Sickly Sweet

Playing Dress Up

Sophie sat in the gardens, staring off into space. The beautiful flowers surrounding her meant nothing. They weren't anywhere near as lush as the gardens in her dream.

"Princess Sophia, it's time for your lessons," a clipped British accent bounced through the room.

"Lessons?" she asked, waking from her daydream.

A men's made up features acknowledged her.

"Yes, my darling! It's time to begin the training!"

He spoke as if it were the most exciting thing in the world, these lessons. Sophie rolled her eyes and let out a sigh.

"Thanks, but no thanks."

He gasped.

"Oh, my dear, as if it were your decision! But don't worry. You'll absolutely LOVE it!"

"I'm sure I will..." she mumbled, reluctantly standing up and brushing the dirt off her gown.

"Come, come!"

He grabbed her by the arm and pranced out of the room, his blinding white smile stretching.

"Oh, this is always my favorite part," he squealed, stopping at a silver door with a pink inscription at eye level. It read in almost illegible cursive the word PREPARATION.

"Preparation?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

"Yes, yes. For you know, being a Princess and all that."

He waved his hands around as if it were no big deal.

"Anywho, let's just get you inside and we can begin!"

Sophie took a small step back.

"I'm still not quite sure what's going on..."

The animated man looked exasperated.

"Just follow me and for goodness sakes, shut up!"

She widened her eyes. Ever since she'd been kidnapped, no one had spoken to her that way.

"You watch your-"

"Oh, hush will you? Now follow me."

Startled by his abrupt language, she let him whisk her into a room decorated with large flowers and painted a soft cream. He clasped his hands together and twirled, admiring the decoration.

Sophie felt very uncomfortable.

Turning for the door, she tip toed away from him.

"I think I'll be going."

He faced her, piercing blue eyes wide.

"Oh, get on over here and let's begin already."

She uneasily took a few steps toward him and he nodded, smiling.

"That's a good girl. Sit on this stool here and behave yourself."

He pointed to a plush light pink stool and raised a plucked brow. Nodding toward her, he watched as she inched forward.

Sophie sat on the soft seat and rolled her shoulders back. The man rotated the stool to face a mirror framed with bright fluorescent bulbs. He grinned and raked delicate fingers through her silky hair.

"We have a lot to work with here." he winked, causing her cheeks to flame red.

"Thanks."

Examining her posture, he shook his head.

"Now, sit up straight."

She adjusted her back and he pursed his lips, deep in thought.

"So, what kind of look do you want to give the people?"