2

If Raven had to attend another ball, she'd pull out her hair, not that she had a say in the matter

Raven sat in front of her mirrored vanity, wincing as her maid untangled her hair 

"Heavens, whatever were you doing this afternoon?"

Raven sighed. "You know what, Cath."

"The balls aren't that bad, Raven," Catherine murmured. With a twist and a few hairpins, Raven's hair was up in a pillow bun. "You just need to put yourself out there. I heard that the prince-"

"He doesn't have feelings for me!" Raven snapped, whirling towards her. "And whatever does that matter, he's two years older than I."

Cath shook her head. "And you think Mr. and Mrs. Twist care?"

Raven bit her lip and folded her hands in her lap. Her parents loved her, yes

But they wouldn't care how old her intended may be as long as Raven was cared for, and their family name got noticed, her parents could care less.

"I've upset you." Cath sighed and brought a flowy purple dress over. 

Raven shook her head. "Not at all."

"Hmm. Well, let's get you finished up before your mother asks for my head."

Twenty minutes later, Raven was standing in front of her floor length mirror as Cath put on her jewelry.

Her bedroom door was thrown open and her mom was standing there in an elegant red gown. A large ruby necklace hung from her neck and her hair was done up in a complicated twist.

Before Raven could say a word her mother exclaimed, "Catherine! Whatever is my daughter wearing?" she scurried into the room. "No. No No."

Raven and Cath watched her as she shuffled through the closet until she pulled out a full gown overflowing with heavy golden cloth, and a neckline that would leave little unexposed.

"But my lady, I thought-" Cath started.

Raven's mother shook her head. "She will wear this one."

"But ma! That dress is too tight!" Raven complained. "I don't-"

"This is a special night dear. It's important that you look your best."

Cath hurried to undress Raven and remove the jewelry. Her mother stood there, arms folded. "Tighten the corset as well."

"My lady I-"

"Tighter, Catherine." Raven's mom insisted. "The dress won't fit otherwise. You have your father's bones, we must be vigilant to keep from having his figure too. Tighter!"

Raven gritted her teeth as Cath tugged on the corset laces. She struggled to breathe, sparkles danced before her eyes.

"Ma..I can't breathe."

"Next time think twice before getting a second helping of dessert." her mother snipped.

Raven whined. "Why- not the -purple dress?"

"Because I said you'll be wearing this one."

Raven turned away, swallowing back the smart remark.

"You alright?" Cath whispered.

Raven nodded, sending the room tilting.

"Dress!"

Before Raven could protest, Catherine threw the dress over her head, smothering her. When they managed to get the dress on, Raven shot a look at her mother.

Her mom clasped her hands together. "You look lovely dear."

Cath put on the jewelry and Raven frowned at her reflection. The long dress was already too hot and itchy, and the jewelry was starting to get heavy.

But instead of spitting out all the words that wanted to come flying out her mouth, Raven pursed her lips and sighed, "Let's get this over with."