Heir of the Sword

18 | Pulchritudo

Pulchritudo {Beauty}

When Arya arrived back into her room, she was surprised to see a large bag awaiting her. She put down the things she had bought from the marketplace before slowly making her way to the bag. She gently opened it to cover what had been hidden beneath it.

When she took it out of the bag, she was surprised to see a silky fabric that had multiple folds. She laid the dress on her bed to get a better look and a note fell out as well.

It read:

Here is your gown for the evening. I know you didn't want something over the top or something that would require you to wear a tight corset so I had this made for you. I'm sure you'll look lovely in it. P.S Since my father wanted to guards around me, I said that you would do it instead. That way I won't have people hovering over me. Do not bring Anaz to the ball or else my father will have my head. Daggers are okay though. Your dress should do a good job of hiding them. I look forward to seeing you soon.

~Lady Zelie

Arya put the note to the side so she could see the dress. It was a gorgeous crème beige colour that fell to the ground in light waves. Two strands of fabric over lapped one another on the top creating a rippling effect. There were more folds that went down the dress ending near the knees. Above the breast area was light netting that ended at the base of the neck. The dress was gorgeous. Something that Arya might actually like wearing. Lady Zelie had clearly chosen it for Arya's taste. She probably knew that Arya hated puffy dresses but this one would almost have an elegant look.

Glancing at the clock in her room Arya made a dash for the bathroom. She took a bath submerging herself into the bubbles while the scent of jasmines surrounding her. Arya made extra sure to wash away all the grim and when she was done, she felt as though she was a newly plucked chicken.

While Arya was waiting for her hair to completely dry, she spent the time studying the books Madame Mina had given her. Her eyes scanned over the text trying to absorb as much as the information she could. The test regarding Kalvarian History was going to be tomorrow and Arya needed to be ready for it.

Once Arya was sure that her hair was dry, she slipped on the dress loving how smooth it felt against her pale skin. The color of the dress went well with her eyes as just as she was about to strap daggers underneath her dress, she heard a knock at the door.

She went to open it and was surprised to see Yasmin and Silvia on the other side already adorned in their gowns and other fine jewelry. Yasmin was wearing a fine black dress that had golden flowers embroidered on both sleeves and down that dress as well. There was a belt that went with it as well which clinched her waist.

On the other hand, Silvia was dressed in a light blue dress that went well with her hair. There were flowers on her dress and it had netting which made it flow outwards. Silvia's lips had been painted a rose pink colour that matched her checks.

"That is one lovely gown!" Silvia commented her.

Arya muttered a low thanks before ushering them into the room. "What brings you both here?"

Yasmin and Silvia exchanged a knowing smile. "Well we are here to make the champion of our academy look as unforgettable as possible!"

Arya shook her head. "I have already finished getting ready."

"Sit." Yasmin commanded in a tone that Arya had never heard her use before.

Surprisingly that is exactly what Arya did. She sat on the edge of her bed before Silvia came around with some kind of comb. She slicked Arya's hair back and but her fingers into her hair. Arya wasn't sure what she was doing but she stayed still on the bed.