Chapter 21 - I choose you!
The next morning the castle was very busy as everyone excitedly prepared for the ball.
I woke up the next day greeted by Miss Delphine and two maids who I had seen around the castle but never really spoken to before.
One had short blond hair with a pale complexion and blue eyes and the other had long dark hair with purple eyes and dark complexion. The one with short blond hair spoke first
"Morning My lady, I am Nana and this is Laura. We will help Miss Delphine with preparing you for the ball today." Laura bowed "Good morning, my lady."
I greeted them back excitedly. "Good m-morning Nana, Good morning L-Laura" I got out of bed and Miss Delphine took me to the bathroom help me bathe whilst Laura and Nana prepared my outfit.
I felt so excited as it was my first ever Ball. I still can't believe I get to experience such a thing! I sat in the bathtub relaxing as Miss Delphine massaged my scalp with soap. "Today I chose the lavender soap that seems to be very popular lately. We're gonna make sure you sparkle brightly at the ball today! After all, you are the guest of honor!"
This would be the first time I would be making my debut into high society.
I felt a bit nervous but Miss Kore had reassured me that only fathers closest friends and trustworthy associates were invited.
I was also excited, hoping to maybe have the chance to make a friend. After I was done bathing Nana and Laura excitedly showed me different dresses to choose from.
They really seemed excited and were having a lot of fun helping me dress and I felt more relaxed. I looked at all the dresses, they all looked so beautiful I couldn't choose but then my eyes landed on the one that father had made for me and I smiled. "I want to wear this one." The gown was golden and adorned with red roses. I liked how elegant it looked. They helped me put on my gown and stockings.
"Lets match the shoes! Oh and the jewelry!" There were so many options to choose from and I felt a little overwhelmed but happy. I chose a ruby necklace but then frowned as I realized something.
"I can't wear any earrings…" They all looked at me worried as I felt down but then Nana exclaimed happily. "I know how to pierce,ears!" I looked at her excitedly. "Would you like me to pierce them for you my lady?"
I looked over at Miss Delphine pleadingly and she sighed. "I guess if you really want to…" I became excited at her words, "But I have to ask your father first." Hearing those words next I immediately lost my excitement. "W-what if he doesn't a-agree?"
Miss Delphine smiled. "Then I'm sorry there's not much we could do." I pouted at her words. We waited to hear back from the servant who went to ask father, and during that time Nana and Laura excitedly braided small strands of my hair and experimented with different styles.
Miss Delphine brought me some breakfast and I ate carefully trying not to stain my dress. After I swallowed the last bite my door suddenly swung open.
I looked over to see father with a panicked expression. "You want to puncture holes in your ears!?" I sighed at Fathers over protectiveness. "I-its only piercings. E-everyone does them. Can I P-please…?"
I pouted as he looked at me feeling conflicted. "Isn't there something else I could give you instead? Anything that doesn't involve poking needles into your skin."
I shook my head stubbornly and he seemed at loss but still hesitated to agree. I really want to pierce my ears so I decided to use a little trick against him.
"M-Mother had pierced ears too and so do you…" He flinched at my words and blushed "That's because your mother was bored and decided to pierce my ears while I slept…" I was shocked at hearing how mischievous my mother can be.
"H-how did you not feel i-it!?" How s-strong are you, Father!?" I asked and nana and Laura were also stunned. His face flushed redder as he explained. "I did feel them! I just didn't move as I didn't want her to prick her finger! Besides, it was the first time she truly started to be herself around me…I didn't want to ruin the moment…" We all looked at father in awe and he turned his head away in embarrassment.
"S-so can I pierce them too? I r-really want to wear earrings today! Please Father!" He sighed, falling weak to my please. "F-Fine…" I exclaimed happily at his words and hugged him. "Thank you, f-father!"
Father watched with bated breath as Laura held some ice to my ear, numbing it whilst Nana sterilized the needle.
"What if it really hurts? What if it injures you!? What if-!?" Father kept panicking and I frowned "I-I'll be fine Father. If you don't stop p-panicking I'll make you l-leave." Fathers lips shut into a tight line as he tried his best not to panic.
