"My lady, my lady," Millie called as I opened my eyes not forgetting to grumble.
"What time is it? Why are you waking me up so early?" I asked, feeling angry that my sleep was interrupted.
"It's almost noon," Millie shouted. I sat up and gave her the 'you don't mean it' look. "Your hair is so messy," she complained. Is it me or is Millie really chatty this morning?"
"I need food," was my response because I was starving.
"You need to clean up and get ready," she said dragging me up.
"Millie, did something happen?" I asked letting her drag me.
"No, why?"
"You're much chatty this morning than your usual self," I said.
"You're right," she sighed. "You're sick, I thought I should talk a bit more since you can't talk much… and someone should be nice around here," she said quietly.
"Really?" I said, smiling at her.
"No, I saw the dress and it's really pretty, I'm talking because I can't hold in my excitement, it's hard," she said, breaking my heart with her statement.
"Dress for what?" I asked, confused.
"The ball," she replied.
"What ball?" I asked using the opportunity to sit down.
"You received an invitation to a ball at…"
"Wait, Jupiter's ball?" I asked.
"Yes," Millie replied dragging me up again.
"But that's in two weeks," I said.
"You received a letter last month, my lady," Millie replied.
"It's here already?" I can't remember the last time I woke up, did I sleep through two weeks? "Did I sleep through the three weeks?" I asked Millie.
"You don't remember anything?" she asked, and I nodded sitting down.
"I don't blame you, your condition worsened recently, you even skipped some meals," she said, and I stood up in shock.
"I skipped my meals?" I asked.
"No, I said that because I knew how you'd react," she said. This sly fox!
"Come to think of it, they didn't come for their usual fitting," I said.
"Yes, I told them you were sick and didn't want to be disturbed," Millie explained. This is why Millie is my favorite person.
"That explains it," I replied sitting down again. "I don't want to go to the ball," I said.
"Why?" she asked not trying to make me stand up so I lied down.
"I'm scared," I admitted.
"Of what?" she asked staring at me as I got comfortable on the bed.
"Jupi… Lady Jupiter, she is intimidating," I said.
"Lady Jupiter?"
"It's nothing, never mind," I said. Millie stared at me like I was spilling nonsense, but she just shook her head and forced me to stand up.
I sat on the bed in a silk dress that was transparent and can only that the position of a night wear. I just finished eating and was waiting for Millie to come with the other maids and the dress.
"Poppy," I called looking at the tiny dragon that was glued to the bed, he raised a wing, barely, to signify that he was awake. "I'm going for a ball, so don't follow me." That was all I could say, the bed was begging me to lie down, but I resisted.
"Don't go," he said. What is with this dragon and his clingy attitude?
"I don't have a choice," I said standing up as Millie walked in.
The dress was gorgeous, it was a creamy color with blue roses scattered on the skirt, there was a blue gemstone in the middle of the bust area and tiny ones complementing it around the neck. It was another rose garden, but I didn't have the energy to hate on it because it was pretty.
I let them put heavy makeup on my face because I knew I was a mess, after long weeks of being bedridden, I needed the makeup, so I won't look like a monster. Being awake for more than thirty minutes helped me recall parts of the last two weeks, and it was not good.
…
It took me some time to get down from the carriage when we finally arrived, I stood on the stairs and stared blankly at the mansion in front of me, Lily had gone in to fulfil her duties as the female lead. I'll just tough this one out for an hour and run away, literally.
The hall was filled with different ladies and men from different noble families from around the country. It shows how much influence Jupiter has because for a noble to gather this much crowd they need to have sent a two or three months notice, except if you're the royal family or Percando and Jupiter is neither.
I mingled with others, and by that, I mean hide behind them to avoid being spotted by people I would rather not see.
"What are you doing?" A female voice said from behind me, I jumped and turned around to see who it was. A lady with light pink hair and purple eyes was standing there staring at me in amusement, if I didn't know who it was, then I need glasses.
My throat went dry, I didn't even know how to react, my words seemed to have left me. My first instinct was to run away, but I cleared my throat and spoke instead.
"Uh… wow, you startled me," I said trying hard to smile. She smiled brightly and held my hand, saying,
"You're Lady Roseanne, right?" Yes, I am and so?
"Yes," I replied, still smiling.
"Oh, wow, you're as pretty as I heard," she said, covering her face. If I didn't know better I'd think she's sincere, but the thing is she isn't. She's just one hell of an actress, believe me this lady could win every award available, that's how good she is.
"You flatter me," I replied.
"No, I'm serious," she said holding my hands again. Can this scary lady stop holding my hand? I pulled my hand, still smiling.
"Lady umm…" I said pretending that didn't know who she is.
"Where is my manners?" You didn't have any, you must have lost it in your mother's womb. "I'm Jupiter Ucranus, nice to meet you, Lady Roseanne," she said smiling. Doesn't your cheekbone hurt? Mine hurts from all the smiling.