The Crimson Crown
An original story by SolaraScott
Chapter 6: The Four Winds
I woke sometime in the early morning, light streaming in through the large windows, illuminating our bed chamber. I could feel Prince Dorian spooning me, his arm over my torso, holding me tight; the pacifier I had been given had fallen out at some point during the night. I shifted, feeling the diaper between my legs, which had grown cold and clammy. I grimaced, especially as I thought what had woken me. I always relieved myself in the morning, and now, my tummy aches, and my bladder is painfully full. I groaned, shifting in his grasp.
I felt Prince Dorian’s arm tighten around me as he stirred, “Good morning.” he said in a groggy voice.
“Morning,” I replied grumpily as I pulled free of his arm, going to sit up.
“You okay?” he asked, rubbing sleep from his eyes and looking up at me.
“Just fine; I need to be let out of this storming belt, though; I gotta go,” I said, my fingers trying uselessly to undo whatever clasps held it around my hips.
Prince Dorian grunted, “Still trying to fight that, huh? You already soaked that diaper; just go again.” he said, resting his head back on the pillow.
“I don’t need to do that,” I said, my cheeks flushing.
His eyes opened again, studying me, “Ohh! You need to go poopies!” Prince Dorian said with a grin, propping himself up on his elbow. “Well, get on with it. No time like the present.”
I gritted my teeth, turning to him, “Just undo this belt, and I will.”
Prince Dorian grinned, shaking his head, “You know I ain’t going to. You’ll be a good girl and use your diaper.”
I blushed deeply, “Wait, you mean I have to use these things even for that?!” I cried, my eyes opening wide in shock.
Prince Dorian nodded, “Well, of course, did you somehow think you’d only have to get them? If you are having a tough time going, I can help.”
“No, no, I’m doing just fine on my own,” I grumbled, feeling another cramp take hold.
Turning away from him, my fingers went to the belt around my waist, “Please don’t make me do this!” I cried, trying desperately to get free of the diaper. I was on the verge of tears at this point as I felt the impending accident.
I heard Prince Dorian shift and sit on the edge of the bed, pulling me into an embrace and holding me, his hand upon my rear as he held me. “Shh, relax, don’t fight it, just let go,” he whispered, holding me.
I squirmed in his arms, trying to pull free, “No! Please!” I whimpered, crying desperately as I felt another cramp take hold, this one I couldn’t fend off.
With a soft grunt, I felt the rear of the diaper beginning to swell outward, my mess forcing its way into the tight confines of the diaper as I cried softly, my bladder giving way and soaking the diaper as well. I could feel him holding me, his hand gently patting my bum as I went, my cheeks burning with shame and humiliation. His arms never left me as I finished going. I was completely mortified, standing there in a diaper I had just filled, unable to move as I cried.
Prince Dorian held me, cradling me, rocking me back and forth, pushing the storming pacifier into my mouth. I was too worked up to resist as I nursed the thing, planting my face into his chest. “Shh, it’s okay.” he said, consoling me, “You are such a good girl. I know this is a lot for you, but you are doing so well.”
He continued to praise me and hold me until my sobs quieted. Sufficiently consoled, I felt his strong arms embrace me, pulling me in and lifting me off my feet, carrying me to the changing table where he laid me down. Prince Dorian popped the tabs of my onesie, undid the clasps of the belt, and opened my diaper.
It was about now that I realized I was lying naked before an attractive prince in a diaper I had just pooped. I burned brightly with shame, my hands covering my face, the pacifier still in my mouth somehow. For my sake, he didn’t say anything as his fingers wiped me clean with the expertise of someone who changed many diapers before. “You are such a good girl.” he said, having gotten me clean and beginning to work my hips into a fresh diaper, “I am so proud of you.”
I grunted, my cheeks still burning brightly as I felt this new diaper enveloping me. He powdered me generously and pulled the tabs into place, locking me in. Unfortunately, I felt the belt going up as well. “No! Wait! Please, I don’t need that!” I cried.
Prince Dorian didn’t stop, shaking his head, “You just proved you did. If you can go an entire day without trying to get free of your diapers, we can talk.” he said, pulling the belt into place and locking it.
I glowered at him; the pacifier had been sent flying at my exclamation. His hands began stripping me of the onesie before turning towards the door and clapping several times. The doors swung open, and my attendants, dutiful as ever, stepped in with bowed heads. “Yes, my prince?” they asked in unison.
“Would you two please help the princess here get dressed for breakfast?” Prince Dorian said, wrapping my soiled diaper up tightly and handing it to one of the attendants, “And dispose of this, please.”
