You can leave.
I'll remember you.
I remember everyone that leaves.
—Lilo and Stitch
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Time passed by quickly and soon Eva returned back to the cottage with her mother from the shop. This was going to be the first ball of her life and she was immensely enthusiastic to see what it would feel like.
When she entered the house, she noticed that Vanessa had already started getting ready before her. She was struggling with tying the strings of her corset and Mrs. Blythe hurried to help her.
"Tighter, Mama." she ordered, trying her best not to flinch in pain.
When Eva questioned why, Vanessa replied, "I need to look my best tonight. Imagine if the King chooses to dance with me Eva!" she giggled and Eva smiled along with her.
"But how will you recognize the King when it is a masquerade ball?"
"Well, he will probably fall in love with me at first sight. Then he will ask me to be his bride and the rest doesn't matter that much. I already know he is handsome so generally, the most attractive man must be him" came her elder sister's words.
Eva frowned as she was about to enter her room to get changed into the gown. "What if you don't love him?"
Vanessa shrugged a shoulder. "It doesn't matter. He would love me and I would be his queen, ruling the whole Kingdom of Xandria. Mother and you will also get a house to live near us!" she exclaimed, busy with building castles in the air.
Eva turned to look in the small mirror after she had worn on the dress to see what she looked like. She was satisfied with her look which seemed simple and decent enough not to attract people's gazes. The gown was a little too tight on the waist but the rest of it was immaculate along with its unique design on the sleeves.
A knock came on the door and Eva turned the doorknob to see her mother standing on the doorstep.
"Is something the matter, Mama? Come in, why are you standing outside?" spoke Eva taking Mrs. Blythe's hand and bringing her inside.
"Vanessa talked to me about your hair. I think it is time that you start to wear it open in public." she paused before falteringly continuing. "The reason that I tried my best to hide you from the start was that having silver hair is a unique attribute, Evangeline. Not many people are gifted with that specific type of color. It will attract attention but as you are growing up, I want you to try your best to hide it as much as possible. Wearing a mask will help conceal your identity but still, remain as cautious as you can, okay?" she warned, expressing her anxiety as a worried mother.
Eva did not know what to speak for a whole minute. She already knew that her hair was a unique feature which had proved to be a bigger problem than expected. She didn't understand why her mother was so scared with such a small issue, yet she promised heartily while assuring her mother as well as she could — it was all she could do at the present moment.
After her mother had departed, Eva thought about how she wanted to tie her hair. Wanting to go with a simple look, she took a long strand of hair from one side of her head and pinned it to the middle of her hair. Doing the same with the other side, she combed the rest of her silver hair straight and looked pleased with her appearance.
As she closed the door behind her, Eva saw her mother and Vanessa waiting for her outside. A white colored carriage was waiting for them in front of the house as Eva neared her family.
"You look beautiful Ven." she complimented and it was the plain truth. She had known that her sister would look magnificent in that dress. She could easily be thought of as a rich lady who has come looking for a partner to spend her life with. From her childhood, she had thought highly of Vanessa and was aware that men's eyes would light up when they saw her.
She wished the best future for her sister and hoped that she would live a happy and peaceful life. That was enough to make Eva happy too.
"I know, Mama said the same thing. I see you left your hair open, won't that attract too much attention though?" asked Vanessa, touching a strand that had come to place itself on her shoulder.
Her words were enough to make Eva's shoulders tense. "Should I hurry up and tie it? It isn't it too late, I still could-"
"No, no leave it as it is. You look perfectly beautiful, both of you do. Now let's get in the carriage or we will be late."
Eva smiled nodding but was still worried about her sister's comment. After the three ladies had gotten in, the coachmen closed the door shut ad took his place on the driver's seat.
The horses neighed before they started moving in a trot. Eva wasted no time and looked outside the window, parting the creamy curtains aside. There were many carriages in front of theirs and Eva could see the excitement of the other maidens who had their heads out too. The city of Gleana was closest to Xandria and it made Eva have doubts about a certain someone.
It was the first time that the King of Xandria held a ball in decades. The only balls had been held in the other Kingdoms and no commoner was invited to them. This was the first great ball for a majority of people in many years and as a result, eagerness was expected.
Eva noticed the carriages traveling in the direction of the Enchanted Forest and she looked at Mrs. Blythe who was busy telling Vanessa to look after her.
"Don't let her vanish from your sight. Keep near each other so you both don't get lost. If anyone wanders away and forgets the way, you can ask one of the guards for help too."
"Mama?" she asked, grabbing Mrs. Blythe's attention.
"What's wrong Eva?"
"Why are we going through the Enchanted Forest? Is it not considered dangerous? I-Is..." her voice stuttered a bit. "Is Xandria on the other side?"
"Miss Martin informed that it was. Vermont shares the forest with the country and did you know that it is surrounded by the rest of the Three Kingdoms as well? Fascinating isn't it?" spoke her elder sister with her eyes glimmering.
I don't know about fascinating but it surely is dreadful, thought Eva but did not disclose her thoughts aloud.
Instead, she replied, "I see. Do you know what the King looks like?"
"Why are you so interested in him?" questioned Vanessa, arching a brow. Suspicion was quick to rise in her blue eyes.
"I am not interested." Eva denied the idea. "I am only curious."
"Well, how would I know. I've never seen him. After I have danced with the King, I will be sure to describe him in full detail. Okay?" spoke Vanessa and Eva shook her head with a smile but said nothing more.
She was used to her sister getting angry about the smallest things but she thought it was normal behavior. Eva did not want to ruin her mood just before the ball. She thought it was her fault because she was the one to ask the foolish question.
The rest of the ride passed in silence and Eva felt anxiousness build in her with each passing second. What was she so worried about, she asked herself and she didn't have a clue. The path felt familiar and she considered it to be a mere case of Deja vu, letting the matter go.
The forest was coming to an end and Eva could see the houses and markets that started after a few miles. The castle was yet to come in sight and she anticipated its coming, not knowing what she had gotten herself into.