They were taken westwards of the gigantic looking estate,with tall well trimmed trees , green bushes and flower hedges.Very hall walls surrounded the wide expanse of the estate giving privacy and secrecy.
The living quarters was a tall three storeyed building made with fine brown stones and rose mullioned windoms,a white stoned waterfall with the statue of a opened mouth roaring lion with water pouring from it's mouth was situated at the front middle of the building.
Madam Eritrea pushed open the large red wooden doors and all ladies trailed in,taking in the beauty of the large spacious general room.A large painting of the king and queen of Therondia was placed on the wall above the large unlit fireplace.other paintings were paintings of the seven founding fathers of Therondia.
cream colored settees and armed chairs were arranged in an intimate setting.monique was quiet as madam Eritrea was calling names and assigning servants and rooms.when she finally heard her name alongside another blonde headed girl.Two maidens were set in one room to share one servant.Madam Eritrea said it will encourage bonding between each maiden.
"Hi I'm Eunice and you are?"the blonde headed girl walking together with Monique and their female servant to their room smiled to Monique.
"I'm Monique.."she mumbled and Eunice answered with no bother."I know both of us will make a great team".
"mi ladies we are here"the female servant pushed open the door to their room on the second floor.A wide spacious room with two neatly arranged queen sized bed facing each other.vanity tables with tall mirrors and curved arm chairs.
Eunice twirled round in excitement and sat gracefully on a bed, Monique's searching eyes found the bathroom ,she rushed in and found a tall mirror staring back at her.
she fisted her hands to keep the tears and feelings of despair inside.she wasn't here of her own free will. The Gallaghers had forced into coming in place of their daughter for they said she was a weak sickly child.
she stared at her reflection staring back at her,her large dark eyes filled with unshed tears and the way her teeth bit on her almost dry lips.
when she came out of the bathroom,Eunice was asking the servant Mirabelle questions rapidly."what will happen at dusk today?"
"Tonight will be your welcoming ball and you will be given the chance to dine and dance with your suitors and tommorow the contest starts".Eunice eyes widened with excitement and she smiled."I guess we need to get ready before the time comes,I certainly want to look my best".
Monique sighed inwardly,there was still enough time before dusk comes,all she needed right now was a bed to sleep and forget this nightmare.
* * *
it was Mirabelle that woke Monique from the restful sleep she had at 4:30 pm and they started to get ready.
Taking a warmth bath in a tub filled with sweet smelling oils and flowers.
Eunice was dressed in an extravagant yellow gown with a full ball skirts and tight bodice that spilled out the tops of her white creamy breasts.Her Auburn hair was styled in lose buns with strands of hair gracing her slim elegant face,she was indeed a beauty.
meanwhile,Monique was dressed in a crimson red full gown,a mix of silk and lace, with a pleated bodice ,plaits adored her red curls.Eunice gasped in admiration when she saw Monique.
"you so beautiful".
Monique blushed crimson and smiled as they were lead downstairs by Mirabelle as they heard the ringing of bells.
when they reached downstairs , flamboyant know dressed ladies were waiting ,others were rushing downstairs as madam Eritrea inspected their appearance before she talked to them in stern loud voice.
"Tonight is the night you will get acquainted with your suitors and a dance is expected between all of you.so be in your best behaviors ladies and enjoy".
Monique could literally hear the erratic beating of her heart and the nervous atmosphere as they were lead to the ballroom like lambs being lead to slaughter.