Little Queen

2

It was almost time for the ball and men had been setting up since dawn. Catalina had come back to do my hair and makeup because my dad refused to let anyone outside of the family into our house. A few of the maids had been nail technicians before they came to work for us so once a week I had my nails done. Which meant Cat and I didn't have to do them this morning.

My hair was pulled back into a ponytail with a large but discrete braid running along one side of my head that leads into the perfectly messy updo. Cat kept my makeup neutral and almost non-existant as I didn't normally wear any. She added a light dusting of brown eyeshadow I could barely see, some mascara to my already thick lashes and a light coat of tinted vaseline to plump my lips.

"Oh, Cat I can't believe daddy agreed to let me go finally! I'm going to meet so many people tonight!"

"I know babe you've only mentioned it, oh I don't know a hundred times since last night."

I clamp my mouth shut, "I'm sorry I'm being annoying."

"No! It's cute, I'm happy for you. Just be careful tonight, not everyone here tonight will be a good person. Make sure you stick with Maxen."

I giggle, "Oh not you too! I know to stay with Maxen, I just want to dance and talk to people. Maybe I will make a new friend."

Cat gives me a fake gasp, "Are you trying to replace me?"

"No! Kitty cat I could never," I pause giving it some thought, "But maybe this way you won't be so stuck here every time I need a friend."

"I have no problem being 'stuck here' if it means I get to spend time with my number 1. Now let's get you into that dress we only have a few minutes before Maxen comes to get you."

Cat helps me shimmy into the dress and zips me up, making sure to keep my long hair away from the metal teeth. My heels were already on- I had learned the hard way always heels before gown. A few years ago Cat had had to dive under my gown and attempt to strap heels onto my feet while Maxen held me to keep me from falling.

"Perfect. You're all set for tonight."

I take a deep breath, staring at my reflection in the full-body mirror. "Thank you kitty cat, it's exactly what I wanted."

She gives me a tight hug from the side, "Of course girly, have lots of fun tonight and fill me in tomorrow."

I smile and nod just as Maxen walks in.

"And that is my cue to slip out before anyone sees me. Bye Maxen." Catalina says slipping through the doors.

"Are you ready little queen?"

I grin slipping my hand through his offred elbow, "More than ready."

Maxen leads me to the entrance to the ballroom, pausing at the doors to allow me a deep breath. I nod my head ad we step forward.

Maxen keeps my hand tightly pressed to his side as we walk down the Y shaped staircase, I think he was worried I would trip in these shoes. The staircase opens up to a large ornate ballroom with glossy tile floors and large columns around the edges of the room. The ceiling was open for three stories and the back wall filled with windows, showcasing out extensive gardens.

Daddy had the gardens built for mamma when they got married, as a gift. He said she spent all of her time out there tending to the plants, even when she was pregnant with me.

I grin at the people that filled the room, all mingling around with glasses of champagne or liquor. Maxen leads me straight to the bar and orders for us. I stand with my back to the bar and continue observing all of the guests. How did Daddy know this many people that I had never met?