Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eight

After the fitting was done, Victoria and Anne left the shop. Anne was practically glowing with excitement.

"Finally, my lady! You made a friend. And she seems so kind and thoughtful. She even remembered you from years ago!"

Victoria gave a small smile. "Yes... she did."

"She's really pretty too..." Anne went on, gushing about her 'new friend'. They got back to the carriage and began heading back home.

The next few days passed in a blur. Anne could hardly hide her excitement. She kept picking out hairpins and jewellery, thrilled that Victoria was finally going to attend such a big event. Finally, the morning of the ball arrived. The servants hurried through the halls, beginning their tasks for the day.

Anne knocked and entered Victoria's room, holding a wrapped box. "Your dress is here, my lady!"

Victoria looked up from her chair by the window. "Already?"

"Yes! It just arrived. Together with gloves and shoes too!"

Anne opened the box and lifted out the gown. The dress was a soft silvery-blue colour, with fine embroidery of tiny flowers along the hem and sleeves.

"It's beautiful," Victoria said.

Anne held out the dress with a bright smile. "You'll look stunning! You will catch the eye of every gentleman there—even the prince."

"I'm not trying to catch the prince's eye," Victoria said, her tone flat.

Anne just giggled. "You say that now. But fate has a way of surprising people.

"No, Anne." Victoria shot her a look.

Anne gave a playful pout but let it go.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped behind the hills and the sky turned golden-pink.

Victoria stood in front of the mirror while Anne, with the help of other maids, added finishing touches to her appearance.

"There," Anne said proudly. "You look like a dream."

The other maids smiled and nodded.

Victoria glanced at her reflection, impressed. She looked... like a proper noble lady.

"Not bad," she admitted.

Anne grinned. "Now go on, the carriage is waiting!"

Downstairs, her father was already dressed in his formal attire, waiting by the front doors. When he saw Victoria, his eyes lit up with pride.

"You look beautiful," he said sincerely. 

Victoria gave him a soft smile. "Thank you, Father."

He offered his arm, and she took it. Together, they stepped outside where the elegant carriage stood ready, drawn by two fine horses.

As Victoria climbed in, she took a deep breath and glanced up at the darkening sky. The capital was already glowing in the distance.

The carriage set off toward the palace.

"This is the first time in years you've attended something like this," her father said with a smile. "I'm proud of you, Victoria."

Victoria let out a quiet sigh, leaning slightly against the window.

Her father chuckled. "Anne mentioned you made a new friend at the dress shop."

"She told you that?" Victoria groaned. "Gosh, Anne."

Her father raised an amused brow. "Is it not true?"

"She's not really a friend," Victoria muttered. "We're just... acquaintances."