A few days later I found myself back at the castle being fit for another gown, this one for the ordination of the new King of the First Kingdom. This one was a pale gold with a low neckline to enhance my cleavage without being overly scandalous. The long sleeves followed the contours of my arms while still allowing movement, and the bodice followed my curves closely before flowing into a long skirt made of light weight material that waved and shimmered with every step I took. Not wanting to upset Rupert, who not only was overseeing the livery of the royal family for the coronation, but was also in the starting phases of planning the princess' wedding, I had arrived early.
"You look absolutely wonderful, your grace," Rupert sighed, catching my eyes in the mirror. "All you're missing is your mask."
"Mask?" I looked at him puzzled.
"Didn't you know; it is to be a masquerade ball." Rupert explained, grabbing something from one of the side tables and telling me to close my eyes. I felt him slip something over my face and gently tie it behind my head before telling me I could open my eyes again. The mask was the same pale color as my dress, with darker gold designs curving delicately along the outer edge as well as around my eyes, enhancing their warm hazel color. "You are absolutely breathtaking." The older man sighed offering his hand to help me down off the stool where I stood.
"Thank you," I smiled as I placed my hand in his and stepped down. "I just hope I can do it justice."
"Oh you will," He smiled at me, squeezing my hand gently before releasing it, "You have more of your mother and the better parts of your grandmother inside you than you know. You will be fine; I doubt anyone will be able to keep their eyes off of you."
"I can believe it," I laughed self-consciously, "Now that Bianca and Reilly are engaged, I'll be entering alone. I just hope I won't trip."
"You'll do just fine," Rupert assured me before gently pushing me towards the partition in the corner of the room, "Now get out of it before your wrinkle it." He teased before turning on his heel and exiting the room in search of the next person in need of a fitting.