The Hidden Kingdom

Chapter 8

This chapter may be boring for those who don't care about frilly clothes descriptions. You may just want to read the beginning and skip the rest. Lol. I won't blame you. The next chapter is when we start to see some action. :)

The curtains to my pink room were yanked open releasing a cascade of bright daylight. Blinking at the sudden light, I managed to see Lilith ruffling through the closet. In a triumphant gesture, she lifted a black fabric to the side and smiled merrily. Sitting up from my position on the floor, I said flatly, "that is much too small."

"Nonsense dear! I guarantee it will fit you just right. Just try it on- for my sake." Oh no! she's trying to guilt trip me.

"Fine. I'll try it, but I have the right to say 'I told you so'." Suddenly remembering my manners, I said, "thank you for all your help . You don't know how much we appreciate it." She smiled and placed the dress atop a dresser.

I hadn't been doing anything but contemplating everything that needed to be done and might go wrong so I stood up. I walked reluctantly over to the offending garment. The smooth satin glided through my fingers as I picked it up. It was beautiful despite its simplicity. It had the same cut as a tank top and straps. It would definitely need a cardigan or a wrap. I slipped into the dress and noticed it did I fact fit me. The material began loosening up into a swishable skirt below the hips and ended right below the knees. Of course it didn't look good on me, but at least it wasn't too terrible. With only minimal hesitation, I opened up a cabinet in search for something to cover up. After rummaging around, I finally found a black lace cardigan. It wouldn't cover up as well, but at least it was something.

Decidedly ready, I turned the doorknob and stepped out. A high pitched squeal assaulted my ears. Startled, I looked over to see Eliza in a spectacular white dress adorned with pearls and elaborate black stitching.

"Look at you! You look amazing!" Her voice rang shrill and giddy with excitement.

"No, you look absolutely fabulous! Man, I feel like by the end of the day we might both turn back into pumpkins. Oh wait that's not right!" We both giggled. "Oh wait, that would require glass slippers! Maybe I can use my magic. I mean this is our fairy tale." Her eyes widened. There was a glimmer of excitement in both our gazes as she stuck out her bare foot. Nervously, I reached out and placed my fingertips at the top of her foot. Closing my eyes, I imagined a liquidy glass cover her foot and molding itself into the shape of a slipper. I could feel the energy, magic I mean, pulsing through my hand into the world. My eyes fluttered open as a cool surface pressed against my fingertips. It worked!

As I celebrated internally, I suddenly became aware that Lilith had entered the room. "I guess I brought in these shoes for nothing then. I mean they are brand new and specially bought for you two." She said jokingly.

We both smiled, and Eliza took off the glass slipper. Lilith gave us each a shoe box. We thanked her and tore off the lids. The shoes were exactly the same- strappy- except for the color. Mine were black, Eliza's were white.

In all the excitement, we had failed to notice the elderly lady's attire. She wore a simple white dress with a crest I could only guess belonged to the kingdom. The wo swords, one white one black, infront of a gray shield. She ushered us into her room and told us to sit down in a few chairs. She styled Eliza's hair into a fancy chingnon with a few loose strips of hair to add effect. Because my hair was way  too long for that- mid waist- she had to curl it and bobby pin a few of the uncooperative strands that kept falling into my face. When all three of us had our hair done, which took an immense amount of time, she began doing our makeup. I refused because my parents won't allow me to wear any. Even if my parents aren't here, I shouldn't completely defy them. Many more preperations continued.