From Prisoner to Princess

Chapter 33

Today is the day I enter Noble Society. I think as the Blanchard Estate Maids work diligently on my hair and make-up. I told them I wanted a natural look for my face, not wanting to deal with a layer of makeup that my clumsiness would easily wipe away. Grandmama even agreed that simple and elegant is better for me. I am to be portrayed as a strong approachable leader, not a glitzed-up Noble here to find a wealthy husband.

The dress we decided on was sent back with Lidia after my measurements were taken to finalize the details for tonight. We agreed that day that for formal events Hidden Treasures will be my only supplier of gowns and dresses. Lidia’s work was stylish and elegant, and she had all of my measurements so all I needed to do was call her for a gown – or any outfit as I soon later learned that her dresses already adorned me the day of the Cabinet meeting – when I need one.

“Time for the dress.” Clarice, the Maid in charge of helping me get ready exclaims in excitement, helping me to stand from my chair after another Maid slipped my silver strappy heels - curtesy of Hidden Treasure - onto my feet. The silk slip I am wearing is removed from my body and Millia, Clarice’s sister and another Maid of the Estate – holds the dress open for me to step into as Clarice holds onto my hands so that I do not fall. The Maids are quick to help bring the dress up my body, letting me slip my arms into the sleeves before they begin to tie it in the back. With the corset back tied and secured, Clarice tells me to close my eyes before she and Millia lead me to what I guess is in front of the tri-fold mirror.

“You can look now.” Millia whispers out, the young Maid doing her best to hold in her excitement. My smile must reflect her own as I open my eyes and find myself staring at my reflection once again. My smile morphs into shock as I step closer to inspect my makeup, my large violet eyes framed by light cream and silver eyeshadow with deep brown eyeliner – less striking but brings out the colour of my eyes. My brows were abused earlier this morning, being plucked and shaped to Clarice’s satisfaction, much to my cursing and grumbling, but the dainty work adds to my regal features.

My hair was cut yesterday, Grandmama saying I needed to trim my curly golden locks to bring out the bounce in them and she was right. This led to the stylist giving me wolf bangs that framed my face and blended into my curls. We all agreed that a half-updo would be perfect for tonight and Clarice used silver pins with twinkling little diamonds to keep half of my curls in place. Moving down, I notice a simple teardrop pendant placed around my neck, the pendant matching the earrings on my lobes while small studs line my cartilage. Tilting my head, I watch as the skin along my shoulders and collarbone shimmer with whatever the Maids put onto my skin.

Captivated by this, my eyes move down to the bodice of my dress. Swirling beading, crystals, and sequin shimmer on the embroidered lace applique against a foundation of sheer mesh. The silver and white gems are sewn delicately onto it mesh and lie against my skin perfectly. You would think the top would be uncomfortable with all these details but an additional mesh inset provides support to the plunging neckline bodice with the off-shoulder straps that delicately hand around my arms.

To me though, the best part is the bottom of the dress. Gathered at the natural waist, the flowy A-line chiffon skirt falls to a formal floor length to complete the elegant look. The whole gown is made of silver fabric and material, something we all agreed fit perfectly with my skin tone. Grandmama really did choose an amazing gown.

“You all did an amazing job.” I praise the two ladies in the room, getting squeals of delight from them. I can’t help but look down at my wrist, my gaze softening when I spot the simple silver bracelet Sky had given me before I left the Palace. My nails catch the light when I bring my hand up to look at the bracelet, happy I went with a simple French tip.

“We are happy to help Princess.” Millia shrugs, handing me a champagne flute. Taking a sip, I return to stare at my reflection. The room I am using was my mother's and it is evident by the pictures left where she put them. In each one, she is smiling and laughing, always stylishly dressed. Looking at the one of her on her wedding day taped to the mirror I smile and run my finger along the edge of the photo. Her dress was also off the shoulder like mine, but she was an explosion of lace and tulle.

Clearly I did not get her love of tulle.

The shocking thing is how much I looked like her when she was in her early twenties. I had the same slim build with curves in all the right places, curly golden locks, and big bright eyes. The only difference will always be my violet eyes, which I received from my father. Violet eyes that will be passed down to children of my own one day.

