The Marks

I could feel the early morning sun on my face. As warm as it was, I didn't want to wake just yet. The whispers across the room argued otherwise. I sat up with a disgruntled look, and stared at the two perpetrators.

'Can you two whisper any louder? I'm trying to sleep over here." I said while rubbing my eyes.

"Sorry, Elle, but it's probably best if you get up." Sabina apologized. "I uh, think you should look at your hands."

They both looked at me with concern. I looked down at my hand and sure enough there were symbols on each of my palms. They were a couple shades darker than my skin tone, almost as if they were scars, but without the bump of one. They were smooth like tattoos.

"What the…," I started but couldn't finish.

"Happy Birthday!" Dee said in a half excited voice.

Bina gave her a look, and chimed in, "Don't worry, I already sent for the seamstresses to make you a pair of gloves tonight, and until then," she paused and held up what looked like some sort of paste in a bag, "I got this!"

"And what exactly is that?" I asked with uncertainty.

"Well," she explained, "it's a tradition from the village where our mother comes from. I don't remember what it's called, but you put this paste stuff on your arms, let it dry, wipe it off, and voila, you basically have a temporary tattoo. I was already planning on putting it on Dee and I, but since your hands look like that, and you're also basically our sister, I asked my mom if you could wear it too, and she agreed! It will hide the marks perfectly." She was grinning from ear to ear, and I had to hand it to her. She was a genius. This was the perfect solution to hide the marks. "And see, I'm almost done with Dee."

Dee held up her hands and smiled. They did look pretty. "And we are also going to wear gloves. That way you won't be the only one, and it will look less suspicious," she announced.

I shrugged. "Okay, I'm in. I mean I don't really have a choice, but if I did, I would be."

We all smiled and I put my hands out for Sabina to decorate. The time flew by, and before we knew it, the paste was dry and washed it off. Our hands looked beautiful, and you couldn't even see my mysterious witch marks. Just as we were drying our hands, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," I called out, and in came Faye.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness," she said with a bow. "Happy Birthday. I have the gloves you ladies requested."

"Thank you Faye, you're amazing for being able to do them on such short notice," I praised. "And thank you for the birthday wishes."

"Of course, princess," she said with a smile. "I hope you have a blessed day, and good luck choosing a suitor this evening." After her warm regards, she bowed and left the room.

"So, shall we go to our rooms and get ready?" Bina asked. Dee and I just shrugged in response.

"Sure," I said. "See you guys at the ball! And thanks for the cover-ups, Bina! You're the best!" Then out the door I went.

Arriving at my room, there were maids fussing about. Some at my gown and some preparing the tools needed to do my hair and face.

"Your Highness," they all said and bowed.

"Happy Birthday," the head maid said. "If you could have a seat please, so we can get started."

I took a seat at the vanity and they began their form of magic. Ha, the irony. They tugged at my hair and poked at my face, and finally after what felt like forever, they were done. They helped me step into my gown and laced me up so tight I could barely breathe. Then, they put the amethyst jewelry on me that belonged to my mother. The same set she wore to her engagement ball, and I tried not to cry. It would have been her place to put them on me. Lastly, was my tiara. It was made just for me for this occasion. It also dawned amethysts, but they were complemented with smaller garnets and sapphires.

I looked into my full-body mirror and was stunned. I turned to look at myself from different angles. I thanked the maids for their beautiful work, and I headed for the door. This was it, I was ready for the ball.

***

-Unknown POV-

I woke mid-day. I search for my bag and pull out one of my flasks. I take a few swigs quenching my thirst immediately. I need to go find a suit, so I put on my cloak and down to see the innkeeper. Maybe they will have some suggestions on when I can find a high end tailor.

After speaking with the innkeeper, I make my way towards the part of the capitol that is for higher class citizens. The ones with money overflowing their pockets. After wandering around I found the tailor and walked in.

"Good day, sir! 'Tis a joyous and beautiful day on the day of birth of our sweet princess, is it not! What can I do for you?"

"Uh, yes. I would like the nicest suit you have ready-made. Also, I would like violet accents, if possible. I am attending the engagement ball this evening as a potential suitor. I would already have one, but mine was ruined during my travels here yesterday," I lied.

"Oh that is absolutely terrible," he sympathized while taking a few measurements, "but you're in luck. I do believe I have two suits available that should fit you."

He brought out the suits, and I tried them on. The second needed minor adjustments compared to the first. "Give me some time, and I should have the corrections made by the time you come back. About an hour, if that is ok," he stated, and I nodded in response.

"Is there anywhere around here I could buy a gift worthy of the princess?" I asked with my hand on the door.

"Ah, yes. Turn left out the door and down the street on the right will be a shop. They have fine trinkets and gifts. I am sure the princess would love anything from there," he said with a smile.

"Thank you, see you in a while."

I follow the tailors directions and find myself in front of a quaint little shoppe. As I enter I take in the sight of many elaborate pieces of jewelry and ornate trinkets. I make my way through looking at every piece with a critical eye. There's nothing I can see that I want, so I start to make my way back to the door when a voice calls out.

"I'm sorry sir, I was tending to my husband. The shop is his, but he is very ill. Is there anything I could help you with?" she asks politely.

I turn to face her. She is an older woman. At least for a human. It would make sense that her husband could be ill. "Not unless you might have some more, hmmm, outdated items," I hinted. Something that might have been popular when the queen was still alive. Bonus if it's purple," I said with a cheeky grin.