The Ball

After unfortunately being assigned the task of helping coordinate the ball, I spent the week in a flurry, learning and discussing things with all the servants. We decorated the ballroom to perfection, and I discovered the work and consideration that get's put into every ball. Even the flower's meaning must not contradict the event, and the seating chart must be organized by status and by people who get along with one another. Guests with allergies must be taken into account when making the menu and the cleaning must be impeccable. It made me realize that to throw a successful ball, you not only had to be knowledgeable about the people you're inviting, but also have the skills in order to do it.

It was quite tiring, but very fun. Especially since I learned so much and got to see my efforts come to fruition so soon. Seeing the Ballroom transform was amazing; the bare floor got tables spread out and decorated, the walls had drapes and ribbons adorning it, and the ceiling had multiple sparkling chandeliers that my team and I spent 3 hours shining and polishing. But after seeing it all come together on the final day, the name cards being set in place and the tableware set in place, the work it took to get there was totally worth it.

Finally, it was the day of the ball, and as much as I wanted to help the servants with the final touches, I was kicked out by the Head maid telling me to worry about getting ready instead. Soon after, Sophia dragged me to our room.

"I worked so hard, watching over the process of our gowns being made this week, and you had the audacity to try and abandon me right before the ball?"

"It's because I trust you so much with that amazing fashion sense of yours. With you taking care of it, there was absolutely no way it could go wrong," I flattered.

"Obviously," she agreed, "but hair, face, and getting into the actual dress is a whole other story."

"I guess. I do truly thank you for taking care of my dress."

"It was fun. I can't wait for you to see it. It should be waiting for us in our room," She informed excitedly.

We quickly walked to the room and went inside, finding the dresses payed out on the bed. I gasped lightly.

"Sophia..... it looks amazing. Did you really help them make this?" I asked.

"Chose the fabric myself. Do you know how much of a pain it is to measure someone who isn't there? I had to bring one of your dresses just so they could tear it apart and make a pattern."

I looked at the gorgeous gown in front of me. It flowed out like a ball gown should with its layered tool and lace, and a deep navy blue fabric used as the bodice. The sleeves were short, and the cut at the top was wide but not low. There was a sparkling jewel encrusted sash in the middle, connecting the two pieces, that was to be tied into a bow in the back.

"Sophia, I absolutely love it."

"Thank you," she said. I looked at hers and gasped once again.

"This will look perfect on you!" I exclaimed. I touched the deep red of her ball gown that had silver jewels garnishing the top piece in an ombré with of the shoulder sleeves attached.

"I had to help them glue every single one of those jewels, y'know. It's not nearly as sparkly or out there as some of the other dresses that were being made, but I think it looks perfect."

"It does. I think you'll look great in it," I complimented.

"Then let's start getting ready. Getting into these corsets will be a feat in of itself," she said, picking it up.

So for the next 6 hours we bathed, got dressed, and did our hair. Finishing in time for the ball, we gladly, walked our way to the ballroom. We all waited in a line outside the door. A maid had put us in order based on our noble status, pushing me to the very back. Sophia was a couple girls ahead of me since she got higher scores on some of the tests. I could hear the muffled voice of the king and suddenly a roar of applause. The line moved forward and the King's voice was loud and clear.

"From the front to the back, these ladies have proven their worth to be truely considered for the title as Queen. They've passed tests and trials, spent days and nights here, and finally have made it into the top 50. For many of you, this is a chance to be reunited with your families and for others it's a time to meet eligible young men in case you aren't found to be my bride. Just remember that courting isn't allowed until after they've been disqualified."

Finally, my end of the line made it to the door and I walked in. I looked to the front where the King was standing. He was wearing formal clothing for once and looked a lot more polished. He even had his hair styled and sword garnished.

"Without further ado, let the ball begin!"

More applause erupted from the crowd as girls made their ways to their families. Sophia looked around and upon spotting hers, did the same. I thought about following but I figured I should give them some time. I stepped to the side not wanting to be in the way of the enterance and went over to the tables set up with o'rderves picking up a plate and stacking some snacks.

"Eating so early?" I heard. I turned to see the friendly knight from when I was in red.

"Oh, uh, yeah," I laughed.

"Y'know this whole time, I don't think I introduced myself. I'm Sir Justin Kinfren, at your service."

"I'm Eleana Allenvure, nice to properly meet you."

"I wanted to thank you again for saving me that night. You could've let the king kill me."

"Oh no, it was nothing. You were just following orders, I completely understand."

"Are your wounds ok?"

"Yes, they've scabbed over and they didn't get infected. The bruises look scarier than they are, but they don't hurt too much."

"That's good. If you ever need anything, let me know."

"Then do you mind keeping me company? I don't know any of these nobles and frankly, I don't think any of them are looking to talk to a commoner."

"What happed to your other friend- the girl with short hair?" he asked.

"Sophia? She's talking with her family, I don't want to intrude."

"What about you? Is your family here?"

"Only nobility was invited."

