Isabelle woke up and yawned before getting out of bed. Her blurry vision slowly cleared revealing a satisfied looking Jummané wrapped in a towel. "Look who's finally up", she said walking over to Clara's bed. Isabelle looked over to the bed to find it well made with two attires laid out. "Good morning, where's Clara and Lenora?", she asked curiously. "They left early this morning with the grand council to finish up the decorations for the ball room. In the meantime, we should head down for breakfast where the voting for their membership will take place. We'll then check off all the baked goods we received this morning", Jummané finished enthusiastically. "Sounds good", Isabelle responded.
She disappeared in the bathroom and reappeared ten minutes later to see Jummané dressed. She was wearing a grey sweater dress that rested comfortably above her knees with grey boots and a silver tiara. "Clara and Lenora really went for a comfortable look today", Isabelle noted internally now eyeing her attire. She got dressed in a baby blue jeans dress that also sat above her knees with a heart cut out at the back and a golden-brown wedge sneaker with a gold tiara. She decided to sport her hair in a throwback. The princesses exited the room and made their way to the outdoor dining table. They greeted Sr. Kenny who handed them the envelope with the results as they took a seat. The grand council were apparently still in the ball room, and the Royal family wouldn't be seen until it was time for the ball.
The waitresses came and served the meals while Isabelle eagerly opened the envelope. "Go on!", pushed Sr. Kenny smiling warmly. She opened it and saw where nine of ten members voted for Clara and Lenora. The results were also approved by the royal family. She smiled and shared the results with Sr. Kenny and Jummané who were still anxiously waiting. Isabelle got so overwhelmed with joy that she even shared the results with the waitresses who had no idea of what was going on. Jummané and Sr. Kenny both laughed at her silly but genuine reaction. "This is it; Clara and Lenora are officially part of the grand council. Maybe being a princess isn't so bad after all", she stated aloud. She then realized her mistake and looked over to see confused waitresses and Jummané dying of laughter. Whether it was the results of the voting or their special guest for the ball, the princesses couldn't stop smiling as they ate their breakfast. The next stop would be the grand kitchen.
They arrived there twenty minutes later and were consulted by the head chefs and food manager. "You've done your part, we'll take it from here", Lehydra, the food manager stated. The Princesses were up for an argument, but they were outnumbered. They reluctantly gave the necessary orders, thanked the entire cuisine team and left heading back to the palace. "Talk about bossy", Jummané teased laughing. "They learned from the best", Isabelle agreed chuckling. Both girls made their way back to Isabelle's room and immediately realized that Clara and Lenora had returned. They couldn't wait to share the exciting news and they did. Clara and Lenora stood in place wide eyed. "When did you? How? Being your assistant was already an honor, but this, I don't know what to say", Clara stated feeling overwhelmed. Lenora was still frozen, unable to speak.
"You'll be invited to every event, and no major decision can be made without your vote", Isabelle beamed pulling the girls in for a hug. " I hope it's not too much", Jummané finished joining in. "Are you serious? Too much? not at all", Lenora finally said recovering from her frozen state. The Princesses then let them in on the perks of being a member of the council and they took it all in. They would need to meet with the rest of the members after the ball to get up to speed with the important tasks that were ahead. The ball was scheduled to begin at seven and the small clock read nine thirty. They had a few hours to relax before getting ready.
(LATER THAT AFTERNOON)
It was time! Clara and Lenora had that crazy look in their eyes as they escorted the princesses. They looked at each other nodding before separating to get to work. Isabelle and Clara took the bathroom and gave the dressing room to Jummané and Lenora. Two hours later they both did the finishing touches before exiting their separate spaces. "Jummané, you're first", Clara stated sitting on the bed. She strutted out of the dressing room and posed for Clara to see Lenora's creation. Clara gasped with the first glance; Jummané was portraying a dark angel. She wore a black skin fitting dress that sat above the knees. The dress had black mesh sleeves, and black mesh covering the cut out at the stomach. It was styled with Black laced high knee boots and a tiara with a halo covered in black diamonds. To finish the look, a meshed mask that covered her eyes, White contacts and her dark hair was pinned to one side flowing freely down her waist. Jummané wore dark feminine makeup, black angel wings and a necklace with blood red Sapphire rocks to bring of her lipstick. "Wow! ", Clara exclaimed unable to take her eyes off Jummané. Lenora smiled at Clara's reaction.