"Are we ready, this may sting…" Father flinched at Nana's words but held back whatever he wanted to say. Laura removed the ice.
Nana gently held my ear and I closed my eyes. She carefully pierced my lobe with the needle and I whimpered at the sting. Father jumped out of his seat and Miss Delphine cleared her throat, reminding him to remain calm and he sat back down with a frown.
Nana placed the earring and tightened the back screw. "There we are, all done." I opened my eyes and looked in the mirror. The Ruby stud sparkled beautifully. "Ready for the other ear?" Nana asked excitedly.
Father broke into a sweat. "Other ear!? Can't she just do one!?" I looked at fathers pale expression and sighed. Nana smiled at him and asked. "Did you stop your wife after one?" Father frowned at her words "No…" I laughed at his defeated expression and father pouted like a child.
I really hoped to get through this quickly before he faints.
Once my ears were pierced I admired them in the mirror. Father frowned after noticing the red swelling. I hugged him to make him feel better. "Thank you F-father! You're the b-best!" He seemed to relax a little and smiled at my words. Soon he left the room so I could finish getting prepared for the ball.
Laura pinned my braids up along with half of my hair into a half updo on the side and attached a beautiful rose hair ornament to match.
Nana then applied some rouge to my cheeks and mascara to my eyes with a brush and painted my lips red giving it an air brushed look.
Miss Delphine helped me adorn the ruby necklace and spritzed a beautiful scent of perfume on me. I gently stepped into my red shoes and turned to look at myself in the mirror.
I was speechless at what I saw.
I recalled my dirty and weak appearance before I had come here and never even dreamed I could look this beautiful one day and wear such luxury. Did I really deserve all this…? I shook my head from the negative thoughts. If I have any doubts then I'll work hard and make myself worthy of such a position as Lady Iridesa Orion.
It was soon time for me to enter the grand hall. I heard a knock on my door and Uncle walked in. "Are you ready? everyones waiting for you." Uncle wore his hair in a braid and he wore his Archmage uniform with a cloak that had golden embroidery sewn intricately and beautifully. I smiled at him "I-I'm ready!" I stepped outside with my uncle.
Father and brother both stood outside in their armor with luxurious fur cloaks draped over them.
They both walked ahead of me as I linked my arm with uncles and walked towards the grand hall. The doors opened and Butler Mia announced my arrival.
"Presenting Lady Iridesa Orion. Daughter of Lord Paris Orion and Lady Opal Orion of Crescent Kingdom." I felt tears slightly well in my eyes when I heard my mothers name. I finally had a place where I truly belonged and so did my mother, just as she deserved.
I smiled happily as I walked down the grand staircase.
Everyone looked at me with curiosity and I felt slightly nervous but relaxed when I saw the familiar face of Miss Delphine and the maids along with some of the knights who came over to greet me.
The grand hall was decorated extravagantly, with lavish food laid out and everyone wore different and exciting outfits making the room colorful and lively.
I walked around with my father as people came over to greet me and I tried my best to apply my etiquette lessons that Master Octavius had taught me. I soon noticed Master Octavius across the hall and waved at me happily and gave me a sign of approval at my etiquette manners and I smiled feeling more at ease hearing his approval.
Soon everyone mingled with each other and I sat with Miss Kore as we tried different foods together as we both didn't really know anyone to socialize much.
"You look absolutely stunning, Iridesa!" She said excitedly "Thank you, Y-you look very beautiful, my b-brother must have been swept off his feet!" I said and she blushed at my comment and I laughed mischievously.
Miss Kore had worn a pink mermaid dress that was sleeveless and beautiful pearl earrings to go with it. Her red curls were pinned up in a messy bun to the side with some of the strands hanging loose. I had noticed the way my brother stared at her in a daze countless times today.
I looked around at all the people here today and felt a bit disappointed when I didn't find anyone my age. I really wanted to make a friend…
"Oh?" I then noticed a young boy that was a bit taller than me stood back at the wall by himself reading a book.
