Thread: At her side. (greenteapot)

Oh, no, please take your time. Scarlett smiled softly at the flower girl and went over to the batch of tulips in the corner. And I think Ill take these, Theo. She waved the man over and placed the bouquet in his arms. By the end of the day, Theo would be covered in bags and miscellaneous trinkets that Scarlett fancied. They did the same routine between the two of them as they often did despite their little hiccup in their relationship earlier that day they stole glances of each other, smiled and maybe gazed in each others eyes a little bit too long. Night fell and days passed and soon it was Scarletts 18th celebration. Scarlett had trouble sleeping again but with help from a cup of tea with cherries, she found rest in the late hours of the night. One thing was for sure, Scarlett could not afford to give Gloria a hard time that morning. The old woman was stressed out as it was. The princess even woke by herself that morning and waited patiently for the old maid but in the end, only an apologetic Abbey showed up. The preparation for the party was everyones first priority and Gloria was tied up in the logistics of the thing. Abbey spent much of the day getting Scarlett prim and proper for the event. She was to meet her suitors and be on her best princess behavior -- direct orders from her father -- and she couldnt afford to have a hair out of place. Poor Abbey had to run around for Scarlett, getting her nails polished, her face powdered, her hair curled. Despite dedicating the whole day to simply getting ready, Scarlett was press for time when dinner rolled around. Her dress was dreadfully heavy and Abbey struggled to put the thing on her. Luckily, Theo had been lurking in the corner and they had to call for his assistance in dressing the princess. Not quite what you thought youd be doing as the princess personal guard, right, Theo? Scarlett teased the older man and gave him a bright smile in thanks. Scarlett was on time to dinner, much to the surprise of the King, and the meal passed by dreadfully boring. Scarlett had to smile so much she thought her face had frozen into place. It was amazing how her classes paid off in the end and Scarlett ended up not making a fool of herself as princesses and queens chatted with her. As vast as the influence of the guests invited, Scarlett somehow remembered all of their names and proper talking points. By the end of the meal, she was getting too many praises of being the perfect wife to make her comfortable. It was a shame Theo was hidden away in his corner again. She had no one to share distorted faces with. But as all things do, the meal ended and Scarlett was rushed back to her room to change into a ball gown. After a few struggles, with the help from Theo getting the garment off and the new one on, Scarlett was finally ready to be announced at the ball for her grand entrance. Her heels clicked loudly as she rushed to the stairs and she glanced back at Theo. Never in my life have I anticipated such a busy day! Im afraid I look rather a hot mess rather than a potential queen. Arriving at the grand staircase to the ballroom, Scarlett gathered her breath and finally let her dress down. It cascaded elegantly around her with layers and intricate embroidery and details to each carefully placed fabric. The gown was an emerald green and with Scarletts pale skin and fiery red hair, she looked like the rightful queen of the palace. The beautiful and nubile daughter of King Gregory. The young maiden for such a wonderful event, Princess Scarlett. Her name was called and hesitating for just a second, Scarlett put on her brightest smile she could muster and stepped out onto the staircase, waving and giving a modest curtsey to the crowd. There were a lot of people watching her. People who wanted to marry her, meet her, befriend her, and also those who wanted to be her or wished ill on her. As she stepped down onto the main floor, Theos presence by her side gave her some comfort as she waved through the crowd of people.