Jummané stood smiling confidently while Lenora called out Isabelle. "Alright, Isa, take my breath away", Lenora challenged and she did just that. Isabelle modeled towards where Clara and Lenora were seated. She flashed a seductive smile and winked. She was slaying a black riding hood look; sporting a black leather dress that sat perfectly on her tiny waist and extended at her hips sitting comfortably above her knees. A black leather cape pinned at her neck with a white skull shaped diamond and of course the hood was at the back. To accentuate the look, combat boots, and her snowy white hair was braided in a fish bone style with a few strands curled at the front. Clara used jewelry pins to fill the void left by a missing crown. At the opposite sides of her braids were the pins with black rose shaped diamonds to contrast her hair. She wore a leather mask, and a choker with black and white diamonds covering it alternatively. The mask highlighted her grey contacts and smokey eyed makeup.
To top it all off, she had a fake sword that she stuck in the scabbard which was connected to her belt. " A dream but a nightmare", Lenora exclaimed bewildered. "A saint but a savage", Isabelle finished smiling cheekily. They exchanged a proud grin before asking Clara and Lenora to use the remaining time to get dressed. A knock on the door interrupted their little moment. Clara opened it to find Leo holding four small boxes handing them to her. He then quickly bid them farewell and left. In the boxes were four bracelets: two silver and two black. All of them however had the same design, they curled around your hand and extend to the finger kind of like a glove. The interesting part though was that their names were imprinted on them. "This must have been the finishing product for security", Clara concluded handling the bracelets with care.
"You're right and they finished in time for the ball", Isabelle replied. The Princesses slid on the bracelets that tied in perfectly with their outfits not bothering to ask how they worked. Now it was time for Clara and Lenora to get dressed. They entered the dressing room to get ready while Isabelle and Jummané sat on the sofa chatting. A few minutes later Lenora called from inside the dressing room. "Are you ready? It's .... "Just get out here", Isabelle interrupted amused.
Lenora strutted from the dressing room confidently and waved as she went. She was portraying cat woman. She wore a black leather crop top with the matching skirt, and her brown hair was loose. She also sported a black cat ear with leather boots. Her silver bracelet tied in perfectly with her silver mask that highlighted yellow contacts. She wore hot pink lipstick which contrasted her soft glam makeup. To finish the look, she wore a black tail and a black fluffy cat glove on one hand. Isabelle got up from the sofa and looked in her Jewelry drawer where she found a cat ear with silver Sapphire rocks. She replaced the black cat ear and helped Lenora to put on her bracelet. "You look dashing", she stated admiring her. " Extravagant", Jummané beamed giving Lenora a once over. "Okay Clara, it's your time to shine", Isabelle shouted. On cue, she entered the room portraying a dark fairy.
Clara sported a black sleeveless dress that had a split to the left side. The dress had a heart shaped opening at the bosom and fitted her petite body superbly. She wore Red wedged boots, A floral crown made with red and black roses, and her curly black hair was loose. A red mask highlighted dewy makeup and light green contacts. On one hand she wore a green glove with vinelike design and the silver bracelet on the other. Jummané got up and took out a few blood-red diamond pins shaped like roses. She then carefully placed them on different parts of the glove. "You'll definitely marry a prince tonight", she finished placing the last pin. "I second that", Isabelle exclaimed eyeing Clara.
