I wake up to a young maid shaking me. "Your Highness! Your highness, I'm afraid you have overslept." I glance to the clock. Through my blurry vision, it reads 8:52. I gasp and jump up.
"Thank you. Please call over my team, I must get ready. I'll be meeting the men in an hour or so."
She nods, and darts out of my room. What seems like seconds later, Samantha, followed by four others, rushes in. "God, Juliette! You're a mess!" she says, taking in my nightgown and chipped nails. Samantha turns to the maids. "Girls, we've a lot of work to do in a short time. Glinda, start a bath. Sue, prepare her dress. Jenna, grab her shoes, Aline, you'll be on hair duty once she's all clean. I'll take care of everything else." They stare at her, awaiting any further instruction, before she claps her hands. "Well, get to it!" They run off.
"Sorry," I sigh. "I slept late last night."
She shrugs. "It's alright. Jump into the shower now, we don't have all day."
I follow her orders, and take what seems to be the quickest bath I've ever had. Before I know it, my long hair is curled and pulled into an elaborate bun, only a strand left in my face, my bluish-green eyes are circled by eyepencil, making them seem as though they are shining, my pale face is brought out by a lovely pink glow, and my lips gleam red.
As Glinda paints my nails, Sue runs in with a stunning dress. It is green, lined with golden swirls, a heart-shaped neckline, and no sleeves. I smile, satisfied with their choice. I'll look beautiful, of course. They'll settle for nothing less.
When it is time to go, I have been prepped and pampered, my ribs feel like they might burst straight through the corset, and my heels nip at my toes. I can't help but complain before Samantha silences me by saying "beauty is pain, and pain is beauty."
I smile at my reflection in the mirror. "Thank you ladies, I greatly appreciate it." Sue places my tiara upon my head.
"Of course, Princess," she grins.
"Alright, I suppose it's time for me to go. Do you happen to know if I will have an escort?" I ask.
Glinda nods. "Oh yes, a very handsome young officer will bring you over. Ledger, I believe."
I roll my eyes. "I met him yesterday evening. He's rather persistent, wouldn't you say so?"
Samantha shrugs. "It doesn't matter, he's there only to make sure you're not taken down by a rebel on your walk to meet the men." She pushes me out the door. "Have fun now, Jules!"
Officer Kane Ledger's eyes widen as he takes in my appearance. I smirk lightly to myself.
"You look lovely, Y-your Highness."
I grin. "Thank you, Officer. Shall we go?"
He offers me his arm and I take it. "How old are you anyway? You look rather young to be a guard."
"Eighteen, Your Highness," he pushes some of his golden hair out of his eyes.
"Hmm..." we walk towards the stairs. "And what business does such a young officer like yourself have standing outside the princess' door?"
"It was a request of your mother, Queen America. She knew my father, some time ago, before he passed away," he says quietly.
I frown. "I'm sorry to hear that. I never have heard of him." Ledger shrugs.
We walk in silence the rest of the way there. He pushes the door open to the Great Hall, and I stand, face to face with 35 young men.
