JUNE
A KNOCK ON MY DOOR ROUSED ME FROM SLEEP.
I sat upright in bed, rubbing the rest of the sleep from my eyes. When I got to my feet, I was wide awake. I crossed to the door, squinting at the cheerful sunlight that beamed through the glass wall.
The knock sounded once more just as I pulled the door open. "Good morning, Miss June."
I glared at the back of Miss Fiona's head as she let herself into the room. She glanced around the space, holding her nose high up in the air. Once she was done with her inspection, she fixed her gaze on the wall behind my head and started her recitation.
"Since all the invited girls have arrived, Trials are to commence immediately. Failure to show up for a trial means forfeiting and you know what that means. Now, you will dress up and look presentable for the morning." She smiled.
No, I don't think I like that smile. "That is why I'm here. yesterday, I forgot to mention that it is my duty to prep you for functions like this."
No, you did not forget, you did it on purpose. I glared at her. "I'm fine. I can take care of prepping myself. How hard can it be to put a dress on and brush my hair?"
"Hard enough that they need me to do it for you. Now, quit the argument and let's get to work. We have twenty minutes and you'll be late."
Hard to argue with that kind of tone.
Without warning, Miss Fiona plucked, trimmed and buffed my skin, nails and hair. They were only a few places she did not graze with a brush or some other grooming tool. By the time she finished, I felt like a skinned rabbit.
Whatever they felt like after being skinned.
"Please tell me this is all?" I whined. "I feel more polished than a coin."
"Quit your grousing."
I scowled. "This better be worth it." I blew out a breath, disturbing a curl of red hair resting on my temples. "Can I at least look at myself in the mirror while you work?"
"Not until I am finished." She said. Her no-nonsense tone had me siting with my back straight on the chair. I bit my bottom lip. This woman was not a good influence on me.
"Now, straighten your back more and stop puckering your lips. You have to learn to behave like a lady. Ten minutes until you are late."
I rolled my eyes but did as she asked. Since she wasn't making much conversation, I played with my manicured hands counting to one hundred with it and then backwards. Miss Fiona moved away, pulling aside the curtain she had draped over the mirror.
"Now you can look."
I glanced at the girl in the mirror. Then some more. Its my reflection of course, but I looked totally different. More beautiful, more elegant, more feminine. My unruly red curls which I could never tamed were held in beautiful braids and let loose behind my back. They fell to my waist.
"Pretty." I said, unable to stop the shock and awe from leaking into my voice.
"No. You are not pretty. My work is beyond that. I've made you look beautiful. Exquisite."
I laughed. "Is that your attempt at a joke?"
"No, that is my attempt at correcting your poor choice of words. Now, it is time for your wardrobe. We have five minutes before you lose one point."
"What? They give points for arriving early?"
She nodded. "They give points for everything you do during the trial. And most times off it too. But it is few and far between. If I were you, I'd try not to lose my guard."
"Heh, I don't mind losing a few points."
While I waited for Miss Fiona to pick a dress, I thought about home. Alpha Roger his words about me traveling the world after this and my mind quickly produced an image of him. I missed him. I had only been gone a few days but I was ready to leave this place for the comfort of home.
Sighing, I brushed aside the feeling of homesickness. They weren't going to do me any good. Instead, I shifted my thoughts to the dress Miss Fiona was forcing me into. I did not have the strength to ask how I will get out of it since it fit like I glove.
I was sure I'd come up with something later.
The dress was a simmering maroon dress that hugged my bosom and curves tight, fanning out around my knees like gentle waves of the ocean.
The dainty sleeve hung below my shoulder, leaving my arm, back and side bare. The corseted bodice was tight against my waist, pushing my breast up and showing more cleavage than I liked.
Still, it was more expensive than anything I ever owned before and I kind of liked the dress.
"There," she said, clapping her hands sharply. "That will have to do for today. Your shoes are there. don't fall or you will tear the material."
I rolled my eyes. "Who do you care the most for. Me or a piece of material that can easily be replaced?"
She turned around, walking out of the closet. "I think you already know the answer to that. Now, come on. You don't want to be late."
My shoes were a tall pair of heels that had gems encrusted along the openings and matched the color of my dress. It looked like it was ready to kill me more than it was going to help me walk.
Having worn nothing but boot and flat soles all my life, I was not confident in my ability to walk in those shoes without tripping.
Somehow, I managed to pull it off just in time for a knock to sound at my door. Miss Fiona answered it. "Who is there?" she called out.
"Silas. Head of the seventh court." Replied a male voice. "I've come to escort miss June to the hall."
Miss Fiona turned and smiled at me. I swear, her smiles always made me nervous. She clapped her hands. "Go on now. You don't want to keep him waiting."
She opened the door to reveal a man dressed in a formal wear. His face was clean shaven, his jaw square and thin, with his dark hair pulled back.
His thick, bushy brows pulled together as his focus landed on me. he blinked several times before dipping his back into a bow.
"Miss June." He straightened his hand out in my direction. "Are you ready?"
I glanced at Miss Fiona who handed me a black card with my name on it. "Try not to do anything stupid."
"Thank you for your show of support," I muttered. "It means a lot."
I tucked the card into my bag, nodded at her and walked to the man without falling. Pleased with my success, I lifted my chin and waited.
Silas held out his hand for me to take. "Shall we?"
I plastered a smile on my face. "Sure. Why not?"
His lips twitched as I weaved my arm through his. "You look beautiful tonight, Miss June. And I'm honored to escort you to the hall."