Ch.7 Before the Ball

PHIONA:

*10 hours earlier*

Finally, the day Phiona had waited for. Alester's 18th Birthday Party.

Phiona looked herself up and down in the mirror. She marveled at her floor-length rose dress. It hugged gently against the curves she had. She was especially proud of the sweetheart neckline.

She puckered up in the mirror, checking the perfection of her makeup. Sleeking her smooth blond hair back, she smiled at how well her silver diamond string earrings matched the silver sparkle in her dress.

For years, Phiona had planned the day. Preparing every detail that she could. Her dress, her makeup, her shoes, her hair, the way she would walk, how she would hold herself, her tone of voice. She even cleared her schedule for the next three months.

Today would be the day Alester realized they were meant to be together.

"Humming again, you must be happy." Her father entered her room, a grin adorning his face.

She gave a startled turn before her smile grew wider.

"Of course I am happy!" Phiona's eyes sparkled

"How could I not be?" She turned back around and admired the perfection of her makeup.

"Stop fretting, little lamb. You look perfect." Her dad gave an approving nod. Placing his hands on her shoulders in support.

"Well, almost perfect." Her dad chuckled, leaving Phiona surprised.

"Almost!" Phiona shrieked. The brush of metal against her collarbone stopped her from turning around.

Her hand shot up to grasp at the chain as her father fastened it around her neck.

"It's beautiful!" Phiona admired the brilliant blue sapphire. The light bounced off the cuts of the gem. It mesmerized her. The blue of the sapphire matched her eyes. It would pair beautifully with her ensemble.

Phiona's father turned her around, to face him. He pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Just like you, little lamb." He smiled gently before his face turned serious.

"This necklace is more than my gift to you. It's your good luck charm." He said with all seriousness.

"You mustn't ever take it off." He cupped her face in his hand. His eyes pleaded with her to take him seriously.

"Of course, Papa." She said in agreement. Pressing her cheek further firmer in his hand.

"I mean it. Not even to shower. It must stay on you at all times." His eyebrows furrowed together and his lips turned downward.

Phiona took her father's hand off her cheek and held it in her own. Her other hand gently massaged between his eyebrows.

"It's a present from you. I have no need to ever take it off." She smiled, her eyes open and honest.

He finally relaxed, took both of her hands in his, and kissed them gently.

"Let's leave now. The earlier, the better." Phiona hadn't considered arriving early, but quickly grew excited at her father's suggestion.

Arriving early had all the promise of seeing Alester that much sooner. 'What will he do when he sees me?' Phiona wondered. She pictured being swept up in his embrace, his face lighted in rejoicing. The touch of his soft lips as he caressed her face. How magical the moment would be!

"Stephen! How lovely to see you! We hadn't expected you to arrive so early!" Mr. Ives, Alester's father, rejoiced, wrapping one arm around her father's shoulders and leading him further into the foyer of his house.

Phiona looked around the familiar golden halls. She marveled every time she saw them. It felt brighter and livelier than her own home, which consisted of swirling black marble. Alester's house was much more frivolous than her own, decorated in carvings and elegant reds and golds. Yet, it had a sense of home to it. It was warm and inviting, like she hoped Alester would be with her today.

They made the house up to be much grander than usual, showing just how important the event was. Most of the decorations and tapestries were in place, but a few things were still getting set up sense they had arrived early.

"Make yourselves at home." Mr. Ives chortled. Gesturing to a couch in the dining hall. It was a spot reserved for family. Phiona felt giddy to be accepted into the family so easily. Now if only Alester would accept her as easily.

"No. no. good friend. We must make ourselves useful!" Her father wrapped his arm around her shoulder, gesturing that they wanted to help. Phiona nodded in agreement.

"Yes. We must help. What can I do?" Phiona was eager to prove herself in any way she could. Especially since party planning and setup are part of a Luna's job.

Mr. Ives and her dad gave each other a knowing smirk.

"I'll go check up on the man of the hour." Mr. Ives said In finality.

Phiona watched him go up the grand ceremony stairs before looking at her father to see what she should do.

"Go." He smiled warmly at her, the sides of his eyes crinkling. Phiona picked up her gown and chased Mr. Ives up the stairs.

"You invited Phiona?!" she heard Alester yell from down the hall. They had left his door cracked open.

The anger in his voice was palpable. Phiona took a step back in shock, her heart shattering into a million pieces. She clutched her necklace as if it were her heart she was trying to hold together.

"Of course I did. They are family friends." Mr. Ives scolded him. Phiona hadn't moved far enough away from the door. She could still hear what they were saying. Her legs had lost the strength to move.

"Not to me, they aren't. You know Phiona has a crush on me." Phiona felt her eyes burn as tears threatened to fall from them. It was clear Alester wanted nothing to do with her. Her legs wobbled beneath her, she felt like collapsing. The man that she had wanted for so long still hated her guts.

"To you they are. And maybe that's a good thing. Like you said, many don't find their mate. Phiona is a good option. She is an outstanding leader." Silence followed the statement. Alester wasn't saying anything.

She had a chance. Phiona felt her shattered heart mend back together. It wasn't a lost cause after all. He was considering her. The strength came back to her legs, and the burning left her eyes. A smile returned to her face, wider than ever.

Phiona picked up the hem of her skirt and ran back down to where the party was being held, with a perceivable skip to her step. If Alester considered her for his luna if he didn't find his mate. He would accept her when she was his mate.

She smiled at her dad from across the room and put herself to use, helping wherever she could.