by D. C. Gomez
“Yes, fancy clothes are required, but the tailor hates me for not telling him I was a girl.” I was rocking the fence with my legs.
“And?” he asked.
“And he said he doesn’t have time to make me one,” I told him.
“What about your witch friend?” Mister P continued.
“Sageri is busy making potions for all the girls attending the ball. She hasn’t slept in the last seven days.” I hadn’t seen her the whole time, either.
“What kind of potions do female humans need for a party?” Mister P moved closer to me.
“In my world, Sageri would be super wealthy. She is making acne cream, potions to make your breasts bigger, some to shrink your booty, and others to make you appear taller. She even has an order for a love potion.” I held up a finger for each potion, counting them all.
“I hope you know those potions have a short life span and the aftermath is never good.” Mister P chuckled.
“Don’t look at me, I didn’t order one. I have enough issues finding a dress and having to go to this ball. With Sageri making her spells, I have no idea where to find one,” I told the goofy dragon.
“What about your dear knight?” Mister P nudged his head towards the house.
“Sir Bertrant has offered to help, but he is just as lost as I am.” I dropped my head, hoping I didn’t appear as hopeless as I felt.
“Is it that important for you to go to this ball?” Mister P raised my face with his finger.
“I’m tired of being an outcast,” I admitted very softly.
“You want to be ordinary?”
His question hit a nerve in me. “I am ordinary,” I said, staring into his eyes, his deep shades of blood red and dark purple sparkling.
“There is nothing ordinary about you, Madison,” Mister P replied. “Why do you want to fit in so bad with those people?”
“You don’t know what it’s like having everyone stare at you every time you pass by,” I said, and then I stopped myself. “Okay, you do know, but you at least have powers and can fly. I’m just that weird girl who is a page.”
“You humans make life so complicated. If you really want to go, why didn’t you ask me?” I had to turn away from his deep stare.
“I never even thought about it.”
“Here, this should do.” Mister P handed me his cape.
“Am I supposed to go as Batman?” I asked, inspecting the shiny purple cape.
“And you think you are going to fit in with comments like that?” Mister P laughed.
“Thanks for the moral support,” I mumbled and raised the cape over my head. “Do you want me to show up just wearing this?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Mister P snapped his fingers and the cape transformed to a satiny purple gown. The material felt like silk in my hand.
“Wow, can you also turn pumpkins into cars, and should I call you fairy godmother?” I asked, twirling around with the gown.
“Pumpkins into what? Never mind. I don’t want to know the rest of that story.” Mister P arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow. “And if you ever call me godmother, I will turn you into a pumpkin. Understood?”
“Yes, you cranky dragon,” I replied, covering my face with the dress.
“You will find shoes and the rest of your ensemble in your room,” Mister P finished, giving me a cross between a smile and a smirk, making him look arrogant but still young.
“Thank you.” I saluted him. “This really does mean a lot to me.”
Mister P’s features softened, and he patted my head softly.
“You do know I’m not a puppy.” I swatted his hand away.
“Sometimes you act like a spoiled child, so close enough.” He flicked my ear.
I stuck out my tongue at him and his eyes got bigger.
“I might be offended if I wasn’t still a kid,” I told him.
“In this world, you are old enough to get married. Something to think about,” Mister P told me, watching the sinking sun.
“Please tell me you are kidding? Who marries a fourteen-year-old?”
Mister P just laughed at my questions. “Why would you ever want to fit in when you are so much fun being different?”
Not sure if he insulted me or gave me a compliment.
“Thanks for the motivational talk,” I told him.
“My pleasure. That’s my cue to leave,” Mister P told me, getting misty and translucent. “Your mood is back to normal. Madison, be careful. People at the castle are not what they seem.”
