Chapter Seven
On the day of the first ball, our house was in an uproar. Amerisia and Cyala had been allowed to eat hardly anything so they would get thinner and fit into their gowns better. Now, they were hungry and whiny as I tried to lace their corsets, which Ariela insisted that they wear. I pulled at the strings until my fingers were sore, but Amerisia cried for me to pull harder. I gave up finally and simply tied them. She looked at herself in the mirror, smoothing her hands over the corset approvingly.
Then she needed help getting into her yellow dress, which was an interesting garment. The top fit her very tightly, the square cut neckline that was close to being too revealing. The enormous skirt of the dress flared out, floating around her in a cloud of yellow fabric. It was layered, each layer edged in white lace and accented with yellow ribbon. There was lace on every available edge on the gown, including around the bottom of the puffed sleeves, at the wrist, and along the neckline. Where there was lace, there was also yellow ribbon. Along the neck was a small yellow bow, and the yellow sash sported an even bigger bow. The over all effect was grand, but somewhat comical.
I would have thought that Cyala would have much better luck with the corset. Ariela's younger daughter was thinner than her sister, and still several inches shorter. However, when Ariela came in for an inspection, she insisted I cinch Cyala's corset tighter. The girl whined and cried about how it hurt the whole time, while protesting that she was hungry and couldn't breathe. Ignoring her childish cries, I cinched it tighter and tighter until she was about ready to burst. Then, I helped her into the red dress that she had purchased, decorated in hundreds of little red beads. It had a voluminous skirt that puffed out all around her. I wondered if she could even dance in that thing, or if her partner would have to stand a foot away from her. She admired her reflection in the mirror, but I thought she looked like a fool in all her finery. She was like a mean spirited seagull who stole a peacock's feathers.
Another servant rushed in to apply makeup to their delicate faces. Then, I was resigned to fixing their hair. They fussed about each and every wisp of hair as I brushed it and arranged it in upsweeps at the back of their head. I was exceptionally happy to be done with them as I pinned the last lock of Cyala's golden hair into place. I stepped back, standing near the door and waited for them to exit. Amerisia turned to face me, completely ready for the ball. She stood with grace and poise, and held herself perfectly straight, her head up in a rather noble (and snooty) way. Despite knowing how awful she was, she did look like a lady, accomplished and regal. Her sister rose and started out of the room as well, her appearance commanding attention from all the people in the room. I realized then that if they hadn't looked so haughty or been so cruel, then they might have been beautiful. But now, all I could really see them as were mean spirited schemers who only wanted fortune and prestige.
At last, they went out to the carriage with their mother, who was dressed in an extremely frilly pale blue gown. The two young ladies stepped into the carriage, and the footmen closed the door for them. Soon, they were rolling away down the road towards the palace, leaving me to begin the first phase of the plot. My entire body seemed to be tingling. It was time.
Eidyia and I knew that most of the servants were taking this opportunity to go out to the neighboring town and escape their duties for a few hours. Others were going to visit their family tonight, taking what was almost the only chance they had to do so. That left Eidyia and I with the manor almost completely to ourselves. Eidyia herself had encouraged most of the other servants to leave tonight, and was very proud of herself for devising such a clever part of the plan. Now we were free to run about the house without worrying about who might see our work and report us to Ariela.
I went to take a bath as Eidyia hurried up to the attic to choose a dress for me. She seemed to have something in mind already, because when I stepped out of the bathroom, smelling like the lilac bath oil she had set out for me, she was already waiting. Without a word, I followed her back up to the room Amerisia and Cyala had used to get ready. Stepping inside, I saw a lovely dress draped over the changing screen. Mother's coffer of jewels was set on one of the vanities, and Eidyia had gotten out Ariela's best cosmetics.