(A FEW MINUTES LATER)
They arrived at the entrance of the ball room where they saw the grand council. Isabelle realized that only the members had silver bracelets. The Royal family had black, and the guards had dark blue. She wondered what the specific colors meant. Isabelle and Jummané were greeted by their parents for the first time since yesterday morning. They portrayed angels wearing white and having white angel wings. In contrast Queen Latifa and King Dejean were portraying vampires. She was dressed as Mina Harper; Dracula's wife and he was dressed as Dracula.
The grand council were greeting the royal families and escorting them in the ballroom. The musicians started to play, and it was time for the Royal family of Roséno and Loudéfe to enter the ballroom. It was astonishing once again seeing Clara's and Lenora's ideas coming to life. The overall look was like a foggy night in a mystical forest, and the musicians reinforced it.
The carpet was a dark green and where there were fake trees, there were scattered leaves under them to carry the forest theme. The lighting was a round chandelier that represented the moon, the table with snacks had black, red and white roses alternatively as the center pieces. The tablecloth was crimson red, black and white alternatively. There were vines hanging from the roof with roses on them. The banner left everyone speechless, it read, "Welcome to this mysterious Masquerade ball where your love for mystery is deemed more important than your identity". The banner was red, with black and white designs and it was truly a sight.
The princesses stayed behind with Clara and Lenora while everyone else walked ahead. The villagers were coming in as well. The girls got swallowed up by the crowd and in the midst of the chaos, Isabelle saw two familiar males dressed in tuxedos staring at them. She tried to show Jummané but they disappeared. They quickly found their footing and made their way to the grand stage where their family was waiting. They greeted the other families before taking a seat. Leo came on the stage with a microphone and did the general introduction for the ball to begin.
"And it begins", Clara whispered annoyed. The sources of her annoyance were making their way over to the princesses. Isabelle was the first to notice and tapped Jummané on her shoulders. "You did a magnificent job. However, I would've used some valuables", Mason stated in his Italian accent as he scanned the ballroom. " You don't say, I apologize for not decorating OUR Masquerade ball to YOUR liking Prince Mason. Next time give direct orders, maybe then we'll value your opinion.", Isabelle spat with a daring smile. "Are you questioning our wealth?", Jummané asked already over the conversation.
"But of course not! my brother here, was just making a suggestion. The real reason we came over was to ask for the first dance", Maverick interjected breaking the tension. "Well, he should work on his communication skills. My team worked hard to bring this to life", Jummané finished ignoring his request. Both princesses were planning to politely decline the invitation when their mothers who were oblivious to the previous conversation quickly answered. "They would love to dance" they replied in unison. Isabelle and Jummané bit their lips in frustration before getting up and following the princes.
Maverick took Isabelle's hand while Mason did the same with Jummané. They began to salsa, and the crowd stopped to watch. The princes decided that it was the "perfect" time' to have a conversation. "Black riding hood, did I mention how stunning you look tonight", Maverick said before switching partners. "Advise your sibling that if he keeps looking at me like that, I'm going reduce his chances of having any children", Isabelle spat in disgust. Mason gave her a fast spin and caught her back by the waist. "Can't blame him. I can't take my eyes off you", he replied, Isabelle scoffed. They switched back partners and both princes supported the princesses backs for them to do a back bend with one leg in the air. "ooh la la", the princes said in unison. They switched partners again, but this time Isabelle and Jummané were shimming together while the princes were doing the same.
"I don't know how much more of these two I can take", Jummané stated with obvious annoyance. "Agreed! I can't wait for this to end so they don't have an excuse to put their hands on me", Isabelle responded giving Jummané a spin. The crowd was now cheering them on. "Then another prince will come and another. Have you forgotten that courting starts today", Jummané stated out of breath. "Oh, don't remind me", Isabelle pleaded. They returned to their original partners and both Princes held on to the Princesses waist and pulled them closer as the song came to an end. The Princesses gave a polite smile and turned away walking breathlessly to return to their seats. Their face fell as someone else approached but upon observation, they realized that it was Leo.