"Oh, I see. Maybe you'll be allowed to visit once this is over," he encouraged.

"I heard that servants get to send letters and money home to their families. That's what I'm hoping for."

"Not only that. You're allowed a home visit twice a year."

"Really? Do you request for it? Or is it a set date?"

"You request for it. Although there are certain times of the year you can't go, like the King's birthday."

"That makes sense. It's a national holiday after all."

I looked at the food table to grab some more but paused.

"Is something wrong?" Justin asked. I looked down the table, noticing all the food was misplaced.

"The food is out of order. The shrimp is near the scones."

"How do you know?"

"I worked with the preparation staff. This is all wrong. How did Mrs.Bellings not notice this?" I said refering to the head maid while looking for a servant on duty so I could get them to fix it. Sophia told me that as a guest, I wasn't supposed to do anything even if it's simple.

After scanning the room multiple times, I couldn't find anyone so I turned to Sir Justin.

"Do you mind helping me move this food around?"

He looked stunned for a moment.

"You want to move the food around?"

I nodded.

"The nobles might make fun of you," he warned.

"Nothing new. Most of them won't even see me. It's only the beginning of the ball anyways."

"If rumors spread, you might not be able to find a suitor," He said.

"I wasn't looking for one anyway. I plan to be a servant." I said, grabbing hold of a plate. He looked at me for a moment and laughed before grabbing a plate.

"Ok, I guess we're reorganizing the table then."

I smiled giving directions. I kept an eye out for any workers hoping to get word to Mrs.Bellings. Sir Justin and I worked together to sort the treats where they needed to be and making everything presentable as it should be. As I set down the final plate of creme puffs, Sir Justin suddenly bowed.

"Your Majesty," He said. I turned around quickly, suddenly facing the King.

"Miss Eleana," He greeted.

I curtsied, "Your Majesty."

"I do remember telling you to work with the preparation staff, but I didn't think you would take that dedication as far as making a fool of yourself at the ball," he said stiffly. I gulped.

"The food wasn't in order, Your Majesty," I said.

"Call a servant over to fix it then," he said bitterly.

"I couldn't find one," I informed. The king looked around for a servant, probably wanting to scold me for one being there and me not noticing. His frown slackened as he continued to search. He turned around, noticing that none were present.

"Since when were the servants missing?" He asked, suddenly serious.

"I haven't seen them since I walked in," I answered.

"What about you?" He asked Sir Justin.

"Not since they set the table."

"You saw them set the table like this and didn't stop them?"I scolded.

"I didn't know there was a right way to set an o'rderve table," he said.

"C'mon, you don't put <i>shrimp</i> next to <i>scones</i>."

"Sorry," he said.

"You," he said directed at Sir Justin, "find out what the servants are doing and where they are."

"Yes, sir."

He briskly walked away starting on his task.

"And you," he said facing me, "Stop fixing the table."

"Yes, Your Highness," I pouted.

"Aren't you going to mingle with some of the nobles? This might be your only chance to speak with a Marquis or a Count."

"I appreciate the concern, your majesty, but as I've said, I intend to be a servant."

He sighed, "And what kind of servant do you wish to be, Miss Eleana?"

"Kitchen maid?"

"Kitchen?" He asked surprised. "That's where servants are sent as a punishment."

"Yeah, but since it's the lowest status, I won't see any nobility, which means I won't have a chance to make a fool out of myself in front of them."

"Kitchen maids are treated horribly," he stated.

"A laundry maid then," I said, knowing that it was the next one up on the ladder.

"Those are treated horribly too."

"I'm sure I can handle it, Your Majesty."

"I have no doubt in your ability to tolerate suffering, Miss Eleana."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"However," the king continued, "it would be quite insulting if someone who was once considered for my bride becomes someone as lowly as a kitchen maid. Are you trying to suggest that you wish to stain my reputation?"

He smirked, knowing that he had turned the tables.

"No, of course not, Your Highness. What would you suggest I be instead?"

"I figure a maid for the Emerald palace should suffice."

<i>Emerald palace? There's more than one palace?</i>

"I apologize for my ignorance but may I ask what the Emerald palace is? Aren't we already in the palace?"

"We're in the Silver Palace right now. This is where the general populace visits and where the throne room is. The Emerald palace is where the kings have resided since the founding of this kingdom. Next door is the Rose palace, where the queen resides."

"Your Highness, to allow a commoner into the Emerald Palace is-"

"Are you questioning my judgment?"

"No, Your highness. I'm just worried that my status would infringe upon your image more than being a kitchen maid would."

"I doubt anyone would notice your status as long as you don't tell them."

"I'm honored by your faith in my abilities, but I don't believe I can live up to your expectations."

"Would you rather die then?"

"No, Your majesty."

"Then I look forward to your efforts," he said.

"Yes, Your Majesty,"I said, feeling like I lost a fight.

"Your Highness!" We heard. We both turned our heads towards Sir Justin who was rushing up to the king.

"We're locked in."