THE GRAND PARTY

I finally understood why Madam Karina had said we would need an hour to get ready. The events that followed after Flora and the other maids had been dismissed had been nothing short of surreal, and I couldn't believe how drastically my life changed in just a few hours.

It all started when we were ushered into a luxurious bathroom, the air filled with the sweet smell scent of roses. We were then ordered to strip down before we got into the water and I couldn't suppress the moans that escaped my lips as the warm water enveloped me, and I wasn't the only one too. I closed my eyes, letting the scent of the flowers transport me to another world. We then took turns washing our hair and for a moment everything was perfect we played in the pool and this time there was no discrimination—just a bunch of tired girls who wanted to enjoy the luxury we had at the moment.

I stood in front of the mirror, my reflection staring back at me with a fierce intensity. I hardly recognized myself, my hair was pulled back into a tight bun, adorned with a delicate gold band and the loose ends were intricately plaited. My makeup was done in a way that was unlike anything I had ever tried before in my life. Dark pencils outlined my eyes, making the brown color pop with intensity, while my lips were painted in a bold maroon shade.

A feeling of self-consciousness washed over me as I took in my reflection. The tight-fitted maroon dress clung to my body, accentuating my curves in a way that made me feel exposed and vulnerable. It also had a round cut right in the chest that showed my cleavage. Above the dress, a corset cinched my waist, bringing out my shape in a way that almost felt too revealing.

The dress was short, falling above my thighs and ripped at the side with gold chains that hooked it together, adding a touch of edginess that I wasn't sure I was ready to embrace. Paired with the dark leather boots, the outfit felt like a costume, a persona that I didn't recognize as my own.

As I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but wonder why I had to be dressed this way. I stood among the other maids who were dressed similarly to mine and I felt a sense of unease gnawing at the edges of my mind. Something felt off, like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit, but I couldn't put my finger on what it was.

As I looked around at the other girls, I couldn't help but notice the excitement in their eyes, and the way they chattered and laughed as they helped each other with their hair and jewelry. They seemed happy, almost giddy with anticipation, but I couldn't muster the same enthusiasm.

"Aneesa?"

I was startled as I turned around only to meet Flora there and I was shocked at how different she looked. She was stunning! She looked like a woman of power, her makeup suited her perfectly and she looked different but heck we all do. I also noticed the way she parted her hair halfway so it covered her pointed ears. The rest of them were pulled into a tight braid like mine.

"Wow," Flora breathed out as she stared at me, "You look beautiful."

"I think uncomfortable is the word." I grumbled as I tugged on my skin-tight dress, "Any idea why we have to dress up like this? I mean I don't think these are the appropriate dresses for serving dinner to kings and people of the court." I rushed out.

"Oh please, this isn't just serving dinner to the king and the other lords of the court. This is the one time we get to be the happiest! We finally get a chance to be the powerful and to be picked." Another maid chirped in, a girl with auburn hair and a curvy body with a dreamy look in her eyes as she spoke.

But only one word stood out, picked! Picked by whom? I looked back at Flora who looked like she was about to say something but we suddenly got interrupted by the door opening.

At once, we all filed into a single line as Madam Katrina walked inside. Her hair too had been pulled into a tight bun and braided but her clothing was different. The same tight-fitted material but instead of skirts it was tight-fitted leggings and a corset that made her hips pop out.

"Now, you all know what to do." Madam Katrina announced walking ass he addressed us, "Everything must go according to plan. I expect everything to be perfect and even to go without you causing any trouble!" She said this while pausing in front of me.

I wasn't sure why she was staring directly at me but I nodded my head. "Yes, mistress!" I chorused with the other girls.

"Good, now let's go!" Madam Katrina clapped her hands and we all filed out of the room.

I walked down the hallway towards the grand ballroom, trying my best to maintain a calm and composed façade. The anticipation of what was to come at the party was overwhelming and I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness bubbling beneath the surface. But I couldn't show it, not when I was surrounded by the other maids, all of whom seemed to exude confidence and poise.

As we made our way down the hallway, the sound of our footsteps echoing off the walls, I couldn't help but notice the appreciative whistles and leering looks from some of the guards we passed. A surge of anger and indignation rose within me and I would have liked nothing more than to flip them off and put them in their place. I chose to remain passive instead, to keep up the façade of a dutiful maid, even in the face of such disrespect.

Finally, we reached the grand ballroom, the doors swinging open to reveal a scene of opulence and grandeur. Each of the maids including myself took our places along the walls, waiting for the arrival of the king and his betrothed, who were to be announced at any moment.

"His royal majesty, the one and only true ruler of the wolves and ruler of Vernon, King Aspen James Finnegan!" The announcer sounded before he announced his betrothed, "And right next to him, his betrothed, Princess Anya Isabella Mercia of the blood court!" He added and I looked up at that moment only to feel the world shift beneath my feet.

What in the world?