Chapter Twenty-Nine: The First

On the evening of the first ball, Hazel had me working harder than I ever had thought it possible. I cleaned her hair, brushed it, washed her feet and dressed her up more than once since it took her a few times to decide on the dress she wanted to wear.

"Find my ribbon!"

"Hurry up!"

"Is it time to go yet?"

I had to put Hazel's hair up twice because she declared the first was too messy. I made sure her dress looked perfect and then I curled her black locks. I did more than I thought was necessary, but I had to make Hazel happy. After hours of her orders she was finally satisfied.

I sighed deeply and slumped in a chair brushing the damp hair from my forehead. Hazel marched out of her bedchamber and into the great hall where Ethel stood, waiting for her. I soon followed behind. She probably wanted me to open the front door for her as well.

"Hazel!" Ethel exclaimed when she'd seen her daughter. "You look magnificent! The carriage will be here any moment. Now go outside, I'll be with you shortly." Hazel beamed and walked out.

Ethel turned to me. "Eva, you will have to clean the cellar tonight before you go to bed. If it's not finished by morning, don't expect a warm welcome from me. We'll be home around two o' clock, unless we decide to stay longer. I wouldn't be surprised if the prince begged Hazel to stay longer, she looks so charming. Good-night." Ethel went outside and as soon at the door shut, I was racing around the house like mad.

I bathed as quickly as I could, using some soap that had rose petals in it. It was new and imported; an expensive soap Ethel had purchased for Hazel. Though I hoped she wouldn't notice, I figured this was an emergency and was willing to pay the consequences if my use of it was found out. When I was done, I ran to my tower and took the diamond circlet Giselle and Kalian had given me. I slipped off my ring and set it on the windowsill. I was not about to make the same mistake twice.

I rolled my hair up in a bun, weaving the two front strands of my hair into a braid to decorate it. I placed the round circlet over it, letting the tear-formed jewel hang on my forehead. I was decorated somewhat, but I hadn't any shoes. I may be embarrassed to be spotted at the ball with bare feet, but perhaps the gown would be long enough to hide my toes.

I pulled my cloak over my shoulders and took Meta from the stables. I led her to the forest, where just outside of it; I saw the mythical creatures waiting for me.

"Eva, come with me," Willow said pulling on Meta's reigns and guiding us into the wood. Crispin and Reece followed behind.

Bianca stopped by her tree where I saw Willow holding up my dress. It was stunning. It was bright and silver, shinning as vividly as millions of stars. Armlets drape over where my shoulders would go instead of sleeves. The dress curved into a V form at the bosom and the material was one I couldn't name. It was remarkable.

"Oh... wow!" I whispered walking toward it.

Willow and the others grinned. "Try it on," she said.

They left as I changed from my servant attire. As I pulled the dress over my head, it felt as though I were slipping into water, so cool and smooth the cloth was. Or was it cloth at all? I was so stunned I couldn't even name it. When my friends returned their reaction was astounding.

"Eva," Reece began his eyes wide and smiling, "You look lovely."

Willow held up a mirror for me.

I smiled at him and then I saw the image in the looking glass. The gown fit perfectly and looked splendid. The star dress glittered in the pale light of the moon and my eyes flickered with laughter.

I gasped. "How did you make such a grand dress?" I asked.

"Apart from the spiders helping with the sewing?" asked Willow teasingly.

I nodded.

Crispin beamed. "The stars," he said.

"What?" I breathed disbelievingly.

"I took a net, caught the stars from the heavens, and had the spiders sew them all together. It's rather pretty isn't it?"

Though I knew the forest and its inhabitants were capable of feats not possible beyond the magical boundaries of the woods, this gown had blown my expectations away. "Pretty? It's unbelievable!" I beamed at him. "All of you have done such a magnificent job!" I felt a joyful tear slide down my cheek.

Willow answered gently, "Hurry Eva, the night is yours to enjoy. Make the most of it. This is yours as well." She handed me a silver mask which shown and twinkled like its matching garment.

"You're such a great friend Willow," I whispered as I put my mask in the saddlebag around Meta's neck so I could see properly as I rode and goaded the mare into a gallop.

The day had been chilly, it being November but I was not able to see my breath as I rode for Meta was speeding ahead at a breakneck pace. Her nostrils flared and her heavy breath rose out into the night air. It was a wonder I was able to stay on the saddle.

I followed the road until we reached the market then broke off and rode in another direction, toward the castle. When I reached the gates of the palace, I could see all the many carriages waiting for the ball to end so they could take the guests home.

Meta trotted through the passage of coaches carefully so as not to disturb them. Some of the drivers would look at me, and nod their head as I passed, as if I were some stately lady. Though, I did have to remind myself that that is whom I would have to pass off as. But I was sure I could manage it.

