Hello people! Sorry, usually I am better at updating. But it's the end of the school year, so we have projects and such going on. I can't wait for it to be over! Is anyone out of school yet? Luckies! Anyway, you didn't come here to talk about school.
"Princess Annabeth, breakfast will be served soon," says my butler, Likker. I hear his footsteps walk away from my door and I groan. After last night, I rode around a while before coming back to the castle. I am tired, sore, and grumpy from it. But I throw a gown on, run a brush through my hair, and step outside my personal chambers. My nursemaid, who's been here since I was 3 and is more like a grandmother to me, spots me and steers me back into the bedchamber. She brushes my hair completely, fixes my gown, and makes me look lively and happy while she chatters on about who know what. Then she spanks me lightly and sends me off.
"Annabeth, dear, come sit by me. I have something to tell you."
'Uh-oh,' I think to myself, heading up to where Mother sits.
"I have a surprise for you!" Mother beams as I slid into my seat. "Tonight, we will have a ball in your honour. We have invited all eligible bachelors and you will pick a few to court!" Mother smiles bigger, as if she's just told me that I wasn't a princess anymore. That would make me beam.
"Really?" I gasp
"Yes, darling! Oh, I knew you would be delighted! Now, go sit down and eat." She whispers the last part so the Council members milling around don't hear. I head back to my seat, numb.
The rest of the morning and afternoon are filled with primping and last minute lessons. Dressmakers pour through, as do hairdressers. They argue about what to do until Mother steps in.
"I want her in a gray gown to match her eyes. Any color added to her face will be simple. Hairstyle will also be simple. I want her to look as if she's naturally beautiful."
"She is," whispers a plump dressmaker, and I shoot her a grateful look.
Half hour before the ball starts, the same plump dressmaker pushes me in front of the mirror. I take in myself:
I am wearing a gray gown, with a part of the skirt pulled up to reveal black underskirt. The bodice is simple and strapless, looking like a single piece of fabric wrapped around. My hair is simple down, it's natural curls showing. I have pink lips and cheeks, and my eyelids have been brushed with gray, accenting my eyes.
Mother walks in, looks at me, and smiles. It isn't one of those fake beams she sends me, or a 'I'm-the-queen-don't-argue-with-me-now' smile I get in front of people. It's a genuine, happy smile. She walks closer and puts her hand on my shoulder, leans in close, and whispers in my ear:
"You look dazzling. Sometimes I forget how beautiful or powerful you are. I know this isn't what you want and I'm sorry, and I hope one day you'll forgive me and be happy." As soon as she finishes, she walks up and leaves. Tears spring to my eyes. For a few seconds, I had a mom. Then Likker leads me out into the hall and stations me in front of the double door leading to the ballroom."
Sorry, I know it's short! Please review and tell me what you think!