Hidden Secrets, Hidden Past, Hidden Lives

Chapter Four (Leila)

As Leila's ladies-in-waiting helped her get dressed, Leila's nerves exhilarated.  Tonight, Prince Erik was throwing a ball.  It was to announce his engagement...to her.

Leila did not love him.  He was charming enough, but she did not see any sparks between them. Once Leila realized that she was going to marry him and that no one was coming to rescue her, she accepted it.  However, as the days passed, she cried more and more each day.  She was upset that she would never know the joys of freedom and true love.

After what seemed like hours, she was finally dressed.  She wore a long, flowing green gown and her long hair was in a French braid.  Erik had said that her rich brown hair and eyes radiated more than usual when she wore green.  The ladies-in-waiting left and Leila had a minute to herself before she was to be escorted down to the ball.  She tried to appear happy.

She was treated very well, Erik was kind and sensitive to her, and she did not loathe him. They'd had lovely walks in the garden, wonderful picnics, and nice talks together.  He even made her laugh every once in a while.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

Prince Erik came into the room, holding a small chest.

"Leila, I would be honored if you would wear these to the ball."

He opened the chest and inside, there was a tiara, diamond earrings, and a diamond necklace.  Leila had never seen anything as beautiful as these.

"Thank you Erik.  They're so beautiful...I don't know what to say."

"You're welcome Princess.  I will help you put them on."

With the gentlest touch, he placed the tiara and necklace on her.  Leila put on the earrings herself. 

Erik took Leila's hands and said, "I have one more thing to give you before we go down to our engagement ball."

In his hands, he held a magnificent mask, made of green silk with pink rose petals sewn around the edges.  It was tied with a piece of green ribbon.  

Leila was speechless.

"Thank you.  Your kindness is flattering.  Will you help me tie it on?"

Delicately, he placed the mask over her eyes and tied the ribbon back into a bow.  

A loud knock startled the two of them.

"Come in," said Prince Erik.

A messenger entered the room timidly.  "Are you ready to come to the ball, Your Highness? The guests have begun to arrive."

"Yes. We will be down in a moment."

"Yes Sire."  The messenger returned downstairs to help announce the guests as they came in.

Prince Erik quickly told Leila how she was to enter, where to enter, and answered any other questions she had.

He then asked her if she had any questions.  She shook her head no.

Erik smiled and headed down.

She said a quick prayer to God, took a deep breath, and followed in the direction Erik had gone.