I stopped my horse near a tree beside the eastern wall of the castle, but I didn't tether her. I knew she wouldn't run away. I put on my mask, tied the back string into a knot behind my head, and secured it. I marveled for a moment, finding that the string was a braided rope of spider's silk. Smiling and silently sending another thank you to my friends, I left my cloak with Meta and walked inside the great hall.

The hall was decorated elaborately; colorful silks were wrapped around the four pillars stationed equally throughout the room. A grand, golden chandelier hung from the ceiling, hundreds of candles twinkling from afar. The dancers and guests were all adored in a vibrant array of colors; from pastel hues to vivid dyes. It was a wondrous sight. The hall was filled with young women. Many women were lined up against the wall waiting for a turn to dance with the prince. Their dresses were very stylish and attractive in an assortment of colors.

I ventured down the staircase, unannounced though that was for the best I figured. I had yet to devise a plan in order remain disguised and unknown, but I had time to think of a strategy.

My bare feet met the smooth, cold surface of the marble floor as I moved further into the great room. I bit my bottom lip to stop myself from visibly shivering with the chills and the swell of delight that coursed through my blood, working its way to my heart. I beamed with joy, filled with a giddiness I had not expected to feel. This place was gorgeous and I did not have to carry my shamed identity while I enjoyed the night.

None of the ladies had their masks off, since it was forbidden, although I could tell they all wanted too. They kept moving their masks around as if their faces itched. In truth, they wanted Thomas to gaze into their lovely eyes, notice their classical noses, admire their high cheekbones or watch their rosy lips.

I walked to the end of the line which formed against the southern wall of the room, though I did not join it, and turned to lean against the wall and watched the dancers for a few different songs before I got the courage to go out there myself.

"Care to dance?"

I recognized the voice immediately and searched for its speaker. I stood straight and looked around. Then I saw him. He was standing four feet away with the sweetest smile on his face. His sandy-blond hair was combed back and his sea-green eyes were watching me intently.

"Prince Stephan!" I cried, obviously taken aback. "I'd love to." His grin grew broader, I took his hand, and he led me onto the dance floor. A new song started and we danced. He spun me and I twirled gracefully, as we weaved to and fro along the floor.

"I thought this was Prince Thomas's affair," I commented kindly.

"Oh, well it is, but because I'm his brother I was invited."

"It was nice of him to think of you," I smiled, my voice hinting at a jest.

The young prince laughed. "Yes, it was."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Thomas glance over at his brother and I. I concentrated on my dancing partner. Presently Thomas was dancing with a girl in a deep blue dress, with gorgeous, curly red hair. I also noticed that he'd smiled at her. I looked back at Stephan.

"What has your attention?" he asked me.

"Oh... nothing," I smiled innocently.

Stephan grinned back and we danced to one last song.

After Stephan bid me good night, he added that he'd like to see me again tomorrow night. I agreed that I'd look for him and then I went back to my seat. Three different men asked to dance and I accepted each gladly.

Afterward, I stood near the banquet table, drank a goblet of cranberry juice, and ate a blackberry tart. It was a lovely treat for my taste buds, to enjoy such delicacies. I allowed the tangy sweetness of the fruit to linger on my tongue for as long as possible before I imagined how strange I might look to someone looking on as I savored the food. Although Ethel had saved money by not having paid servants at the manor, we did not have enough wealth to buy or prepare such deserts. Be that as it may, Ethel did like to pretend the money was still there to burn anyway.

I turned to look at the dance floor. Here, I watched Thomas dance with his guests. I noticed the way that every time Thomas bowed to a maiden his right arm was pressed against his back politely, just as a prince's arm should be when receiving company to dance. His arm would stay behind him until he and his partner joined hands.

He was courteous to all of the girls. My heart jumped to my throat when I saw the musing look in Thomas's eyes. I'd seen that look before. He'd looked at me in that same manner when he'd heard me sing. Enchanted. (In a non-magical way this time.) The girl smiled brightly and he smiled back. I sighed.

The line of girls had thinned. I noticed that some of them were at the banquet table as I was. The other guests were dancing with the other gentlemen present.

A squire approached me. "Miss? You're next. Would you like to dance with Prince Thomas?" He grabbed my hand and pulled gently. I was reluctant to leave my spot and I followed him slowly.

"Oh, I don't know. I—"

Thomas had come toward me now and his hand was extended, waiting for mine. I hadn't wanted to dance with him at all. What was I going to do? I couldn't act like I normally would; otherwise, he'd know I wasn't married and that I'd lied.

An idea suddenly popped into my head. A smile curved my lips.

I took his hand and he held it lightly. He guided me onto the floor and a slow waltz began. I swept him one of my finest curtsies and he bowed politely.

