PROWESS. (COMPLETED)

Chapter 36

Anastasia POV;

The week of the ball dawned; I'd spent all my time leading up to the event distracting myself with pack duties; visiting all the people who resided in our territory, making sure that our people were happy and comfortable. When I wasn't out and about, I was meeting with various Alphas' to discuss allocating members, or managing all the paperwork that needed to be handled for changes required by the policy. During the week, various family members of pack members and even my own family arrived for the ball, which was to be held on Friday and for which I'd sorted and allocated accommodation for the visiting relatives.

"Ana baby, do leave yourself enough time to breath!" Commented Mum worriedly when she saw how busy I was. I choose to ignore her worry; I needed the distractions. On Friday morning-the day of the ball, my mother and all the pack females cornered me near the door before I could escape what I knew they had planned; a pamper day, in preparation for the ball.

"You've got to be kidding, I have things to be doing!" I told them firmly.

"Nothing Rick can't handle, and you know it!" Spoke Chanel unconvinced as she crossed her arms.

"I've got it all covered Prowess; you go have a girls day out." He assured smiling, all the boys and even my Dad- congregated in the living room and watched in amusement- supported the idea of me taking a 'break' and all were encouraging the girls in what I considered evilness. I didn't do pamper days and they all knew that; sure a massage every once in awhile as a treat I could live with, but a full on pamper day was, in my opinion, wasted expense.

I glowered at them all, to my irritation they all grinned. Traitors. I looked at the girls, "You can't seriously think this is necessary?" I narrow my eyes in disbelief.

"Of course we do! You have a Prince to impress, so you, Miss Cinderella, are coming with us whether you like it or not." Said Lindsey confidently, ignoring my glare.

"Can I at least go and get my bag?" I utter through clenched teeth trying to stall.

"No need sweetheart, we have everything you need, so all you have to do is get in the car." Answers Mum, joining in.

"Oh for the sake of Mary! My pack and my family ganging up on me! Give me a break!" I throw my hands up in exasperation.

"We're trying to," counters Samson smugly. I throw him a dirty look, to which he winks and grins broadly.

"Fine." I growl irritably, "But you're all gonna pay for this."

"We already are. Come on girls!" Says Chanel matter-of-factly, ushering the girls out to the cars before turning to me with a look that gave me the option of leaving the easy way, or the hard way. I roll my eyes and head for the door.

"Have a great time girls!" Calls Nix jovially with a cheeky undertone.

"Behave all of you, or else." I order them in a growl.

"You betcha Prowess! Have fun now!" Calls Mick distantly but I'm rushed into the car before I could snap back.

*

We started with manicures; followed by pedicures, preceded by appointments at a spar including saunas, face masks, eyebrow correction, massages and waxes as well as a visit to the hairdresser. Begrudgingly, I did have to admit I actually enjoy myself and thanked the girls and Mum for their thoughtfulness; I'd forgotten how to treat myself and relax. The latter was helped exceedingly by the thought that in less than a few hours I'd be seeing Kellen! The thought made me giddy, excited and nervous all at the same time. We arrived back at the house at 5pm; after all eating dinner together, I sent everybody off to get ready because knowing my pack it would take them the three hours until we had to be there to be ready and organized.

To calm my growing nerves, I took a long shower; tonight everyone would know that, I, The Prowess was the Crown Prince's mate, it wouldn't be a secret any longer. I wondered how people might react... but those thoughts served to knot my stomach and only thoughts of finally ending the growing torment that my separation from Kellen had caused, could chase them away. Stepping out the shower and wrapping a towel tightly around me, I head into my room to find Mum sitting on my bed with a dress bag lying next to her. I freeze; I hadn't even thought about what dress I'd where!

"The dress in this bag is for you, sweetheart. Violetta and I got together and made it for you after the two of you had tea." Reassures Mum smiling proudly. "You'll look wonderful, as you always do. Anyway darling, you're father and I shall head to the palace now so we'll see you when your pack makes their entrance. I love you and you have nothing to worry about." She says faithfully, barely giving me the chance to compliment her on the complimentary, gray wrap dress she's wearing or her classy hair do. "Incidentally, we shall be relying upon you to introduce your young prince to us." She winks, leaving me stunned.

Kelly comes down a few minutes later, all ready to go and looking lovely, to style my hair which she'd insisted on doing since she worked in the local hairdresser, and had apparently had the perfect vision of how to do my hair regardless of what my dress looked like. I relented. An hour later, she was finished; proud of her achievement, she grinned and said she'd wait in the lobby with the others while I finished getting ready. I slipped my dress out of its bag and put it on, gasping at the incredible skill and flawless beauty to it; it was pure light blue satin and fitted my figure effortlessly as it crossed from my bust over my shoulders where four different straps of silver curved around my back to clip together at the base of my neck. The intricate design of my dress was shown off completely due to my hair being pinned up in curls using silver gemmed clips, while a few elegant curls were let down in certain places as well as around my face to compliment my whole image. Completing the works, I added a light eye shadow to make my gray eyes stand out, a brush of mascara to show off my long eyelashes and a slightly glittery, rose coloured, cherry chap stick to compliment the colour of my lips. All very subtle, I praise myself contently. I carefully put on my mask to finish.

It was strange; I'd never looked so...elegant, mature, and glamorous! But at the same time, I still looked like me and I still looked authoritive, which reassured me a great deal that despite looking good, I could still hold my place as a leader in spite of the fact I was female. Donning my floor length trench coat to both hide and protect my dress (I didn't want my pack seeing it until it was necessary for self conscious reasons), I slipped on a pair of silver strapped, comfortable heels and after adding a few sprays of deodorant and perfume, I left my underground apartment.

To my surprise, my whole pack was ready and waiting by the time I joined them and we needed to leave. After swapping compliments, I rounded them all up into the carriages I'd ordered and we were soon on our way. We would be the last pack to arrive and make our entrance, which I'd already gone through with the pack. I barely paid attention to the journey, or making our way to stand behind the oak door and ready us for our entrance; I was so full of nerves that I felt numb and my fingers tingled. The atmosphere held a charged electricity of anticipation, my heart beat quicker and it took pains to keep my breathing steady and maintain the composure I'd had since leaving the house. Goosebumps shuddered over my skin despite not being cold. "Your Royal Highnesses, ladies and gentleman, please welcome The Crescent Moon Pack with their leader, The Prowess." Announced a voice from the other side of the oak door, effectively snapping me out of my trance with a jump of my heart.

Thank fully, as the doors opened and my pack straightened, my Prowess simmered dutifully and I straightened also, pushing aside my inhibitions, I waited until my whole pack had descended to their positions on the stairs and turned to look up for me. Sliding my trench coat of my shoulders, I handed it gratefully to an attendant nearby before taking a confident deep breath in and purposely walking to the top of the steps and standing proudly, where below our audience had waited with bated breath. I heard him say my name before I saw him.

At the same time we locked eyes, we both said "Mine!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DUN DUN DER!!!!
Picture of what I imagine Ana's dress to look like at the top/side if you're interested!
COMMENTS & VOTES please!

NEXT UPLOAD... 30th January
Much love! Thank you!