The news of the grand ball at the royal castle spread quickly through the empire. People from the highest nobles to the humblest townsfolk talked of nothing but the grand event. This ball was open to all eligible young women, and many believed that the king planned to find a bride for his youngest son. It was true—well, partly true—and only those close to the crown knew the whole story and that there was more to this ball than just finding a bride.
Ravenshire was a large and wealthy empire in the north, known for its power and influence. Its armies were strong, and its merchants brought riches from faraway lands, thanks to the trade routes they controlled. The people of Ravenshire were proud of their empire and saw the ball as a rare chance for their daughters to meet important people. Even if they didn't catch the prince's eye, the hall would be filled with noblemen of wealth and influence. Every family dreamed of a brighter future and wasn't about to let this opportunity pass.
With the big night approaching, people prepared eagerly. Parents lavished their daughters with beautiful dresses, fine jewelry, and whatever they could afford to make them shine. The excitement was almost too much to bear, and everyone in Ravenshire waited breathlessly for the night of the ball.
The day was cloudy and dull, and it looked like rain was coming. Esther had spent her morning scrubbing floors and washing dishes; her hands were red and sore from all the work. She took a moment to look out of the small kitchen window, hoping for a few seconds of peace. But the sharp voice of Mrs. Stewart cut through her thoughts.
"Esther!"
She quickly fixed her apron, smoothing down her frizzy hair before heading to the hall.
Mrs. Stewart, the head of the household where Esther worked, sat at the dining table. Her daughter, Maya, sat beside her, filing her nails. Mrs. Stewart looked stern as she glanced at Esther.
" Accompany maya to the market tomorrow," she announced.
Esther's eyebrows rose in suspicion. This was new. Mrs. Stewart had never sent her to the market—it was always Jedediah who went. Esther did household work. She had worked in the Stewarts' household for nine years now, starting when she was just nine years old. She remembered that day clearly—Mrs. Stewart had found her wandering the streets, alone and hungry. Most people had looked right through her as if she were invisible. Mrs. Stewart had noticed the little girl and taken Esther in to work.
Maya rolled her eyes at this. "Mother, I can go with Julie."
"Of course, my darling," Mrs. Stewart replied, "but I don't want you ruining your hands carrying bags."
Esther nodded, taking in the news. Her place in the household had always been clear, but still, going to the market was a change, and though she'd only be there to carry the bags, there was a part of her that was curious. She'd never seen much of the main market beyond the small area around the Stewart home where she went to do the laundry.
The next morning, Esther woke up earlier than usual, well before the sun had fully risen. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She dressed carefully, smoothing down her plain blue dress and checking for any loose threads. She tied her hair back with a pink, worn ribbon.
With practiced efficiency, Esther reached for her dress, neatly folded on a chair beside her bed. She inspected it carefully, smoothing down each seam and picking at a few stray threads along the hem. It was the best she had, though the fabric had faded over years of washing, and the color now was closer to gray than blue. She slipped it on and moved to the small cracked mirror above dresser, tucking a few loose strands of dark hair behind her ears.
The ribbon she used to tie back her hair was as familiar as the dress—frayed at the ends, a pale, washed-out shade that once might have been red. She wound it carefully, tying it into a neat knot at the base of her braid. Esther glanced at her reflection, patting her hair down and running her hands over her dress one last time. As she walked down to the hall, she glanced at the first slivers of pale light beginning to spill in through the windows. If Maya was still asleep, Esther thought, perhaps she'd have a few quiet minutes to herself to eat something for breakfast.
But when she reached the front door, she stopped short. There, already waiting, was Maya—arms crossed, foot tapping, and wearing a scowl that made her impatience all too clear. Her gaze flicked over Esther, her eyes narrowing in obvious disdain. "Finally," she muttered. "I thought even you might manage to be on time for once. Or is it too much to expect this maid to understand punctuality?"
Esther kept her expression blank. "Sorry," she murmmerd.
"Good," Maya sneered, adjusting the expensive silk scarf draped around her neck. "Try to keep up today. And do something about that look on your face—you're embarrassing enough as it is."
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