Cyber Barber
This was one of the only parties Kalina had enjoyed, although she could feel the tension in the air. She was simply too happy to have her best friend back and to be free from this mess of a kingdom. She danced her heart out with Finn, ate until her stomach was full, drank a few glasses of wine until her head was a bit foggy with drunkenness. She truly had fun.
When Finn left the party she followed suit, making it look like she was headed back to her room when in reality she took a turn to head outside. She saw him through the window and nodded. She was tipsy and fearless so she began to climb the wall, with her ballgown. She could hear fabric ripping and stitches popping on the fine garment but she didn’t care. She climbed all the way up to his window and tapped on it a few times to get his attention
Finn was surprised to see the flushed face of Kalina peering at him from within the leaves of the ivy. Shaking his head with a smile, he opened the window and held out his hand for her to grasp. Carefully he pulled her in and helped her get the twigs and leaves out of her dress and out of her once immaculate updo. “You weren’t kidding when you said you were good at sneaking around. Pity your dress doesn’t feel that way about it.” Finn leads her to the couch and seats her down on it sitting beside her.
Kalina giggled softly and kissed his cheek daringly as he helped her into his room. She dusted herself off and smiled while he plucked the twigs and leaves out of her now messy updo.
She gratefully took the seat beside him and kicked off the high heels she was always forced to wear “This dress I swear is 2 sizes too small. I can barely breathe with it and the corset,” she said and sighed before looking up at him.
“Well, darling. Tomorrow we’ll be married and I plan to take us back in the evening. We should be home in a day. And pretty soon, you’ll be able to discard your title and responsibilities of being a princess, and live life as you please.”
She smiled and nodded “Good. I truthfully can’t wait to be gone from here….. I am excited to spend the rest of my life with my best friend,” she said and took his hand in hers. She closed her eyes and relaxed, “Will people still refer to me as princess?” She asked quietly, “Because I don’t want them to.”
Finn scratches his head. “No reason to call you Princess, I mean they know you’re one, but after marriage you’ll probably be called Lady Belkins, or Mrs. Belkins, but that’s about it. Unless you wanna keep your last name. Thenase doesn’t have much use for pomp and ceremony. The Emperor believes in function over everything else. I’m supposed to be a Viscount, but that only comes with an armed escort when I travel.
“Thenase is mostly a do-it-yourself kind of land. I mean you do get hired domestic help, but there’s a lot of pride in doing your own work. Also, if you want to learn and practice a trade, I can arrange for that too.”
She nodded in understanding “Lovely,” she said softly and closed her eyes. She smiled slightly at the mention of learning a trade “Maria has been teaching me about plant medicine all my life so I already have that up my sleeve,” she said and nodded “I would love my own garden and herbal shop.” She said softly
“Hmmm… a herbal garden? Sure I mean I have a place lined up for us, it’s got a decent backyard. I can fence off as much as you want for your garden. I can also introduce you to the local apothecaries. I am pretty sure Dame Benice would love to meet you. “Fancy clothes are only for festivals and parades, there’s only about three a year. Most of the time you’re just expected to look nice. Heck, women walk around with their hair down most of the time. There’s been a trend of short hair on women these past four months.”
She perked up when she heard short hair “You mean women are allowed to have short hair? Mary told me that it was forbidden,” she said as she twirled a loose lock of hair around her finger. She had always wanted short hair, but for clear reasons she was never allowed. She nodded “I’ll have to shop for a new wardrobe… and I would love to work with one of the apothecaries.”
“Like I said, function over form. It’s a pretty progressive place. As long as you don’t run around with a bald head, I don’t see how anyone would mind. Most of the women in my uncle’s foundries keep their hair rather short. Contrary to what you might have been led to believe, there’s a lot of intricate work in armor that women prefer to do.”
She said she yawned softly. “Our wedding is going to be quick, yes? Do you know if my father is insisting on theatrics and a big dress?”
He lets out a small snigger at the mention of an elaborate wedding. “Your dad wanted the wedding next month. With a parade and everything. I simply told him that he better watch his expenses as everything is getting the full audit treatment and if there’s any more misappropriation of funds, he’ll be downgraded to governor and have to move out of the palace. That put a stop to it quickly. I said I’m not a fan of ceremony either, and all I wanted was an obedient wife to take care of my home. I guess that appealed to his ego.”
