Chapter 37: Preparing For the ball

_Lilac_

I step out of the vehicle that had been sent by the King to bring me into the palace, without Kael. He was not home when the convoy came and I could not reach him through the phone either. I wonder where he went to.

It is funny how royalty and people at the top can easily brush off things that happen to those beneath them like dust. My thinking might be irrational, but seeing the grand decoration of the palace as I step inside, I cannot help but wonder if King Alvarez even heard of the murder case and Roman’s attack, which I know he certainly did given how he had singlehandedly stationed guards and prevented me from entering Roman’s hospital room for reasons known to him alone.

The palace which looks more like a castle now looks entirely different, and the medieval touch I once thought it never had is now gleaming in full force. How much revamp did this place undergo in just a week or so?

The recieving hall is beautifully decorated wiwith theold and silver tapestry and chandeliers. It is very beautiful indeed.

There are golden banners and garlands, and the throne room has been decorated with the same decorations. While the decor is still a bit dark and gloomy, it is much more welcoming than before, and I cannot help but smile at the sight. white marble floors and gold trim. I stop for a few minutes to examine all the portraits of King Alvarez hanging on the walls.

There are white wreaths and large red flowers, and the decorations are not alone. They are all so elaborate in nature, large mirrors line every wall, the floor is covered with white carpets and there are a dozen or so guards standing behind me in the corridor, servants scurry past holding basket of flowers and trays that hold whatever.

"Do you like what you see?" The familiar voice from the stairs leading to the rooms upstairs stops me from my perusing. I smile as I turn to the owner, Talon’s wife.

"Hi Lola.. And I do like what I see." I don’t know if I should be cautious of Lola because of her husband, but she does not look like she is cut from the same cloth as her husband.

"It’s always like this during the mating season."

"It’s a season? It’s not just one day?"

"Obviously. Do you think every unmated Lycan can find their soulmates in one day? This ball is to usher in the mating season."

I frown. "I thought it was rare to find one’s soulmate, why dedicate an entire season for something that is unlikely?"

Lola laughs but there is sadness in it. "It is a lot more complicated than what you see Lilac. A lot more complicated. But then..." She glances down at my dress. I’m wearing a long dress with a wide skirt and matching shoes; it looks suitable for a ball.

"What?" I ask her.

"We have to get you a new dress. This just won’t do it. Now come with me."

Confusion would certainly not cover the entire questions roving in my head, but there is still a lot of time for questions, right?

I follow her.

\~~~~

"There you are, I was wondering when you will join us." A voice says. I raise an eyebrow as Lola and I walk into the fitting room as she calls it. It looks like a fitting room alright, or rather more like a cut out part from an expensive mall. Dresses are hung on racks along the back walls and racks of shoes are lined up next to the mirrors.

There is even a bar at the side where bottles of various wines sit in neat lines. A man with curly hair and tattoos is sitting beside it with a smile. He looks up when we enter, he is the one who talked when we entered. He also looks so much like Lola. Lola must sense my unsaid question because she says; "He is my brother, Gavin and the Royal-" she pauses. "What do I call you? Obviously not seamstress?" She directs at her brother.

Gavin stands and walks towards me then lowers his head in courtesy. "I am Gavin Marshall, the royal seamster, tailor, designer... Whichever you want to call it. It is a pleasure to meet you Princess Lilac Hirav Aspen."

"Wow. I thought I was kept hidden but it’s like my idea of hidden is so different isn’t it? Given you know my name even before meeting me."

Lola chuckles. "You are a part of the Royal family and every worker is bound to know who you are before meeting you, they are sworn to secrecy though."

"Oh... That’s explainable. But what exactly do you do as a royal seamster? I mean no offense but it is modern times and everyone uses the mall you know?"

"No offense taken. My work as a royal seamster is limited to the formal events organized by the royal house."

"So you only dress them up for balls?"

Gavin winks at me. "Something like that."

"Hey sunshine." Issy comes breezing inside looking a lot more cheerful and bright than the last time I saw her as she flings her arms around me in a bone crushing hug.

"Issy! Heavens! You totally forgot me didn’t you?" I scold, returning back her hug inhaling her welcoming scent. I have missed her.

"Sunshine, you know I won’t forget you but you are here now, right?" She grins at me and then waves at Lola and her brother as she releases me.

"Hey Lola, Hey Gav!"

Lola cast her a side glance. "Look who finally decided to show her face, I thought you hate the mating season?"

"I hate it does not mean I don’t wanna snag me some hot unmated Lycan yer know," Issy replies with a wink causing us to burst into laughter. Somehow Issy’s unfiltered humor eases some of the tension in my shoulders and I find myself relaxing to their company.

"Well I guess it’s time to dress you in suitable clothes to snag unmated Lycan don’t you think?"

"Totally!" Issy shrieks, her palms meet Gavin’s in an high five.

"I’m married, you pervs!"

I raise my hand. "I second that."

"Ugh, that’s a pity."

Few minutes later we are finally ready for the ball.

Lola is dressed in a white dress that hugs all her curves and the bodice is low enough so I can see every curve. She wears black pumps with heels, but she doesn't't seem to mind them, she is still smiling as she does up her buttons, she looks radiant.

Issy wears a light blue dress that stops just below her thighs with lace sleeves and it fits her like a glove.

Gavin is wearing a dark blue tuxedo, it fits him perfectly and the cuffs have golden trimming and he has his hair curled and pinned back. His tats are gleaming from beneath is shirt.

As for me, I stand in front of the mirror. I am in a long red gown that comes down past my knees. The bottom half reaches just above my ankles. It is very form fitting, the waist is made out of some sort of shiny fabric, and it goes to about a foot in length. It hugs my body, leaving just a little bit of my stomach visible.

"You look beautiful!" Lola says softly, reaching forward and squeezing my hand gently.

I take her in. Thereis no makeup on her face, only a subtle hint of blush on her cheeks that make her look even more angelic. Her hair is straightened, but not styled or anything fancy. I kind of like Lola.

"She is, isn’t she?" Issy agrees and I smile, my cheeks almost hurting from how wide it is.

"Okay! The ball is starting in ten minutes so let’s go!"

I am not looking forward to the ball at all, and my anxiety at formal gatherings return in full force. Worse of all, Kael is not here and once again I have that nagging feeling that something is not right. The last time I had that feeling, Roman was almost murdered.

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