His warning echoed in my head after he disappeared. I did not like the idea of going to the ball. The thought of watching my back while wearing a gown was even worse. I stretched the dress in front of me to take a better look. The gown was gorgeous, covered in crystals with a delicate see-through bodice. I wondered if Mister P was as good as he thought and his new creation would fit me. Purple was not my color normally, but this gown had me rethinking my color choices.
Was it too late to run away?
I couldn’t eat a single thing all day. I had an awful day. My stomach hurt, my knees were weak, my left eye twitched all day, and I expected to pass out any minute. Riding off to battle a dragon, no big deal. It took me three seconds to decide to jump in that garbage chute. On the other hand, going to a ball in a fancy gown was giving me a nervous breakdown.
There was something seriously wrong with me.
A carriage from the castle picked us up at dusk. The horses were mad that they couldn’t go back to the castle and gossip. Sir Bertrant promised to take them on a trip sometime over the next few days. I had no idea why. He was not getting out of that promise too easily. Those two horses would just take him there whether he liked it or not.
On a normal day, we would do sword lessons, riding practice, and all-consuming chaos. Things to keep my mind busy. Today, Sir Bertrant cancelled everything to give us time to get ready.
It did not take that long to put on a magical dress. I had hours to wait for dusk to come, and I sat there in pure horror as I did.
My only distraction was Sageri. She had stopped by with some hair potion to fix my hair. It had been so long since I had to do anything with it. As a page, my hair was always pulled back in a tight ponytail at the base of my head. A little bit of the potion was supposed to eliminate all the frizz and make my hair slick and shiny. The additional stress of making sure I had good-looking hair did not help my mood. I had so much nervous energy swarming inside that I couldn’t even take a nap.
Sir Bertrant announced the arrival of the carriage right at dusk. Was it too late to fake an illness and stay home? I feared Sageri would just rush over with some strange concoction, so I adjusted the dress a few more times and left my room, sending a quick prayer to God before stepping out.
“Wow,” a young man that had been talking to Sir Bertrant said when I entered the living room.
Sir Bertrant turned around to face me.
“Wow is right,” Sir Bertrant said, beaming. “Madison, you look enchanting.”
“You don’t think it’s too much?” I asked, smoothing the fabric a few more times even though the material was perfect.
“If you don’t believe me, just look at Olli here.” Sir Bertrant pointed at the young man whose mouth hung wide open. “He is speechless, and he is used to seeing ladies in gowns all the time.”
“Yes, my lady,” Olli told me as he gave me a short bow.
“Please don’t do that,” I told Olli, trying to stop his bowing. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”
“That’s the spirit,” Sir Bertrant said as he extended his arm to me.
I made my way across the room, impressed how Mister P managed to get my shoe size correct. The shoes were purple crystals that glowed as I walked. They were absolutely beautiful and comfortable. I never had a pair of shoes that were both of those things. I also didn’t know anyone else who had. Every girl at my school complained about how their fancy shoes always hurt their feet. School. A sharp pain hit my stomach.
Had anyone there missed me?
“Are you ready?” Sir Bertrant asked as I hooked my arm through his.
“No, but let’s do it,” I confessed, and he patted my hand softly.
We followed Olli out of the house and headed towards the castle. This was going to be a painful evening.
The castle appeared enchanted, like it floated in the night sky. I had no idea where they found all those lanterns to light that monstrosity, but it was mesmerizing. Olli pulled up to a gorgeous entrance decorated with crystals and candles. Two guards were standing at attention in front of the door with their hands on their swords. Olli opened the carriage door and helped me down. Sir Bertrant followed smoothly behind me. He wore a form-fitting black suit that made him seem taller and more dignified. Or maybe the fact that he was sober and had washed his hair. Either way, that poor Maera would eat her heart out when she saw him.
The guards opened the doors and Sir Bertrant escorted me inside. I fought my nerves, but it was too late to turn back. As we entered the castle, I realized we were entering the throne room, except it was now decorated as a summer paradise. Exotic flowers were scattered in fancy planters all over the hall. Crystals hung from the ceiling like falling stars. A full orchestra played on the opposite side of the throne Lord Peru and his wife were sitting on. I had never met the lady of the kingdom before.
