Only You

Chapter Thirteen

If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet.... - Fred Rogers 

____

Fai P.O.V

After days of preparations, and endless lessons the day of the ball is here. I woke up at dawn, with the sound of numerous knocks at my door.

I open to find Maggy, Jake, and Lea with numerous bags in hand and big smiles on their faces.

"Today is the dayyyyy" Lea squealed, over the few weeks she has become more comfortable with me and was not as shy anymore.

"Where are the rest?"

"Sleeping in, since they already taught you what you need to know for the ball," Maggy says, setting the bag with the dress I assume on the bed.

"Now go take a bath and so we can get you ready," Jake says pushing me into the bathroom.

I take my time in the bath, preparing myself for tonight taking a quick nap, and washing my hair which took forever. I walk out and was greeted by Jake sitting me down and getting ready to do my hair while Lea prepared for make-up.

After what seems like forever passed, Jake and Lea are finally done. And Maggy is finally ready to show me the outfit.

"Close your eyes Fai," Maggy says smiling. I did and after a few moments, I am told to open my eyes again.

Speechless. The dress is an off-shoulder smoky grey dress that looks so beautiful. I didn't even want to touch it, out of fear that it is not real.

The next thing I know, I am stripped out of my clothes and step into my new dress. After facing the dress, I am turned around and face an excited Jake and Lea, along with a teary-eyed Maggy. 

"Are you ready?" Lea questions while Jake takes my hand and makes me spin one last time. I look outside and see that the sun is close to setting. I stole a glance from the mirror and noticed how the sun made my skin glow. 

For the first time, I felt beautiful. I've received compliments before in the village, but it was mainly commentaries about my features, never my skin. For a quick moment, I believed the things my father and mother will tell me. 

I clutched my necklace, which I had to fight Maggy for because she wanted to replace it, and give the three a small smile as I open the door ready to make my way downstairs. 

To my surprise the guard that abandoned me since the first day was outside my door, ready to escort me. He gives me a look of surprise and quickly shakes his head before giving me his arm. I took it and followed him as he guided me downstairs, trying to ignore the looks I was getting from the other guards and the passing staff. 

When we reach the bottom of the stairs, the King and, I'm guessing. his two bodyguards are there to greet me. He looks at me with a straight face, and glances at my hand being on the guard's arm. I quickly let go to give a small bow. 

"Your highness," 

He says nothing and just gives me his arm like the guard did earlier. I was surprised at the action, and quickly and gently laid my hand there to not waste time. He guides me outside to our ride, and I let go as he steps in and I follow, thanking the man holding the door open for us. 

The way to the ball was silent, from time to time I stole some glances at the King. His outfit was also grey and it fit his body oh so well. His hair was put up this time with a small braid with a crown finishing the look. The sun also made his skin glow, and I admire his stoic face. I noticed the impatient flexing of his hand, which was decorated with black ink that looks like vine and silver rings.