((A/N: Yes yes I know that took forever! I'm sooo sorry! Please don't hate me! But here you go!))
Alex stepped into her room. She closed the door silently behind her and leaned against it, smiling. She sighed dreamily and slid down to sit on the floor. Bringing her fingers to her lips she blushed as she thought about what just happened only moments ago.
Eponine peeked in from the bathroom. "My lady has enjoyed her walk in the fields and the gardens?"
Alex smiled at her little maid and nodded. Eponine smiled widely at the sight of her Mistress's happiness. "I have your bath ready for you. We must prepare for the ball, Miss!"
'Oh I had almost forgotten!' Alex thought and she stood. She walked over to Eponine...than without warning smiled and picked up the young elf and started dancing about with her, laughing, her eyes shinning with happiness. The little one was almost startled at first found herself laughing too.
After a moment Alex gently put Eponine. "I couldn't help myself..."she explained, her smile still lingering on her lips.
"No need to be sorry, Miss! I love to see you smiling. But come along now, there's much to be done! We only have a few hours."
"Alright." Alex agreed. And the two stepped into the next room where a hot bath waited.
"What fragrance would you like tonight, Miss?"
"Hmm...well what do you think, Eponine?"
"Oh..." Eponine looked at the shelf with the different aroma bath bottles. "Let's see, Roses, Lavender, Cotton blossoms..." Suddenly she smiled and took a small purple bottle from the shelf.
"What's that one, Eponine?"
"My absolute favorite...it's called "Love Spell"."
"'Love Spell', huh?" Alex looked at the little bottle with interest.
"Yes, Miss. Care to try it?"
"Yes, I would. Thank you."
Eponine smiled and with the wave of her tiny hand, dozens of purple candles surrounded the bubble bath, all of them lit. A heavenly aroma began to fill the room.
Alex inhaled deeply and smiled. She quickly unrobed and slid into the hot water. Eponine poured in the scented oils and left to get fresh towels, leaving Alex alone with her thoughts.
'Oh this is wonderful! And the ball will be even better...all the people and dancing and-...hang on...dancing...oh no...'Alex just remembered that she never learned to dance! Not really. She had danced around on her own in her room but only when nobody (especially Jareth) was there to see her stumble! Alex started to panic 'Oh I'm going to make total fool of myself! And in front of the entire court! How am I suppose to go to this thing?!' she thought. Eponine stepped in with some warm fluffy towels humming pleasantly. After a minute she started waltzing around the bathroom lighting more candles. Alex listened quietly. Eponine was humming the same song that her music box on her vanity played.
Eponine paused when she saw the look in her lady's eyes. Her face was overly flushed, not like how it was earlier. "Something vexes thee?" she asked rolling up her sleeves.
"Um...well...you see..." Alex never wanted to admit this "I don't know how to dance...at a ball..."
"Oh is that all?" Eponine took a loofa and kneeled down to move Alex's long hair from her shoulders. Alex turned her back to Eponine "Mm...yes..."
Eponine lathered the loofa and gently scrubbed her lady's shoulders "Not to worry, half the royalties can't dance either..." she rolled her eyes at the thought of the past balls "Mostly they just step on each other."
Alex laughed a little.
"But it really isn't that difficult to dance."
"Eponine...do you think, that..."
"Yes, Miss?"
"...that somebody could teach me before the ball?"
Eponine smiled "Well, elves often have lovely footwork..."
Alex turned to her "You, Eponine?"
The little elve stood and performed a beautiful Arabesque penche and started to dance gracefully around the room ending with a triple pirouette. Alex clapped as she finished. Eponine curtsied "Of course, you will be danceing a little more simple than that. And with a partner..."
"...parnter ?" Alex blushed, at the thought of dancing with a certain goblin king.
"Mama and I can help prepare you for that."
"I'd appreciate that very much, thank you!"
After washing her mistress's hair, Eponine left her to soak a little longer. Alex layed back in the bath feeling much more at ease. She felt lucky to have Eponine as a friend as well as a maid. She always wanted her comfortable and warm, she treated her like a princess. Better than Alex ever thought she should be treated.
"Now you must get out of there, Miss, before you prune!" Eponine held up a warm towel.
Alex took the towel and wrapped it around herself.
"We shall just put on your corset and petticoat on for now. It will be easier to teach you when your not fully dressed." said Eponine.
"Good idea."
Eponine went straight into the bedroom where Alex's undergarments were waiting on the bed. She helped her Lady with her corset. "Breath out, Miss." She said as she pulled the stays tighter.
"Ohh... " Alex groaned as she sucked in her stomache. 'I never thought I'd have to get used to one of these...' she thought.
Careen stepped into the room once Alex had her petticoats on. She was already aware of Alex's need for dancing lessons and was more than willing to help. "Now, waltzing is very simple, Miss Alex. It is especaily easy for women since it is the men's job to lead them." she explained.
"Oh alright..." Alex said, relaxing somewhat.
"Now I will do the gentleman's part. You will hold his hand like this, and hold your skirt with the other...yes thats it! Very good. Now follow my lead...1 2 3...1 2 3..."
