The Sacrifice

Chapter 14: Shall We Dance, Darling

*Ashley’s POV*

These past couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster. I have been busy working on several different things and now I was trying to finally relax. I had planned so much these past couple of days my head was hurting. I did get to surprise Dean though on his birthday and we had a small party for Sherlock on his birthday that literally, all I wanted to do was sleep but still, no such luck. I was reading some of the new books I had recently gotten when I heard the flat door open, thinking it was with Konnie, Stormy or one of the angels since it was still too early for John or Sherlock to be home but instead, I am greeted by a slightly older man who bows respectfully at me. “I am looking for the occupants of 221B Baker Street. Do you happen to be an occupant of this address?” He inquires as I nod and he hands me three thick looking envelopes, bowing once more and leaving as he bid good day to me. There was one addressed to me and I was puzzled, who would be sending me mail now seeing how I do not really talk to anyone from home. I open the envelope and I am greeted with beautiful handwriting.

You Are Cordially Invited To A Masquerade Ball In Honor of The Queen of England

February 14th, 2015 at 8pm in Buckingham Palace

The Attire Is Black, White and Red In Honor of St. Valentine’s Day

Please RSVP By February 6th to ensure you are on the Guest List

This seemed also too good to be true, I knew that Sherlock knew the Queen but this was just a surprise to me that I was invited as well. I know that I was living here as well but does the Queen even want someone like me there? I let that thought slip away from me as I reread the beautiful note and decided to ask my guardians what the plan was. I sent a text to Sherlock, knowing that he intends on going to keep his appearances. The response was that of RSVP for all of us and to make sure that Dean knows that we are going to be busy that night.

This should be fun because I do not have any kind of formal wear. I replied to the text with my problem at hand before I hear a knock on our door again and I am greeted by Nana Hudson. “Hello Nana, John or Sherlock isn’t here right now, are you needing something?” I ask as he smiles and tells me that we are going shopping for the dress. I try to tell her that I don’t want to go today but she grabs my hand, a black credit card with Sherlock’s name on it and then leads me out the door. Great, this is going to be a long day and it has just started.

 *Day of the Ball*

I was sitting on the side of the bed, not ready for tonight. Nana went to make us some tea while I did what I needed to do such as give Stormy’s her clue from Jack and then text Harlow when she texted me first. I was nervous because I knew how to dance but tonight, I would be dancing with several partners I guess. I was not ready for any of this, I was not ready to meet strangers anymore, I just want to stay home with John and Sherlock. I hear the door close and realize that they are back from their case but before I can run down to see them, I hear Nana telling them that I am not to be seen yet. I am not a bride and they agree to it as they go to get ready. She comes up and smiles after she sets down the mugs and starts to work on my hair.

“Nana, I am nervous…What if I step on someone’s feet?” I ask as she braids my hair and then puts it into a beautiful updo. “Ashley, let the man lead you and you will do fine. Just smile, remember to greet them and you will do great. Besides, if you think that you aren’t supposed to be there, then why did the Queen invite you?” She smiles before spraying my hair with hairspray. “Maybe out of sympathy since I am kind of crashing with John and Sherlock.” I mumble as she smiles and looks me in the eye through my mirror. “Ashley, she sees something in you and you just don’t realize how special you are. Just smile and be yourself.” Nana says as I nod and she helps me up to put on my dress. She is like my fairy Godmother and in this case, without her, I would be hopelessly lost tonight.