A Ball Beyond Time, neuvillette

A Ball Beyond Time

The bumpy ride over did nothing to calm your nerves. This was your debut out into the ton, the society of Fontaine, and no matter how much you prepared for this moment you still felt faint from the nerves.

"Ma, maybe this is a bad idea. I don't think I'm quite ready for this yet."

"Nonsense my dear you have prepared since birth for this moment. You will go to this ball and dance with probable suitors. Plus this is the first ball of the season. Missing this, well, you may as well wait till next season or become a spinstress." Mother was always a bit much. Since the day you could walk and talk she had started you in classes even though the teachers told her to wait a few more years. Yet she was ready to get you wed and out of the house like you were a prized calf at auction.

Yet even with all the training and pressure of your mother, this day was still as nerve-wracking as ever. Don't even start with the carriage, why was it so bumpy? You definitely felt you may become sick. Yep definitely gonna be sick.

"Stop the carriage!!" you yell as the horsemen yell to slow the horses, and you burst through the doors, fancy attire and all. Luckily, the side of the road had bushes, so it was easier to cover the contents of your empty stomach.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Mother bursts from the carriage, coming only a few steps behind, avoiding helping you at all costs as that's a nanny's or maid's job and not hers. "There are people of the ton going past us, and they will see this fit. Now gather yourself and get back into the carriage."

Yes, there were carriages going past you while your face was in a bush as you spit up the last of whatever was left in your stomach. You turn to look at her "Mother I told you I wasn't ready to debut in the ton. I understand that you have prepared me for this but I'm still younger than the others debuting this season by a few years."

Mother huffs as she looks around her to make sure no one can hear. "We are in debt child and you will do as you are told. You will debut this season and you will marry or next year you will be arranged into a family I see fit or go to the streets so now. Fix yourself and get back in the carriage." She turns and with her head held high glides back to the carriage.

Sighing and looking at your feet you slowly make your way back into the bumpy carriage hoping the ride will soon be over. Which luckily for your case it was.

After about three minutes you finally make it to the front of a palace. The place was huge and you were sure this was the main palace for Fontaine. Queen Furina was known to throw the first ball of the season but sometimes she was willing to allow the Monsieur's house to hold the first ball. This year however it was at the queen's palace.

The carriage comes to a halt in front of the palace's front entrance. " Don't gawk child. We don't want people to think we are below the ton." Mother's door opens as she takes the footman's hand and exits the carriage as your door opens. You take your footman's hand and exit.

You don't think you have ever seen something so beautiful in all your life. It looked similar to the Palais Mermonia from the heart of the city but you were pretty sure the Queen's palace was twice the size.

Your mother clearing her throat causes you to snap back to reality as she stands by your side. Taking a deep breath you both walk through the palace door through the palace to the line of ladies and gentlemen ready to be announced to the ton. You were pretty sure you were at the back of the line as no one else came in after you. Mother however seemed pleased by this.

"For once, your fits worked in our favor child."

"How so mother?"

"There is not a soul behind us." We walked forward, "Which means not only are you being announced to the ton, you will be announced to its entirety."