"I know I'm not quite as fashionable as Riona," she told me, naming one of Amerisia's personal servants, "but I used to help your mother get ready for balls and banquets long ago." I nodded, glad to hear that she would be able to help me with things that I had no idea how to deal with. I pulled off my robe, revealing one of my mother's silk undergowns beneath it. Then, Eidyia helped me with the unnecessarily complicated process of dressing. As much as I hated being dressed up like a doll, she told me that it was necessary. The gown was one I adored, a lovely and stately brocade gown that swept about gracefully. It's long skirt trailed behind me when I walked, but wasn't nearly as poofy as my stepsisters'. Underneath the skirt were layers of petticoats that gave the dress form, or at least that was what Eidyia told me. Around the bottom of the skirt was dark green ribbon, an elegant and simple trim. There were little embroidered lilacs covering the fabric, making me look like a garden.
Before I knew it, Eidyia had tied my dark green satin sash and we were ready to fix my makeup and hair. I tried to smooth the white lace that spilled like a waterfall down the front where the brocade opened, revealing the underskirt. "It's so exquisite," I marveled. "Did my mother wear this?" Eidyia nodded.
"She did, but as I recall, only around the manor. That's why I chose it for you. She wore this gown in the early spring, because it reminded her that the flowers would bloom soon. It wouldn't do for your mother's dress to be recognized." I felt a tinge of disappointment in being restricted to those gowns my mother had never worn in public. Some of them had been splendid, but she had surely worn them to another grand ball and they would be recognized.
"I can't believe this is really happening," I admitted at last, twirling around and watching my skirt as it twisted around me then settled back into position. Eidyia, meanwhile, was trying to get me to sit, insisting that she still had to apply my cosmetics and arrange my hair. Unfortunately, I was nervous, and in no condition to sit still. I twiddled my thumbs anxiously as Eidyia applied my makeup. When she had finished with that, she started on my hair.
"Your hair has grown so long over the years," she commented as she brushed it out. Indeed, it had grown all the way down to my waist. I remembered my mother having long hair, and every time I thought of cutting it for convenience I remembered my mother and lost the courage to pick up the scissors.
"It's still the same brown," I commented happily. It was a rich brown, the color of my mother's. It was the one thing about me, perhaps, that I could recognize as resembling her. Fortunately, it was also wavy like hers and not ramrod straight like my father's had been or terribly frizzy like Amerisia's was when she woke up sometimes.
"I cut some fresh flowers to tuck into your hair, dear," she explained, pinning sprigs of lilac around the upsweep in the back. She had coiled one intricate knot of hair high on my head, then let the rest hang loose in a long stream of dark waves. "Now we just need a few pieces of jewelry for you, so you won't look out of place." We searched through Mother's coffers. Eidyia occasionally muttered things like 'perhaps the amethysts...'
At last, I found a lovely silver band set with tiny alexandrites that changed color in the light. Eidyia helped me set the band on my head so the largest alexandrite sparkled brightly on my brow. A rather large alexandrite surrounded by tendrils of curling silver was hung on a silver chain, which I clasped around my neck. It was perfect for the gown, and looked perfectly wonderful. Looking down at the box that was still in my hands, I couldn't help but be amazed at the riches within.
"I can't believe that all of these things were Mother's," I told Eidyia. My former governess smiled.
"Pasiphae's mother died giving birth to her, so to her father, she was the most precious thing in the world. He gave her everything money could buy, but most of all, he gave her what money could not buy. He gave her all his love and attention, and let her grow up into a wonderful woman and make her own choices. And she turned into such a good person, not spoiled or haughty, but wise and happy. If only you could have known her better..." A tear escaped down her cheek as she turned me around to look at the effect of her finished work. "You look so much like her, dear. But I can still see your father in your eyes." She took a handkerchief from the pocket of her robe and dabbed her face with it. "I don't mean to cry, but I still remember everything about her and the way things used to be. I've watched you grow up, all these years, and I've hoped that you could do this someday. And now here you are, looking like the baroness you should be. Just look in the mirror. See for yourself how perfect you are."
I turned around to look in the mirror of the vanity, staring at a quite different reflection than the one that usually greeted me. I stared at myself for the longest time, not knowing what to think. I wasn't sure how much I really looked like my mother. I had her nose, and perhaps her smile. But unlike her beautiful face, mine was nothing special, I thought. Mother had been so radiant, but I could not see the same radiance in the mirror. I wasn't disappointed though, because beauty wasn't nearly as important to me as my wits. I was wise now, which put me ahead of Amerisia and Cyala. It was brains that I needed to win my freedom more than anything else.
