The Night Of The Ball:
As the Queen had said, the next day, we began our journey to Almor kingdom before the sun touched the sky.
Uncle Zaius and his wife had journeyed in a separate carriage, which was a huge relief.
The king and his wife travelled in a different carriage, which was quite relieving, to be honest, because I didn't know how I would have faced them after what happened the other day in the courtroom.
During our journey, I was forced to answer a few questions from Ella and Cynthia as they couldn't stop bugging me. They wanted to know why I suddenly wanted to attend a ball.
I also didn't miss how Fiona's eyes followed my every action as if she expected me to jump out of the carriage and scream for help. Even when we made a few stops by the road, she would purposely try to engage me in small talk, which by any means, wasn't fascinating. Talking about clothes and jewellery is not something I like to see myself doing.
Fiona would stop by every night to be sure that I was still around or that I was still pushing through with the deal. The only time we discussed something engaging was when we were discussing how to make our plans work.
According to her stupid plans, I had to pretend to be sick. So earlier, while I was helping Ava tie the lace of her ball gown, I dramatically fainted, causing the poor girl to panic and call others. I acted so well until Cynthia suggested they take me to a physician. I had to regain consciousness by force. Taking me to a physician would have ruined the plan.
To cut the long dramatic story short, I managed to convince them (especially Ava, who had already had her mind made up to stay back and look after me) to leave me behind so I could rest.
Forty minutes after they left, I jumped out of bed. Yes, miracles do happen!
I quickly wore my favourite light blue short-sleeve pleated chiffon gown that stopped right above my ankles. I bought the dress some years back with the first money I made from selling one of my favourite paintings. I had never worn it before for anything, so when I saw it hopelessly hanging on the rope in my room, I decided to wear it. Who knows, this might be the last ball I will ever attend because what if I get caught? Scratch that. The main question should be, what if I don't win the competition?
I might be good at what I do, but I am sure there is someone better than me.
I don't trust Fiona's words. She might have agreed to talk to her father no matter what, but I know better than to trust her. Fiona is a sly fox. She is the type of lady who would do anything to achieve whatever she sets her ugly heart on. It doesn't matter who she has to use or what she has to do to get them.
Her offering me this means I have no room for failure, and for that cause, I have to put in my best, but am I ready to become a pawn in her dirty royal game? I know if I don't get her what she wants, I will be tossed to the side.
A knock at the door distracts me, "Come in!"
I watched in surprise as three maids walked into the room, holding different items. "How may I help you?"
"Princess Fiona sent us to you, my princess." One of the maids explained with a little bow.
I couldn't help but stare at them in confusion, "Why?"
"We were asked to assist you in dressing up."
"To assist me?— There is no need for that. As you can see, I am already dressed and ready to go out."
"Like this?" The second maid blurted before clamping a hand over her mouth, eyes wide in fear, but I ignored her.
Why don't they like my blue dress? "Is there something wrong with my dress?" I asked as I looked at the dress again.
One of the maids began, "Ahem, My princess, it is a beautiful dress. I don't see anything wrong with it, but..." Her eyes trailed from my finger-brushed hair to my flat sandals. I didn't miss the unimpressed look that flashed through her eyes.
"But?" I asked impatiently,
"But it doesn't suit the occasion." the other maids nodded in agreement.
I don't need it to suit the occasion. I am going there as a ghost.
"Trust me, it doesn't matter, and besides, I do not have any other thing to wear."
"Oh, that is not a problem at all. Princess Fiona left this for you," The maid lifted the dress in her hands. It is not just any dress, but the same one Fiona wore to the ball earlier today.
I thought she agreed to discard this part of the plan because I had made it clear to her that I won't be going to that ball wearing the same outfit. Fiona knows how to get on my nerves. I will give her that.
"I don't think I can fit into her clothes."
"It was amended to your size." One of the maids declared.
Shoot!
Just looking at the dress, I know it will weigh a lot.
"Let's make a deal," The first maid began confidently, "You can wear anything you want if you don't like how you look after we are done with you."
I gave a quick nod. I know they won't leave me alone if I do not let them do their jobs.
After thirty minutes of allowing them to do whatever they came for, I was stunned. They transformed me into a woman I had barely recognised. The purple dress was indeed beautiful and fitted perfectly. I felt beautiful, powerful, confident, and ready to take over the night.
Having said all that, I still prefer my blue dress.