king's temptation | narnia

chapter 15: the plan

Over the next two weeks, I focused on my relationship with Lucy. Not that I avoided the two kings. Edmund occasionally gave me short kisses in deserted hallways and Peter walked with me when Lu could not. I feel disgusting. How am I supposed to choose between the two of them when both make me feel so good. Is it possible to fall in love with two people at once?

Lucy and I spent our time with Susan, taking extra dance lessons in preparation for the ball or getting fitted for dresses. Of course, we know how to dance, but we don't practice. That's why Susan pulls out the dance instructor before every big event to clean up your steps. Lu and I are currently practicing the waltz in the big empty ballroom.

The night in which we had quarreled was almost instantly forgotten and we went back to having fun together. As we danced, Susan took note of how our new ballgowns looked. Lucy's was everything she wanted for her coming of age ball and more. It was a beautiful light pink color with a full skirt and slight bell sleeves. Though it was a modest dress, it showed a bit of cleavage and her defined collar bones in a classy way. There were little pink flowers all along the neckline. Along with her new tiara, she would look absolutely gorgeous.

My gown was in a nice emerald green color that had a lower, square neckline and a slight off-the-shoulder silhouette. The skirt was full and swishy, with a nice natural feel. The bodice of the dress was a boned corset, making my breasts and figure look absolutely amazing. I was surprised at Susan's approval of the dress, but she said it looked very grown-up and didn't show too much, so she approved it.

Our dresses are beautiful, but Susan's dress is magnificent. The bodice is a deep burgundy color with gold embroidery and beading, it has lightweight, puffed, chiffon sleeves, and the skirt is full and dyed to match Lucy's dress. I just know she'll look absolutely gorgeous.

"Remember to keep your heads up high, girls," said the instructor, hand on his brow. Lucy and I giggled and tried to keep up with the pace of the music.

"Yes, girls, please do. We don't want you having double chins. That's no way to get a suitor," said Susan from the chair she was sitting on.

At the talk of suitors, my mind wandered. Would I ever be able to choose between the two? Would Rabadash complicate things further? Oh Aslan, will I have to lose my virtue to Rabadash?

"Ow, Kate, you're on my toe!" yelped Lucy, jumping back. My mind flashed back into reality and started to dance to the music once again.

"Sorry. I don't think my feet are used to moving in these pinchy shoes!" I said with a smile.

When the dance ended, Susan got up and stood in front of us, looking over our dresses.

"These dresses are perfect for the ball," she paused. "But Kate brings up a good point. Girls, please wear the shoes around the castle to break them in. We don't need them hurting your feet on the night of the ball," said Susan.

"Can we wear them outside, Su?" asked Lucy, seemingly already knowing the answer. Susan shot her a strict look.

"Absolutely not! If you walk into the ball with muddy shoes, you may never see the light of day again," said Susan with her eyes narrowed.

Lucy nodded and bent down to adjust the strap of her heel. As she bent down, we heard a loud rip.

"Oh, Lu, what have you done now?" said Susan, looking at the large rip in the back of Lucy's dress.

"I'm sorry Susan, I think I just had a big breakfast," said Lucy with a giggle. Susan smiled.

"Alright, come on, girls," said Susan.

We walked back over to the makeshift changing dividers that were set up in the back part of the ballroom.

"Kate, you can get changed and put your gown on the mannequin. Lucy, you stay here so we can see to your dress," said Susan.