“This is a very bad decision.”
I groaned as I sat on the soft, velvet chair.
“Why am I doing this again?”
Corrie sighed.
“For the last time, you cannot wear sweatpants and a tank top to your ball.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Why not?”
Corrie face palmed herself.
I put on an innocent expression.
“What?”
My personal assistant shook her head as she chuckled.
Her dark brown hair was tied into a neat bun. She was wearing a navy jacket over her light blue pencil skirt and blouse. Her amber eyes were bright and warm. She had on a pair of white pumps, and a grey scarf.
Corrie may be thirty but she looked young for her age.
“Again, why can’t I wear sweatpants and a tank top?”
Corrie shot me a look as she handed yet another dress.
I studied this one. It was white, with lace patterns decorating the top half, all the way down to the sleeves. It had a v neckline. The bottom half was a sheer white fabric made out of lace that hung down loosely. The back was cut out into a round shape narrowing at the top. The bottom was really long. I’d imagine it would trail behind me a bit.
I slipped into it with ease, letting my hands run through the soft fabric.
I tried on a burgundy red one next. It was pretty short and casual, without any fancy patterns or anything. The sleeves were plain, and so was the top. It had a normal round neckline. The bottom was plain too and almost reached my knees. It didn’t hang straight down though.
I twirled a little. The bottom fluttered up as I spun. It spread out around me and I felt a little giddy.
The third one was gold. It was also short, with a high neckline that had a collar made of a gold lace. The top was lace too, with straps for the shoulders. A gold ribbon was wrapped around the waist, with a bow in the middle. The bottom was made of a tulle skirt that was a creamy white.
It was cute yet elegant at the same time. It reminded me of the times I did ballet back when I was young.
The last one was black. The sleeves reached up to my elbows. The dress didn’t have any patterns, but there was a transparent strip in the middle. The bottom had a slit from the middle of my thigh to the bottom of the dress, showing off my tan legs.
It was very comfortable and accentuated my curves.
I was actually surprised to see most of them were pretty casual. I expected my mom to go over the top with the jewels and length. I was pretty relieved.
“So which one am I wearing?” I asked Corrie.
Corrie glanced at the dresses.
“Well, it really is up to you. Depends on what impression you want to make.”
I hummed in thought.
“I guess I would want them to think I care about how I look like, but I don’t want to make it seem I try too hard for their attention.”
Corrie nodded.
“I would go with either the white or the red. The black one has too little detail and is kind of bland. It suits a small gathering better. The gold one is fine but perhaps a little too detailed for your taste.” Corrie gestured to my outfit, which was currently a pair of black leggings and a white blouse.
I rolled my eyes. Everyone in the castle wore dresses and suits. Except, well, me.
“The white one is pretty.” Corrie continued. “It has an angelic vibe. But the red one is cute and innocent.”
She paused.
“Except you’re not exactly the innocent type.”
I shrugged.
“True.”
“Well we can’t scare away the boys before you meet them, can we?” Corrie laughed. “At least let them have a chance before you chase them away with your little devil horns.”
I smirked.
“Sure, I’ll give them a few days.”
Corrie rolled her eyes. She looked over at her watch.
“Make your pick. We have to go to an interview with a news reporter to spread the news about your ball.”
“I’ll go with the red one.” I replied.
Then I frowned.
“Wait, not just the suitors are coming?”
Corrie shook her head.
“There will be lots of reporters of course. Also we invited everyone who wants to come.”
I raised my eyebrows in surprise.
“Also, it’s a masquerade.” She added.
“Wait what?” I asked, appalled. “How will I choose then?”
Corrie grinned.
“Well, we can’t be picking over looks can we? You will get to know them. Their personality.”
“But how will I know which one is a suitor? What if I choose a random guy?”
Corrie’s grin widened.
“Well, your father decided that any man from 16 to 19 is allowed a chance. So, anyone could be your future boyfriend.”
My mouth had dropped in shock.
“What?” I screeched. “Mom agreed?”
Corrie shook her head.
“Nope. But your father wouldn’t listen. He said that anyone should be able to have that chance. That you should fall for them, and not their looks nor riches.”
I smiled. That sounded like my father. Always the thoughtful one.
“Well I’m fine with it.” I paused, my blank expression transforming into a cheeky one. “I’ll end up chasing them all away at the end.”
Corrie looked at me, shaking her head sadly.
“At this rate you’ll never find love.”
I shrugged.
“I don’t need to. I’m perfectly happy.” I stood up and turned to the door, ignoring Corrie’s concerned look.
I strolled towards the door. When my hand was wrapped around the handle, I turned back.
I put a smile on my face.
“Well, we better get to that interview.”
ns 15.158.61.16da2
