Faith awoke the next day feeling terrible. Her reflection in the mirror showed as much, with her ghastly pale complexion, dark semi-circles under her eyes and limp hair. After William dropped her at her door like an unwanted infant, she hurried inside with barely contained tears and cried herself to sleep. It was pitiful, she knew.
That morning she was pleased in some ways that she hadn't spilled the truth in a moment of whimsical bliss. The guilt was still simmering below the surface, but she knew keeping the truth hidden was for the best. When the hunters found out that the vampire's knew, and the ball was cancelled, there would have been a massacre with unnecessary bloodshed, all because of Faith's big mouth. She certainly did not want that resting on her shoulders, so she was prepared to just go along with the plan and hope that William and his family didn't detest her forever for her actions. Something deep inside her told her that that result was inescapable though, alongside the sick feeling cramping her gut.
In Faith's mind, she managed to twist the truth slightly, and seventy-two per cent convince herself that she was actually doing a good deed because she was playing a part in saving the vampires - even if the only way to do that was by breaking their trust. Once Hope awoke, they went to the kitchen for breakfast, although Faith was hardly able to digest her cheerio's. Hope was sure something was wrong with her sister, but whatever manipulation she tried on her she simply wouldn't crack and spill what was wrong. It was winding Hope up to no end.
The palace was busy with the hustle and bustle of last minute preparations for the ball, and the ballroom was officially cornered off. Under different circumstances, Faith would have been ecstatically excited to go to a real ball and wear a gown fit for a Princess.
When they arrived back in their room, there were three maids named Margarita, Lizzie and Monae waiting to help get them prepared for the ball. Faith thought five hours was a bit excessive to get them ready, although considering her appearance that morning maybe it was necessary. It would take a miracle for her to look beautiful. The flame in her eyes had been stamped out, leaving her lacking the spark of life.
The dresses were laid out on the freshly made bed, with boxes of makeup and hair accessories by the vanity. First of all, she bathed in lavender water while her nails were filed and painted, then as she exited the bath with red cheeks, oils and creams were rubbed into her body, making her skin as soft and sweet as a new born baby's is. She was prepped and primed for hours, until she felt as though every little detail about her had been altered in some way. The makeup transformed her into a breath-taking woman, and for the first time Faith felt truly beautiful and confident, even if it was because she was hiding behind a mask. Three maids helped her put the lustrous gown on, the deep red colour complementing her skin tone perfectly, and her figure looking desirable.
When she saw herself in the mirror for the first time, she couldn't believe that the reflection was actually her! She certainly looked like a new and improved version of herself. The maids looked exhausted after they had finished, which Faith thought was probably right since they had spent hours scrubbing and painting her skin. She wondered how Hope looked since she was getting ready in the room next door, and what the future held for them both, when there was a knock on the door. One of the maids (Monae), opened the door, and Faith was surprised to see Queen Jane with an old woman behind her waiting to see her.
The Queen looked regal in a lilac, strapless floral gown that swirled to her feet, with little diamonds embroided into the fabric and glinting in the light. Her dark hair was twisted into a minimalist bun, and a stunning floral crown surely made of real diamonds was weaved into her hair. Just a touch of makeup was used on her to highlight her already perfect, English Rose features.
"Oh Faith! You look absolutely stunning my dear." The Queen gasped as she entered into the room.
"Thank you your highness, so do you!" Faith blushed as she curtsied along with the maids.
"Oh no, I'm getting old now Faith. You shall surely be the belle of the ball!" She exclaimed sweetly. "Thank you for your help ladies, you are now dismissed." She addressed the maids warmly.
Faith turned her attention to the haggard old lady who was eying her curiously. Although her hair was untamed, deep creases were jutting into her skin and the trimmings of her shapeless black skirt were caked in mud, she had the most vivid, unusual golden eyes Faith had ever seen. She did not realise such a coloured iris existed! They shone like a golden flame, expelling warmth, magic and danger.
"Faith, meet my friend Evanora... she is a witch, and I have asked for her help to disguise you and Hope's scents at the ball tonight – we just did Hope and everything went perfectly. Of course, I am sure you will stand out anyways because of your unfathomable beauty, but as two of the only humans there you will be sure to gain a lot of attention if everyone knows the truth." The queen admitted.
Faith wasn't sure how to feel about being in the same room as a witch. She wasn't entirely surprised to find out they existed though- she was currently residing among a city of vampires.
