The Princess' Quest

Chapter 2

Tonight was the annual Falling Leaves Ball, or as Maeryn and Marianne liked to call it, the Fall Ball. It always took them at least an hour to get Maeryn read, most of that due to Maeryn having a difficult time deciding what to wear. She had a plethora of gowns to choose from them. Most of them were either dark green, blue, or purple. Her favorite colors were blue and purple, but she had been told multiple times that she looked the best in dark green. This time she decided to wear a mid sleeve deep blue dress, with an blue sapphire necklace, and black heels.
Marianne never took long to get ready since she still had to wear her uniform which consisted of a simple purple dress, her veil, and black flats. She never even bothered doing her makeup or something special to her hair, since no one else would see it. But tonight was different.
"Come on, Mar! I insist you wear something different for a change."
Marianne shook her head. "I can't Ryn. You know the rules. As long as I'm on duty, I have to wear my uniform. And I'm always on duty watching after you during the balls."
"Well quit frankly, I don't think that's fair to either of us."
"I understand how you think it isn't fair to me, but how is it unfair to you?"
"Think about it Mar. Sure I get to hang out with you all night, but as a servant! I want to hang out with you as my friend, like an equal."
"You know we can never be equals Ryn. You're the crown princess of Unali. I'm just a commoner."

"Come on, don't talk like that Mar. You know you're my best friend. And as my best friend you're also like my sister. You deserve some time off every now and then."

"But your mother is still queen. Unfortunately, it's up to her to decide my fate, not yours."

Maeryn grasped Marianne's hands gently, pulling her closer. "If I get permission from mother for you to have the night off, will you go with me?"

"If that's what you really want, then I'll go with. But if and only if your mother says yes."

"Great," squealed Maeryn as she gave an excited little hope before stumbling in her heels. "Ow," she said as if by reflex.

"You okay Ryn?" she asked, concern creasing her features.

"Yeah, I'm fine. That's not the first time I've done that."

"Still..."

"You worry to much. I'm the princess. I'll be in charge of running an entire country someday. I should be the one worrying."

"Yes, but I'm your lady in waiting. It's my job to worry."

"I know, but maybe try to loosen up just little. For me?"

"I'll try," Marianne said reluctantly.

"Good. Now you stay here while I go talk to mother. And while I'm gone, pick out something from my wardrobe in case she says yes."

"But-"

"No buts. Now pick something out, even if it's something simpler."

"Alright."

Maeryn left quickly, leaving Marianne to look through the walk-in closet.