Unexpected

Chapter Three

CINDER

Cinder took a deep breath, placing her hand on the dress. "It's beautiful," she whispered. Too beautiful for a girl like her were the words she didn't want to say. Too elegant for a mechanic who'd rather have dirt on her hair than wear a pair of satin gloves.

Iko jumped in excitement, clapping her hands. "It'll look great on you, Cinder!" she squealed, twirling in place. April Springs, the young seamstress, smiled at her queen.

"Do you like it?"

Cinder looked up, her cheeks flushed. "Of course I like it."

April's beam grew wider. Cinder held up the gown by it's hem. It was long and simple, the top strapless. There were two cross ribbons at the back. A silky black sash was draped across the gown's midsection. The fabric was lustrous, smooth and just the slightest hinting a curl. The color was a dark cream, with pearls beading at the edges of the gown. Iko touched it, drawing back with a look of wonder on her face.

"How did you do it? How did you know this dress would match Cinder so perfectly?"

April flashed a puzzled smile at Iko, but answered nevertheless. "Well, Her Majesty has brown hair and dark cream compliments that tone. Her skin is tan as well. The pearls added to the gown while add a little more luminescence. The straps at the back will look wonderful, too."

Cinder shook her head. "I'll let you guys handle the fashion stuff from now on." she sighed lightly, glancing to time on the large comm in the fitting room. Almost time to go to the banquet. "I'm going to try this on." Cinder slid her hands delicately underneath the gown and lifted it, moving cautiously towards the bathroom.

Iko called after her. "Make sure you get all the straps right!"

April laughed.

Cinder shot a halfhearted glare over her shoulder, then slipped into the fitting room. She took a deep breath and shimmied out of her current clothes, a simple tan jacket with long black pants. Not exactly queenly-but mechanic wise. That was enough. Cinder pulled on the dress, shivering at the scrape of the silky fabric on her skin. Cinder turned around, pulling the straps close to her back then wound the black sash around her waist, knotting it loosely.

"Stars," Cinder said quietly as she looked at herself in the mirror.

"You done yet in there?" Iko yelled from outside.

Cinder rolled her eyes. "Almost, stop bugging me."

Cinder glanced back to her reflection, once again. The gown was breathtaking on her, the close-fitting material hugging her body, outlining just the right curves and drifting gently to the floor, a little over her ankles. The pearls glimmered and danced, the smooth surfaces gleaming. Cinder gathered her messy brown hair into a ponytail, then decided to quickly wind it into a bun.

Loose strands curled down her neck, behind her ears. Cinder stepped out of the fitting room, nervously glancing at Iko and April. Their reactions were priceless.

"Oh my stars, Cinder! You look gorgeous in that," Iko nearly screeched, lunging towards Cinder to stare at the gown. "see I told you you would look absoloutely amazing in the right dresses."

April crossed her arms over her chest, smiling proudly. "It is beautiful on you, Your Majesty."

Cinder swallowed, so hard. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, rising up her throat, swarming in her gut, threatening to surge well over her head. Cinder quenched down on the anxiety, forcing it down to medium levels. She didn't want to freak out on banquet night. Why was she so nervous? Probably because Kai wasn't here. Who would lead her through the formalities? Who would signal her when to start and end a conversation? How was she supposed to act?