Chương 4: Truth and nervousness

Abiona gulped, not knowing how to let her friend know that there were night creatures who would attend the dining tonight. She knew Prudence had heard the rumours, but Abiona had protected her friend from this one truth. It was always Prudence who protected her, but she wanted to protect her for once in this. Them not lurking the lower section of town meant Prudence was safe from the red eyes, but not at the dining today.

However, the time was near the end now. "Prudence, I will just say, Beware from the red eyes"

Prudence creased her brows at the vague words, "Is there something wrong?" Somewhere even she knew where Abiona was leading. The tale of bloodsuckers was travelling all around the town and with rich people coming around the horse farm, she had heard the gossip more often to ignore the talks as a mere rumour.

Abiona believed her friend had never confirmed of them, as Prudence was not a social butterfly. It was not something big, as she might get to know one day. The existence of red eyes had become common between the upper class now.

"The Night Creature had been making an appearance among the public for quite some time now," said Abiona, "They are very cunning and they have perfected through the ages the art of deceit." Abiona waited for a moment before confirming all the rumours Prudence had heard, "Although they now coexist among us and rarely visit the lower parts of the town, blood and lust clouds their mind. The missing cases seen around are their doings when their uncontrolled thirst takes over"

Prudence was a daring girl but enough to keep her and her mother's life safe from frauds. Her heart was still tender for offending the wrong people. She would rather take a step back, favouring her loss than step on a rabid dog's tail. She would never bring trouble for her mother, who was her only family.

The news broke to her with lesser impact as she was already been acquainted with the words that went around. But it instilled a fear in her heart.

She wouldn't want to get stuck with someone who would have her go missing and leave her mother alone in this world. Prudence was undoubtedly taught to stand for herself and against any disrespect, but her mother had made efforts to warn her repeatedly of how they did not have the power to stand against the higher class people. Especially with the increased organised crimes and mobs, it was risky to try her luck.

Seeing Prudence not responding to anything, Abiona approached her, "I did not know it would be shocking for you." It was odd to see Prudence dumbfounded or scared, and Abiona doubted it was the case. But she still said out of habit.

Prudence shook her head. "No" The words were lost on her tongue as a fear of the night creatures ever coming around her part of the town crossed her mind.

Abiona could not read her friend's mind right now. It had scared even her when the news was introduced to her. "They will be just attending the dining today, Prudence. Just be careful and nothing would go wrong. Even I was scared when I had first heard about them, now that I have met some, it doesn't feel that intimidating"

A deep sigh escaped Prudence's lips. Her hand found its place over Abiona's hand. "I will take better care. It is only fair that all the influential people attend the new governor's dining party today. Don't worry about me, you should get ready"

Abiona looked into Prudence's ocean eyes a little longer, but seeing her composed, went back to her own dress.

She slipped the violet gown into her body and it perfectly fitted her slender figure. The dress had half gigot sleeves and a white lace design that ran through the middle of the upper section of the gown. Bottom enhancers gently lifted the gown from behind with a little fabric dragging along the floor. Array or roses decorated over one side of the dress and wavy fabric adorned the skirt at the base. The violet and Purple combination made Abiona's eyes shine in the costume.

Prudence eyed her friend from top to bottom. "You look wonderful, it suits you well"

Abiona's face turned red on receiving the compliment, "T-Thank you. My mother has the best taste" She immediately averted to the mirror and checked her hair, not wanting to face Prudence when she had complimented her.

Prudence giggled, "Let me help you with the hair"

She tied Abiona's hair up in gentle curls, forming little bangs along the way. Prudence pinned the tiny floral hat on one side of Abiona's hair, which completed her look. Standing up, Abiona checked herself one last time and a satisfactory smile came to rest on her lips, "You always know what fits me the best"

"Thank you", Prudence said. She was not awkward with receiving compliments, unlike her friend.

