Isabella was tired, she was hungry, and she was currently struggling to get into the white ball gown all on her own. However, despite all that, she was also excited. Excited to show off the completed outfit to Violet and accompany her to this evening’s debut. All that was remaining was to actually manage to get ready in a reasonable amount of time. Which was proving more difficult than she would’ve liked. No wonder wealthy women had handmaidens to help with this kind of thing; who could do this on their own? These dresses were ridiculous!

“Isabella, are you sure you don’t need help? I won’t look.” 

Violet, on the other hand, apparently had no trouble getting ready if the disembodied voice was any indication. The doll had been summarily banished to the bathroom with her outfit to get ready in isolation, leaving Isabella to fend for herself. Was this a practical arrangement? No. But Isabella wanted the first time they saw each other to be when their dresses were donned and outfits complete. Or, as close to it as possible.

“I’m fine! You just worry about getting dressed yourself.”

Now, Isabella hadn’t been completely unreasonable in her demands for their preparation. Earlier today, the two women sat on the bed and did each other’s hair while talking and laughing. Violet’s chosen style for this evening was a single ponytail that looped back on itself a few times, creating an elegant swirling effect. Isabella asked Violet to do something a little more intricate for hers and chose to create one large braid that traveled up until it ended in a bun high on the back of her head. Once they were done, they moved to the vanity and did the same with their makeup. In the end, both opted for a lighter application, preferring a more natural look than what might appear on some of their peers.

With those smaller tasks out of the way, it was time to get dressed. Alone. Isabella had managed the slip well enough but then came the corset. Which proved more difficult than she would’ve thought and, much to her consternation, she had to break her own rules only a few minutes later by summoning her friend. Thankfully, it only took a few moments for Violet to get the damn thing tightened while Isabella did her best to hide most of her body around the corner of the door. With that taken care of, she hastily returned to her solitude to get the dress on. It had turned out to be quite difficult as well; however, she knew it would be worth it! Well, not so much for her, this would no doubt be uncomfortable to wear. It was more so the opportunity to glimpse Violet in something stunning and spend the evening together. 

Before announcing that she was ready, Isabella made her way to the full-length mirror and checked herself over one last time from head to toe. With her hair completed earlier, all she’d done was add a simple band that held a fresh, white lily. Next, she tugged on the ends of her long gloves where they sat up past her elbows, ensuring they were on snuggly before running her hands over her dress. Even she had to admit the ensemble at least looked nice. The way it overlapped and puffed at the bottom reminded her of something a princess would wear. The single shoulder strap made of lace made it feel quite…unique, as well. No doubt that was exactly what her father had planned. The addition of high heels made her feel a little unsteady though, and she worried about her sense of balance once she took off her glasses. Thankfully, she would have an escort all night, one she fully intended to cling to. 

Speaking of Violet, Isabella was finally ready for the reveal. So, she turned from the mirror, walked a few steps toward the doorway, and took a deep breath to calm herself. “Alright, you can come out of the bathroom now.” She was so nervous her hands were shaking where they sat clasped behind her back. Would Violet think she looked good? Better than good? Oh, she hoped so! Of course, her friend didn’t give her long to wonder because almost as soon as Isabella finished speaking, Violet appeared before her. 

Any concerns about her own appearance faded away once Isabella laid eyes on the doll. The white, high-neck tailcoat looked stunning on her, doubly so with it transformed into a dress. The fit was tight and gold buttons ran all the way up to her collar. Her sleeves were full-length and accompanied by a pair of white gloves that elegantly covered her prosthetic arms. Even the bottom transitioned into pants that ended high above the ankle to show off a pair of stylish heels. To top it off, Isabella had given Violet her own lily and it sat on display nestled in her hair. Since each piece of the outfit was white, it gave off the impression of flowing, layered fabric while maintaining the overall air of the “Princess-knight.” Whoever picked this out for Violet knew her very well. In a word, it was perfect. She was perfect. At least in Isabella’s eyes.

“You look beautiful, Isabella.” 

Hearing Violet’s voice snapped Isabella from her silent revere and she quickly shifted her eyes from the doll’s body up to her eyes. “Oh…what? Sorry.”

“I said you look beautiful.” Violet followed the compliment with a smile before taking another step closer and offering her arm. “Are you ready?”

The combination of praise and the gesture had Isabella’s cheeks turning a faint tint of red from embarrassment. However, the heat soon grew so intense that she had to avert her gaze even as she lightly took hold of Violet’s arm.  “Oh, yes! Let’s go. “

With a nod, Violet walked them toward the door and opened it to pass through. On the other side, they proceeded down the staircase, out the front door, and onto the path to walk to the main building. The whole time Isabella’s mind was alight with joy at hearing Violet’s opinion of her. Of course, there was no fawning or outpour of flowery language but she knew her friend would only speak the truth of things how she saw it. So, in a way, the matter-of-fact statement was even more special to Isabella.