Alex looked down at Careen's feet trying to follow along as best she could counting in her head '1 2 3, 1 2 3...'
"Mistress, down look down to the floor..." said Eponine. "A lady must always keep her head held high, remember that at all times." Alex nodded and kept her head up.
Careen started to pick up the pace. 'Uh-oh...' Alex thought. But she actually kept up very well. "Very good!" Careen smiled.
"Wow...I think I'm getting it..."
"You're doing beautifully, Miss!" Eponine clapped her hands.
"This is...actually fun!" Alex smiled.
"As it should be, you should enjoy yourself."said Careen "And if you can do this you can do anything. You are as graceful as any other noble woman."
Alex blushed a little "Oh, thank you, Careen..."
"Oh! We better hurry now...we need to do your hair and dress you." Eponine stood up from her seat on the bed.
"Oh right! There's not a lot of time is there?"
"Only an hour and half before the guests start to arrive..." said Careen.
"Let's get started then..." said Alex.
Eponine walked up to a curtian that was next to Alex's wardrobe. She pulled the cord reveiling Alex's dress. Alex gasped, the dress was a beautful red. It was made of silk, with a full skirt and tight bodice. It was strapless to Alex's surprise and had a lace trim around the bust.
"Oh wow...its beautiful!"
"Hurry, now let's get you dressed... " Careen said.
As they dressed Alex, she noticed to separate pieces. "What are those, Eponine?"
"These go on your arms Miss, like this..." said Eponine and she slipped one of the pieces onto Alex's arm. It was like a lace band and attached to it was sheer shimmering fabric that hung loosely along her arms. Alex then realized that these served as sleeves.
"Oh...I see." Alex than looked in the mirror. This was the most beautiful dress yet! She sat at her vanity and let Eponine style her hair. She curled it and put up half in a twist and let the rest fall on her lady's shoulders. With the wave of her hand, red shimmer eye shadow appeared over her Alex's eyes.
Alex looked into the mirror again and smiled brightly. Eponine was indeed a miracle worker.
"And now the final touch..." said Eponine and held out a red and gold mask on a golden wand. The mask itself had a look of fire. "There you are, Miss"
"Wow! Eponine you never seast to amaze me!" said Alex as she tried on the mask "I look...really nice..." she stood looking at herself in the full length mirror. She twirled around a little.
"Lady Alex you look gorgeous!" said Careen, smiling as well. Then she turned to her daughter "Eponine, love, you better put your dress on...the guests are beginning to arrive."
"Yes Mama! Miss, Alex...when the clock strikes the hour, go to the staircase, just down the hall. His Majesty will be waiting for you there. And he will escort you to the ballroom. I must go and greet the guests."
Alex took Eponine into a tight hug "Alright, thank you so very much! You too Careen, you both have been so kind!"
"It is our pleasure, Miss Alex. We will see you this evening, come, Eponine. Good evening, Miss." With a smile Careen walked out the door, Eponine right behind her.
Alex sighed and sat on her bed. She fiddled with her mask as she waited for the clock to strike the hour. Butterflies started to fill her stomach and a new blush filled her cheeks. Finally she heard the chimes of the clock. Alex inhaled deeply as she stood and headed to the door. "Well...here goes nothing..." she opened the door and made her way to the stairs. Sure enough Jareth was waiting patiently at the foot of the stairs. Alex paused as she saw him. 'Oh my God...' she thought taking in his appearance 'He is sooo incredibly...oh I can't even think of a word for it! Just...incredible...no even that's not strong enough...' Alex stepped into the light, hiding her face with her mask. When Jareth looked up and smiled Alex was sooo happy she had her mask to hide behind...she was sure her face was as red as her dress!
'Now remember, Alex...' she thought to herself as she slowly walked down the marble steps 'Keep it cool...head up...back straight...remember what Careen and Eponine taught you and those dance steps!'
As she made down the stairs Jareth held out his hand to help her down the last few steps. He said planted a kiss on her hand. Alex couldn't help but smile, but it took all her might not to giggle like a ninny!
"Something is...missing..." Jareth said and stepped back, looking at Alex up and down.
"Missing? What...do you mean...y- your Highness?"
"I know..." he said before pulling out a red velvet box.
'Oh...my goodness!'
Jareth held out the box for her and opened it. Inside was a gold necklace with a ruby pendent.
"Oh...My Lord...it's..." Alex was a loss for words.
"It is yours, my lady." Jareth took the jewel from the box and stepped behind her.
"It's breathtaking, my king...I don't know what to say..."
"Then there is no need for words." Jareth placed the necklace around her neck then turned her around gently to face him. "Perfect."
Alex touched her gift lightly, marveling its sparkle. Jareth held out his arm for her "Shall we?"
Alex smiled and slipped her arm through his. They stopped at the doors to the ballroom. Alex could here the music playing inside. "Are you ready?" Jareth asked her. Alex stared at the giant doors, suddenly feeling a panic attack coming on. 'Oh...I can't, I can't I'm not mature enough for this...oh what will I say, what will I do??' all these thoughts jammed into her head.