"Let me help you as well," Abiona offered, to which Prudence shook her head in denial. "Don't leave them free. It is fashion to have the Gibson girl hairstyle. You will look more beautiful"

Prudence was looking in the mirror, her fingers gently weaving through her side-parted, wavy hair. She was a redhead, and the beauty came complimentary with her natural waves. "I don't wish to overdo it. I will let them be free. It gets tricky to unpin them later." She did tiny braids that went for the side of her head and combined behind into a single braid.

Abiona brought a hat that went perfectly with Prudence's soft pink dress, but Prudence denied that as well. So she got her a white hair pink that looked like a bird and placed it into her braid, "This will look beautiful"

There was a knock on the door, and the girls darted to see a maid standing there. "Milady, the party is about to begin. Your father requests for you"

"Let him know we are on our way," Abiona said and turned back to touch up her face. She had to look good today. It was her father's big day. Prudence had barely applied anything on her face, some pigment on her lips and powder because of Abiona's persistent insisting.

She waited for Abiona to prepare. "Are you done, Abi? I want to wish Uncle Harris before the dining, please hurry"

Abiona joined her side near the bedroom door, not bothering to clean the table. "Don't worry, father will wait for us." The girls headed out into the spacious lobby, now lit with candles and the red carpet shining now as the dark was drawing near.

Past two more doors, Abiona knocked on the double door to hear it open immediately by the butler. He offered them a smile before leaving.

Mr Thatcher strode with a big grin on his face towards the girls. "You both look gorgeous. I hope I get the privilege to have at least one dance with you girls" It had both the girls smile giddily.

Abiona giggled, "of course, papa, I would have my first dance with you today. After all, you are the victor," she went ahead and hugged her father, "Congratulations again"

Prudence followed close, "Congratulations Uncle Harris, you would undoubtedly be the best governor for Dewrest"

Mr Harris Thatcher glanced at Prudence, calling her in for a hug. "Thank you, my dear" she hugged the man, who was like a father figure to her. He knew how the girl grew up with only one parent and therefore always gave her fatherly support whenever needed. Prudence was stubborn when receiving help, but he had been kind enough to home tutor her along with his daughter and always stand by her whenever there was trouble around her. "Also, I am sorry about not leaving any of your mother's sweet dish, for you girls. I couldn't resist"

Prudence laughed, "That's okay. I can always ask my mother to make some more. Glad you liked it"

"Your mother makes the best sweet dishes," said Abiona, "It is rather sad that she couldn't attend today. I even offered her to stay here, but she refused."

Mr Thatcher knew why Prudence's mother did not like social gatherings. The woman was not fine with drawing the wrong attention towards her daughter. She had worked as a maid before for the rich people, and if anyone were to recognise her, then Prudence would be looked down on. She wanted a good suitor for Prudence.

Abiona's father caressed his daughter's head gently. "everyone has their reasons, darling. Go now, the party starts"

They headed out and Abiona pulled Prudence back to whisper, "Be careful, Prudence. It will be hard for me to stay by your side, so don't open to men without confirming from me. I have a rough idea of who belongs to the mafia"

Prudence nodded assuring, "Yes Abi, I will also take care not to offend anyone today"

This had Abiona chuckle. As they walked to the end of the lobby from where they had previously entered. The balcony that overlooked the ballroom was now visible, and a lump formed in Abiona's stomach, realising there would be eyes on her today. Her father was making his entrance a little later, after the girls had joined the guests. But anyone would notice the two girls walking down the balcony that overlooked the venue.

"Prudence," Abiona nervously clutched her friend's hand.

Prudence gave her a gentle smile. "Don't be nervous, Abi. You will get used to this limelight soon" She had no envy for her friend. In fact, Prudence hated the attention. Abiona had got used to it while promoting her father, so Prudence knew her friend would be alright.

Abiona hugged Prudence for the final time, "Please stay away from the red eyes" when she broke the hug, she saw her friend nod in agreement and it gave some relief to her heart. "Let's go, I am ready"