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A silent sigh fell from Valerie as she waved her hand. “Fine. Show it to me.”

With a squeal, Victoria ran to the seating parlour before bringing in an elegant yet expensive looking dress.

The design was two layered, but the skirt wasn’t wide like she feared it would be, like some puffy thing.

It was two pieces: a plain white bodice attached to a pleated skirt underneath. However, it was the dress coat that drew Valerie’s eye. It appeared like someone had dipped it in quicksilver, shiny yet still faint – a trick from the meshy material over the top of it. Dark grey stitching embellished the edges, even around the buttons that would sit against her wrists, since the dress didn’t drape like most did.

“Lady Victoria,” Valerie gasped while gently running her fingertips over the coat’s material, worried she’d damage it with even the barest touch. “You cannot give me something this stunning.”

“Please. This ball is for you and the other ladies. I want you to look breathtaking. You are trying to win King Bradwick’s heart. I am sure he would not resist you in such a fine dress.”

Valerie eyed it. Although it was far too glamorous for her, she did find it beautiful, and she knew she would feel so if she wore it.It looks like something an angel would wear.

Despite her lack of expression, Valerie’s heart swelled at the idea of wearing it, that Victoria cared enough about her to want to give it to her.

“Fine, I will wear it,” Valerie conceded. “Only if you allow me to choose the style of my hair and an additional accessory, one you cannot question.”

Victoria gave her a sheepish smile. “Only if you wear the shoes I brought.”

She placed a pair of lacey, silver-beaded, heeled slippers in front of the dress.

Valerie rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her own small smile. “You twist my arm and have succeeded in getting your way.”

She emerged from the tub, agreeing to her terms, and could tell the woman was excited. Somehow, Valerie found the childish manner oddly endearing, as well as contagious.

Victoria helped to dress her and then styled her hair into a sweeping cascade over one shoulder like she asked – to hide her bite. It also allowed the long subtle waves of her hair to be seen.

Once one side was all pinned back with pearls, Victoria paid careful attention to the make-up she insisted must be painted on Valerie’s face. Like usual, her skin had little powder, but her eyes were darkened with mascara and liner. Silver was the theme for her this eve because even her eyelids were painted the colour with a smoke of dark grey.

“I do not look like myself.” Valerie sighed, showing the woman she was unsure of her appearance, while also hiding her nervousness.

“Well, you look radiant.” Victoria forced her to turn away from the long mirror. “If King Bradwick does not become captivated by you, then it will mean he is blind.”

Valerie wanted to roll her eyes again. She didn’t need encouragement; she could see she looked beautiful. It was just dismaying she had to play some rich noblewoman that she wasn’t – not to this extent.

There was a reason she never took Lady Cecily’s elaborate gowns. She never wanted things to get to this point.I feel as though I have strayed as far as I possibly can from who I truly am in this outfit.

It was a costume, and it felt like a betrayal. It also made her miss home terribly.

She quickly dismissed her darkening thoughts. “Let us go.”

Vermont was waiting for her at the top of the stairs to be her male guest.

Already, Valerie could hear the bustling of people and the sounds of music as they walked closer. They hadn’t even made it to the ballroom, but it was so loud, it carried through the palace.

Valerie entered the same ballroom she had when she’d first arrived, and once more found herself admiring the beautiful glass dome above.

The other ladies had already arrived, and most guests were there as well, although some were still filing in from outside. A line of carriages awaited their turn at the palace doors to empty their passengers.

Everyone was in their loveliest outfits, creating a sea of colourful people. Men wore suits of the finest quality, bright and colourful to match the ladies who walked on their arms. People were already dancing, laughing, drinking.

“You are frozen, my dear,” Vermont said, tightening his arm around hers in comfort.

Yes, she had stopped moving once she entered the grand hall. “I am just admiring the general splendour. Let us continue.”

She may be a little dazzled by the shining light of the crystal chandelier sparkling above in the middle of the dome. She felt a little choked by the different perfumes that clogged the air, but it didn’t necessarily make it unpleasant.

The sheer amount of people was staggering, and she wasn’t prepared for such a vast amount.