“Wow, Alli.” A gasp calls out. Smiling at the familiar voice, I turn to see Sky staring wide-eyed at me, his gaze unable to stay still as he takes me in from head to toe and back up to my head. He wears a black tuxedo, the amethyst pin pinned to his lapel with his hair combed into a simple man bun. This makes me chuckle as I think about all the prim and proper Nobles that will look on in disgust at this but screw them. This is the man I want.

“You look amazing as well.” I smirk, carefully stepping towards Sky and using his speechlessness to press a soft kiss to his lips. The Maids in the room giggle and whisper at this scene which seems to reboot Sky as he thanks the ladies for getting me ready before whisking me away from what is soon to become the Estate gossip. It's bad enough I have to deal with giggles and whispers from the Maids of the Palace, now I will need to deal with it here.

“I say we never come back after tonight.” Sky whispers into my ear when we descend the spiraling staircase. I snort out a laugh, wanting to agree with him but this is my home too now. It is where my only remaining family comes from.

“That will be a no. We deal with the Maids at home, we can deal with the ones here.” He groans in defeat, placing a kiss on my cheek as we reach the main floor. Butlers move about the mansion, trays of Hors d'oeuvre in hand as they rush from the kitchen to the Ballroom.

“I think the party is in full swing and we are late.” Tugging Sky towards the main entrance to the Ballroom, I nod to the workers of the Blanchard Estate before they disappear to the side door. Sky takes a deep breath, asking me to help adjust his bow tie before we face the doors together. It seems neither of us like this kind of social gathering.

The large double doors open inward, the sounds of music and chatter filtering through. With a smile on my face, I loop my hand through the crook of Sky’s arm and as a Butler calls out our name. The music stops and the guests turn to face us as we descend the small staircase of about ten steps. They bow and curtsy in turn, their eyes gazing at me with awe and scrutiny. It seems I am the only one in silver, most likely my Grandmama’s doing. It makes me smile, thinking about how hard she has worked to make it so I stand out on what is to be my debutant Ball.

“You may all rise.” I call out as confidently as I can, squeezing onto Sky’s elbow as nerves take over. I can face the Cabinet, take control of the Generals, but the Nobles scare me.

“I just want to thank you all for coming tonight. I look forward to getting to know all of you and having a night of dancing. You may not know this, but fixing a Kingdom is a lot of work and I can use a break.” The guests laugh at this, many coming to step forward and welcome me back home. Any fear I felt earlier is gone as the music resumes and Sky and I make rounds along the Ballroom, talking to a few Dukes and Dutchesses, debating with a Marquis and learning about a new idea to help our farmers as the land he oversees is a large farming community.

I am pleasantly surprised at how easy these Nobles are to get along with until I realize they are all friends of my family when I spot Count Rodrigo Kaitelle talking to a man I know as my cousin Eathan. Sky and I decided to greet the two, my cousin pulling me into a hug before shaking Sky’s hand.

“Do you know how hard it is to meet you?” Eathan jokes as he pokes my cheek, making me swat it away.

“I am a busy person, cousin. I have a Kingdom to run.” I shrug, leaning into Sky’s side as he wraps an arm around me.

“And a boyfriend I see.” Count Kaitelle chuckles out, toasting Sky and me. He goes on to explain how many times he had to chase Demitrias away from the women of his family, the Ex-Heir to the Trilavantas Dukedom being described as a skirt chaser looking to find his next notch in his belt. He praises me for canceling the engagement to him before someone calls out to him and Count Kaitelle bids us a good night of dancing.

“I like your father-in-law.” I state, taking a Hors d'oeuvre plate full of tomato bruschetta and prosciutto shaped into roses on top.

“I also like the food.” I add, taking a bite of the bruschetta. Eathan laughs, attracting attention from those around us before they resume their conversations. I roll my eyes for a moment and move to hand the plate to a passing Butler when the world starts to spin.

“Alli, are you okay?” Sky asks, his voice muffled and distorted. I go to answer, to reassure him but suddenly pain shoots through me, and the Ballroom tilts. Before I know it, the Ballroom floor rushes towards me without warning.