The Annex

Chapter 15

Isla had been in a fit when I arrived to see her waiting in my chambers with a host of maids. As soon as my back had been revealed to them, covered in horrific bruises, Isla had winced.

"My Goddess, Cara. It's like you enjoy ruffling my feathers. Well girls, let's get to work," she turned towards the maids who began to primp and fuss with every inch of me. They covered my back and shoulders with plenty of makeup and powder to mask the injuries I had sustained.

"Isla, I've got a question for you," I said, recalling the conversation I had shared with Mimi just a few days ago. "If I were to have found someone that I want to be my lady's maid, how would I go upon hiring her." Isla descended upon me in gleeful claps.

"You'll take on a lady's maid, really?"

"Yeah, her name is Mimi Garrioche."

"I'll make it happen," she said decidedly. "Mimi Garrioche, you said?" I nodded before wincing as one of the girls ripped a wax covered cloth off my leg.

"For fuck's sake," I yelped, withdrawing my leg and clutching it in pain. "This never gets easy does it."

"Beauty is pain," Isla said in a sing song voice. Once they finished 'fixing' me, I was made to sit down on the chest at the end of my bed. "Okay, close your eyes." I did as told and I heard a rustle of fabric before Isla gave me permission to open them. "Okay, open your eyes." Faustus stood before me as he revealed a vibrant scarlet dress in one hand, in his other hand he held a black filigree mask.

"Wow," I murmured as he handed me the satin dress. I took it with me to the bathroom to slip into it and was stunned. Faustus never ceased to amaze. The dark red complimented my olive complexion well. I was hesitant about the thigh high slit on my left leg, I would have to keep my dagger on my right leg. I exited the bathroom and gave a twirl.

"If only you acted half as elegant as you look," Isla sighed. She handed me the mask as one of the maids applied red lipstick to my lips. I laughed at Isla as she changed into a gown as well. We tied each other's masks on as I turned to gaze at her gown. She was in a stunning form fitting dress. She said that the team, which consisted of her, my tutor and trainer would be dressed in black in order to allow the red to contrast. Tonight, there would be a formal announcement of the teams backing the candidates. If anyone asked me, the Court just relished any reason to throw extravagant parties. Faustus and the maids filed out of the room and soon I was left alone with Isla.

"Are you ready," she asked me.

"Yes, go ahead, I just have to check one more thing," I said as I walked her to the door before shutting it. I returned to my wardrobe and grabbed the thigh sheath and dagger. In the most unladylike fashion, I hiked my dress up and secured the dagger to my leg. "Alright, let's get this over with." I found Isla waiting for me at the end of the hall and as I joined her, she looped her arm in mine. As we made our way to the ballroom, I caught up with Ella.

"You look gorgeous, Ella," I exclaimed. Her gold dress sparkled in the light of the chandelier.

"As do you, you look very elegant."

"Isla was just saying she wishes I act half as elegant as I look." I felt a hand on my back as Killian joined us.

"Ladies, you both look stunning," he flashed us a grin from behind a white mask.

"We know," Ella smiled. Atlas and Humphrey approached and I didn't miss the once over that Atlas gave me, neither did Killian it seemed.

"Could you be more obvious," Killian elbowed Atlas.

"It's not my fault that she's a showstopper," he protested. Delia and Isotta joined us, strutting in. I struggled not to laugh as I saw the feathered dress that Delia wore. The dress was adorned with peacock feathers that flowed out behind her. The need for her to garner everyone's attention in such a manner made me giggle.