𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 - 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘧𝘰𝘺 (𝘯𝘦𝘦́ 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬)

𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙞𝙚

"It doesn't fit anymore.."

She grabbed her expanding waist, twisting and turning to view her body in the floor- length mirror. She analysed herself painfully before turning to the dressmaker,
"No no.. We just need to take it out a bit! You look fine, dear.. A couple of pounds won't affect much."
The dressmaker's words felt empty, bruising her self- esteem further.

Her once perfect body was now ruined in her eyes, believing it was down to her lack of self control from the festive season. During the two week period, she feasted on sweets and luxuries without a care in the world but now it reflected on her now podgy arms and stomach.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, Eudoria."
Narcissa always made her feel better about herself but even so, she could see the damage done already.
Eudoria smiled at her and looked back at herself more positively in the mirror.
She dawned a dark green ball gown, laced with black embroidery to symbolise her family heritage. It matched her family's crest and at the ball it would show the guests her status and power.
Her shoes lay in a box on the velvet chair to the right of her. They matched her dress but it was a shame, she thought, that they would never be fully seen due to her vast mountain of fabric that her dress dawned.

She shifted her hair to her shoulder and positioned it to be like what it would be on the night. She sucked in her stomach to help the dress look less tight and to flatten out her weight gain.

"No. No. Stop doing that, darling.."
Narcissa came over to her and placed her hand in Eudoria's.
"You don't need to do that, you are perfect just the way you are.."
Eudoria breathed out, filling the dress to the original form.

"I've brought you this."
Narcissa came into her room later that night, seeing a disheartened Eudoria.
"Your weight doesn't determine your worth, darling.."
As if their thoughts were connected, Narcissa managed to read exactly what Eudoria was thinking.
She placed the box on the chair and came to sit by her lover.
"We've all been there before, my dear.. I was like you too.."
Eudoria sniffled, quietly whilst Narcissa put her hands on hers.
"But you're more beautiful than me! How can I ever live up to those standards!"
Narcissa hushed her and held Eudoria's chin, facing it to hers.
"I don't want you ever saying that ever again.. You are beautiful and don't you ever think anything different.."
Eudoria smiled at her, placing a hard kiss on her lips.
"Y'know, I'll miss you.. How ever will I survive 8 weeks without your sensitive touch?"
Narcissa giggled and placed Eudoria's hand into hers, interlocking them tightly.

"What's this song you're playing, dear?"
She looked over to the record player sat on her chest of drawers, softly playing music whilst the vinyl spun slowly in motion.
"Asleep- I mean, it's called Asleep. By The Smiths?"
Narcissa looked back at Eudoria, squeezing her hand and smiling at her.
"I believe I am in need of a dance.. Might as well practice before the ball!"
She took Eudoria by the hand and placed her other hand on her lover's waist.
Taking her by the hand, they began to waltz slowly and intimately around her bed.
"One step.. And the next step. Wow.. you are a natural!"

They held each other close as if they were parting forever, not just a mere 8 weeks. Eudoria wanted to hold on forever, resisting them parting.
This was the first time since they revealed their feelings that they would have to part. She held her lover close, swaying side to side as the music played on.

Breakfast the next day was a tense affair. Her bowl lay half empty and the growling of her stomach grew. Despite her intense hunger, she stopped herself from eating more than a few morsels, scared to gain even more weight.
"Darling, you need to eat more.. You have a big journey ahead of you and you need your energy."
Narcissa encouraged her to eat but she didn't listen.
"I believe it's good that she's got a bit more self control.. I mean she has been looking bigger than usual and we can't have her looking like that at the ball!"
Lucius chuckled, expecting a response but no one else laughed with him.
Eudoria's head sank and his words pierced her self esteem like knives.
"You bastard!"