章 25: A Charming Dance Partner
The days up until the ball went quickly. Despite the twins begging, they would not be allowed to attend. "You must be at least fifteen," she reminded them. "Or fourteen with a familial escort." Aurora conveniently left out that she had been attending balls since she was barely eleven. There was no need to complicate things.
Devrim spent as much time as he could with the Empress, even attending an afternoon of tea with her and some of the noble ladies that he easily could have skipped. When Aurora commented on his constant presence, he responded, "My days with you are growing short. I want to enjoy the time with my best friend." The girl's heart had melted at his words, and she had happily let him follow her like a puppy.
When the big day came, Aurora could hardly wait for evening to arrive. She dressed early in her royal gown and paced her room, running over every possibility in her mind. What if no one asked her to dance? What if everyone asked her?! What if she met the man of her dreams? What if the man she liked was… ugly? She pressed her lips together tightly. This was unproductive. She needed something to do. "I'll go to the nursery!"
In the nursery, Mairwen lauded her mother's dress. "You look like a fairy!" She exclaimed as Aurora twirled in her long crimson gown.
"Ha!" Nanny scoffed, "She looks like nothing of the sort. Can you imagine how hard it would be for a fairy to get around in a monstrosity like that?"
"Everyone else says I look beautiful," Aurora pouted.
"And you do," Nanny agreed. "But I know the little plan you've got cooked up. The other dress is much more becoming." The old nursemaid put a finger aside her nose.
"Other dress?" Alaron asked.
"Yes," Aurora laughed, a little embarrassed. "I have a wardrobe change planned in the middle of the evening."
"How wonderful!" Mairwen clapped her hands, delighted.
"Girls are weird. I'd be happy if I never had to change clothes again," Alaron sulked.
The women and little girl giggled. They knew he would carry through with his threat if they let him. Aurora hugged the twins and kissed their foreheads. "I must be off, my dear ones. Be good for Nanny."
"Happy birthday mother!" The twins said together.
Nanny caught her as she turned to leave. "Remember to wear your father's necklace all night tonight. Perhaps it will bring you good luck."
Aurora looked at her confused. The Empress always wore the necklace, but had planned to take it off when she changed clothes. Nanny's request was strange, but then Nanny acted strange often. "Yes, Nanny. I will."
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Aurora and Devrim entered the high balcony together as the curtain pulled back. A round of applause and "Glory to the Empress!" greeted the royal pair. The Empress greeted the crowd warmly and settled into her seat. Or so it seemed. After a minute or two the curtains were lowered so that people's view of the balcony was obstructed. The Empress stood and moved behind a large screen positioned along the back wall. The three sisters were waiting for her. Anna's make-up and hair were identical to the Empress, and once the two had swapped clothing, the resemblance was striking. It would take very keen eyes to see through the ruse from the ballroom floor. "You look beautiful, Your Majesty," Aurora curtsied with a grin.
"Happy to be of service," Anna blushed. While Anna returned to the balcony's throne, the other three ladies exited to the hallway. Aurora hid her face with a large fan, playing coy to any passerby. Ducking into a suite of rooms, the ladies worked to change Aurora's clothes a second time.
As the Empress slid on the lovely green gown, the silk sparkled like gems. Aurora tucked her father's golden chain into her gown's scooped neckline. It was risky, but she hoped if anyone recognized it, they would merely think she was trying to copy the fashion of the most powerful woman in the world. The dress gave her a youthful look and its simple lines complimented her figure. Bella and Candela took down the Empress's ornate hair style and replaced it with a half bun and a jeweled flower pin. They also took off her make-up and replaced it with light pink lips and soft blush.
The overall effect was lovely. As beautiful as Aurora was in her full majestic gown, this was breathtaking. "Good luck, Your Majesty. Not that you'll need it." Bella grinned.
The girl's stomach knotted. She couldn't go through with it. "Come with me!" Aurora begged the ladies. But they would not oblige and in a fit of bravery, they shoved her out of the room and toward the ballroom.
The flickering candles hung from the chandelier, giving a warm glow to the hall. Aurora walked in tentatively, trying to find a place to observe more easily. She never got the chance. Like a moth to a flame, many men were drawn to her. She was alone, innocent-looking and beautiful. A few men even left their dance partners to speak to the newcomer. This caused more than a few jealous glances, but Aurora didn't notice. She was overwhelmed.
"Lovely evening," one gentleman greeted her.
"A perfect evening for dancing," another broke in.
"May I have this dance?" A third man asked.
"I saw her first," yet another man argued. Aurora could feel things were getting out of hand. She had wanted attention, but not this much. Just as she was about to retreat to the hallway, a handsome golden-haired man walked up to the scene. Aurora thought she might have seen him before.
"Excuse me gentlemen, but this lady was looking for me. Perhaps you can request the next dance." The man flashed a dazzling smile at the group. The other men, seeing that Aurora was already claimed for the dance, left to find partners of their own. The blond man bowed his head humbly, "We do not actually have to dance. I just thought you needed some room to breathe before the jackals descended."
"Thank you…" Aurora did not know his name.
"Ah, forgive my manners. My name is Sir Iorwerth." The gentleman reach down and kissed the back of Aurora's hand. Aurora blushed as a warm tingly feeling ran up her arm. 'My isn't he handsome!' she thought, enchanted.
"I believe I owe you a dance," Aurora smiled coyly. "That is if you'll have me."
Sir Iorwerth flashed another gorgeous smile. "I'd be delighted. Shall we?"
Aurora blushed again. Taking his hand, another warm tingling feeling passed through her fingers. This was going to be a very good night indeed.
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