Yes Master Prologue

Chapter 1

  ~~Nina~~

I leaned my arms against the iron railing of the staircase's balcony and smiled as I watched as my younger sister danced in the large and empty foyer, humming to herself. Her arms were outstretched as though she was dancing with an invisible prince and she swayed back and forth slowly. 

I giggled as she twirled clumsily in circles. "Preparing for tonight, Alice?" She immediately stopped with a small gasp. I laughed and began down the stairs towards her. She turned around and ran to me when she saw me. Throwing herself into my arms and a light blush rushing to her cheeks, she cajoled me. "You mustn't tell anyone that you saw me, Sister! Promise me!" 

I laughed again and brushed the side of her face with my hand. 

"I promise. I won't tell anyone." She hugged me tightly and giggled. "So, how was I? Have I practiced enough?" I glanced down at her and shrugged.

"You were all right, but I'll still be the one to impress Young Master Derek at the party tonight."

She gasped and stared at me for a moment. 

I smirked as she began to stamp gently at the ground. "Niiina!! That's not fair! Just because you're older-"

"Tell you what," I interrupted, taking a few steps  away from her. "If you can catch me, I'll let you have the first dance with him." 

She didn't need telling twice. She instantly lifted her small apron up and began to chase me around the foyer. 

We shrieked and laughed as frolicked around and around. Alice had almost caught me when our mother walked in. She was a little plumb woman with brown curly hair pulled back into a messy bun. She wore the same apron as us, but hers was covered with flour and spices. 

"Girls", she said gently. "Stop running around, it's time to get ready for the party.You need to bathe."

We both squealed and ran to her. Alice threw her arms around Mother's waist. "Is it really time Mama?" Her eyes widened in excitement as Mother nodded. 

She whipped her head towards me and gave a sly smirk. "Bet I can get to the washroom before you can! And when I do, I'll dance with Mr. Derek first!" She let go of Mother and ran towards the staircase. "Oh," I laughed, quickly turning after her. "Not if I get there first!"