He handed them a letter stating that two gentlemen asked him to deliver it. Isabelle got excited remembering what she saw earlier. She opened the letter and read it to Jummané. "I would recognize you both from a mile away. Meet us in the outside fitting room, yours truly A and L'. They asked no questions because this was the perfect escape. Isabelle turned to smile at Clara who saw the entire encounter. Leo volunteered to make their parents aware of their whereabouts and they left the ballroom without a second thought.
The princesses were greeted as they walked by two guards who stood side by side at the pool. "Bet you fifty Euros, they come back out in the next hour", the first guard whispered after they passed". "I say thirty minutes but deal", the other guard whispered back. The light in the fitting room was on urging them to enter. They did just that and realized that it was empty after walking to the next end of the room. The Princesses were about to leave when they heard the doors being closed. "The hell!", Jummané exclaimed grabbing Isabelle's hand; a raspy voiced whispered from the walls. "Ahh, princesses, treasures worth stealing right?", the Princesses panicked as they began to feel lightheaded. "Authur?", their trembling lips whispered in unison. The lights went out and with it their consciousness. "But, but the ball", was the last thing Isabelle uttered before being engulfed by complete darkness.
SOMETIME LATER!
"Okay you win, here's your fifty. Let's check on them", one of the guards said paying the other. They both went and knocked on the door only to hear complete silence. They then waited a few more minutes before deciding to use a spare key to open the door. Clara and Lenora were now searching for the princesses as well. They came walking in the same direction and saw the guards at the door. "What seems to be the problem boys, we aren't peeking are we?", Clara asked amused by their embarrassed reaction. "Uh, no, no, definitely not. The princesses went in there over an hour ago and they haven't come out", one said genuinely concerned. Clara's face fell as she glanced at Lenora. They used the Spare key to open the doors pushing the haunting thoughts to the back of their minds.
Once the door was opened, they turned on their flashlights to try to find the switch. Lenora entered and everyone followed closely behind. "Oh no", she exclaimed stopping abruptly, she stood over Jummané's halo and one of Isabelle's rose pins. One of the guards found the light switch and flicked them on illuminating the room. "Is this some kind of sick joke, because it's not funny", Clara spat grabbing the accessories. She began to have flashbacks of everything that happened this week.
"I promise you it isn't. We would never joke about something like this", one of the guards responded still searching the room. Lenora's head started spinning as she tried to find her bearings. The guards then discovered that the lock was missing from the back door. Clara walked to where they were and found a note on the floor. After reading it, the emotions came rushing in all at once. She burst in tears and hugged Lenora. she too started crying without seeing what was on the note. She knew it couldn't be anything good and after reading it her knees gave out. Both stylists fell to the floor in tears dropping the note in the process. One of the guards picked it up and immediately moved into action. They pressed a silver button on the bracelet and started to speak reporting the matter to everyone.
The hologram of the guard speaking came up on Clara's and Lenora's bracelets. The guards then escorted the ladies back to the ballroom. Clara took the note and handed it to King Rafael with tears still running down her face. He wasted no time in reading it aloud, "Princesses are treasures worth stealing, yours truly Authur", Kings Rafael and Dejean expressions darkened as they looked over at their wives in horror.
(OUTSIDE THE BALLROOM)
"You have to move fast and get out of the country now! The entire Kingdom has just been alerted. It's just a matter of time before the search starts", Leo whispered on the phone. "Relax my friend! We are now at the airport. I'll wire your money as soon as we've arrived", a Raspy voice answered. Clara needed some air and walked outside to see Leo talking on the phone with his back turned to her. "We are not friends, Authur", he said before hanging up. Unaware that he's being watched, he reentered the ballroom using the side entrance. Clara reentered the ballroom and went over to Lenora to tell her what she had just learnt. "And he gave them a note just before they left the ballroom", Clara finished. Not once did Leo bring up the phone call; Clara and Lenora did not know what to think.