Chapter 11: Preparation
The day of the ball had finally arrived. The usual hustle and bustle of the castle was increased ten-fold by the excitement and preparation for the evenings' festivities. Susan had marched into breakfast that morning with a purpose, giving everyone a job. Parker and Emma quickly learned that the Pevensies were not "high and mighty" monarchs. They were constantly interacting with the people, whether in town, down at the docks, or even just by helping set up for the party.
The men had been sent to help carry large decorations into the throne room, while the women went into the ball room to arrange and decorate tables for dinner. The rooms were adjacent to eachother, conjoined by many open doors between the two that could be shut up when not needed.
They set to work. The girls created a pattern, going from table to table in order. Emma would first place the floral centerpiece on each table. Susan would follow behind with plates and silverware, with Parker following with wine glasses. Lucy brought up the rear, placing candles around each centerpiece. Other servants and ladies in waiting followed this same pattern for other tables. Between the groups, there were over 200 tables to place!
Emma grumbled, they had singled her out as the strongest because she was a fighter. That's why she had been assigned the centerpiece job. I'm not that strong you know, she groaned to herself as she carried another centerpiece from its box to a table. Walking back, she realized it was the last in the room,
"Susan, we're out of centerpieces. I'm going into the throne room to retrieve the others". She said. Susan nodded and got back to work.
Walking through the glass doors, Emma walked over to a large crate of centerpieces and heaving as she lifted it, she began to make her way back. The crate was very heavy however, and she began to slip. Stumbling, the crate was suddenly taken from the other side and pulled from her. She looked up only to recognize her savior as the Just King himself.
He looked down and smiled, "Careful now, we don't want you missing your first Narnian ball on account of an injury".
She gave a small smile, there was something in his voice. Amusement ofcourse, but something else, almost affection.
"Thank you my lord, but I can handle it!" she urged as she tried to take the crate back.
But Edmund had already turned and begun to walk back into the grand ball room with her crate. She huffed and chased after him.
"You know I could have done that", she said a bit annoyed.
He scoffed. "Clearly! Your stumbling feet, mixed with the panicked look on your face and the slipping box gave away nothing but complete control".
"You just, UGH!" She stomped her foot and opened the crate, starting up the routine again of placing the centerpieces.
Edmund smirked, riling this girl was just so much fun to him. So he stood there, tapping his foot with an expectant look on his face.
She looked up, "Why are you still standing there?".
He said nothing but continued to look on with the same goofy smile and expectant look.
She rolled her eyes, "Oh, I'm sorry". She gave a dramatic curtsy. "Does his most royal Highness require anything else from a dear peasant like myself?". She asked batting her eyelashes.
He laughed, "Nothing but a thank you", he replied.
She gave him that typical 'are you serious' look. "As if!".
"I'm sorry, I don't seem to see your crown, are you having it polished? That's probably best, you want to look your best for the ball tonight!" He looked her up and down before adding, "Well, as good as your best is".
"You're ridiculous". She turned to walk away but he followed.
"Oh come on I was only joking. Thought you could handle it!" This struck Emma hard.
She turned with a ferocious glare that would stop any, "ENOUGH! You don't know hell of what I can handle". With that she stormed away leaving Edmund confused, pondering why that particular joke had struck a nerve.
Later on the ladies all gathered together in Susan's room to get ready together since it was Parker and Emma's first ball.
Lucy squealed. "OH Parker this dress would look absolutely lovely on you!" Lucy held up a strapless midnight blue ball gown with a silver sash around the waste and silver designs beaded up the front. (PICK IN PROFILE FOR ALL DRESSES).
"Oh Lucy it's beautiful!" She said as she was getting her hair done. Each girl had a dryad doing their hair and makeup. Lucy had finished first. She wore a strapless valentine red dress with beaded designs all around. Her hair had been curled then pulled to one side, with minimal makeup to enhance only her natural beauty.
Susan looked more elegant in a strapless dark purple dress with ruffles and similar beaded designs all around. Her hair had been left down in waves however her dark red lipstick and grey eyes gave her an edgier look.
Emma's dress was a very light green, strapless, with various layers each topped with a bow. Her hair had been sleeked back into a high bun, with small gold beads braided throughout various strands. Her makeup was similar to Lucy's, light pink lips and blush with natural brown eye makeup.
Parker was the last to finish, wearing the midnight blue dress, her hair had been pulled half up, with small braids around the edges, the bottom left so fall down her back and shoulders. Her makeup was more similar to Susans, she kept her lips plain, however her eyes were lined with striking black to make her eyes pop.
Emma and Parker had each both been given circlets to wear around their heads representing their status. Emma's gold and Parker's silver to match their outfits.
"You are ladies of the court now, and we must prove your status to minimize questions on your sudden appearance". Susan had said.
All four girls wore black heels to tie together the outfit, hidden under their skirts no one would be able to see the similar shoes anyway.
Satisfied with their appearances they all exited the room and made their way down.
Upon reaching the doors to the throne room, Susan turned back.
"Soo I may have forgotten to mention you would be making formal entrances into the ball". She gave a small smile.
Emma's mouth dropped to the floor, "You're joking".
"Oh it's simple really! They call your name, the doors open, you walk down the stairs, curtsy to us at the end of the aisle, and you're done!" Lucy piped in.
Parker groaned, "You've got to be kidding me". What if I trip?!
Suddenly the doors began to open and Susan turned to make her entrance, "Just smile you'll be fine!" She whispered.
"High Queen Susan the Gentle". Susan walked forward, head held high, and descended the stairs.
Now for Lucy, "Queen Lucy the Valiant". Lucy was less formal, she walked forward casually and openly, smiling at all the guests she passed.
Parker turned to Emma, "Em, I can't do this, you know I can't do this, I can't do anything infront of other people!".
Emma took a deep breath, "Relax Parker you'll be fine! Just don't look at your feet and walk straight".
" Lady Parker of Cair Paravel". The doors opened and Parker took a deep breath before stepping forward.
Tension tension tension, Emma's got a secret past! Don't worry you'll find out soon, and so will Edmund ;) REVIEW