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1068 Words
She is followed closely by Serena. Serena’s looking stunning in a long red flowing strapless silk dress with a slit that went up all the way to her thigh, showing off her perfect long tanned leg every time she takes a step. The bodice of her dress is covered in soft red feathers. Her bright red lips match her dress. Her golden blond hair is swept up to the side, leaving one shoulder bare. She has feathers weaved cleverly in her hair with three red feathers stuck out dramatically at an angle.
“You look breathtaking!” exclaims Genesis as she takes my hand in hers and twirls me around.
“Look who’s talking,” I laugh. “You two look absolutely gorgeous! I feel like a purple bird.”
“A beautiful purple bird,” chimes in Serena.
Together, we walk out to meet Constantine and Lazarus who are waiting for us in the grand hallway just outside the ballroom. Our entrance is different from everyone else’s since the left wing of the castle is reserved only for the crown Prince Caspian, Prince Constantine, and his mate Genesis, Lazarus, and Serena, and now, a little old me too….for some reason.
Lazarus only has eyes for Serena, but he spared me a look after complimenting and kisses his mate affectionately on her cheek.
“You look absolutely beautiful, Penny,” he smiles, offering me one of his arms while Serena is hanging onto his other arm.
“Yes, you look gorgeous,” agrees Constantine, giving me a little bow.
“Thank you,” I smile. “You guys cleaned up pretty well yourselves. Could be better, but ehhh…not too shabby.”
“Oh, stop! You’re making me blush,” says Lazarus, deadpan.
The three of us girls burst out laughing while Constantine grins, shaking his head.
Lazarus and Constantine are actually a lot more than just “not too shabby”. They’re actually looking very spectacular. A sight
to behold. Lazarus is in a dark red high collared 18th-century gentleman’s suit, so dark it appears black in the dim light of the hallway. One side is trimmed with gold buttons. The open coat reveals a red silk vest and an embroidered white silk cravat. He has a hat with a long red feather sitting at an angle at the front.
Constantine is wearing a black velvet classic frock coat trimmed with green silk damask similar to the color of Genesis’s dress and antique style gold buttons. The sleeves are also trimmed with green silk damask and gold buttons. The front of his shirt is covered with a white embroidered lace cravat ascot. His black hat is also adorned with a peacock feather to match Genesis’s dress.
These men can wear such ostentatious ensembles and still look jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Not that I’m going to admit that to them. Not too shabby is all they’re getting from me.
Most of the time I feel like the men are treating me like a pesky, but highly amusing little sister. Speaking of the men…”Where is Caspian?” I ask.
Genesis leans to look at me around Constantine and grins mischievously. “He had his arms twisted by Queen Sophia to escort Lady Celeste to the ball,” she giggles. “I think he would much prefer to escort an abominable snowman…or even you, Beany Penny.”
I groan inwardly. Caspian gave me that nickname. I still have no idea what Beany means. Gosh, I hate that nickname!
“Serves him right for calling me Beany Penny,” I reply. “Just as well…we might kill each other before the party’s over tonight.”
Genesis’s eyes light up with mischief and she says, “Oh gosh! If the party gets too boring the three of us could start…”
“That’s why we intend to keep you two away from Caspian for the sake of the ball and the safety everybody attending tonight,” interrupts Constantine quickly, though he sounds amused rather than annoyed.
“Debby Downer,” mutters Genesis teasingly before we
straighten up just before two uniformed men open the massive heavy door to the ballroom for us.
“I thought I was your chunky monkey,” mutters Constantine from the side of his mouth.
Genesis’s reply is lost to me as the sound of beautiful live music resonates around us as soon as the doors are opened. I feel my breath caught in my throat as we step further into the room and descend the stairs.
The ballroom is like nothing I’d ever seen in my life. It is massive. Sparkling crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling everywhere. There are two sets of staircases at the end of the room. One of which, we are descending from. There are balconies with golden banisters all around. There are fresh flowers and feathers in different colors in big silver pots by the walls. Each is illuminated with its own golden glow of lights.
Underneath the curve of the staircase at the other end is a little platform where an orchestra dressed in gold and cream and outrageous feathers is performing. Near our set of the staircase is a wider and grander platform that separates it from the rest of the room. On the platform, there are several intricately
carved chairs with two royal thrones in the middle of the arrangement.
Guests dressed to the nines stop and stare when we enter the room. Everyone is wearing feathers of some sort. Some more outrageous than the others. It’s a good thing that their attention is more on Genesis and Constantine.
Not long after, King Alexandros and Queen Sophia enter after the announcement is made. I’ve met them before but seeing them now in their formal attire, I can only stare at them in awe.
The men bow and the women curtsy, but as soon as they’re seated, King Alexandros waves his hand dismissively and the merriment continues. Queen Sophia is looking beautiful in a yellow and gold silk dress. She’s a very beautiful lady with blond hair, green eyes and a charming smile that looks a lot like Caspian. King Alexandros is a distinguished good looking gentleman with dark hair and dark eyes. I think Constantine looks a lot more like King Alexandros than Caspian does.
I feel like a little girl playing dressed up at an adult party.
- Writer
