Chained Lanterns

Chapter two🐾

    Alice was down in the kitchen assisting the servants with food and bringing it up to the ballroom, in which a party was being hosted in tonight for the main point of having Alice find a suitor, which was the main reason she wasn't looking forward to the ball.
    She placed a silver round tray on the long wooden tables, which held all the foods and drinks. She looked at the setup with a satisfied smile, rubbing her hands together. Her gaze shifted over to the raspberry fig tarts, and she heard her stomach growl.
    ¨mhmmm.....I'm sure they wouldn't mind if I took one...¨ she mumbled to herself, glancing around before reaching over to grab one. She flinched when she suddenly heard one of the maids call her name, and she quickly turned away from the food.
¨You better not be trying to sneak some food, the ball hasnt even started...dear you aren't even ready!¨ Emmaline spoke, approaching the young girl. She let out a sigh. ¨My my..you were suppose to be getting ready, not helping the servants!¨ she said as she grabbed Alices wrist and dragged her along to the room. ¨You at least picked out the dress, right?'
Alice was barely given a chance to speak. ¨God, your acting like my mother¨ she claimed, giving a nod. ¨but yes, I picked out the dress¨ she said.
¨Good good¨
They walked into Alices bedroom and Emmaline closed the large door that had eccentric detailing. Alice went and grabbed the forest green dress that had gold accents and stitching, changing into the silky dress while Emmaline grabbed the gold stained glass corset that was mostly worn for special events, like this party for one. She also grabbed accessories, like the gold brass choker that had a emerald dangling in the center, and some gold chains.
    Emmaline came over, placing the items on the vanity. She kept the corset in hand though, turning to Alice to help her tie up the dress and get the corset on. Emmaline stepped back once she was done, speaking. ¨turn around¨ she said, in which Alice did.
    Emmaline stood there for a few seconds, before giving a small nod. ¨alright, now go along. I believe the ball is starting and you have to greet the guests¨ she said, ushering Alice along.

    ¨Is'nt that the queen and kings job?¨ Alice said with a hint of annoyance.
    ¨Your the queens daughter¨
    ¨Yes, but I'm not the queen yet¨
    ¨Oh shush, just do as your suppose to. You know our customs" Emmaline finally said, before waving goodbye to go off and to her orders.

    Alice could hear the faint music coming down from the ballroom. She let out a sigh, taking a glance at herself in the mirror and looking at her crown with a small frown. She turned away, walking out the door and heading through the castle halls.
    Alice came to a stop once she got to the grand entrance of the ballroom, She scanned the room, seeing if she could spot her mother, which she didnt. She then turned her gaze.
    She watched as the guests arrived, all adorned in riches.
¨surely my mother wont notice...¨ she muttered, about to make her way into the ballroom rather then greeting the guests, though she flinched when she noticed her mother coming over to her.
    ¨Sweetling, what do you think you doing? People are still arriving. Didnt Emmaline make it clear that your suppose to stand there and greet them?¨ the queen spoke.
    ¨Yes, yes she did mother..¨ Alice said.
    ¨Alright, then do so¨
    ¨Yes mother¨ she nodded to show she understood.