His brown hair was combed neatly to the sides and behind his round glasses I could see he had brown eyes. His complexion was rose and freckles adorned his face.
I excitedly approached him. "Hi, there." I said as I stood before him. He looked up from his book and then looked around him confused. "I'm t-talking to you." He looked back at me
"I had to make sure, you see not a lot of people approach the anti-social bookworm." He said as he closed his book. "You must be Iridesa the belle of the ball this evening." I smiled in response. "Thats m-me also what do you mean by b-book worm?"
He answered "Someone like me who always has his nose in his book I guess." I thought about what he said and smiled. "Then I m-must be o-one too, I e-especially love reading Historical books but I'm still l-learning to read. By the way, m-may I know your name?" He held out his hand as he introduced himself. "I'm Kodi Nicholson, nice to meet you." I shook his hand in response. "Nice to m-meet you, Kodi."
Miss Kore looked at Iridesa fondly. She was happy to see her finally making a friend but she quickly took notice of the menacing aura coming from the three annoying men besides her. "Will you guys stop being so overprotective? He seems like a sweet kid and he's so cute!" they all didn't respond as they shot daggers at their joined hands.
I suddenly felt a chill down my spine. "Why do I f-feel like I'm being w-watched?" Kodi points behind me "Maybe that's why?" I look back and sigh at uncle, father and brother standing there with their eyes glued to me and Kodi. "Why do I feel like they're plotting my murder." I laugh nervously at his words. Just then there is an announcement of my first dance. "Attention everyone, Lady Iridesa will now choose her partner for the first dance of the evening."
Instantly the three of them walk up to me. Everyones eyes are on me, it seems that word had spread fast about who I will choose tonight. "Have you made your decision, Iridesa?" Father asks and I smile nervously. "There's no pressure, Iridesa. We know no matter what you will make the right choice." Uncle says and father glares at him. "She's obviously choosing her most handsome brother!" Father squints his eyes at him. "You're her ONLY brother." Brother flinches at his words.
Everyone in the room watched excitedly waiting for me to make my decision. I had no idea who to choose, afterall I didn't want anyone to feel bad so in the moment of panic I grabbed Kodi's hand. "I choose you!" Everyone looks stunned and taking advantage of the moment I run off with Kodi who sighs and says "I knew I would die young…"
I stepped onto the dance floor and held Kodis waist who seemed disinterested. "Do I have to?" he groans. My eyes twitched "J-Just hold my w-waist will you?" He lazily holds my waist and we both awkwardly dance. "I haven't even had my first kiss and thanks to you I will die before I get the chance to." I smile at him nervously. "Hey, It's for a g-good c-cause…" Kodi glares at me and I look away nervously laughing.
Everyone seems to find our little banter and awkward dance endearing and clap gleefully as we dance. Father, Uncle and Brother however sit at the back of the hall feeling depressed and irritated at the same time.
Kore sighs as she looks at them "Are you guys going to just sit there and sulk all evening?" They all grumble in response and she shakes her head giving up.
Octavius walked over. "They seem to have become fast friends. Little Iridesa is really growing up." Kore nods happily to his words and the three just glare at Octavius.
"Oh look everyone is joining the dance. I wonder if a certain big oaf is going to ask me to dance or not." Kore looks at Tybalt as she says this, he stands up and frowns. "Exactly who is this certain oaf and why would you want to dance with him?" He says feeling jealous and everyone just dropped their heads and groan loudly at his words.
Kore sighs and says it clearly. "I'm talking about you, stupid!" Her face flushes red and he's stunned "You want me to dance with you?!" He beams with a big smile across his face. She feels embarrassed so decides to tease him. "Make your mind up now, before I find someone more handsome instead!" She walks off and hearing this Tybalt chases after her "Wait! I will dance with you!" Arthur and Paris look at eachother. "If you ask me to dance I will puke." Arthur says and Paris glares at him. "Don't make me step on you or you will be stuck to the bottom of my shoe for days."