as much as possible before going to bed.
"Nothing I can’t handle," she insisted. "I’ve been happy to contribute in so small way."
"I don’t think anyone would consider it small," Stephano said as he stretched and let out a yawn which so might deem inappropriate.
They had long dropped properness around each other after living side by side for nearly a month.
"I agree," Desmond said. "People were eager to follow your instructions."
Leonor smiled lightly from where she leaned into the seat and crossed her arms over herself, feeling insecure for so reason.
"As long as it turns out well..." she trailed off. "I’m most nervous about the parade, I think. You and I will go first, Desmond, followed by His Majesty."
Stephano smirked, though his eyes were shut as he pretended to be resting.
"Take advantage of the rchants’ alcohol," the young king said. "That always takes the edge off."
Leonor cast an unamused glare at him.
"They need soone smart and strong, not overly talkative," she uttered in response and turned away once more.
Stephano let out a laugh and Desmond could only shake his head.
The rest of the ride back, they didn’t talk much and all three of them tucked themselves into their respective beds.
While they were allowed to sleep for as long as they wanted considering the parade wouldn’t be until the afternoon, they all still woke up at reasonable tis. Leonor was mostly nervous while the others had much to do.
At breakfast, Desmond assured her they didn’t need any more help. One of the head maids ca to him and said she wanted to take extra care to get Leonor ready that day.
Not only was she seeing the Spring Equinox Festival for the first ti, she was on her first official outing as the duchess. She would be next to the duke the entire day and building her reputation from scratch considering she was Count Mikael’s best kept secret.
Leonor felt it was a bit unnecessary for the maids to spend a long ti perfecting the waves on her head and braids that would keep her hair out of her face.
A new dress was brought for her. It was a beautiful erald green with a subtle floral pattern throughout. On the edge was a strip of golden material set with gilded thread. The sleeves were long and dramatic but fell off her arms and hands whenever she bent her arm so she wasn’t inhibited
There was a golden string that laced up the front from her waistline to her bust and the corset underneath made her breasts feel unnaturally high. The neckline went straight across and fell off her shoulders. While it wasn’t immodest, she was showing more than she normally preferred.
Thoughts of insecurity regarding how tan her skin could get ca forward when she was relieved she hadn’t been able to spend much ti outside so she wasn’t very dark. Those thoughts saddened her considering it was her mother’s skin tone passed down to her.
As expected of a duchess, her waist felt unnaturally small and straight. She knew she was the picture of fashion and elegance but she already knew her body would have marks from wearing a tight garnt.
When in front of Desmond, Leonor noticed him double-take her appearance and she wondered if this was a look that pleased him. She felt too much but it was nice receiving attention from soone she wanted it from.
"Are you ready?" he asked gently, holding back praises of her beauty.
She nodded and he helped her into the decorated carriage they would ride in.
When they were in the open carriage next to each other, Leonor leaned into the duke and gave him a question that surprised him.
"How should I behave?" Leonor asked, genuinely wondering how to appear next to him. "Would the people like an affectionate duke and duchess?"
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