The Midnight Ball

2

Ismie chatted with Lady Elinore as she led her on a small tour on the way to her quarters

She really liked the older girl. She made her feel better about being here. She was nervous about meeting the others

She caught a glimpse of another girl, one who was tall and had long flowing dark hair

But the girl disappeared too fast for her to notice anything else

Ismie: Lady Elinore, who was that?

Elinore: Hmm? I didn't see anyone your highness, and please just call me Elinore, or Elle if you do not mind the infornality

Ismie smiled at her warmly: Then please call me Ismie

Elle smiled back at her: Now, you should rest because it will soon be time for the introductions and the welcome dinner

Ismie entered her quarters, they were spacious, even grander than hers back home

Home.. She already misses it, and her family

She hoped the princesses would be friendly enough, to make the upcoming ordeal more bearable

As for the princes, she'd always been hoplessly awkward with the other sex, though if she'd admit it, whenever the initial awkwardness subsided, she'd managed to have a few male friends, but she was never regarded as a desirable prospect for a wife

She shrugged, she hadn't come here to get married

A maid was sent to assist her to change her clothings

She lay down in the large bed, but couldn't get her eyes to close, nor her mind to quiet

Just as her eyelids got heavy and she was about to drift off into the land of dreams, someone woke her up

Maid: I'm sorry your highness, but dinner is to be served, and there's to be a brief meeting just before..

The maid looked agitated

Ismie: Is everything alright?

The maid nodded: Yes your highness. It is merely that I am late to wake you. Forgive me..

Ismie smiled: It's alright. I'm sure you're stretched a bit thinly. I should have brought my own maid to spare you. There are a lot of us, but perhaps not so much of you..

The maid smiled timidly

Ismie: What's your name?

Maid: Enid, your highness

Ismie: I'm pleased to meet you

She proceeded to help get her ready, dressed in a dress of red silk, which looked great with her tanned coloring, and her wild curls pinned up in quick but pretty style

Enid was clearly talented

Ismie smiled at the girl: It looks beautiful, thank you

Enid curtsied, and her smile reached her eyes

Ismie took a fortifying deep breath and strode out of her rooms