The Dragon Bond

Chapter 19

For the first time when Ariana looked in the mirror, she didn't see a young, innocent, unknowing girl staring back at her. Instead she was this confident, strong, determined young woman. It was strange how much a person could change in such a short amount of time.

Her maids had really outdone themselves. Ariana was practically glowing with beauty and confidence. Her makeup was astounding, making her skin look soft and flawless. Her nails were filth free and trimmed. Her blond hair was pulled up with strands of curls falling in the right places. The best part of all was the dress. The color was an emerald green that brought out the green in her eyes. The waist of the dress was slimming while the skirt flared out around her. 

Never before had she seen nor worn a gown so elegant and beautiful. She spun around a few times, watching as the skirt of the dress flowed around her. Her maids were awestricken and clearly proud of their work.

"It's breathtaking," Ariana commented. "You've outdone yourselves, really!" 

"We're so thrilled you love it!" Alexia exclaimed, bursting with happiness. 

"You two have to come!" Ariana said, suddenly determined for them to go to their first ball with her. She did not care if they were maids and forbidden to attend. If anyone opposed, Ariana would use what power she did have over them. After all, she was a special guest of the king, surely that had to mean something.

"Don't be ridiculous," Lizabeth said, "We already discussed this."

Ariana shook her head. "Live a little, Lizabeth! Come on, no one will know, you can just enter beside me. As my special guests."

"What about Jordan, he'll know," Alexia countered.

"Don't worry about him," Ariana said. "Everything will be fine."

"You're forgetting one thing," Lizabeth said, always the voice of reason. "We don't have dresses."

Alexia's excitement faded just as quickly as it had appeared. "No, but I do. You can wear mine. They may not fit perfectly, but we are close enough in size that it will work. And if need be, you have an hour to hem the dresses and tailor them to your liking."

This time both maids were at a loss for words. 

"Are you really being serious?" Alexia asked quietly, as if afraid of the answer. "Do you really think we could pull it off?"

"I know we can," Ariana answered confidently. "Now what are you waiting for, get to work!"

For the second time, both maids hugged her, practically squeezing the breath from her lungs. "Don't mess my hair up!" She giggled, excited that her maids would be joining her tonight. 

Within the hour both of Ariana's maids were dressed and ready for their first ball. Neither of them had time to bathe, but they had done their hair and makeup so fast that it was not even noticeable. Both of them looked stunning and Ariana felt as if she were truly seeing them for the first time, they looked so different.

"You two look so beautiful! Who would even think you would be anything less than noble?"

They smiled. "Thank you, my Lady. We're thrilled and cannot thank you enough for all of your generosity."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Ariana replied. "Having my two best friends at my sides as I enter. It's going to be a wonderful night."

They all laughed excitedly as they made their way out of the room and down the stairs. Guests were already pouring through the front entrance of the castle and being escorted to the ballroom.