roses of glass { sabo | 1 }

Chapter Twenty

Arabella pov

The package laid on my bed. With how the object inside was making the package and tape bulge, it almost seemed to be begging to be unwrapped. After grabbing the scissors I cut at the seam and unwrapped the thing awaiting inside.

My eyes widened at what was inside.

'They...they sent me this? This isn't mine.'

Dropping to the floor was a folded piece of paper: a note. I place the opened package to the side and picked it up from the floor. Unfolding the paper, I instantly recognise my Mother's handwriting.

My Dearest Arabella,

I hear that the Academy is hosting a ball. Some of the ball gowns you own appear to be slightly out of fashion. I've taken the liberty to loan you one of my gowns. This gown was from when I was your age - it should fit like a glove for you.

Do not worry about returning this to me. I have no use for this dress anymore.

Remember to practice your ballet. You will need to be in fine form for when you are a real assassin.

With a Warm and Loving Heart, your Mother.

My eyes ogled at the full body of the dress. Never could I ever imagine my own Mother in such a dress. It was backless silver mermaid styled gown with sparkles dotted throughout with spaghetti straps. I held it against my body and stared at myself in the mirror. Staring back at me, was a completely different girl than to what I knew.

'It's so beautiful...I do vaguely remember this dress hiding in the back of her closet. Mother described it as one of her early gowns before she had married Father. As a little girl I always wanted to wear it and now I have the time and place to.'

I hung the dress on a coat hanger and stored it in my closet. I am lucky enough for my Mother to send me a dress for me to wear to the ball. She always enjoyed elegant social functions. My Mother was the main drive behind myself and Valkiria attending many functions like dinner parties or a ball. She believed it was to create networks with people so that our family remains strong. My Father on the other hand detested against such affairs. He is focused solely on the battlefield and quests, rather than the importance of powerful social circles with others. Then again, Father isn't the most warmest person with other people. He is a very closed man.

But for once, I feel giddy. I feel excited about this event. The butterflies in my stomach flapped viciously in tune with my heartbeat. The sensations simply connected to one man only.

'Sabo will see me in this dress.'

Ideas flood inside my head as I cleaned my room. Sabo and I have grown incredibly close over the past couple of months. It is simply undeniable now that my heart has been captured by him. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be as emotive as I have been for the past couple of months. Expressing myself like this has been slightly scary at times, yet it has also made me feel more connected to others. I feel okay to say how I feel and think without worrying about if it is the right thing to do.

'It may be selfish...but it makes me happy.'

•••

"I understand that everyone is eager to leave early to get ready for the ball tonight, but I do ask everyone to pay attention." Ms Nico says during history.