My Secret Journal

Chapter 2

"Do I actually have to go to this ball? It's basically a stupid party for Prince Gibson to look at the prettiest girls and princesses around and pick his bride," Malina questioned as Guinevere pushed her into the dress shop.

"Pick his bride? He could pick you as the lucky girl, and you'll be the next heir to the throne!" Guinevere exclaimed.

"But the only thing the Queen seems to do is sit around on her throne and look pretty all day. Besides, I don't want to marry someone only because they're rich and have a nice place. If I ever marry, I want him to be beautiful on the inside and love me for who I am," Malina said.

"Well, sorry, but it said in the announcement that every young woman must attend in a fancy gown," Guinevere apologized.

"Next customers, please," the owner of the shop called out. Guinevere pushed Malina up to the pedestal where they took the measurements.

"Please don't make me one of those dresses that are so tight that I can barely breathe and avoid the color pink," Malina requested as the woman began to take her measurements.

"Well, then what color would you like?" the seamstress asked after she took all the measurements.

"Dark blue." Malina then handed a list of requests to the seamstress and then left the shop with her cousin. "I hope that they pay attention to my wish list of not having my dress be too frilly, lacy, or tight," Malina explained on the way home.

"Well, my seamstress said that she has never had a customer as perfect as me. Perfect waist, 24 inches, to be precise. I also asked for the girliest dress they could make," Guinevere bragged.

"I don't understand it; why couldn't you have taken me to a dress shop that makes dresses with realistic waistlines, and all of your requests are granted?"

"This dress is for a royal ball where we must look our absolute best."

"But they're trying to make me not who I am."

"It's okay, Lina. Everything will turn out okay at the ball. I'll even let you bring Matthew along," Guinevere said, believing Malina might have a better time at the event if her other friend was there.

"I'll go, but I'm most likely just going to be sitting at our table with Matthew while watching the clock."

"Can I at least give you some dancing lessons just in case you need to dance?"

Malina nodded.