She giggled “Theatrics are my father’s speciality. I appreciate you talking him into a small ceremony though. I’m sure Mary will be fussing over me regardless.” She said softly and hummed, relaxing into his side, feeling so completely at ease. “Thank you Finn… for saving me.”
“Well… then with that being said, I believe I would like to have my hair cut short when we get back home. I would like to see some of the women to see what is popular though,” she explained.
Putting his arm around her he drew her close. “I hope you don’t mind the overbearing, demanding, hard to please air that I put on around you. I don’t want your dad or your sister to know that you’re gonna get the life you dream of.”
She shook her head “I understand it. Did my father not recognize you?” She asked curiously.
“It is possible that someone in the court might have recognised me, but what can they do about it? I am a citizen of Thenase, escorted by the Emperor’s guard. They dare not lift a finger against me and risk provoking Thenase. By the way, it’s not public knowledge, but your sister’s engagement fell through. Alyssa hasn’t yet told your father, but they don’t want to be seen getting into an alliance with a kingdom that’s barely a hair’s breadth away from getting downgraded.”
She blinked in shock “Oh my…. I didn’t know it was so serious. My sister is going to be furious,” she said. She was a bit sad. While her sister was often overbearing, she was a good sister, especially when the girls were growing up. She bit her lip “Perhaps if my father does get demoted. My sister can find her true love also,” she whispered softly, feeling a bit bad for her kingdom and her family.
She leaned into his hand as he stroked her neck, closing her eyes and shivered slightly. “I appreciate your openness to my changes.” She chuckled softly “And I can’t wait to have some control over my own body for once.” she said and opened her eyes, looking up at him and giggling as he kissed her forehead.
“I want you to be the Kalina you always wanted to be. That is the Kalina that I want in my life. Happy and carefree. I kinda feel sorry for your sister too. Let’s hope she finds true love. And I can’t wait to complete your transformation. I am sure you’ll look very beautiful in a short haircut. Would you prefer I take you to a coiffure or cut your hair myself?”
Pulling her close he kisses her forehead, taking a deep breath of the hint of lavender that came from her hair. He stroked her nape gently. “As for your hair, get it cut. As short as you please. It will be the symbol of your oppression that you have cast away. Do me a favor, leave all your corsets behind.”
She felt her cheeks flush as he rained complements upon her. She smiled again “Trust me I didnt plan on bringing those torture devices whether you liked them or not. And as for my hair, I would prefer to have you cut it. At least for the first time. I fear a professional might try to talk me out of what I want.”
She smiled “You really went all in to make my dream come true now didn’t you,” she said softly and sighed “I feel for my sister. Will I be allowed to see her still?” She asked “A-and Mary and Denice? Those women have been more of a mother to me than my actual mother,” she said with a sigh. While she hated this life, there were certainly aspects she would miss.
Finn’s hands closed around her waist holding her close. The warmth of her closeness was so satisfying. Yep. It was all worth it. He had to take care of something that was built by someone else. But yet, there was no denying that he enjoyed it. Sometimes, you have to pick which principle you want to keep and which one to let go of.
He tipped her face up. “I would not dream of separating you from your sister. Or Mary and Denice for that matter. They are free to visit whenever they wish. Your sister might find it inconvenient though. No maids to do her bidding. I only have one maid come in to do the dishes, because I am hopeless at it. As for Mary and Denice, If they wish I can sponsor them moving to Thenase if they want to be with you. Mind you, they might have some difficulty adjusting to the new Kalina.”
Her head was lifted and she looked at him. She peered lovingly into his eyes as he put her worries to ease. She smiled “My sister will cope without maids. She’s just as capable as me.” She said, her face lighting up in surprise and happiness as he offered to bring Mary and Denice to Thenase. She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly “I’m sure they would just be happy that I’m finally happy. Thank you so much Finn,” she whispered to him. She was truly so beyond grateful to him for doing so much for her.
He pressed her lips gently to hers for a slow passionate kiss. Her lips parted willingly as he let his tongue run over their velvety softness, tasting faintly of strawberries and the wine that she had drunk. He kissed her deeply, nibbling gently on her lower lip, fingers massaging her nape as her updo started to come loose.