However, as I finished my final preparations for the plan, I began to understand why Amerisia and Cyala had been so nervous. My fate might be riding on how noble I appeared to be, and a good appearance would play a critical role. Although I had no intention of getting anyone to marry me, I wanted to show the world that no one defeated Chryseis of Llyr.
Hurrying down the stairs, I approached the front door. Eidyia followed me, stopping suddenly when we reached the bottom. "Oh Chryseis!" she exclaimed suddenly. "I've just thought of something. You have no coach! How will we get you to Calaris?" I frowned, for I hadn't thought about that. However, I refused to let anything deter me now. My freedom was too close to let little details like this get in the way.
"That doesn't matter. I'll just take one of the horses. I can ride," I argued, heading towards the doors to go to the stables.
Eidyia put her hands on her hips and gave me a reproving look. "Ride? In that dress?! Chryseis dear, you can't ride in this dress," she explained. I looked down at it. It would be rather difficult to get all this up on a horse. And if it got muddy, it would look awful. I frowned, but then shook my head.
"I have to try," I told her, heading out the door. "Thank you for all your help, for everything. I will do my best to carry out the plan.
"Your mother and father are watching over you," she called after me. "Everything is up to you now. Fortune be with you!" I went quickly to the barn and saddled a horse. The silver steed was swift and faithful, and waited patiently as I put on a saddle that would allow me to ride side-saddle. Then, I mounted the horse and was off, praying that my jewels and hair would stay in place.
I took off, riding through the countryside. When I came to the forest, I rode right through, that being the quickest way to the castle where the ball was being held. Slowing my speed, the horse continued on, going over fallen logs and around the trees. I could have gone faster, but I had to avoid any obstacles that might tear at my dress or get me dirty. I would not be too late; indeed I would be almost on time since I was not arriving early like many other girls. Fashionably late, I thought, remembering Eidyia's saying.
Suddenly, I heard a voice come out of nowhere. "Well, if you aren't a comical sight? What in the name of Saint Andrinus are you doing riding a horse in that kind of an outfit?" A fairy in a dark green dress appeared out of nowhere, flying along with my horse as I raced on to the castle.
"I'm on my way to a ball, so if you'll excuse me," I snapped, recognizing her at once. Racing on, I realized that she was going to keep flying along with me.
"Ahh. How wonderful I suppose you expect the prince to fall instantly in love with you..." she sneered.
"Actually no," I replied. "The only thing I want is my land back. I'm just trying to fix what YOU ruined."
"Oh," she said, her tone changing. "And how did I ruin this little life of yours?"
"You cursed Ariela and she married my father. Now, Ariela has stolen all of what is rightfully mine. And I intend to reclaim it." The fairy in the green dress appeared to think on it for a moment before replying.
"Well, since I did make that mistake, I will do you one favor. But only one, and don't tell anyone that I'm giving out favors. And don't expect any more! I'm not your fairy godmother, you know." She snapped her fingers, and suddenly, I was in a richly decorated coach. Looking around in amazement, my jaw dropped. The fairy woman was sitting next to me, explaining. "Look, you can use this carriage. Wherever you go, it shall only take you a minute to get there. Just don't tell anyone else about this little favor, or it will be a normal carriage. Consider us on even ground, Chryseis Annorise deLlyr. Or should I say, Cyn-Dyrela." With another snap, she disappeared from my sight and we pulled up at the palace. I opened the door and stepped out, assisted by a palace footman. Careful not to step on my skirt, I made my way up the marble steps of the castle.
I approached the entrance, absorbing everything I saw. It looked very much like I thought it would, with large halls, red and gold carpets, suits of armor in the corridors, and tall towers perfect for a fairy tale setting. As I approached the main ballroom, a foolish picture entered my head. I pictured a girl walking in and going down the staircase, and all attention turned to her, and the prince would ask her to dance. I smiled when I then thought of the girl tripping on her train and tumbling all the way down. That last bit was probably the most realistic, I reflected. I made my way into the ballroom, pushing through the doors into a whole new world.
