Chapter 7
"Haru, Haru get that lazy tail of yours out of bed!" her stepmother's voice echoed through the house
"Ugh it's too early…" Haru mumbled rolling out of bed.
"Haru!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming."
Luckily Haru went to bed dressed so all she had to do was slip her shoes on before rushing downstairs. Her stepmother looked like steam was coming from her ears.
"Yes, madam," Haru said keeping her eyes firmly fixed on the floor.
"What took you so long? The girls need help getting ready and when you're done you can help me," with that she turned on her heel.
This is going to take a while, Haru thought as she took the stairs two at a time.
Six hours later…
"Have fun," Haru called as the carriage rolled out of the driveway towards a brilliantly lit castle.
She closed the door and prepared herself to face the mess her stepfamily left behind. Clothes were strewn everywhere along with shoes, ribbons, and perfume bottles. Heaving a sigh Haru got down to business and began cleaning up the mess, knowing in the end it was worth it just to get a few hours respite from them.
X X X X
"Okay, they're gone. Let's get this show on the road," Louise said motioning to her driver.
She pulled up to the front of the house and had her footman knock on the door.
"Who could it be at this hour?" Haru mumbled going to the door
A knock came again, "I'll be right there. Hold your horses," Haru called on her way to the door.
She opened the door to find a gorgeous carriage stopped at the door and a finely dressed man opening the door, helping out a woman with regal bearing. Out of reflex Haru dropped into a curtsey and kept her eyes lowered, as a good servant should. A gloved hand lifted her chin up, so she was looking into a pair of teal eyes that were sparkling with amusement.
"Well my dear aren't you going to invite me in?" the strange woman asked," My name is Baroness Louise Von Gikkingen by the way."
"Yes a…of course my lady," Haru stammered, standing aside to let her walk in.
"Enough with the 'my lady's' Haru. You can call me Louise or…Never mind you can call me Louise, I don't really stand on formalities. Now, let's get started, you can't be late for the ball."
How did she know my name, Haru wondered.
"But, my… Louise I'm not going to the ball, I don't have a…"
"Shh, shh nonsense dear. Now let's get you dressed," Louise said moving her to the drawing room.
"But…"
"No, buts this won't take, but a moment."
Louise walked around Haru, studying her and muttering. Her eyes lit up and she waved her hands.
A flash of light blinded Haru and when she could see again she felt a heaviness on her neck and a coolness on her feet.
"Why don't you have a look in the mirror? I think I outdid myself."
As Haru walked she heard a rustling sound and finally saw that she was wearing an emerald green gown with an emerald drop pendant and glass slippers!
"What?!"
"Well now dear, let's get you to the ball," Louise said walking her out the door.
a/n: Even though I say "man" and "woman" all the characters are people with cat features like the Baron. Please read and review