CHAPTER ONE

She could already tell that it was going to be a wonderful night. How couldn't it be with all the preparations they've been doing for the last few days. The whole palace - thanks to all the arrangements, decorations and extra flowers (to her pleasure providing delicate aroma everywhere) – was now simply breathtaking. She had to admit that this time the palace staff really did outdo themselves.

Still in her room finishing the latest details on her make-up and checking her gown for the last time, then slipping on white silk gloves and noticing the clock, she was suddenly confused. No, this simply cannot be true.

I am ready and however I still have some time before the ball starts …

She wandered down the memory lane to all those balls she attended during the years – not once did happen to her she was done and ready to go so early. Not that she was ever late. Somehow she had always managed to get there on time but very often thanks to the fact that she was almost running or wasn't assured she looked as perfect as she originally wanted.

The big question is: do I already have a practice in this sort of thing or am I actually so old that I don't bother as much as I used to simply because I know it won't make any difference?

She once again took a final look at her reflection in the mirror. She really didn't look so bad. The rosy gown, white gloves and crown jewellery on the top really not only made her look good but more importantly, made her feel good. Besides it, she's the queen so even if she showed up in a potato sack no one would be allowed to question her actions. Not that she intended to do so.

Although thinking about it … the looks on faces of some certain members of the parliament would be priceless …

All right. That's enough. Now it's the time to act as a queen for once again and to be the lovely and kind hostess as everyone expected her to be. Maybe she should go and check if everything is ready because the ball will start in about half an hour.

That's not that much time considering the fact this is going to be the biggest night of this year.

She had no idea back then how true her last thought was.

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I knew this is a short chapter but I did it just for starters. The second one will be longer I promise. It's my very first fanfic about C&J so I still quite don't know how to approach them. For those and others reasons I would really appreciate any feedback – whether positive or negative.

By the way – the dress Clarisse is wearing is the one from the first movie simply because I think that Julie Andrews looked absolutely gorgeous in it.