On the day of the first ball, our house was in an uproar. Amerisia and Cyala had been allowed to eat hardly anything so they would get thinner and fit into their gowns better. Now, they were hungry and whiny as I tried to lace their corsets, which Ariela insisted that they wear. I pulled at the strings until my fingers were sore, but Amerisia cried for me to pull harder. I gave up finally and simply tied them. She looked at herself in the mirror, smoothing her hands over the corset approvingly.
Then she needed help getting into her yellow dress, which was an interesting garment. The top fit her very tightly, the square cut neckline that was close to being too revealing. The enormous skirt of the dress flared out, floating around her in a cloud of yellow fabric. It was layered, each layer edged in white lace and accented with yellow ribbon. There was lace on every available edge on the gown, including around the bottom of the puffed sleeves, at the wrist, and along the neckline. Where there was lace, there was also yellow ribbon. Along the neck was a small yellow bow, and the yellow sash sported an even bigger bow. The over all effect was grand, but somewhat comical.
I would have thought that Cyala would have much better luck with the corset. Ariela's younger daughter was thinner than her sister, and still several inches shorter. However, when Ariela came in for an inspection, she insisted I cinch Cyala's corset tighter. The girl whined and cried about how it hurt the whole time, while protesting that she was hungry and couldn't breathe. Ignoring her childish cries, I cinched it tighter and tighter until she was about ready to burst. Then, I helped her into the red dress that she had purchased, decorated in hundreds of little red beads. It had a voluminous skirt that puffed out all around her. I wondered if she could even dance in that thing, or if her partner would have to stand a foot away from her. She admired her reflection in the mirror, but I thought she looked like a fool in all her finery. She was like a mean spirited seagull who stole a peacock's feathers.
Another servant rushed in to apply makeup to their delicate faces. Then, I was resigned to fixing their hair. They fussed about each and every wisp of hair as I brushed it and arranged it in upsweeps at the back of their head. I was exceptionally happy to be done with them as I pinned the last lock of Cyala's golden hair into place. I stepped back, standing near the door and waited for them to exit. Amerisia turned to face me, completely ready for the ball. She stood with grace and poise, and held herself perfectly straight, her head up in a rather noble (and snooty) way. Despite knowing how awful she was, she did look like a lady, accomplished and regal. Her sister rose and started out of the room as well, her appearance commanding attention from all the people in the room. I realized then that if they hadn't looked so haughty or been so cruel, then they might have been beautiful. But now, all I could really see them as were mean spirited schemers who only wanted fortune and prestige.
At last, they went out to the carriage with their mother, who was dressed in an extremely frilly pale blue gown. The two young ladies stepped into the carriage, and the footmen closed the door for them. Soon, they were rolling away down the road towards the palace, leaving me to begin the first phase of the plot. My entire body seemed to be tingling. It was time.
Eidyia and I knew that most of the servants were taking this opportunity to go out to the neighboring town and escape their duties for a few hours. Others were going to visit their family tonight, taking what was almost the only chance they had to do so. That left Eidyia and I with the manor almost completely to ourselves. Eidyia herself had encouraged most of the other servants to leave tonight, and was very proud of herself for devising such a clever part of the plan. Now we were free to run about the house without worrying about who might see our work and report us to Ariela.
I went to take a bath as Eidyia hurried up to the attic to choose a dress for me. She seemed to have something in mind already, because when I stepped out of the bathroom, smelling like the lilac bath oil she had set out for me, she was already waiting. Without a word, I followed her back up to the room Amerisia and Cyala had used to get ready. Stepping inside, I saw a lovely dress draped over the changing screen. Mother's coffer of jewels was set on one of the vanities, and Eidyia had gotten out Ariela's best cosmetics.
