*8:15 A.M., Versailles Palace*

I sat still, watching the constant stream of courtiers and priests glide into the King's room.

Courtiers were resplendent in their blue, green, yellow, and purple fabric, woven into the newest style. While the priests had their fine red robes and funny hats, which gave them a comical air – that happened to be fiction.

The nobles talked amongst themselves and possessed a superior air. No doubt they were expecting to receive the King's shirt, a symbol of favor within the palace of Versailles.

They all had an article of clothing with them, to hand King Louis. A sudden thought struck me that moment: I pity whoever had to hand the King his underwear. Looking around, eyes studying the group before me, I saw courtiers holding pants, coat, breeches (I even did see someone holding underwear - he didn't look too happy), but no one was holding the King's shirt.

"Darling," Laramie said, interrupting my sight-seeing, "you get to hold this to hand to Louis. I looked up at her, and my heart actually stopped beating for a brief second. She had the King's shirt.

Taking it with the upmost care, I fingered the item, looking at the design. It was a creamy white color, the precise shade of a young swan. The buttons had an angel carved on them, and it even had a scent: the scent of fresh morning dew.

"I chose the shirt just for you Celeste. You see, your father was Louis' favorite at the time he had left for the trip. So, when he had sent for you, I decided to get this shirt ready; because you're going to be the one handing him his shirt." Laramie looked proudly at me as if I were her own granddaughter.

"But...but..."

"Oh come on now Celeste. Do you really think Louis would've wanted to give the shirt to someone who wasn't his favorite when the daughter of his favorite was going to be there?" Laramie smiled, and I just gazed dumbly back at her. "Don't worry dear; nothing to be afraid of. Just stand up, and head to Louis's bed."

I stood up carefully, deliberately, and started making my way toward the bed. The other courtiers were clearly wondering how on Earth this...girl could have the honor of giving his Majesty his shirt. I don't think it had occurred to them that Anthony Adalicia wasn't present. Swiftly floating toward the bed, I looked at King Louis, who was sitting up in bed, and smiling gently at me.

"Come here little heavenly singer. Do you have my shirt?"

"Yes Milord," I curtsied politely, and handed him the shirt.

He ran his eyes over the shirt, fingered the buttons, and looked at me. "This shirt is very pretty; Laramie made a good choice didn't she?"

"She did." I smiled, all previous fears melting away with one look at King Louis' smile.

"I hope she makes choices like this more often..." He got a gleam in his eye and looked at me. "Anthony...do you know when he'll be back?"

I glanced down at his silk bed sheets, then back up again. "He won't return for three weeks, almost a whole month."

"Good," he said nodding his head firmly, "that means I'll get to know the daughter of Lord Adalicia more." He smiled brightly, and I could hardly believe what he was implying.

"Your Majesty, are you saying...?"

"Yes. Celeste Adalicia," He said in the pompous voice, "I order you to come to the "Rising of the King" every morning until your father gets back from his trip."

I heard a gasp and both the King and I turned and saw the courtiers, realization finally beaming onto their faces as they gawked at me.

I quietly chuckled along with the King, and he placed a hand on my slender shoulder. "If it's okay with your mother, maybe you can come and sing for me at the next gala I hold."

"I would be honored," I said solemnly, curtsying and then standing up.

"Good." His hand slipped off my shoulder, and he sent me away with a shooing wave and a smile.

Turning around in a daze, I stepped through the partition, avoiding the shocked looks courtiers and priests alike were sending my way.

A cat-like smile painted itself on my face as I walked dreamily to the door, opened it, and danced down the grand hallways; singing a song that filled the air and wove it's way through the palace, snaking through the open windows and flying outside.

Celeste Chantelle Adalicia's life...is about to get very interesting, if I do say so myself.