As if feeling her discomfort, Jareth squeezed her hand reassuringly. "You'll alright" he said. "Nobody in there can harm you."
Feeling slightly calmer, Alex nodded "Yes...I am ready now."
They entered the ballroom where Alex saw many Lords and Ladies already dancing and chatting away. However when they entered the room, all noise was silenced and everyone bowed their heads in respect for the king. 'Wow...so many important people...' Alex thought.
Jareth waved his head for everyone to carry on. He walked Alex through the crowds. She noticed a lot of eyes on her, especially from the men. Alex just kept her head held high like she was told. A small group of young ladies made their way towards them. Alex watched them, staying close to Jareth. After making it across the ballroom to them the girls curtsied, "Your Majesty." They all chimed together.
"Lady Mary, Lady Anne, Lady Jacqueline." Jareth bowed his head slightly "Ladies I would like you to meet, Lady Alex."
"Mamseil..." The three girls bowed their heads. They had been watching since she walked in. They were very curious about this young woman and were very eager to meet her. Alex curtsied, remembering her manners "It's a pleasure to meet you all..."
The girls smiled.
"Jareth!" another voice called coming towards them. Jareth turned to see an all too familiar face, his childhood and best friend, Sir Stephan. "Well old boy," Stephan said now standing next to Jareth "Aren't you going to introduce me to this...ravishing creature?" he said his eyes fixed on Alex. Alex curtsied a bit, feeling rather flattered.
"Well, Stephan I was hoping for her to make it through the evening with her virtue still intact." Jareth said.
"Ohhh!" Anne, Jacqueline and Mary giggled and started fanning themselves. Stephan was a very hansom man and more than a few girls would love to have his attention.
"But I suppose if I must...Alex, this Sir Stephan, an old friend of mine..." said Jareth.
"Very nice to meet you Sir..."
Stephan took her hand and kissed it "The pleasure is all mine, my lady..." he raised his eyebrows suggestively.
'Oh gosh!' Alex thought. She heard the other girls giggling.
"Pay him no mind, Lady Alex, he flirts with everything that moves!" Mary laughed.
"Now, now let's not go on making rude comments, Ladies!" Stephan smiled and he turned back to Alex "Be sure to save a dance for me, Lady Alex..."
Alex nodded "I will, Sir..."
Jareth rolled his eyes at his friend's flirtations, but he knew he was really kind hearted and harmless. He was actually relieved to see Alex settling in so well with everyone. She must have been terrified. But she never backed down. Suddenly a woman walked up to the group.
"Ah...Countess..." said Stephan, who oddly didn't look very excited to see this woman, who, happen to be very beautiful.
"Sir Stephan..." she said in a dismissive voice. Alex looked at the woman, taking her in. She was tall, with long blonde hair, which he wore down. She had pale skin, which looked much paler against the black gown she wore. Her eyes were ice blue and seemed to cut through you with their cold stare.
"Hm..." there was something about this woman Alex didn't like.
She didn't even seemed to notice Alex, her attention was now focused on the king. "Jareth...long time no see..." she said and smiled.
'Not long enough, that's for sure...' Jareth thought. "Alex this is lady Scarlett..."
Alex curtsied politely "Countess..."
"Charmed...I'm sure..." was all she said before turning her attention back to Jareth.
The other three girls looked at the countess strangely. 'I'm not sure I like this person...' Alex thought warily, but managed to smile politely. She looked around and smiled when she saw Eponine coming toward them with a tray of wine goblets. She looked absolutely adorable! Her little maid was all dressed up in a mint green dress with ruffles. "Would my Lords and Ladies care for a drink?" she smiled and held up her tray.
"Why thank you my little lovely!" said Stephan as he took a goblet and slipped Eponine a silver coin. Eponine smiled gratefully. "Lady Alex?" she offered a goblete.
'Hm...wine...oh well, when in Rome...' Alex smiled and took the goblet. "Thank you Eponine."
Eponine turned suddenly and saw the countess, who glares down at her. The little elf shied away and hid behind Jareth. Feeling concerned for her little friend Alex turned her gaze back to the countess, her look not as soft as before.
"Go on, Eponine, I'm sure many others are thirsty..." Jareth said. Eponine nodded and continued on through the crowd. Many of the women she passed by made comments on how sweet and adorable she was.
"Jareth, would you honor me with a dance?" said Countess Scarlett.
'Uh-oh...' thought Alex.
"Oh I'm sorry, countess, but I'm afraid for the time being I have been spoken for..." Jareth said and turned to Alex. She looked up and him, relieved. She may not admit it yet, but she didn't like the thought of her king dancing with that woman. Jareth took her hand and led her out to the floor.
'Ok...here we go, Alex...keep your head up...remember he is leading...'
You could have heard a pin drop in that ballroom as Jareth placed his hand on her waist and held her hand. He nodded for the music to begin...
((A/N: Yes I'm evil to stop here, but I'm soooo tired! Hehe But I promise to update soon. Soooo many stories to update its crazy! Please Review!!!! I love you all!!))
