The Vengeful Princess

Chapter 6: The Initiation Ball Part 1

The days leading up to the Initiation Ball consisted of frequent and more intense lessons, not only focusing on general etiquette but also targeted the development of skills and talents such as needlework, singing and dancing. The one constant in our everyday lives was the ballroom lessons that spanned from a breezy hour in the morning to well into the afternoon, on days that Margaret was feeling particularly cruel. It reminded me of my days of training with the Forsaken, but with less swords, injuries and combat, more eyelash batting, fake giggles and even faker smiles. Somehow I preferred the former over the latter. 

Lieutenant Winters was noticeably missing from our following lessons, much to my annoyance. I had not managed to extract any useful information from him yet, but I was still hopeful for the potential opportunities that the Initiation Ball presented. I had also noticed the prominent lack in presence of one bothersome prince during my afternoon strolls in the garden - not that I was complaining. I had however, bumped into the younger and more erratic De Levrochet, who would moodily huff and glare as he sauntered by. 

There had also been an increase of guards around the palace in preparation for the ball, bringing with them an odd air of anticipation and excitement. Ella and Ivy were practically floating as they rushed around my room, suggesting different materials and colours for my gown. 

Ivy pressed a lilac chiffon gown against her body, "You're so lucky you have the opportunity to wear such fine dresses and attend the ball!" She flopped onto the gown strewn bed, pouting at the ceiling. 

"Trust me, I'd much rather stay here with you two and read if I could." I frowned at the horrid bubblegum pink gown Ella was holding up.

"Read?" Ivy sat up in disbelief. "You'd rather read? Are you mad?" She turned to Ella, "If you could go from this to wearing these luxurious gowns and actually attending balls with the prince and the nobles, what would you rather?"

"Well I can't let you attend the ball, but you can try on these gowns." I offered, the excited beam on Ivy's face bringing a smile to my own. She let out a thrilled squeal before gathering up an armful of the gowns, almost tripping over her own hems as she rushed to the folding screen, already an arm out of her blue maid uniform.

Ella grinned, ignoring Ivy, "I still think that the lovely royal blue gown would be the perfect choice - what says the next Queen of New Cynesige more than wearing the official colour?" 

"But Diana's maid told me that Diana would be wearing a royal blue gown, embroidered with gold!" Ivy popped her head out from the folding screen, a forest green velvet dress halfway over her shoulders. 

"I've also heard that Seraphina is importing her dress and that its adorned with sapphires."

"Everyone seems to be wearing the official colour of New Cynesige." I commented. 

Ella nodded, "Royal blue is not only the official colour of New Cynesige but it was also Veremund's official colour. Everyone knows that King Francis highly approves of this colour, thus wearing it improves their chance to be queen." 

I scoffed. So much for the unification of two countries. King Francis had simply invaded  Northern Aztalonian territory and glorified the action by  renaming the combined nations to New Cynesige. 

"If everyone there will be representing the Veremund side of New Cynesige, I will represent Northern Aztalon's." I ran my hand along the array of dresses, feeling the different textures of the vibrantly coloured fabrics. 

A faint gasp escaped from behind the folding screen. Ella lowered the gown in her hands, asking with wide eyes, "What colour will you being wearing then?"