Thomas spoke to me as our hands fell into their positions. "Lady, you're quiet a mystery. Every guest wants to know who you are. They say they've never seen you and think you must come from another kingdom. Your dress is rather unique. I think that is what intrigues them. I myself am curious. Tell me, what name may I call you by?" His hand was on my waist and his other was in my own while my right hand rested on his shoulder.

I felt my heart pound furiously. I tried to conceal the sudden surge of fervor that swept like wildfire through my body.

"Gillian. My name is Gillian your Highness," I said with poise, feigning a Talian brogue. I would tell him I was visiting from a town that I knew was in Rhyanen. Although I didn't show it, I was restless with worry and discomfort. I hoped he didn't detect my distress along with the thrill that coursed through my veins.

Thomas nodded his head. Perhaps he didn't suspect me, although I did imagine he sensed my uneasiness. If he did, Thomas never mentioned it, and I was relieved.

"Where do you come from? I don't think we've met," he said spinning me around.

"I come from the village of Talia," I answered, unintentionally deepening my voice at the word. I coughed nervously and continued to dance as naturally as I could without being awkward.

"Talia is one of the most plague-ridden towns. Has any of that affected you? Don't you worry about the dragons?" Thomas asked, concern glinting in his eyes.

"It certainly has put a constraint on business. Not very many people have visited Talia since the dragons attacked us a couple years back. My family is holding up well though. We'll manage.

"Your Highness," I continued changing the subject to lighter matters, "I've heard you went to the Ambrey Sea a few years ago. Did you enjoy being at sea?"

Thomas looked thoughtful. "It was pleasant after I got over my seasickness."

"Oh, you were seasick?" I asked appearing surprised and slightly amused.

"Yes, but the view was great once I was well."

I knew all of this. He'd spoken many times about the lovely crimson sunsets and the blue skies at dawn. He said that when the sun rose, the sea seemed to sing. I remember him saying how much he wished I were with him so I could be there to hear the melody of the sea.

I smiled selflessly, reminiscing. "Did you hear it sing?" I asked carelessly.

"Excuse me?" Thomas said his expression was puzzled.

"The sea," I nodded, "did you hear it sing?"

"Oh! Well, yes I did actually," Thomas, admitted with embarrassment. "I didn't…I mean, do you know about…?"

I smiled to reassure him, finally knowing that I had almost given myself away. I saved myself and replied, "I've been to the Ambrey Sea too; it's just a few miles from my house."

Thomas nodded. "Oh." He sounded jaded. It seemed he was trying to hide his boredom but I could sense it. Then, supposing I was the reason, I decided to say good-bye.

I let go of his shoulder when the song ended and grinned saying, "Good-night your Highness." But before I could disappear into the crowd, Thomas caught a few of my fingers as I had attempted to slip away and he held them gently. I turned to him and his grip loosened.

"One more thing," he said smiling, "Pray call me Thomas."

After I had danced to my heart's content I resolved that I must leave. So at half past midnight I left, thus I had time to return to my normal state of clothes and clean the cellar before Hazel and her mother came back.

I made sure my face had no trace of a bath, by rubbing coal on my cheeks and smearing the dirt around my face so my step family wouldn't question me.

Ethel and her daughter came home at three o' clock. Hazel went down to the crypt, at roughly nine in the morning to see that the room was spotless. And next to the wine rack, she found me fast asleep.

Hazel kicked my side sharply so that I awoke. My eyes had to adjust to the dimness but soon I was able to focus on the broad figure of my stepsister hovering over me.

"Get up you lazy oaf. It's already nine o' clock! I'm hungry. Now get up and fix me some breakfast," she snapped.

I sleepily nodded and stood up gracelessly. Ethel didn't say anything to me when I served breakfast, but as I walked to the side of the room she spoke, "Eva, I saw the cellar already. You did a fair job cleaning it, but I see that it was not hard enough for you since you had all that time to sleep. Tonight I want the stables sparkling by the time I get home."

"Yes, milady."

The day dragged on slowly and as I worked, I wondered what I could wear for the last ball since I only had two circlets. I came to the decision later, that I would have to wear a garland.

In my free time, I walked through my forest and looked for a flower I liked. Because the forest was enchanted, the flowers were in bloom all year around. I walked among a patch of frozen flowers picking long stems of the frosted, yellow blossoms.

With my back against a large, broad tree, I weaved the ice-glazed white roses into my garland adding a few dried leaves. When I was satisfied, I put the garland in my room.

That night I assisted Hazel in getting ready for the next ball.


A Note From Me: YAY! The first ball! I hope you found it entertaining. I know it was a long chapter, the longest I've written by far for this story, but I hope it was still a fast and enjoyable read! Please tell me what you think!