"All done," Imogen said, stepping away from me so I could look in the mirror. I had to admit, I looked like a completely different person. One could see the sliver of a lady in me and even a pinch of prettiness.
Imogen and Lucy had curled my hair so that it cascaded down my shoulders in voluminous waves that looked foreign on my face. They had applied some sort of powder which made my eyes sparkle and didn't forget to put the 'lip balm' on my lips.
I was dressed in a deep blue corseted ball gown that despite crushing my insides, gave the impression that I was a 'woman'. On top of my bosom lay an intricate diamond necklace I suspected was my mother's. She would never lend it to me otherwise.
"You look beautiful, Lady Madeline," Lucy whispered.
"Decent, maybe- but beautiful is a bit of a stretch," I shrugged. "Besides, this night is counting on my ability to not make a fool out of myself."
I had spent a good amount of the day practicing my dancing and manners, silently praying that I wouldn't get sent home in disgrace.
"Remember, you want to make enough conversation with the prince to catch his attention while you dance," Imogen reminded me.
"Do I have to dance with him?" I pleaded, dreading the affair. I couldn't even look Prince Carlos in the eye without wanting to punch him in the face, talk less of dancing at a close proximity.
"All the Ladies dance with the prince, Lady Madeline. It's the highlight of the evening," Lucy shook her head.
"Not for me," I sighed.
Before Imogen and Lucy could argue about how important the welcoming ball was, the palace bell tolled, signifying the start of the ball was near. Imogen and Lucy squealed simultaneously, before pushing me towards the door.
I couldn't help but feel a certain excitement- as I had never been to a proper ball before. Though, I couldn't ignore the growing tumor of dread that took refuge in my stomach.
***
"You look amazing," Fiona gave me a bone crushing hug.
"Oh, don't flatter me. You on the other hand," I said, giving her a once over. Fiona looked ethereal in a lilac ball gown made of a fabric so soft, it felt like it would crumble upon touch. Her Ladies' Maids had created some sort of illusion on her face using what looked like purple and pink powder. I had to hand it to her, she looked absolutely amazing.
"I'd better look good. I spent hours just trying to get into this dress without it ripping," Fiona rolled her eyes, sighing.
As the other Ladies emerged from their rooms, the hallway transformed into a hue of colorful fabrics as each Lady weighed the others' dresses.
"Jeez, look at Esme," Fiona whispered.
Despite Esme being an utter witch, she looked marvelous. She was dressed in a dark black corseted gown, studded with diamonds that were probably worth my family's manor. On her full bosom lay an ensemble of crystals that drew the eyes to where she wanted them. Atop her luscious hair lay a small crystal tiara.
She definitely knew what she was doing wearing a tiara. She wanted to let each and every one of the Ladies know that she would be queen. She smiled smugly before walking away.
"She certainly knows what she's doing," I muttered to Fiona before following suit.
***
Standing at the top of the stairs leading into the ballroom brought back the same feelings of excitement and fear I felt at my same dinner. This time, it was probably magnified by 10. I could hear the soft music from the Royal Orchestra and the twinkle of regal voices. The ballroom looked full to the brim and I couldn't help but wonder how many eyes would be on me.
The herald's trumpet startled me out of my thoughts as the first lady was called.
"Lady Esme Addington," The herald announced and we watched intently as Esme descended the stairs, the epitome of elegance. The crowd clapped, oohed and aahed, much to the other girls' despair. It would be hard beating Esme's entrance.
As the line shortened, my heart race quickened and my palms became sweatier.
"Don't fret, Maddie, you'll do great. Just remember, keep your head up high and walk with grace," Fiona whispered as it came closer to her turn.
"I wish I knew what walking with grace meant," I sighed.
"Just...try to look like Esme," Fiona quickly compensated.
I morphed my face into what I thought a witch would look like and hunched my back. Fiona burst out laughing, gaining irritated looks from the other waiting girls.
"Madeline," Fiona smacked my hand, darting her eyes around warily.
"You told me to look like Esme," I shrugged, smiling.
"You know what I meant," Fiona narrowed her eyes playfully.
"Lady Fiona Kensley," The herald called and I gave Fiona's hand a little squeeze as she descended down the stairs, her walk perfect. The light of the ballroom illuminated off her face making her look even prettier than before.
"Lady Madeline Prowess."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding before walking down the stairs, my head up high; trying my best to embody Esme's elegance. My 'performance' wavered when I saw just how many people were in the ballroom.
The ballroom was extremely large and filled to the brim with Nobles and courtiers dressed in their finest attires. It was brightly lit by golden lights which threatened to render me temporarily blind. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, making it hard for me to concentrate on my walk.
A polite applause ran through the crowd before I finally reached Fiona who squeezed my hand excitedly.
"You did great," Fiona whispered.
"I don't think so," I muttered, watching as the last Ladies walked down the stairs.
"What happens now?" I asked, watching as the Ladies got into line.
"The royal family comes in, and then the dancing starts," Fiona explains.
The herald blew his trumpet. "King Albert II and Queen Amelia of Aridia."
The crowd bowed and curtsied and I followed suit as the royal couple descended the stairs, Queen Amelia eyeing the crowd with an emotion I couldn't quite place. As I regained my posture from my courtesy, I looked around at the ballroom. It was the most beautiful room I had ever been in, with gold embellishments and finishes. On the ceiling dangled the largest chandelier I'd ever laid eyes upon, its diamonds glinting in the light. One side of the ballroom was dedicated to appetizers and drinks, my mouth watering upon sight.
"Princess Barbara of Aridia."
Princess Barbara followed suit, walking down the spiraling staircase. She was an extremely beautiful girl and took the immaculate features of her mother. But, despite the placid expression on her face, her eyes conveyed how uninterested she really was and I got the feeling she wanted to be anywhere else but at the ball.
"Prince Carlos of Aridia."
Good morning, good afternoon, good evening- whatever time it is for you. How do you think Madeline's going to fare at the ball?
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