Chapter 4

Crystal spun around in a beautiful blue ball gown. The diamonds embedded in the dress may have cost a fortune but the way she looked in it was worth it. Her teeth gleamed as she beamed shyly around the room.

"How does it look Mama?" She asked bashfully.

"My darling, you are absolutely stunning!" Aunt Elizabeth squealed.

"You look extremely beautiful, and that dress is a masterpiece" I nodded feeling my chest swelling with pride.

It was from my boutique. I had done nothing to make it. That was all my trusted seamstresses, but I still couldn't help feeling that proudness.

If this goes well then I'm giving everyone a bonus. Even the delivery boys!

"I can't stop staring at it" Crystal laughed in excitement, "I didn't think the dresses you make would be so amazing!"

"Oh I can't take credit for making them. That's all my seamstresses" I repeated out loud.

"Then wipe that smug grin of your face" Randall teased.

"What grin?"

"That's enough children. Madeline why aren't you wearing your dress?" Aunt Elizabeth interjected.

I felt my neck sweat in embarrassment.

"I don't feel too well and since going to the opening ball isn't mandatory"-

"Don't you dare try to slip out of this! I promised your mother I would take care of you and I plan to do that! Now go to your room and put on your dress!" She shouted with such ferocity I swore her blonde hair became a main around her face and her canines looked longer and sharper than they should've been.

Randall laughed at me, while Crystal shot me an apologetic look.

"Yes ma'am" I slumped forward and sulkily made my way up the stairs.

I thought I could distract her with that dress, but Aunt Elizabeth is much sharper than I thought.

I pulled out an emerald dress, looking it up and down and deeming it too beautiful. Then I looked at one of my favourite vanilla dresses and sighed when I realised that was beautiful too.

"I need something plain…" I groaned when I realised that I didn't pack any of my usual ball gown dresses.

I originally planned on wearing the stores original designs to as many parties as possible to promote the store. So I had no choice but to pick the vanilla dress, hoping the soft colours would go by unnoticed among the bright silks.

It was truly beautiful. It took a less is more approach with the lace and the use of ribbon was included in an elegant manner.

"It will have to do".

I called a maid to help with hair and make-up, eyeing her techniques to spot some hidden talent. She did a plausible job.

"Are you satisfied, Miss?" She asked, tone rather hostile. She was an older maid and did not take kindly to my watchful eyes.

"You did the job quite well. If you ever plan on leaving this place then give my boutique a visit. I could do with someone like you" I brushed my dress as I stood up, noticing her gaping mouth.

"Eh- oh thank you, My lady. I appreciate the offer!" She gave me a clumsy curtsy as she was clearly recovering from her surprise.

I laughed.

"Don't feel pressured by it".

With that, I made my way downstairs where Crystal waited patiently for me with a few friends who she invited to travel in the coach with her. They had all received the invitation.

They all stood up when I entered, faces full of excitement while Crystal gave me a glare.

"You could've taken your time" she sarcastically remarked.

"Lady Colter, may I ask when you plan to open a boutique in the capital?" One of them, a small brunette with hazel eyes, asked. She glanced at Crystals dress with admiration and a hint of envy painted on her face.

"Please call me Madeline, Lady Jones" she looked caught off guard that I knew her name, but she smiled all the more at it, "As for my store, well… I should probably keep this to myself, but I am hoping to open a store quite soon. In fact, if you prefer I'll let you know in advance so you can book in early".

The moment I glanced at their faces I knew I had just secured a handful of customers. If they reacted like this, then I shouldn't have to worry about my profit when I open up. I may not have any losses in the opening of the store, but I should probably hire a few more people to deal with my books.

We all got in the carriage which set off for what should have been an hour or so ride to the palace, but became three with the traffic.

"I'm so glad we got out early" Lady Harper, one of the ladies who tagged along, said to Crystal.

"If it hadn't been for Madeline we might come out even earlier" she complained.

"I know I lied about being sick earlier, but I think I'm actually sick after that ride" I said, gasping for the fresh air when I stepped out.

I didn't get a chance to catch my breath as the enormous castle loomed above me. It was magnificent, just when I thought I had seen it all I noticed other bits of it. Crystal noticed my awe.

"Now you actually look like a country bumpkin" she giggled.

"I wish I had come by here earlier" I said ignoring her.

It wasn't just the castles shape that was enormous. The architecture was spectacular. I had barely heard the girls around me squealing with excitement as I took in every detail of the place.

The doors. The red plush carpet which my heels sunk into. The curtains drawn back on the walls to reveal previous rulers and even the rulers of the time before the country was founded.

It was when a serious looking guard held an arm out to block my path and demanded an invitation from me that I realised why I was truly here.

I fished out my invitation and held it out to him before he nodded and allowed me through.