The Fall Ball
Chapter 51

(Rose)

The group of women fussing over me ushers me over to the empty chair. I sit down and they start with my hair, they blow dry it and place in some large rollers. They get all my hair pinned up and then start on my make-up. They keep everything natural tones, and I am thankful. I don’t use a lot of make-up.

Once my make up is done, one of them paints my nails. They use a pretty opal color; it reminds me of the color of Lilly’s fur. I can here her purring in agreement with me. “Yes it is a pretty color.” She says in my head and I roll my eyes at her. The lady finishes with my nails and tells me to sit still and not to touch anything and to let the polish dry.

“Your wolf talking to you?” My mother asks me. I look to her and smile, “How did you know?” I ask her. “Well most people don’t roll their eyes for no reason.” She says to me and the queen smiles at us.

“So what is her name?” Queen Mary asks me. “Lilly, and she is very opinionated.” I say. Both women laugh, “That is common with the wolves. They only know their instincts, and act on impulse. They need the human counterpart, to keep them in check sometimes.” Mom says to me.

“It will take time. But you will get the hang of it. Over time it will become easier.” Queen Mary says to me. I smile at her, “ I hope so.” I say to her.

We talk a little longer. Then the Queen stands and says its time to get dressed, she heads into the bathroom first. She comes out in a stunning royal blue dress. Its beautiful, “you look amazing.” I say to her, she smiles and says thank you.

Then my mom heads into the bathroom to change. I stop and think, I don’t believe I have ever seen my mom dressed in a formal dress. She was not big on going to the parties, she would help prep and then go home to rest. When she opens the door I am shocked at what I see.

“Wow!! You look incredible.” I say to her and she blushes. “You don’t think it is too much?” She asks looking in the mirror. “No way. You look great, and I bet Dad will think so too.” I say to her. “It has been years since I have gotten dressed up, I feel out of place.” She says looking to the Queen.

“Nope, no way are you getting out of this. Tonight is to celebrate Rose, and you need to get used to these events. They happen a lot with being part of the Royal family.” The Queen says looking at my mom with a smile. “And you look great. You should feel confident, you are an amazing and strong woman.” She tells mom. And I smile at the two of them.

“Well I just got a link that the guys are headed in to get ready. Always at the last second I swear they like to stress me out.” The Queen says while shaking her head. I smile at her. She looks to me and grins. “Now Rose, it is your turn to get dressed.” She tells me ushering me into the bathroom.

I go in and one of the helpers walks in. “I thought you may need some help getting into the dress. And I have a few finishing touches to get you ready.” She says with a smile.

“May I ask your name?” I say to her, she smiles. “My name is May, my queen. You have met my daughter. Opal, she seems to like you.” She tells me with a smile while grabbing my dress off of the hanger.

“Opal seems really nice. She makes me feel welcome. And please just call me Rose, no need to be so formal,” I say with a smile. She nods in understanding.

I take the robe off, and May helps me get into the dress. I am still amazed at how well it fits and how beautiful it is. The electric green makes my eyes pop and stand out. It has diamonds spread across it, causing it to sparkle in the lights. I twirl and smile, it is so beautiful.

May has me sit down on the chair in the bathroom vanity space. She helps me put on a pair of sparkly silver shoes. She smiles as she takes the rollers out of my hair. My hair now cascades down my back in perfect curls. She ads in a few diamond hair pins. And it brings the whole look together.

Looking in the mirror I am surprised at the woman standing there. She looks powerful and confident. She looks like everything I am not.

“But that is you.” Lilly says in my head. “We are the most powerful creature on the planet. And you carry grace and confidence with you every day. You may not see it, but those around you do. And they are all proud of you and the woman you are becoming.” She says before going silent.

“You ready to go show the queen and your mother?” May asks me and I nod at her. She opens the door and steps out. I take a few moments to get my self calm and step out.

I hear a gasp. I look up to see that my mom and the queen are both staring at me. “You look stunning.” My mom says coming over and kissing my cheek. The queen smiles and walks over, she reaches for my hand. “You look like our future queen. This look suites you.” She says while squeezing my hand.

“So the guys are going to meet us downstairs, as well as your alpha and luna.” The queen says and we nod. As we walk out of the room, she stops and looks at me with a smile. “Why don’t you go surprise Ash, I’m sure he would love to look at you before anyone else.” She says with a smile.

As I walk away I hear May holler at me, “No messing up the masterpiece though!” She says and I laugh and walk towards Ash’s room.

I get to his door and pause. Do I just walk in? Or do I knock?

I decide to knock, I lift my hand and knock on the door and I wait for him to answer.