Preparations

The first ball of the event was tomorrow and tensions were high. Isabella couldn't decide between the maroon ball gown with the ruby necklace or the green dress with her emerald choker. It had her agitated and she was throwing anything within her reach at the servants trying to help her.

"No, you imbecile. I cannot wear the maroon dress during the opening evening. It is a masquerade ball and I simply do not have a matching mask. Besides I have already decided on the silver gown with the crystal mask for that evening. Why is it so difficult to make the exact dress I imagine in my mind? You are all useless and incompetent."

"Emma..." she whined looking in my direction. "Please help me! You are the only one who understands what I want." Her arms were crossed and I knew if I didn't intervene someone would end up getting hurt.

"Isabella, we went over this already. The silver dress with the crystal mask and the wings is what you will wear to the ball. It makes you look angelic, soft, and mysterious it is sure to draw the attention of Christian. The dip in the cleavage is the perfect blend of seduction while remaining decent.

The following night we chose the brocaded maroon dress. The design and beading in the bodice will make you appear like you are sparkling like the stars. And it will make your milky white skin stand out. Also, if there are any accidental spills your dress will hide Bordeaux wine stains. You know how the wine pours a little more freely the second evening.

And finally, the emerald dress made of the finest silks gives you an air of confidence and power. While simultaneously bringing out the pink tones to your skin which appears youthful. It is also the most risqué, leaving all of your many suitors a scandalous view of your decolletage to remember you by."

"See," she stomped her feet. "If you idiots would have just reminded me of that I wouldn't have had to get so upset" She ran over to me and threw her arms around me. "Thank you! Where would I be without you? This is why I keep telling you that you will have to come with me whichever kingdom I reign over. You are the only one who understands me."

There it was again I had to refrain from rolling my eyes. Does she honestly listen to herself sometimes? The only thing I understand clearly is how to speak diva! I have had nearly 18 years of practice.

Thankfully the rest of the night went fairly smooth with only a few minor hissy fits. She begged me to sleep with her in her chambers. "Like we used to when we were young, talking about boys and giggling the night away."

"I will stay, but we are no longer little girls, and you milady need your beauty rest. What do you say we stay awake just a little longer and I will braid your hair? So that the waves will help curl your hair better tomorrow."

"Emma, I really would be so lost without you by my side! I am convinced I would fall apart without you. Oh, make sure you brush it 100 times so it is shiny, oh, and use the rose oil so that it smells nice as well." There she goes again turning a sweet moment into making sure I know exactly who is in charge.

Shaking my head, I don't know why I expect any different but a part of me has never given up hope that somewhere deep within her there is a decent human. Deep! Deep! Deep, within her. She falls asleep quickly and I slip under the covers with her. Hoping tomorrow goes smoothly.

I wake up as the sun shines through the window. Isabella is of course still asleep and will likely sleep several more hours. I snuck out of the room and down to the kitchen. Martha was the most amazing cook; she made the most amazing bread. She sweetened it with honey and she always hid one just for me.

"Thanks, Martha!" I shouted as I grabbed the bread and rushed out of the kitchen. I was headed out to my secret little cottage. It was still within the castle property but it had been abandoned long ago. When I found it, I had to make several repairs, most of the twigs had rotted away and it took a long time to repair the mud walls.

It was mine, and mine alone! If I wasn't sneaking off in the trees you could find me here. Only sleeping within the castle walls. I wasn't a fool I would never have a bed as I did within my quarters there. Sometimes a girl just needed to get away, especially after putting up with Isabella.

I was on a mission today though. I needed to put the finishing touches on my dress. Isabella's tirade yesterday gave me the perfect opportunity to take the final touch I needed. A gorgeous piece of satin. That I would use as a cap sleeve to top the bodice of the dress.

It was midnight blue but the satin material reflected the light perfectly. It would give me an ethereal look during the candlelit ball. My mask was made of the same color adorned with long white feathers.

It made my gray eyes pop against the dark tones. Paired with blood-red lips no one would ever guess I was a lady-in-waiting. I looked as if I belonged to any other royal family. I hoped this would help me to entice a wealthy husband of my own to take me away from this life.

I intended to remind Isabella of the other responsibilities during the ball only I could finalize correctly. I would get away with not attending to Isabella during the ball. Originally my entire plan was simply to create a beautiful dress so I wouldn't feel out of place. Maybe catch the attention of a nobleman.

The more time I spent on the dress the more I realized this dress would serve me much better. It was an understated beauty while not appearing overly extravagant I wouldn't be confused for an extremely wealthy princess. However, I may be able to use my beauty to get a lesser prince to fall head over heels. That way he would ignore my common lineage.

I always knew I was an attractive girl and thought that may be precisely the reason Isabella constantly tried to knock me down. She was jealous of my effortless beauty. I went out of my way to appear as plain as I could. Even going as far as to bind down my chest so my curves were not nearly as obvious.

Whereas, Isabella, well, she wasn't an unattractive girl. She was honestly just very average. Coupled with her personality I honestly thought if it wasn't for her family's wealth and standing, she would have difficulties snagging a husband.

I stepped into my dress one last time and gave myself a once over. It was perfection! My mask covered my entire face only allowing my lips and eyes to be seen so I was confident Isabella wouldn't recognize me. Besides she would be fully engrossed in hunting her own prey.

I removed the dress and returned it to the chest I hid it in. Suddenly I felt anxious and excited for what the day would bring. I didn't dare upset Isabella so I quickly left the cottage and returned to the kitchen.

I prepared a tray to bring up for Isabella's breakfast and entered the room just as the princess was beginning to stretch and wipe the sleep from her eyes. "Good morning, Isabella, I brought you your favorites."

"Humph, is it morning already?" She moaned and groaned a while longer dragging her toes in getting out of bed. She pounded her feet as she trudged over to the table. "It does smell good, thanks."

Knowing that is as grateful as Isabella could muster I began discussing the timeline for preparing for the evening. "As soon as you finish eating, I will help you bathe. I have the servants preparing the tub now. After you finish, we will prepare your skin, I found the lavender oils you prefer."

"Next is your hair and makeup. Of course, as lovely as you are naturally princess it won't take long." Blech, she hated how sickeningly sweet the words sounded coming from her mouth. Then we will prepare your corset and get you into your gown.

Lastly, we will arrange the mask to fit seamlessly with your hairstyle and arrange the wings for the gown. Before you leave here you will be an absolute vision. No Prince will ever be able to withstand your beauty and charms."

"Fantastic!" Isabella's face lit up. "I hear the Prince of Saldonia is set to arrive early this morning so I will not be able to leave my room until I am fully dressed and adorned for the ball. Do you think you will be able to go sneak a peek at him and find out if the rumors of how handsome he is are true?"

"I will do my best Princess, now hurry up and finish your meal before your water gets cold. I do not want to be held responsible for you catching a chill in the cold water."

"I am so excited! I am going to meet my future king today I can feel it!"