My cheeks burned brightly as I realized the assistant was now painfully aware of the mess she was holding. To their credit, though, I didn’t freak out as I had yesterday, simply going to cross my arms over my chest instead of hiding outright.
I sat up as the attendants returned with a new dress. The bodice of this new dress was fitted and structured, with a high, rounded collar and capped sleeves that gave it a classic, refined silhouette. The dress was a royal blue that faded into a soft ivory near the hem. A prominent gemstone sat in the center of the chest, framed by intricate golden embroidery that radiated outward, almost like a sunburst. A structured gold belt with delicate filigree patterns accentuated the waist. The skirt was voluminous, layered with gentle pleats that allowed it to flow. Golden embroidery decorated the hem in elaborate, leak-like motifs. Beneath the main skirt, a layer of white ruffles peaked out, adding a playful touch to the dress.
I blushed as I saw the dress, looking unamused as the attendants began dressing me, “Are all my gowns going to be childlike?” I complained.
Prince Dorian chuckled, “They are befitting of a princess. Would you rather go without the dress?”
“No, no, the dress is just fine,” I said, blushing as the bulky gown was pulled into place.
The gown was beautiful, even if it was intended for a child rather than a full-grown woman. Despite its design, it fits perfectly, the skirts flaring out playfully around my feet as my attendants slipped white slip-ons into place.
As I was being dressed, Prince Dorian had been dressing himself. By the time I turned, he was dressed and ready, the attendants still brushing my hair. Prince Dorian’s attire for the day was a blend of regal elegance and understated charm. He wore a tailored coat in a deep shade of royal blue that mirrored the rich tones of my gown, with subtle gold detailing along the edges. The coat had a high collar fitted to his frame. Underneath, he wore a crisp, white shirt with a subtle embroidered pattern at the collar. A gold sash embroidered with delicate filigree was draped across his shoulders. His trousers were tailored black, and polished leather boots brought the outfit together.
I found myself embarrassed, dressed as if I were next to his regal and mature outfit. I looked like a young princess who a king was escorting. Prince Dorian offered an arm as my hair was done up in a bun, “Ready, my lady?” he asked, his chin held high, putting on a regal appearance.
I felt my heart flutter; I didn’t want to go out and be seen in an outfit like this, but the idea of going out without any dress terrified me. With blushing cheeks, I took his arm, “I am, my prince.” I said as we started towards the door.
We stepped out of our bedchamber, our footsteps echoing softly down the polished marble floors of the castle’s corridor. Tall arched windows lined the hallway, allowing the morning light to stream in and illuminate the rich tapestries on the wall, each one depicting scenes of the kingdom’s history in vibrant colors of crimson and gold. Guards and attendants bowed respectfully as we passed, their heads lowered, yet there was an air of quiet admiration that lingered in their expressions.
The corridors lead us through a series of grand archways, each one more ornate than the last, adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and floral designs. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the soft strains of a lute playing somewhere in the distance. As we neared the dining hall, the double doors, tall and imposing with brass handles shaped like lions, were opened by two guards in coordinated movements, revealing the regal dining space within.
The dining hall was a magnificent room that spoke of the grandeur of the castle. High vaulted ceilings were adorned with frescoes depicting scenes of royal feasts and harvests, painted in deep, rich colors that seemed to glow in the morning light. Massive crystal chandeliers hung from above, each one sparkling with thousands of facets that cast rainbows across the room where they caught the sun. Tall, narrow windows lined one wall, framed by heavy crimson curtains with golden trim.
The table itself was long and made of dark, polished wood capable of seating dozens, but today, a setting had been arranged near one end to create an intimate space for only a few. Golden chargers and delicate porcelain plates were set, each plate bearing the royal crest in fine detail. The table was adorned with a centerpiece of freshly picked roses, lilies, and lavender. Softly cushioned chairs with high, carved backs awaited us, each upholstered in a fabric that mirrored the deep crimsons and golds of the kingdom.
At the moment, we were the only ones to dine there, and the attendants quickly helped us get seated. Attendants clad in white spilled into the room carrying silver cloches, opening them to serve us. We were served a platter of freshly baked pastries, each one delicately crafted and filled with rich creams, sweet fruit preserves, and spiced custards. The flaky croissants were warm and golden, dusted with powdered sugar, while smaller pastries bore glazes that glistened under the light.