"I know I'm not quite as fashionable as Riona," she told me, naming one of Amerisia's personal servants, "but I used to help your mother get ready for balls and banquets long ago." I nodded, glad to hear that she would be able to help me with things that I had no idea how to deal with. I pulled off my robe, revealing one of my mother's silk undergowns beneath it. Then, Eidyia helped me with the unnecessarily complicated process of dressing. As much as I hated being dressed up like a doll, she told me that it was necessary. The gown was one I adored, a lovely and stately brocade gown that swept about gracefully. It's long skirt trailed behind me when I walked, but wasn't nearly as poofy as my stepsisters'. Underneath the skirt were layers of petticoats that gave the dress form, or at least that was what Eidyia told me. Around the bottom of the skirt was dark green ribbon, an elegant and simple trim. There were little embroidered lilacs covering the fabric, making me look like a garden.
Before I knew it, Eidyia had tied my dark green satin sash and we were ready to fix my makeup and hair. I tried to smooth the white lace that spilled like a waterfall down the front where the brocade opened, revealing the underskirt. "It's so exquisite," I marveled. "Did my mother wear this?" Eidyia nodded.
"She did, but as I recall, only around the manor. That's why I chose it for you. She wore this gown in the early spring, because it reminded her that the flowers would bloom soon. It wouldn't do for your mother's dress to be recognized." I felt a tinge of disappointment in being restricted to those gowns my mother had never worn in public. Some of them had been splendid, but she had surely worn them to another grand ball and they would be recognized.
"I can't believe this is really happening," I admitted at last, twirling around and watching my skirt as it twisted around me then settled back into position. Eidyia, meanwhile, was trying to get me to sit, insisting that she still had to apply my cosmetics and arrange my hair. Unfortunately, I was nervous, and in no condition to sit still. I twiddled my thumbs anxiously as Eidyia applied my makeup. When she had finished with that, she started on my hair.
"Your hair has grown so long over the years," she commented as she brushed it out. Indeed, it had grown all the way down to my waist. I remembered my mother having long hair, and every time I thought of cutting it for convenience I remembered my mother and lost the courage to pick up the scissors.
"It's still the same brown," I commented happily. It was a rich brown, the color of my mother's. It was the one thing about me, perhaps, that I could recognize as resembling her. Fortunately, it was also wavy like hers and not ramrod straight like my father's had been or terribly frizzy like Amerisia's was when she woke up sometimes.
"I cut some fresh flowers to tuck into your hair, dear," she explained, pinning sprigs of lilac around the upsweep in the back. She had coiled one intricate knot of hair high on my head, then let the rest hang loose in a long stream of dark waves. "Now we just need a few pieces of jewelry for you, so you won't look out of place." We searched through Mother's coffers. Eidyia occasionally muttered things like 'perhaps the amethysts...'
At last, I found a lovely silver band set with tiny alexandrites that changed color in the light. Eidyia helped me set the band on my head so the largest alexandrite sparkled brightly on my brow. A rather large alexandrite surrounded by tendrils of curling silver was hung on a silver chain, which I clasped around my neck. It was perfect for the gown, and looked perfectly wonderful. Looking down at the box that was still in my hands, I couldn't help but be amazed at the riches within.
"I can't believe that all of these things were Mother's," I told Eidyia. My former governess smiled.
"Pasiphae's mother died giving birth to her, so to her father, she was the most precious thing in the world. He gave her everything money could buy, but most of all, he gave her what money could not buy. He gave her all his love and attention, and let her grow up into a wonderful woman and make her own choices. And she turned into such a good person, not spoiled or haughty, but wise and happy. If only you could have known her better..." A tear escaped down her cheek as she turned me around to look at the effect of her finished work. "You look so much like her, dear. But I can still see your father in your eyes." She took a handkerchief from the pocket of her robe and dabbed her face with it. "I don't mean to cry, but I still remember everything about her and the way things used to be. I've watched you grow up, all these years, and I've hoped that you could do this someday. And now here you are, looking like the baroness you should be. Just look in the mirror. See for yourself how perfect you are."
I turned around to look in the mirror of the vanity, staring at a quite different reflection than the one that usually greeted me. I stared at myself for the longest time, not knowing what to think. I wasn't sure how much I really looked like my mother. I had her nose, and perhaps her smile. But unlike her beautiful face, mine was nothing special, I thought. Mother had been so radiant, but I could not see the same radiance in the mirror. I wasn't disappointed though, because beauty wasn't nearly as important to me as my wits. I was wise now, which put me ahead of Amerisia and Cyala. It was brains that I needed to win my freedom more than anything else.
