The Rebel & The Guard

Dreams & Wishes

I sat on my vanity, with my hair in clips, and Jade and Briar pampering my face with various powders. Briar swept a brush on my eyelid painting it with a natural brown and hints of blush pink.

The mark of the slap given to me two days ago, was barely noticeable and didn't ache as much.

I kept on glancing to my right studying the sage-green strapless dress hanging from the armoire wardrobe doors. The thought of my hair pulled up, exposing my shoulders, as my breathing was taken away by wearing the dress, made me flinch.

Briar caught me eyeing my dress, "Do not worry, we plan on having your hair down this evening." She spoke reassuringly while turning my face away from the dress.

I allowed for them to continue preparing me, without any interruptions until it was time to start dressing.

I stood looking at my reflection, turning my head to the side to be able to see my hairstyle. It was curled and arranged into a braid crown going across, truly highlighting the honey brown streaks of my hair.

I let out a breath turning my attention to Briar who was holding my dress and Jade who was holding a shoe box.

"So, what painful high heels will I be wearing this evening."

They both smiled, as Jade opened the box taking out a pair of grey velvet flats, with ribbon to tie them.

I was left speechless, starring at the shoes, that looked comfortable; not something my mother would have sent for me to wear, especially for a ball.

"Are you positive those, are for this evening?" I spoke still stunned.

"Positive, your mother showed them to us and approved for you to wear this evening." Jade replied, grinning.

There was a subtle knock on the door before it opened to my mother walking in, wearing a velvet green dress with long sleeves and a skirt cape.

"Good evening ladies." She greeted waving off Briar and Jade. They walked away outside the bedroom.

"I am here simply to tell you that, your brother Anthony will not be your escort for tonight's ball."

I blinked in confusion, and curiosity,

"Your father and I have arranged for the Duke of Lasening to be your escort for the ball. Which is the reason why this evening you will not be wearing high heels. The duke is rather short, and we cannot have you wearing heels and appear taller than him."

I bit the inside of my cheek, trying my hardest to hold in the laugh I wanted so badly to let out. The laugh I may have been able to hold but, I could not help but let out a short grin, nodding saying I understood.

She grinned and walked out, allowing for Briar and Jade to walk back in.

The thought of me dancing and being escorted by someone shorter than me amused me, especially the fact that I was forbidden from wearing heels this evening due to height.

Briar and Jade assisted me in putting on the dress, thankfully Briar made sure not to tie it to tight so I would still be able to breath semi normally. The flats fit like a glove, they were incredibly comfortable, and for the first time I was grateful for having an escort and for his height.

Jade sprayed on some Jasmine scent mixed with apple. I took a look at the clock and started heading downstairs to the foyer.

Anthony was already waiting wearing a cadet blue suit, along with mother and father. A maid walked over to us informing us the cars were ready.

Anthony and I shared a car, as mother and father shared the other car, both going to the same destination.

The ride was smooth, though I paid barely any attention to it, due to me being mesmerized by the looks of the city buildings that we passed on the way to the ballroom.