A bowl of ripe berries and sliced orchard fruit was presented as well, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries nestled beside thin slices of peaches and crisp apples. The fruit was drizzled with a light honey glaze and garnished with fresh mint leaves. We were served individual omelets, each prepared with herbs and cheeses. The eggs were fluffy and perfectly golden, filled with fresh herbs such as chives, basil, and thyme. A platter of cured meats was also set before us, featuring thinly sliced prosciutto, smoked ham, and spiced sausage links, as well as a selection of cheeses, soft, creamy brie, aged cheddar, and a tangy blue. The attendants poured steaming cups of spiced tea and glistening glasses of freshly squeezed orange juices.
While I was used to the cuisine back home, this was on another level. I was served a small portion of each item, my plate glistening with options, my mouth watering. I went to tuck in, but Prince Dorian stopped me. I gave him a curious look, his eyes twinkling as he dropped his chin, bringing his hands together and closing his eyes.
“Zephira, gentle Wind of renewal, bless this meal with health and growth. Solian, warm Wind of abundance, we thank you for the bounty before us. Aridia, wise Wind of change, may we savor each lesson you bring. Boreas, fierce Wind of endurance, grant us the strength to face all trials. In the name of the Four Winds, we give thanks.” Prince Dorian prayed, opening his eyes once more and setting into his meal.
I had studied the kingdom's religion before I came here, but it still startled me for a moment before I remembered. This kingdom worshiped the Four Winds, each representing a different aspect of life, seasons, and elements. The Four Winds were believed to be spirits or entities that guided the balance of nature, bringing life, change, and protection to the land. Each wind, Zephira, Solian, Aridia, and Boreas, was honored through specific rituals and traditions that tied them to the kingdom’s weather. It had been interesting studying their beliefs, which ran deep in the history of the kingdom.
I would need a refresher on the Four Winds, and I did not doubt that as a queen, I would be expected to follow the kingdom's beliefs. The attendants stepped away from the table shadowed at the edges of the room, giving us space while remaining close by to assist as needed. “You follow the Four Winds,” I stated, relicensing a bite of honey-glazed strawberry.
“I do, as do my parents.” Prince Dorian stated, “Do you?” he asked.
I shook my head, “No, although our beliefs are similar, we follow the nature of storms rather than the winds themselves.”
Prince Dorian nodded and raised his hand, the air around him seeming to grow warmer as though the sun itself was focusing its rays upon him. With a quiet, commanding presence, he closed his eyes and whispered a phrase in the ancient tongue of the kingdom, invoking Solian. Suddenly, a golden glow began to radiate from his palm, like embers igniting it in midair. The warm breeze that followed was no ordinary wind; it was alive with energy, swirling around him in a visible golden aura, carrying the scent of sunlit fields and ripened fruits.
Small sparks of light danced in the air, like fireflies in daylight, illuminating the dining hall with a soft, amber glow. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, Prince Dorian lowered his hand, and the golden wind dissipated, leaving only the gentle warmth of his aura and a sense of reverence in the air.
I had to pick my jaw up off the table; Prince Dorian smiled warmly at me, “I was raised from a young age to invoke the Winds; each can be used to help those around you the more in tune you become with them. I’m sure you’ll prove a worthy student.”
I had stopped eating and taking in the display, utterly shocked. While I held power with my spirits, it was nothing like this. “That was incredible,” I said reverently.
Prince Dorian smiled, resuming his meal, “Thank you; it took me a long time to get where I am; how is your food?” he asked.
I glanced down to a mostly cleared plate, my stomach comfortably full, “It was wonderful, thank you.”
“How does this meal compare to what you are used to back home?” he asked curiously.
“Not nearly so elegant.” I admitted, “My kingdom isn’t small, but it certainly doesn’t have the influence yours does.”
“Our kingdom, my princess.” Prince Dorian responded with a smile, “We will make this kingdom our own, regardless of whom we were born to.”
I nodded sheepishly, “What are we doing today?” I asked, changing the subject as I drank the spiced cider.
“I think it would benefit you to visit the chapel, but I also want you to meet Father.” Prince Dorian said, “There’s a gathering this afternoon for him to announce to the people; we will be there, although secluded away so as not to be seen by the common, not yet. I believe the announcement has to do with our engagement; the invitations for the wedding have already been sent out; it’s to be one of the biggest events in history.”
I felt my heart flutter as I remembered the fact that I was to be wed. “Right.” I replied, “When is that? I’ve been traveling; I didn’t exactly get letters on the road.”
Prince Dorian smiled, extending his hand to take mine, “It’s tomorrow, my princess; tomorrow you will become my wife.”
End of Chapter 6
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