We stopped at the edge of the hall and waited for the guard to announce us. In my opinion, that was not necessary, but I doubted anyone cared what I thought.
“Relax, Madison,” Sir Bertrant told me.
“I’m fine,” I lied.
“Sure you are, and that is the reason you are cutting off all blood supply to my hand.” Sir Bertrant patted my hand.
I released my death grip on him. “Sorry about that.”
“Just relax.” Before Sir Bertrant could say anything else, the guard stepped in front of him.
“Lord Peru and Lady Yumi, I present to you Sir Bertrant and page…” The guard stopped, his gaze dropping to his list and to me, then back again.
“Madison,” I said, waving at him.
“And page Madison,” he concluded, sneering at me as we passed him.
All four-hundred people in the hall turned to stare at us. I wasn’t feeling that sorry for the guard anymore. He drew too much attention to us with his slow announcement. Sir Bertrant explained in the carriage that as part of the ceremony, every guest had to thank the Lord and Lady for their invitation before mingling. This was a death march and every step we took echoed through the hall. None of those in attendance were talking. Instead, they were peering over each other to take a good luck at us.
While my knees were wobbly, I held my head up. I was not going to give anyone here the satisfaction of knowing I was terrified. When we arrived in front of Lord Peru and Lady Yumi, I did the best curtsy I could in the gown.
“Lord Peru and Lady Yumi, thank you for inviting us,” Sir Bertrant said and I lowered my head even more. That was my entire job during this presentation.
“We are pleased to have you both with us,” Lord Peru said.
“Dear, I think you made an excellent decision allowing Madison to be a page,” Lady Yumi said in a melodious but childlike voice. “Her glow radiates through this court like sunshine in the mist.”
Heat crept up my cheeks and I bowed even more to the lady of the court. I tried to speak but nothing came out.
“She does clean up well,” Lord Peru said, smiling at his wife. “Please friends, enjoy the ball. It is due to your bravery and resourcefulness we are celebrating the return of Lady Celina.”
Sir Bertrant gave a low bow to Lord Peru and Lady Yumi, then he glided us away from the Lords and we headed towards the food table on the far side of the hall.
“Why do you always end up near the food?” I asked Sir Bertrant once we reached the table.
“Easy, you don’t have to try to come up with random conversations among strangers.” Sir Bertrant grabbed a small plate. “You can discuss the food and sound polite and engaging.”
“That’s a really good trick,” I admitted, grabbing a plate and following Sir Bertrant.
“An added bonus is that all the food is delicious.” Sir Bertrant popped a pastry covered in strawberries in his mouth.
“How are people not overweight here?” All the food on that table made your mouth water from the decadent and rich smells.
“Even in the castle, some of these are only for special occasions.” Sir Bertrant placed a couple of squared pastries on my plate. “They take forever to make and the Lord refuses to waste resources on frivolity too often.”
That was a blessing because this place screamed over the top. The crowd had dressed to impress. Their gowns were intricate designs to show off how wealthy they were. I glanced quickly down at mine and it impressed me to see that the gown glowed every time it caught the light.
“Yours is better,” Sir Bertrant muttered, making his way to the far side of the food table.
“I’m sure it’s cheating when it is done by magic,” I told him.
Sir Bertrant laughed. “Don’t tell them. They would sell their souls to the dragon for a collection of those gowns.”
It was my turn to laugh at his comments.
“Good evening Bertrant.” Sir Bertrant froze at the voice and I almost choked on a pastry when I saw who had spoken to him.
“Good evening, Lady Maera,” Sir Bertrant replied in a cold and short tone.
Lady Maera flinched like he had slapped her. “It is nice to see you.”
