Lead With Me

21

Days go by and the ball is tonight. So the palace was frantic with placements of flowers and tables, food and outfits. The invitations were sent out a days ago to all the princesses and princes, lords and ladies. The Queen and King had a difficult decision to make regarding their gowns. Who knew they would have such a hard time?

Meredith was able to find something suitable for herself with the help of the Queen. Their outfits were stunning if Madelyn would say so herself. The Prince wore something equally as dashing as his father. 

As for Madelyn, her maid found something that equally flattering and one that fit her figure nicely. It had to be perfect, the Queen said earlier that morning since they would be announcing their engagement tonight. 

"Ugh, Amelia..." Madelyn said as the maid, Amelia tugged on her corset to tighten it. Pulling on it with such force, she used her foot to make it tight. For a tiny woman, she was sure strong. 

Amelia huffed, "Sorry Miss Madelyn, I must get it tight otherwise it will slip." She apologized, still tugging.

Madelyn's hand landed on her chest as she tried to breath through the pulls. It was definitely restricting. How does one breath in such a garment. Finally the pulling stopped. "There. How is that?" 

"Restricting.." Madelyn groaned, facing Amelia now. The redhead laughed softly before finishing her underpiece on, tossing it over her head and fixated on her waist. The dress that was chosen was a lavender colour. It matched the purple hairpiece that was going in her hair.

An half up half down hairstyle and light makeup was requested seeing as she didn't like makeup to begin with. It made her look pale.

"Amelia?"

"Yes, Miss Madelyn?" She said, fixing Madelyn's hair a bit so it looks a bit better.

Madelyn and Amelia had become closer since her first time here. She was always there when Madelyn had trouble with the royal protocols and sometimes Madelyn's life was indebted to Amelia's because of how much help she was. She was kind and sweet, compassionate and smart. Very beautiful and elegant. 

"I just want to say thank you." Madelyn spoke, turning around so she could face her properly. 

Amelia blushed and curtsied, "you're welcome, Miss Madelyn. I just want to say you're the first person to ever thank me."

Though it was very likely, it was still shocking. Surely Riley or his parents has given their servants their gratitude. Perhaps she could be wrong. Either way, Madelyn was always raised to be kind no matter what.

"Really? Has no one ever said it?" She shook her head and Madelyn put her hand on her shoulder. "Well, you're to get one everyday now so thank you." Madelyn smiled.

"Shall we finish, ma'am?" Amelia asked, referring to the dress. Madelyn nodded, standing up from the chair again throwing her arms up.

There was a knock on the door, "Enter." She said, and it opened to reveal her mother. She had her dress halfway on when she came over to see her with a smile.

"Thank you Amelia, I've told the King and Queen that you are relieved of your duties for the night per Madelyn's request, join the party with everyone." Meredith spoke with a smile, that's when Amelia's face lit up.

"Really? Thank you ma'am. Thank you." She bowed a couple of times before leaving the room. She seemed so happy to be joining the festivities. It made Madelyn happy.

Meredith helped finish putting on Madelyn's dress and fastening it up in the back quickly before stepping back, that's when Madelyn took a small spin. "You look beautiful, my dear."

"You think? I can hardly breath in the corset as it is. Is that necessary?" Madelyn started to complain once again about the level of breathability in the corset. It was something she wish she could get used to but it was extremely tight. How does one eat food in this garment? Or do they just starve the entire night? One thing is for sure is that Madelyn is a lover of food, she can't resist good food.

"You will be fine, just take small breaths." Meredith reassured her, Madelyn following her instructions.

She paused and looked at her mother, suspiciously, "You seem to know a lot about corsets, mother but I have never seen you wear one."

Meredith chuckled and started fixing her hair a bit more, not even answering her daughter. "Are you excited? Nervous?"

"Can I say both?" Madelyn suggested, her palms now getting sweaty from the conversation alone.

Meredith laughed once again and pets her daughter's hair, "You will be fine, my love. Just remember your training, and everything will work out well. The Queen said we will join them after the announcement, so we will be on the floor for now with everyone."

Madelyn breath out and nods her head. Clearly she wasn't thinking right but it had to be done. It was time to get this over with.

"Let's go, we will go outside so we don't draw too much attention to ourselves." Meredith said, Madelyn grateful for the idea. Lifting up her dress and finding her shoes to put on, then heading outside of the room to leave the castle and walk around to the entrance that wasn't that far away. It was raining now so they did their best not to get wet.

Once the guards allowed them to enter without problems, the announcer announced their presence. "Miss Madelyn and Meredith Pawns." Madelyn curtsied to everyone and continued to hold onto her dress as she walked down the stairs to meet everyone. Thankfully, she didn't gain too much attention.

Madelyn's eyes went up to the Rupert and Mildred, who were sitting and Riley, who was stand next to his father. Daniel was next to him and their eyes were on the two women when their names were announced.

They tried to not make it obvious and curtsied, they responded with a small smile and a nod of their head.

The grand ballroom, resplendent in its opulence, transported its guests to a realm of lavishness and refinement. As one stepped through the towering double doors, the room unfolded like a shimmering treasure trove, bathed in the warm glow of countless chandeliers. The ceiling, adorned with intricate gold filigree, seemed to touch the heavens, while large crystal prisms dangled elegantly, casting fragments of light across the expanse.

The walls, draped in sumptuous silver damask, exuded an air of regality. Embossed golden patterns, reminiscent of delicate vines and blooming flowers, wove their way along the fabric, adding a touch of enchantment to the already enchanting atmosphere. Mirrored panels interspersed between the drapes reflected the room's grandeur from every angle, creating a dazzling play of light and space.

The polished marble floor, gleaming like a frozen lake under the soft illumination, invited guests to glide with grace and poise. Intricate patterns of gold and silver filigree gracefully intertwined, forming a tapestry of elegance underfoot.

Along the periphery of the ballroom, tall gilded pillars stood as guardians of the room's resplendent beauty. Each pillar was adorned with delicate carvings depicting scenes of myth and legend, their golden sheen reflecting the magnificence of the room. In between, cascading curtains of silver and gold fabric billowed, creating intimate alcoves where guests could find respite from the swirling dances and engage in whispered conversations.

The pièce de résistance, however, was the stage, situated at the far end of the ballroom. An ornate proscenium, framed by intricate golden flourishes, formed the backdrop for a live orchestra, their instruments gilded in gold and silver. The musicians, dressed in resplendent attire, filled the air with melodic harmonies, providing a symphonic soundtrack for the night's festivities.

It was truly a sight to see from just a commoner and her mother. And it was all because of her.

~