Surprisingly Royal

👸Chapter 17:Perfect

Dedicated to abby_loves1D

I step into the kitchen and find Mum and Emily already setting the table, chatting away like they always do.

We sit down to eat, and I check the time, it's almost six. I need to be ready by eight. Hopefully, there'll be space in the carriage for Emily too. If not, we'll have to find another way to get to the palace.

Normally, we'd just hop on a train, but that's definitely not gown-friendly. Speaking of gowns, I just hope this mystery dress fits me right. Thankfully, I have got a backup dress from the store just in case things go sideways.

"This food is amazing, Auntie!" Emily gushes, her mouth full.

"Don't talk with your mouth full, missy," I scold, trying to sound all proper except I'm chewing too. Smooth, Ciara.

Way to be classy.

"Look who's trying to act all ladylike," Emily teases, rolling her eyes.

"I was only trying to save you from choking," I say, completely lying.

"Thanks for your concern, Mom," she replies sarcastically.

"You're welcome, dear child. And be careful or your eyes might roll right out of your head," I shoot back, grinning.

"That's enough, Ciara," Mum cuts in. "Stop teasing Emily and eat before your food gets cold. The ball starts at eight, remember? You'll be late if you keep fooling around."

"But Mom, I—" I start to argue.

"Shh. No buts. Just eat."

Emily laughs softly beside me. Oh, she's definitely going to pay for that.

We finish eating in silence—well, me in silence. Mum and Emily start chatting about beauty stuff again, and I zone out. Honestly, when those two are together, it's chaos for me. They always drag me into their beauty talks even though they know I'd rather talk about literally anything else.

Once dinner's over, we clean up the kitchen. I head to my room to wait for the ladies to finish their showers. Mum's already done, but Emily's taking ages. What is she even doing in there?

It's already seven, and I haven't had my bath yet. I'd be fine if I were getting dressed by myself, but nooo , apparently, they're both "helping" me tonight. This is going to take forever. I just hope I make it through without a massive headache or twisted ankles from those death-trap heels lying on my floor.

If Emily thinks I'm wearing those glass heels, she's out of her mind. I'd rather go a whole day without tea than put those things on. They look like ankle-breaking machines. One wrong step and boom hospital visit.

Especially with how clumsy I am? Disaster.

Just as I'm spiraling into shoe-related fear, Emily finally walks in.

"What were you doing in there forever?" I ask the second the door shuts behind her.

"It's a royal ball, Ciara. I need to look flawless. I was waxing my legs," she says proudly.

"Waxing? You do realize your legs are going to be hidden under a ball gown, right? It's not like anyone's lifting your skirt for a sneak peek."

"Let it go, Ciara. Just go shower before Auntie yells at you again."

"Whatever, blonde-head," I mutter, grabbing my stuff and storming to the bathroom.

I take the quickest bath in history and rush back to my room. Mum and Emily are digging through Emily's bag like treasure hunters.

I really hope they don't wreck my room.

If they do, I can't let Mum clean it she's my mother, not a maid. And asking Emily for help? Pointless. She'll say yes but just stand there talking while I do all the work.

"It's about time!" Mum says when she sees me. "It's 7:30 already, and your hair and makeup aren't done yet. Sit here, now."

Seriously? I was in there for a few minutes! They took longer than I did!

"Mum, no. You're not touching my hair I already had it styled earlier," I say, touching it protectively.

"Yes, and it's gorgeous, but it doesn't go with your dress. Stop fussing and sit."

"She's right," Emily adds with a smug smile. Of course she's enjoying this.

"Fine..." I sigh, giving in.

Mum starts working on my hair while Emily applies makeup. Honestly, I didn't even want makeup. And to make things worse, they've covered the mirror so I can't see anything.

But I go along with it. Mum insisted. A few hours of makeup won't kill me, right?

Once they're done, Mum heads to her room to get dressed, and Emily starts fixing her hair and makeup right there in my room. I just sit on my bed, waiting for Mum to come back with my gown.

I hear Emily clear her throat and look up.

She looks stunning in a soft pink gown that flares out at the waist and falls perfectly. It has delicate floral designs and a plunging neckline, giving it just the right touch of elegance.

"Wow, Emily, you look—"

"Gorgeous? I know! This dress is my fave. Aunt Emeralda got it for me on my sixteenth birthday and I've been obsessed ever since." She twirls excitedly.

"I was going to say stunning, but sure,gorgeous works," I reply, smirking.

"Stop being sassy and put on your dress! We leave at eight, remember?"

"I would, if I had it."

"What do you mean? You're not going in your everyday clothes, are you?"

"Obviously not. Mum has it."

"Did someone mention a gown?" Mum enters just in time, holding a breathtaking turquoise gown.

She lays it carefully on the bed, and both Emily and I stare at it.

"Wow, Ciara... your gown is everything," Emily gushes.

"It really is," I whisper, genuinely surprised. I wasn't expecting something this beautiful. Where did Mum even get it? It looks expensive. It's covered in tiny diamantes and sparkly bits I don't even know the names of. Golden patterns trail toward the bottom, making the whole thing look magical.

"Go try it on!" Mum says, excitement all over her face.

I suddenly notice her own dress it's a sleek purple gown with a plunging neckline and a fancy waist belt. She looks amazing.

How did she pull all this off without me knowing?

I quickly change, and Mum helps lace the back. Emily removes the cloth from the mirror, and the second I catch my reflection, I freeze.

I can't believe what I'm seeing.

My hair looks flawless, styled to perfection with part of it pinned to the side by a flower-shaped clip. My makeup is light just how I like it and the gown... Oh wow.

From the waist down, it flares into soft, dramatic ruffles, and with all the sparkles and detailing, I feel like I've stepped out of a fairytale. It doesn't even feel like me, I look completely transformed.

I just stand there, speechless, while Mum and Emily talk behind me. I hear their voices but can't make out what they're saying. My brain's on pause.

♡♡♡

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Till next time,
Beryl ☺
@iamnanaserwaa8