She was a bit taken aback from the kiss, but melted into it nonetheless. She curled her fingers into his short locks at his nape as their lips and tongues danced in unison. She shivered from the gentle nibble against her lip, goosebumps rose on her skin as she massaged the most sensitive part of her head and neck. She pulled away from the kiss and let out a soft breath,her cheeks burning bright pink “I love you so much Finnigan,” she whispered to him as she lifted her hand up to begin removing the pins from her updo, letting her chocolate brown locks tumble down her back. He had rarely seen her hair loose. It was thick and lustrous from the expensive products her mother supplied to her. The chocolate tresses fell well past her waist.
Finn turned her around and gathered her hair up. “Such beautiful hair. I never dreamed that you would want it cut, or ask me to be the one to cut it…” he sighed as he stroked out the luxurious length. “I can see why you consider this to be a burden. It definitely is high maintenance. Slipping an arm around her waist he pulled her back slowly till she was actually sitting in his lap. He wrapped her hair around his hand pulling it up and away from her neck in a gentle but firm grip. He placed a line of kisses along her nape leading to her ears. He ran tongue gently over her soft shellac ears, nibbling on her earlobe. He felt her giggle and squirm. His right hand moved up ever so slightly from her waist as if to touch her breasts, but stopped.
“I guess I should be glad that I spent some time moonlighting as a barber when things were tight as a farrier…”
She blushed as he touched her hair and played with it. She closed her eyes for a moment “I-I suppose if you don’t want to cut it. I don’t have to. I know you want me happy, but I want you happy also,” she said with a smile. She giggled softly as she sat on his lap, she wrapped her legs around him slightly. She felt goosebumps prickle her skin once again as he gathered her hair, tugging it slightly as it was lifted up to reveal her slender neck. She let out a soft moan as he rained kisses on her skin. She bit down on her lower lip to keep herself quiet as he nibbled on her ear. His scratchy stubble tickled her, causing her to giggle. She smiled and looked at him, taking his hand and gently placing it against her breast anyways “So you have some training. That’s a plus,” she giggled softly as she took her other hand and stroked his cheek “This facial hair has to go… No wonder no one recognized you. You hardly look like yourself with a beard. I prefer my baby faced Finn,” she teased playfully
Finn squeezed her breast gently, taking a deep breath. “I never thought I would enjoy the fruits of the plant that I was tending to so lovingly. The beard goes as soon as we return to our home. As does your hair. We will cast your hair to the floor of our bedroom as the final symbol of your life in a gilded cage.”
He let out a soft sigh of satisfaction as he played with her breasts, squeezing and fondling. “You don’t know how many times I’ve done this to you in my dreams, Kalina dearest, he said, pressing his lips to her again. A few minutes of kissing later, he slowly broke off. “I think it’s time you went back to your bedroom, my dear wife. We have a big day tomorrow. I would prefer to call it your Independence Day rather than our marriage day.”
She loved his touch. She loved how every single move me made was aimed to please her. She giggled softly in response to his words “You’re so long winded,” she teased and kissed him again softly “I truly can’t wait to start the rest of my life with you, Finn. You are the best thing that has happened to me.” She whispered and stroked his hair gently. She eagerly accepted the kiss. When they parted she sighed dramatically “I do suppose you’re right. I’ll see you tomorrow, sweet husband of mine.” She said, reluctantly moving off his lap and standing up.
Taking her hand he walked her to the door and opened it. She was surprised to find that the entire corridor had Thenasian guards posted. “Captain Gunther, please escort the Princess back to her rooms. Should anyone question you, she was receiving instructions on her post marital expectations from her husband-to-be.”
The captain nods and invites Kalina to lead the way.
She kissed him one more, a quick peck against his lips before she looked up at the captain. She bowed her head respectfully and smoothed down her dress. Once she was escorted back to her bedroom she summoned Mary to help her undress. She would bathe the next morning in preparation for her big day so there was no need that night.
Kalina had fun at her small wedding ceremony. She however did not enjoy the journey to her new home. She was never one who liked traveling. She was half asleep by the time they arrived but woke up quickly when the carriage stopped. She sat up and brushed her hair away from her face.
