The Unforeseen [EDITING]

Chapter Nine

"Well we don't have all afternoon Timena, come out." Adelia's voice rang out from behind the doors.
     Timena was becoming increasingly annoyed with her mother each time she tried on a new gown, but she kept her notions to herself.
     Coming out from behind the folding screen for the sixth time, Adelia and Ida looked at Timena in awe. As she looked at her reflection, she noticed how snug the material fit on her figure. It was a dark green gown that showcased a portion of her back with a gold-laced corset that would undoubtedly emphasize her breasts.
     I could hide an entire feast in these sleeves, Timena thought as she waved her arms around in fascination.
     "This is the dress; Silas won't be able to keep his eyes or his hands away." Her mother clapped with excitement. Timena scowled at her in disgust.
     "Can I get out of this contraption now?" She whined. 
     Adelia rolled her eyes. "Fine, you need to get yourself ready now and then we'll do your hair and your face." She responded before she and the seamstress left the room.
     After hiding in the bathtub for as long as she could, Timena was quickly yanked out by her mother. She had barely covered herself in a robe before realizing there were at least four other women in the room waiting for her. Her mother quickly threw her into a lion's den—the women primped and prepped her body with the utmost care. They had shaved almost her entire body from head to toe before lathering her in different oils.
     Her hair was held back by a few pins in the front as the rest of it hung just below her shoulders. Timena held her arms up as a silk chemise was gently placed over her head and fell onto her body. As she finally put on her dress, she grunted each time the corset laces were pulled tighter around her waist. The final step was to put on a pair of brown leather, heeled shoes with a large buckle. She tried to adjust to the shoes as they felt odd to her; she felt too far off the ground even though the heels had to be merely an inch or two tall.
     Looking at herself, she was somewhat speechless. Timena knew she was pretty, but had never cared much about her appearance, nor had she even paid much attention to her features in the past. With the green dress complimenting her skin and hazel eyes, and without a pair of breeches in sight—she could admit to herself that she looked very pretty in the dress.  
     "Would you look at this, my breasts are practically up to my neck." She remarked, causing the women to giggle quietly.
     Adelia rolled her eyes before Ida came over with a little wooden box. She gently placed it in Timena's hand.
     Upon opening the box, she discovered a pair of emerald earrings.
     "They belonged to my mother. They go well with the dress." She smiled warmly.
     God, why are you doing this to me? Timena's shoulders sagged. She understood the importance of the earrings and this moment for her mother, and all she felt was slow-burning anger.
     "I'm not ta-"
     Adelia cut her off immediately.
     "It would just mean something to me if you wore these tonight." She said, her tone slightly pleading.
     All eyes were on her and as uneasy as it made her to hurt her mother's feelings, the reminder of her betrayal made her feel even more compelled to decline the offer to wear the earrings.
     "Save them for Delacroix." Timena replied calmly, but sincerely before turning away from her.