Lily brushed her hair watching herself in the mirror trying to look for any blemish in her look. Smiling through the blonde tresses she observed only clear smooth skin. As she fixed up her hair she barely contained her excitement at the prospect of the ball tonight. Though Lily was only minor nobility, Mazara one of King Emeril’s personal wizards took an interest in her getting her an invitation. Orphaned as a young child Mazara took her in treating with every kindness she could bestow. An education at the finest finishing school. Jewelry and beautiful dresses that she would never feel out of place. Now that she graduated she returned to Mazara who greeted her with an invitation to a royal ball. Mazara’s attention to her nearly constant, comforted Lily. Lily told Mazara that she thought of her as a second mother to her. The grin this brought to Mazara’s brought tears streaming down her face. Mazara delighted in it expressing a desire to be called mother. Lily wrapped arms around the slender form of Mazara hugging her.
A girl needed a mother to guide her in life. With Mazara now elevated to that position Lily put her to the task of helping her pick a suitable dress for the ball. Mazara’s choice struck her as more daring than she would choose for herself. The delight on Mazara’s face seeing her wear it told her all she needed to know. She now looked at herself in the mirror the thin fabric rounding the curves of her body leaving little to the imagination. The neckline plunged down displaying her hefty melons for all to see. She blushed but Mazara reassured her it would draw many suitors. Such thoughts deepening the warming blush of her skin.
Lily finished getting ready and hurried down the stairs into the waiting carriage. She gossiped with Mazara as they road talking of who was in with King Emeril and who on the outside of his circle. Hearing that the head court wizard was on the outs shocked her. Though it boded well for her guardian who stood to gain the position with Arimas out the way. Lily heartily wished Mazara the best. Their arrival into a the crowded scene of elegantly dressed nobles exiting their carriages with servants attending their needs. Stepping out Lily waited for Mazara who waved her on as she saw someone she had business with. Nervously she walked to the entrance with the invitation in hand. Lily beauty drew stares from many in the crowd. A handsome young knight even asked for the honor of her first dance. She quietly acceded to the request.
What stunned the most was Princess Fina upon witnessing her hurried to her side. She curtsied to the princess who whispered, “Sir Garrett where have you been? I have been sick with worry and I thought you were going to get cured. What are you doing here in a dress?”
Perplexed Lily responded the best she could, “I am at a loss your majesty at what you mean. My name is Lily I am orphaned noble in the care of Mazara.”
The princess pondered what she heard before saying, “I wish to know you better I have few friends my own age. Would you honor me by coming for some tea tomorrow and spend the day with me? Early in the day if you please. I long to spend time with a charming lady such as yourself.”
Shocked it took a minute for Lily to recover herself before saying, “Of course your majesty it would be my honor.” Curtsying to Princess Fina who left to greet other guests. As she walked away a flash of seeing the Princess standing in a secluded grove came to her mind. Odd she never met the Princess before. Probably a daydream Mazara often told her not to dwell on fantasy’s that didn’t involve men. They just weren’t worth your time.
