The Gift of Dreams

chapter II

"Miss Eloise, I'm here to pick you up for the dance!" Greer waited patiently behind the door to Eloise's chambers. Her head was hurting and a faint sense of confusion swept over her. She felt as if there is something she should be remembering, but her frustration only grew as she couldn't place what was wrong.

"I'll be out in a minute, just give me some time." She called out.

Haphzarding a guess, she walked over to her extravagant bed, assuming that there would be an outfit laid out for her. The bed frames reached high to the ceiling and the drapes fluttered in the wind like silk.

Sure enough, atop her quilted blankets laid a gorgeous dress of blue velvet. The bodice was sewn with lace, mesh, and butterflies. Whereas the skirt was pleated and softly swept against the floor as she lifted it to herself. Perfect, just like everything else Ben had made for her.

Stripping to her undergarments, Eloise stepped into the dress and wiggled until the material pulled above her hips. She gasped as it magically moulded to her body, hugging her waist and spilling over her curves. The neckline was modestly created with diamonds and sapphires that delicately wove into the velvet.

Compared with her golden skin, the midnight blue was stark and enhanced her natural beauty. It highlighted the warm undertones of her arms and hair. Which was not as untamed as usual. In fact, her hair looked gorgeous. The waves were well-managed and fell down softly like water.

"Oh, my." She gasped. "Ben has really outdone himself this time." Eloise made a mental note to thank him as they took their first dance.

Her whole pallor had changed, and she was relishing in every second of it. As a child, she had dreams of being claimed as a long lost royal daughter. Of running in the royal gardens of magical realms with the loveliest gowns anyone could ever dream about.

I look just like a princess. She smiled.

Little did she know, dreams weren't always picturesque. And hers was about to become her worst nightmare.

***

Eloise flung her chamber doors open to reveal a startled Greer.

"Oh my Saints. You are stunning." Greer's mouth hung open limply as she took in the details of Eloise's dress. She eventually realised she was staring and regained her composure. "I'm so sorry, miss. I hope you don't mind. My mouth likes to run by itself. Oftentimes I can't keep up with it." Greer flung herself to the tiled floors and clasped her hands, as if in prayer. But Eloise did not have a care in the world. She was in the greatest of moods and only something truly terrible could bring her to unhappiness.

"It's fine Greer. Come, let me help you up." She gently held onto her arm and steered her to her feet. Observing the girl's dress she felt a smile creep over her face. "You look quite lovely yourself. That dress looks so splendid on you."

A blush deep as the reddest of roses spread across Greer's face. "Why thank you. Your kindness is highly understated. Please, allow me to escort you to the gardens."

As the two walked the corridors they passed servants and civilians hurrying back and forth. Cooks were using magic to transport the mountains of food and nixies were aiding with the decorations. Everything was coming together and the walls glimmered with lights. Although, upon further inspection they appeared to be fireflies. Interesting. Eloise thought.

A round man came tumbling down to the both of them holding a bundle of cloths. Panting and out of breath, he stopped them in their tracks.

"Excuse me miss. Ben told me to ask for your advice. I am having trouble choosing which colour would be best for the tablecloths." The man held out the materials for her to examine. "You see, the green would be quite a nice option. But then there is the red. Oh and the deep purple is quite a wonderful choice as well. Deary me! I'm doing it again! I'm afraid I need your help, which one draws your eyes the most? I have a feeling that you have the most exquisite taste in colours."

Flattered, Eloise blushed and went to reply when another servant came rushing down the corridor. This time it was a Fae girl with a pale face. Either it was her complexion, or something had greatly terrified her.

"Pardon for interrupting, but I have news of the highest importance." Eloise gathered that something was not right, the girl's eyes darted to anywhere but herself.

"But of course." She turned to the man and apologised profusely. "I'm so sorry, but it looks like I'll have to leave you. My advice would be to have each table decorated in a different colour. How festive would that be?" As she turned to leave with the girl a thought struck her.

"Oh! Greer! If I am unavailable when the dance begins please make sure to give my condolences to Ben. Perhaps you'd be able to take the first dance with him instead?" Greer's face turned a bright shade of pink as she nodded her head in agreement.

"Yes." Greer answered quickly. "Of course, I'd be honoured to. In your name, of course." She added hastily. Greer's fingers pulled at the seams of her skirts as she looked down towards the floor. Eloise noted that she had sewn herself a new set of purple slippers, the material shining and fresh vines strapping around her ankles.

Dressing up for someone special? Eloise wondered. Considering her last answer, it must have been Ben that she looked forward to seeing. No wonder she blushed before.

"You look absolutely wonderful. I'm sure they'll notice as well." She gave Greer a parting wink and walked off down the corridor.

Eloise wasn't sure that she recognised the Fae she was following, but then again Fae were known for their subtlety.

"Do you mind me asking where we are going? I'd like to know what is so important." Eloise inquired. The girl stopped dead in the middle of the walkway, looking nervously side to side. She was hesitating.

"I- I don't think I'm supposed to tell you. It's just in that door there. I have to leave now." The girl talked fast and pointed towards a door to their right before quickly disappearing into another winding corridor.

Eloise regarded the faded green door in front of her. The paint had chipped and left it with a rough and neglected look to it. The panels that went from top to bottom had been adorned with silver and gold accents, which made the handle stand out greatly. A large quartz was embedded into the doorknob and surrounded by gold details, winding around the gem like vines.

She stepped towards the door and a sinking feeling grew in her stomach, as if sensing that the important news was not going to be positive.

The air was let out of her lungs as Eloise slowly breathed to calm herself. Everything will be fine, she thought. It's just a dream, nothing in here is real. And with that thought in mind, she relaxed and grabbed for the handle. But not before someone had opened the door.