The Scarlet Lillie

Preperations

Chapter 13

With the leaves concealing me from the outside world, I was a bit taken when I awoke to the warm rays of the sun beating on my face.

I sat up, stretching my arms, and swung my legs over the branch. It was still bright out, but judging from the light surrounding me, that would change in about two hours.

Remembering the ball, I slid down the tree and slipped my shoes back on. I brushed some of the dirt off of my dress, but didn't mind the little spots. It was not uncommon for me to be found covered in filth on days like this one.

"I have to go, mom. Father is throwing this big ball for my birthday and I must get ready. I will come to visit you again soon." I told the tree, then took my leave.

The walk back to the palace doors was brief and I was there before I knew it. No one seemed to be alarmed of my absence, as they were aware I did this often and knew that I stayed inside the walls. This I assured them time and time again since I first discovered my secret spot.

I walked straight up to my bedroom and pushed open the duel oak doors. As expected, my ladies-in-waiting were doing just that: waiting.

"Good evening, your highness." Marcie, Linda, and Polly echoed in unison.

"My lady, have you been climbing again?" Marcie questioned.

I nodded as I walked over to the vanity. "Yes." I informed her while I took my seat.

She sighed, but didn't say anything against it; she had given up any hope of convincing me to stop years ago.

Marcie began working on my hair while Linda and Polly prepared my fiery-red gown.

I adored the color, red that is. After all, the jewel of my people is the ruby. Red was present everywhere you went, most often with my family crest printed on it. However, too much of it can cause the trend to grow old.

The majority of my closet varied in shades of red.

The gown that Linda was holding was a form fitting, a-line gown that featured the curves of my body in the most flattering way. I was thin, but in a healthy way. I was often told that the body I had was most woman's goal. I never knew what to make of that. Was it a compliment? Or were they trying to insult me? Whatever the case, I always thanked them and changed the topic.

As Marcie put the final pins in my hair, I stood and walked over to the other women. Linda and Polly helped me out of my dirty gown and into the new. They centered my ruby pendant on my chest, and Marcie came over to inspect.

"Beautiful as always, my princess." She praised.

I smiled. "Thank you, Marcie. Will you tell me when the guests will begin arriving?"

"In just a few minutes, ma'am."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why so early?"

"They were supposed to arrive in one hour, but we got word that the guests were much to excited that they couldn't wait. The king was on the same wagon and decided to move it up. I apologize for not informing you of this change sooner." She bowed her head, displeased with herself.

I made my way up to her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You needn't apologize for such a thing. Especially since it is such a busy day with so many things happening at once, it is not difficult for ones' plate to overflow."

She raised her head and gazed into my eyes. A small smile tugged at the edge's of her lips.

"Thank you, Princess." She said. She turned to the other girls. "Come; we should leave. We do have a few other things to do. Your highness." They all curtsied and left me alone.

I allowed my shoulders to relax and I walked back over to the mirror to check my reflection. Marcie had outdone herself again. My thin, silver hair was loose around my shoulders, but she had taken a small bunch of hair from the front, twisted them, and had them meet in the back. A red lily held them in place. It was a fancy, yet casual, design.

The dress, with no straps, looked marvelous. It was tight at the top, but flared out around the bottom. As I observed my image, I felt like it was missing something. Realizing what it was, I made my way over to my drawers. Pulling one out, I chose a silk shawl that was almost an exact match to the color of my gown. Walking back to the mirror, I wrapped it around my back and let it hang from my elbows. There. That really made the outfit work.

Finally satisfied, I held my head up high and walked out of my bedroom. I had guests to greet, after all.