"Hello Evanora, it's nice to meet you." Faith said timidly, playing with her hands.
"Faith... Faith... heartbreaker you are... redemption is needed my child." The woman said mysteriously, making Faith freeze in shock.
Did Evanora know she was going to betray them?
"Don't mind Evanora Faith, she's infamous or speaking in riddles that no one understands until it's too late." The Queen dismissed. "Anyway, what she is going to do is enchant this necklace-." The Queen held up a small blue box – "which will make any creature with the ability to sense what you are, think you are a vampire. You will blend in seamlessly." She explained.
"Oh, wow, thank you your highness."
"What do you think of the necklace Faith? I think it will go lovely with your dress." Queen Jane beamed as she opened the box.
Inside with the most exquisite piece of jewellery Faith had ever seen – let alone contemplated wearing! Made up of square shaped vibrant emeralds, each one surrounded by a cluster of gleaming diamonds designed to fall elegantly around the neck, it was breath taking.
"Wow! It looks... expensive." Faith chucked anxiously.
"Well, it is dear. Kind Edward the 3rd designed it in the 14th century for his lovely wife Queen Philippa. I thought the emeralds would go with your dress perfectly dear."
"Thank you so much... it is incredible... are you sure it's ok for me to wear it?" Faith wondered aloud.
"Of course my dear, pop it on, and then Evanora will perform the spell."
Faith's hair was twirled into an elegant updo, pinned with white flower clips and diamonds, and there were a few strands decorating her face, meaning the Queen could easily clip the necklace around her neck.
"There. Perfect!" The Queen exclaimed as Faith turned around, examining her reflection in the mirror and feeling like a million bucks.
"Thank you so much... I'll make sure to look after it!" Faith gushed.
"No worries child." The Queen chuckled, as Evanora stepped forward.
"Child... child..." Evanora murmured as she rose her shaking hands and directed them at Faith's necklace. Faith gasped as the gold in her irises started swirling – actually moving in a hypnotising manner. The witch was chanting under her breath, the gold swirling faster and faster as the necklace got warmer around Faith's neck.
"Don't worry Faith..." She heard the Queen say, but it sounded distant to her mind.
Nevertheless, just as Faith was getting used to the odd sensation, the Witch snarled and her eyes turned black as a jolt of power escaped from her suddenly steady fingertips, and shot into the necklace. Faith gasped and recoiled, feeling dizzy as what felt like a wave of power washed over her.
"Veiled for 0012 hours... payment please." The witch cackled as she smiled, showing her sharp teeth.
Through the spinning World Faith saw the Queen drop a few golden coins in Evanora's hand, and then grimace as Evanora plucked a strand of hair from the Queen's head, and then rush over to collect one from her own. Faith was not quick enough to stop her. Then the weird woman hurried from the room, walking straight through the wall.
"Oh Faith, you look rather pale dear, let's sit you down..." The Queen exclaimed as she rushed to Faith's side, escorting her to the bed.
"She is an odd woman to say the least, but very powerful and good at what she does. I can sense no human in you! She also has a thing for hair... her payment always includes a strand or two. You know, I really shall miss you and your sister when you leave tomorrow. But I understand you have lives to get back to." The queen sighed, almost unhappily.
"Well... I'll miss you too." Faith replied as the world returned to normal.
"I mean it though Faith, you look stunning! Absolutely beautiful. William won't be able to take his eyes off you." She chuckled cheekily.
"Oh, I don't know about that." Faith blushed.
"I love that you and William are good friends... he's hardly had a girlfriend before and I was starting to think he was in a relationship with that odd Sir Hartley! But I can see when he's with you how much he cares. I just don't know why he's so adamant that you go home!" The Queen sighed grumpily.
"William is wonderful... but I don't think he likes me. I'm a less than average human and he's a vampire prince." Faith exhaled.
"Crazier things have happened." The Queen winked.
"I shall really miss you all. You have a place in my heart." Faith stressed.
Faith had not realised until that moment how true her words were. Florence was like a sister to her, Queen Jane almost like a mother, and William... well, who knew what he was. The crush that was way out of her league most likely. Faith couldn't help but be overcome with emotions as she remembered that in just a few hours the whole family would most likely hate her. Would her actions warrant a death penalty?
"Oh, what's wrong Faith, you look anguished." The Queen asked in a motherly tone.
Was this her last chance to come clean and keep her integrity?
"I... I..."
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Edited