Naturally, anyone who came across the pair stared for longer than what might’ve been considered polite. But, by this time, the two women were well accustomed to the looks and whispers that followed them wherever they went. When they reached the main building, everyone waiting outside stopped what they were doing and turned in their direction. Even the din of conversation dropped noticeably. 

“Look,” Isabella nodded in the crowd’s direction before continuing. “Everyone’s eyes are on you, Violet.” Being on display like this wasn’t exactly Isabella’s idea of a good time. So, to distract herself, she reached up and removed her glasses with her free hand before tucking them away for safekeeping.

“Is there something wrong with my dress?” Violet scanned the crowd and then down at herself in curiosity.

The question brought out a little laugh from Isabella, who reached up with her second hand and rested it on Violet’s arm by the first. “No, silly. They’re looking at you because you’re stunning.”

“But everyone is dressed up and they all look nice,” Violet protested.  

“That may be so; however, you are the most beautiful one here, Violet.” She followed up the words by hugging herself tighter the doll’s form. “Now, I can’t see very well so don’t leave my side tonight, okay?” Even if it was true that her eyesight wasn’t the best without her glasses, it also provided a convenient excuse.

At this, Violet looked up at Isabella and silently regarded her for a few moments. “Of course, I’ll stay by your side. I promise.” Oh, how Isabella wished those words extended beyond this night. However, she wouldn’t let such things weigh on her mind right now. Tonight was for fun, not for fretting about what the next day would bring.

Once the doors opened, signaling the start of the debut, the spell over the crowd finally broke and everyone began walking to the entrance. It was a good thing Isabella asked Violet to stay with her because almost immediately, students began waving her over or otherwise trying to get her attention. However, Violet remained steadfast throughout. She waved back and bowed her head slightly to each request as if in apology.

When they entered the banquet hall, Isabella’s eyes did their best to scan over the interior. There appeared to be a large variety of food set off to one side. Which smelled delicious even from where she stood. From there, her gaze continued to scan and, even with the slight blur, it was easy to tell the giant room had been decorated beautifully. Floral arrangements sat atop long, white tablecloths. Additional lighting bathed the whole room in a warm glow and the tables were arranged so they left a large, open area in the center. For dancing, no doubt. There also appeared to be a full band to entertain the students tonight. Its members sat tucked in one corner and were currently playing something light to set the mood. 

After the two came to a stop just inside the entrance, Violet gestured with a nod towards the banquet. “Would you like something to eat, Miss York?”

Isabella’s eyes returned to the food and her mind wrestled with what to have. Multiple tables were covered with a variety of finger foods. Small pies, rolls, sandwiches, and the like. All were surely filled with different delicacies. One table even appeared to be solely dedicated to an impressive selection of sweets, the most important of which were the cookies. Lots and lots of different cookies. The sight of it made her mouth water and she was thankful her stomach didn’t grumble at the sight of it all. Of course, the tight fit of her clothes most likely held it back. “I do, but this stupid corset is going to keep me from enjoying as much as I want.” 

In response, Violet smiled and shrugged her shoulders slightly. “Well, we can make a few visits over the night to give you time in between.” Before the two women stepped off, a familiar face passed in front of them, framed in blonde hair and accompanied by a small entourage.

“Good evening, Miss York. Miss Evergarden. I just wanted to stop by and say you both look lovely.” Ashley Lancaster stood before them in an exquisite gown colored in a very subtle pink. Isabella smiled at the compliment and performed a little half-curtsy where she stood affixed to Violet.

“Thank you, Miss Lancaster. You look lovely as well.” The response was offered smoothly and with nothing but the utmost sincerity. Which brought out a similar smile on Ashely’s face.

“Thank you, Isabella. Now, I won’t keep you. Enjoy the evening, ladies.” With that, the woman and her group bid their farewells and headed for the food like everyone else. When Isabella returned her attention to Violet, she found the doll already turned in her direction.

“What?”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Violet offered with the barest hint of amusement in her voice. 

“I did actually learn something, you know.” Isabella gave her a light tap with her hip and began to guide them towards the banquet. “I had a good teacher, after all.”

This caused both women to giggle as they made their way over to grab the first round of food. Whereupon they both conversed with different young women while they all stood around and politely nibbled away at their meals. Isabella herself singled out the sweets as a favorite during this time and it was as if she was determined to try each one before the night ended. After almost an hour of idle chit-chat and eating, the band’s music subtly shifted to something a little more…lively. Well, lively for a ball. 

What that really meant was the beat of the melodies became more suited to dancing instead of conversation. Several pairs of women seemed to pick up on this and started moving out of the group of tables and toward the dance floor. So, it was time then. After witnessing the other women begin, Violet turned and stepped closer to Isabella before bringing up her hand. “May I have this dance, Isabella?”

Her name. Violet used her name out here with all the other students around. The smile that spread on Isabella’s cheeks was instantaneous, wide, and full of life.

“You may, Violet.”