To Airin:

( A letter sitting neatly on top of an ornate box )

July 23rd 

     Do not even think about choosing an outfit for tonight. I have already chosen one for you. 

     Though you must be very aware of this at this time, as I am hoping you’re not that much of a fool to think otherwise, tonight’s event is of the utmost importance. People from all across the kingdom will be coming through the open doors of my castle to congratulate me on another winter that has passed, a new year since my birth to this nation. I’m sure you are aware that I will be holding back no expense on celebrating through a masquerade ball, and blessing or curse, you are to be included in the planning for this affair. A good doll should be wearing her finest attire. 

     You will play dress up for me. Is that understood?

     What you will find attached to this letter is a dress, handmade by my finest tailor. I chose the silk for the lace lining myself, that dark color that will be so close to your skin, hugging the curves around your body– it compliments the rest of the garment, a crimson to match your hair. Maybe the colors will melt together as if they had always been meant to be, as this is the only attire you have ever worn. The dress is short on the front, but the fabric on its back will drape across your shoulders and shy off the floor. I’m sure you will look worthy of being in the company of the first prince Benitoite. I sure hope that the finest of silks will help hide some of that unsavory personality of yours from my guests if my reputation has anything to say about it. I will not have it any other way. 

     I do expect some semblance of decorum from you. I hope I have made myself clear. You will be dressed to make an impression, but the visuals and presence are all you must do. I know you, Airin, and I know the games that you like to play when it’s just the two of us. I know that you have been getting bolder day in and day out, flirting as you please as if you were playing dirty for my attention. Or are you just beginning for my eyes to be set on your body? If this is how you would like to act, unlike a lady worthy of your name, it is only you who is setting herself to the lowest of standards. But tonight, woman, is my night. And tonight, on my night, you are my woman. And I will make sure that no one can ever question what this means. 

     Though the purpose of this ball should be of celebrating my birthday, we both know that no one will actually jump for the opportunity to do so, especially when in public. People have gathered to do me a favor, to make themselves look good in my eyes so that I might repay them when the time calls. Outlandish, and ridiculous, but I am compelled to pretend like I do not know. I expect you to do the same because as they are trying to find a way to subtly manipulate me, I am making sure that I hold the upper hand. Let them shower me with praise, as all hounds do to the master that holds their leash. And yet…

     It was foolish of you to procure a gift for me, especially when you gave it to me in private. Don’t you know that all the nobles who will shower me with gifts only do it for the status? For the merit of having gifted the prince with something expensive and outlandish, only to compare price tags with the rest? What was your angle on all of this, woman? My view of you has not changed. A handmade cake does not fall into this category, and I am still unaware as to why would do so in the first place. You also had to play thematic– or was it romantic– when decorating it to look like a rose. Big layers of pink icing engulfing each other to convert onto the center. More icing than bread, in that damn thing.

     That cake was okay, by the way. The cream was the best part– though it was a bit too heavy on the vanilla. I am painfully aware that you are no baker, and that your skills in the kitchen are utterly poor. Still, whatever recipe you used, or whatever combination you decided was worthy enough to throw together, proved to be edible, if not shy of tasty. 

     Ah, but that is beside the point. 

     Though I cannot seem to figure out the why of your so-called gift, I do appreciate it. If ever very slightly. Your presence has been a constant in my recent life, and as annoying as it can be, there is some sort of… content, in knowing that you are still standing here by my side. In recent memory, no woman has done so like this or tried this hard to return my affections as you have with me. You want me to spoil you? You want me to keep calling you mine? Well, keep trying. As for the cake, don’t go assuming that you’ll get more than this dress in return. This being said, I do hope that it is to your liking. I’m sure that the view you give me once you have it on will surely be to mine. 

     I will see you tonight, Airin. I truly hope you are on your best behavior,

Silvio Ricci