“You are looking well.” I tried to sneak away when he spoke. Sir Bertrant lugged me back before I got away. “Have you met my page, Madison?”
“I’ve heard a lot about her,” Lady Maera told me and we curtsied to each other.
“It’s her first ball, so excuse me while I show her around.” Sir Bertrant carted me away and I casually waved at her.
We left Lady Maera standing alone by the food. She looked ready to cry and blinked fast as if trying to stop the tears from falling.
“That was awkward,” I told him.
“That was amazing,” Sir Bertrant told me, skipping.
“Why are you so happy?” I asked, peering over my shoulder at Lady Maera who disappeared into the crowd.
“That was the first time I walked away from her.” Sir Bertrant took another bite of a pastry.
“That’s a good thing, right?” Why was he so excited?
“For over two years, I have been chasing her, begging her to come back to me.” Sir Bertrant waved at a pair of knights by a column. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been strong enough to leave. It’s a good night, Madison.”
“Glad one of us is having a good night.” I started eating my pastry. Men were strange creatures.
“Hey, is that Sageri?” I asked, pointing at a girl across the hall.
“Probably. She is required to attend the balls as representative of Egina, and because she is a former lady. Go find her,” he offered, pointing in her direction.
“Are you sure?” I asked, bouncing around.
“Yes, you will have a lot more fun with her than with me,” Sir Bertrant said, taking my plate away. “I’m good, Madison. I will go to talk to the other knights and eat my way through the kingdom.”
“Thank you!” I was so excited that I kissed his cheek and ran away to find Sageri.
Running was a loose term. Crossing the hall was a challenge that became more difficult because of my gown. It didn’t help that every person I passed by wanted to talk. I met tons of knights, pages, and ladies on my way to the other side. At one point, a line of dancers grabbed me. I had no idea where they came from but leaving without dancing was not an option. It was easier to join them, so I followed the leader and kept pace with the group. As soon as the music ended, I thanked the group and kept on moving.
I had lost Sageri in all the excitement. More people had arrived at the hall and I was not tall enough to look over the crowd. I had given up hope
of finding her when I ran into Olli by one of the entrances.
“Olli!” I shouted at him.
“Lady Madison!” Olli peaked around a bit suspicious.
“What are you doing? And stop calling me lady,” I told him, trying to see what he was looking at.
“I’m making sure nobody is watching us.” Olli examined the crowd.
“You do know I’m just a page? I clean the stables and feed the horses.” I crossed my hands over my chest and tapped my foot at the boy.
“You do?” His eyes got so big I was afraid they would pop out of his head.
“Yes, and if you ever saw me on a regular day, you wouldn’t even notice me. I don’t wear things like this at home,” I said, pointing at my dress. “Now I need your help.”
“Sure, anything,” Olli said, relaxing his shoulder.
“Do you know Sageri?” I asked, this time turning around in case I missed her.
“Of course.” Olli gave me a huge grin.
“Great, so have you seen her tonight?” I asked, grateful I didn’t have to describe her in this crowd.
“You are in luck. I just saw her heading toward the courtyard.” Olli moved to his left to face a small hallway.
“You are a good man, Olli,” I told him and ran past him.
I hoped the courtyard was not too far from this hallway. I didn’t want to run around the castle all night. Lord Peru and his wife would not appreciate strangers wandering his grounds without permission.
The hallway led down to a small door, not as impressive as the main, public entrance. I quickly pulled it open and headed outside. The night had turned cool and the breeze felt exquisite on my cheeks. To my delight, the door opened to a courtyard filled with lanterns. If the inside was a paradise of lights, the courtyard took your breath away from its magical appearance. The fountain in the center glowed with a purple light. I saw Sageri on the far side of the fountain. Trying not to trip on the grass, I grabbed the skirt of the gown and walked quickly around the fountain.
By the time I made it around the fountain, I saw Sageri was not alone. She held hands with Julien, and he appeared to be pulling her closer to him.