She had always been good to me. The first time I saw her it was in the Merchant town outside the city. She wasn't supposed to go, but she couldn't help herself. She was always like that, getting herself into trouble to satisfy her curiosity.
I was walking along the streets. The Merchant stalls were set up along either side. Homes had been turned into stores and everything seemed so plentiful. That was if you had the money to pay for it. I walked past a stand that was filled with different kinds of fruit. I had just enough to buy one, and I was so hungry.
I picked out one, ripe-looking mango, inspected it carefully and handed the measly change I had to the man working the stand.
“Hello?” I heard a pleasant voice behind me.
“Yes?” I said, as I slowly turned to see who could be seeking attention from me...
Once I saw her it was like the world stopped. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. She had eyes as blue as crystals and when she looked at me, with that smile, my heart skipped.
She walked beyond me for a moment, inspecting the variety of fruit carefully. She selected five or six vibrantly colored fruits and handed the man a small pouch of coins. The gentleman smiled politely and placed the items in a small sack. As she turned back to me she placed the collection she’d purchased in my hand purposefully.
“Are you okay?” Her question caught me off guard, yanking my mind back to attention.
“Oh! I'm fine.” I exclaimed abruptly.
“Good! I'm Aeliana! I want to be your friend.” She was so confident and…. happy. She gave off this aura, as if life had never had a chance against her optimistic spirit and had merely given up on throwing it’s normal trifles her way.
If only I got to have more time with her...
***
The next few days passed without event. I wandered the halls from time to time with Eák or Liam on my tale, though I did not speak much to either of them. After what had transpired that first day, I did not want to make things any worse than I already had. Before I knew it, it was time for the ball.
I stood in my room completely uncertain as to how the evening would go... As I was contemplating the job I had been sent there to do, I heard the door crack. For just a moment I thought maybe... Liam...
Just as the thought appeared, I pushed it from my mind. Three servants entered holding all sorts of items, makeup, brushes, clothes, shoes, and so much more. It was overwhelming to the point where I just stood where I was told and awaited for my torture to end.
When the women had finished working their magic, one woman turned me to see myself in the mirror. I looked nothing like me. The make-up and hairdo made me look as though I was a queen. My eyes were so pronounced and my lips a cherry red. The dress was a bright white, though there was a clear blue ribbon running the length of my chest, it fit firmly at the top, but blossomed at the hips. The shoes were a sparkling silver and much higher than anything I was used to wearing. My hair was curled and pinned up to show off its volume and color.
“Oh! One more thing.” One servant said, as she reached into a bag.
She pulled out a shimmering white mask and gently settled it on my face.
“I didn't realize it was a masked ball,” I said out loud.
“Milady the Queen thought it might make it more fun to dance that way,” the woman said.
“...Okay…” I said hesitantly. I was already nervous enough, but not being able to see the faces of those around me, how was that supposed to be fun?
“May I ask… May I ask your names?”
The women shared a look of apprehension.
“Of course Milady.” The oldest of the women responded. “I am Yani,” She seemed to be well into her forties, with silver-black hair that descended straight down her slender frame. Her features were delicate and beautiful, though aged, her skin, the color of ivory. “This is Clara.” she continued motioning to the girl at her right. Clara was a beautiful young girl, her hair a strawberry red, and her eyes the color of honey. She could not have been older than twelve, however, she worked just as hard as the others. I couldn’t help but wonder why she would be working at such a young age… “And this is Elizabeth.” I turned my attention to the last woman, her hair was as black as obsidian, it circled and twisted atop her head as a small piece of silk fabric attempted to restrain its wiles. Elizabeth’s complexion was dark, and the flawlessness to her skin made me slightly jealous, she was an exquisite beauty.
“It is nice to meet you all. I am Alaya,” I said.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, Lady Nol,” Yani responded, taking extra care not to refer to me by my given name.
“I’m curious, how do you enjoy it here at the palace?” I asked.
The women shared another glance before Elizabeth spoke, “It is fine Milady. We are treated well.”
“I’m glad... I’m just nervous. You see… I have never been to court before… at least not in any official capacity.” I continued. “I’m not used to all of this…” I motioned with my hand.
“Hmm... “ Yani expressed a thoughtful sigh. “I will tell you this child. Do not presume you have friends here. I have been serving in the palace for many years, and not everyone is as sincere as they seem.”
Yani and Elizabeth finished pinning the last strands of my hair and each of the women filed out of my room, leaving me standing in the doorway alone. I watched them leave feeling more than a bit out of place. It would be extremely important that I blend in if I was going to do my assignment here. An event tonight would be the perfect opportunity for something to go down.
“Are you ready?” I heard a deep voice behind me. Liam's voice. I didn't even need to turn around to hear the pain he was experiencing. Pain I had caused.
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