Fallen

Chapter 2: A Dress

A couple hours later I was stiffly turning around in my dress. It was a beautiful autumn orange that faded into a fiery red. It had layers and layers of tulle and silk. One of her maid servants looked at me with awe. "My lady you look like the most beautiful sunset, like a golden rose set on fire!" She said, however her voice was stiff and I could tell my mother had set her up to say things like that.

However much I wanted to ignore the fake words of adoration I too was in awe of the dress. The neckline dipped just enough that it was both modest and innocent. Long sleeves spread out like a fan at the end of my wrists. The skirt was large and full, copious amounts of fabric cascaded down the sides.A corset trapped my chest, emphasizing my figure . A butterfly breath trapped in a constricting cage.

The orange accented my copper hair, my brown eyes seemed like fathomless pits. My caramel skin twinkled, it had been brushed with sparkles. Of all the things my mother had ordered, my skin, sparklelized! Or whatever it was called. Kohl was layered all around my eyes giving them an, "alluring aspect" according to my maids. Talc, mica and some other minerals had been applied to my eyelids to give my eyes an orange tint. A necklace made from copper links held an orange topaz near my throat. To complete the look a pair of matching earrings hung from my ears.

I almost looked like a princess from one of my stories. Beautiful and graceful. But no one would want me. This was Isabelle's ball. It was my sisters chance to find a reputable suitor and prove that she could meet the standards of the court. No one would ever want to approach me. "Alright" I said with as much authority as I could. "Let's go to the ball." "Yes m'lady." Replied one of my attendants. I moved towards the door, my red slippers whispering on the tile as I opened it.

I paused though. Something inside cried out. I didn't want to go to another ball. Dance with someone whose eyes were on someone else. I didn't want to go through that again. I could run away. I thought. But no, where would I go, what would I do? Anyone would recognize me, my skin color was just too noticable. Some despised me for being allowed the title "princess".

I never went outside anymore. My mother was one of those people though, she always made me do chores fit for servants. The only reason I was even allowed to go to this ball was because of my father. He loved me just as much as any of his children. Because of that he was the only reason why I stayed in the castle. The war had ravaged our country and he always seemed so solemn. My heart always jumped with joy when I could make him smile. He would miss me if I didn't go to the ball. I grabbed the handle again, more determined, and walked through the halls to the lights and sounds of laughter, music and people.