However, as I finished my final preparations for the plan, I began to understand why Amerisia and Cyala had been so nervous. My fate might be riding on how noble I appeared to be, and a good appearance would play a critical role. Although I had no intention of getting anyone to marry me, I wanted to show the world that no one defeated Chryseis of Llyr.
Hurrying down the stairs, I approached the front door. Eidyia followed me, stopping suddenly when we reached the bottom. "Oh Chryseis!" she exclaimed suddenly. "I've just thought of something. You have no coach! How will we get you to Calaris?" I frowned, for I hadn't thought about that. However, I refused to let anything deter me now. My freedom was too close to let little details like this get in the way.
"That doesn't matter. I'll just take one of the horses. I can ride," I argued, heading towards the doors to go to the stables.
Eidyia put her hands on her hips and gave me a reproving look. "Ride? In that dress?! Chryseis dear, you can't ride in this dress," she explained. I looked down at it. It would be rather difficult to get all this up on a horse. And if it got muddy, it would look awful. I frowned, but then shook my head.
"I have to try," I told her, heading out the door. "Thank you for all your help, for everything. I will do my best to carry out the plan.
"Your mother and father are watching over you," she called after me. "Everything is up to you now. Fortune be with you!" I went quickly to the barn and saddled a horse. The silver steed was swift and faithful, and waited patiently as I put on a saddle that would allow me to ride side-saddle. Then, I mounted the horse and was off, praying that my jewels and hair would stay in place.
I took off, riding through the countryside. When I came to the forest, I rode right through, that being the quickest way to the castle where the ball was being held. Slowing my speed, the horse continued on, going over fallen logs and around the trees. I could have gone faster, but I had to avoid any obstacles that might tear at my dress or get me dirty. I would not be too late; indeed I would be almost on time since I was not arriving early like many other girls. Fashionably late, I thought, remembering Eidyia's saying.
Suddenly, I heard a voice come out of nowhere. "Well, if you aren't a comical sight? What in the name of Saint Andrinus are you doing riding a horse in that kind of an outfit?" A fairy in a dark green dress appeared out of nowhere, flying along with my horse as I raced on to the castle.
"I'm on my way to a ball, so if you'll excuse me," I snapped, recognizing her at once. Racing on, I realized that she was going to keep flying along with me.
"Ahh. How wonderful I suppose you expect the prince to fall instantly in love with you..." she sneered.
"Actually no," I replied. "The only thing I want is my land back. I'm just trying to fix what YOU ruined."
"Oh," she said, her tone changing. "And how did I ruin this little life of yours?"
"You cursed Ariela and she married my father. Now, Ariela has stolen all of what is rightfully mine. And I intend to reclaim it." The fairy in the green dress appeared to think on it for a moment before replying.
"Well, since I did make that mistake, I will do you one favor. But only one, and don't tell anyone that I'm giving out favors. And don't expect any more! I'm not your fairy godmother, you know." She snapped her fingers, and suddenly, I was in a richly decorated coach. Looking around in amazement, my jaw dropped. The fairy woman was sitting next to me, explaining. "Look, you can use this carriage. Wherever you go, it shall only take you a minute to get there. Just don't tell anyone else about this little favor, or it will be a normal carriage. Consider us on even ground, Chryseis Annorise deLlyr. Or should I say, Cyn-Dyrela." With another snap, she disappeared from my sight and we pulled up at the palace. I opened the door and stepped out, assisted by a palace footman. Careful not to step on my skirt, I made my way up the marble steps of the castle.
I approached the entrance, absorbing everything I saw. It looked very much like I thought it would, with large halls, red and gold carpets, suits of armor in the corridors, and tall towers perfect for a fairy tale setting. As I approached the main ballroom, a foolish picture entered my head. I pictured a girl walking in and going down the staircase, and all attention turned to her, and the prince would ask her to dance. I smiled when I then thought of the girl tripping on her train and tumbling all the way down. That last bit was probably the most realistic, I reflected. I made my way into the ballroom, pushing through the doors into a whole new world.
