“Your highness, your dress is all complete,” says Crystal.
“Let’s see it then,” says Penelope, looking up from her book. Setting down her book Penelope grabs the large brown paper wrapped in a red thread from Crystal.
Opening the first flaps, a glimpse of lilac color perks through. Hurriedly Penelope pulls back the rest of the paper to reveal her evening gown, neatly folded. Holding the garment at shoulder length, she looks at the details all along its length made of small beads.
“It’s lovely, miss,” says Crystal.
“Yes. It should do for the silly ball my father wants to force me into,” says Penelope.
“Give it a chance. You never know who you’ll meet,” says Crystal.
“I don’t think I have a choice,” says Penelope, rolling her eyes.
Crystal holds the dress open while Penelope slides inside. Looking into the full-length mirror in her room, she looks at herself, pleased with her natural look. Her dark hair falls on the sides of her olive skin cheekbones. Crystal tightens the back of the dress for Penelope.
“Sit miss, I must help you with your makeup and hair. The dinner will be in two hours,” says Crystal.
Penelope sits still as Crystal powders her cheeks. She is adding a thin layer of white powder, making her complexion paler. Then blush on top for warmth. Last, pink eyeshadow, mascara, and pink lipstick tints Penelope’s face.
“How will you like your hair, Miss Penelope?” asks Crystal.
“In a tight bun will be alright,” says Penelope.
Crystal works Penelope’s lush hair into a braid after forming a braid crown diagonally in the front. The look is simple and classy, with a good hold for a night of dancing ahead.
Penelope holds the sides of her dress as she walks downstairs into the castle’s great hall- where the event will occur. Her father, King Keth, wants Penelope to meet suitors for a potential marriage. As if Penelope wants to marry right now, she doesn’t if given the choice. It’s best to follow her father’s wishes for now.
Lights illuminate the stone walls of the great hall. There are red curtains decorating the spaces between the lights. The servants of the palace have set tables around the edge of the great hall, leaving space in the middle for dance. A vase of roses sits in the center of each table. This is a ball for young people of affluence in the Fire Kingdom. There are already people sitting at the tables and others standing around: gentlemen in suits and ladies in gowns. Eyes turn to look at Penelope as she walks through the great hall archway.
Penelope spots her father at a long rectangular table and heads his way. King Keth takes Penelope’s arm.
“Darling, let me introduce you to Lord Fairbanks,” says King Keth.
A man with black hair stands up, stepping in front of Penelope. He is a head taller than her; he reaches for her hand, which he kisses.
“It’s a pleasure to meet your highness,” says Lord Fairbanks.
“The pleasure is mine, Lord,” says Penelope, remembering to give a small smile.
So this was her father’s choice of suitor, thought Penelope as she sat down in her chair. Lord Fairbanks sat next to her. He tried to converse with her throughout dinner. It’s a strain on her neck, turning to respond to him after every bite. Annoying. Music plays in the background during the dinner in soft rhythms.
Upon finishing her plate, Penelope looks around the great hall and catches the eye of Kenneth standing by one torch. She quickly looks away, feeling his gaze lingering on her body. Anybody looking in would think he is looking at her to do his job as a guard. Kenneth is double Penelope’s age but hides his age well with his physique.
The music reeves up in tone.
“Will you do me the favor,” says Lord Fairbanks, extending his hand to Penelope.
Lord Fairbanks led Penelope to the dance floor where other pairs danced. It is an awkward start as both Penelope and Lord Fairbanks want to lead the dance. Lord Fairbanks lets Penelope lead the dance as they step in sweeping motions. The music slows, and Penelope feels Lord Fairbanks’s hand and travel to the small of her back. Inching closer, he leans into her ear.
“You look lovely tonight,” says Lord Fairbanks.
Penelope feels heat rising to her high cheekbones; she turns the other way to hide the color. They dance for a few minutes then sit down at the table. Waiters pass a bubbly liquor to the invitees as they drink into the night. Penelope brings the glass to her lips and sips it fast.
“Whoa not too fast,” says Lord Fairbanks, giving her a quizzical look as Penelope swallows her drink.
Penelope takes a moment to clean the corner of her mouth with a napkin saying, “Don’t worry about me,” in an indifferent tone.
Crystal, her maid, comes up to the table.
“Miss Penelope, the Queen would like you to wake early for obligations tomorrow. Shall I accompany you to your room?” asks Crystal.
“I can take myself there, no need. Farewell, I’m sure I’ll see you again, Lord Fairbanks,” says Penelope.
“Have a goodnight. I hope we meet again soon. Call me Jean,” says Jean Fairbanks.
Penelope turns quickly and makes her way to her room on the upper level of the castle. As she was about to close her door behind her, a hand reaches in between the crevice.
“Ahh!” says Penelope.
“Shh, it’s me,” says Kenneth’s deep voice.
Penelope opens the door to let Kenneth into her room.
“What are you doing here?” says Penelope.
“I can’t stay away from you,” says Kenneth, as he kisses her.
Penelope knew they were about to cross a line if Kenneth stayed longer. His hands traveled from her face to her dress as He undressed her. His hands undo the back of her dress as it falls to the floor. Under the moon, their bodies meet each other beneath her bed sheets. Penelope wondered what secrets Kenneth hides from her. Penelope felt giddy and full of adrenaline as she lay in bed, but worry also crossed her mind. Her actions were sure to have consequences, but like the moon, some things lay hidden.