I was brought to consciousness by a light tap on my shoulder, " You need to go get Len and Jum" Clara stated. "Right, right" I answered before yawning and getting up from the sofa. I checked the time, and it was around eleven. As expected, there was a different guard on the balcony. I turned around and walked towards my door rubbing the sleep from my tired eyes. I slowly opened the door and came face to face with two other guards who made it their business to escort me. Two guards were also guarding the room that Jumanné and Lenora were staying in.
I acknowledged them then knocked lightly on the door. A few seconds passed before the door was opened by Lenora. I reminded her of the plan, and she signaled Jumanné who was sitting on the sofa in her night gown. We then had the guards move their belongings to my bedroom. A few minutes later, there were now two guards on my balcony, and four at my bedroom door. We discussed sleeping arrangements before getting ready for bed.
(End of Isa's Pov)
The curtains were drawn by Leo unleashing the sunlight in the room. "I was given direct orders to wake the Princesses" he announced cheekily. Isabelle and Jumanné woke up and sat in the bed looking at each other nervously. Isabelle then turned to Clara who was mouthing something to her. " Aren't we excited for the day's proceedings that will lead up to the big event tomorrow?" he asked beaming with excitement. Isabelle sat there wondering what he was talking about. She then turned to Clara again and that's when she realized what Clara was trying to tell her. " Oh, uh, of course! Jumanné and I are enthusiastic about planning and executing the annual ball" she finished smiling guilty.
"Well then, I'll leave you to get dressed and breakfast will be at the outdoor dining table. You'll meet with the grand council to get finalize the concept for the ball. As for you two, their attires should be ready for the Royal Family's approval by eight tonight. Princesas, you are expected to arrive for breakfast in the next hour" he finished while bowing before exiting the room.
" No pressure" Lenora whispered after he left and everyone chuckled. She had already sketched the layout of Jumanné's attire and brought all the necessary materials to bring it to life. Clara had also made some sketches and had an idea of how she wanted Isabelle to look. The two stylists got up and went in the dressing room to choose an outfit for the princesses to wear. It had to be something comfortable as they would be doing a lot of walking. Clara settled on a casual pink and white Bouffant dress with white ballet flats and a silver tiara while Isabelle took her bath. She had informed Señor Kenny that his services were no longer needed for the time being.
Isabelle emerged from the bathroom which was Jumanné's cue. Lenora took the time to pick out a Baby blue sundress with white flat boots and a golden tiara. Isabelle got dressed and was now sitting patiently as Clara did her hair up in a ponytail. Jumanné came out of the bathroom a few minutes later and also got dressed. Soon after, her hair was braided in two and they had a couple minutes to spare. " Well, you're all set for the hectic day ahead," Clara stated. "If only we could help", Lenora finished. "There might be a way that you can", Isabelle responded smiling at Jumanné. Jumanné smirked knowing what Isabelle was thinking. "If we appoint you as our assistants, you could help with planning the Masquerade ball ", she stated. "But only if you're up for it", Isabelle finished looking nervously at both women.
"What! of course," Lenora beamed, they were ecstatic. "Be down in ten minutes, we'll do the rest", Isabelle stated. The princesses exited the bedroom making their way to the outdoor dining table where they could hear laughter. They greeted everyone before taking their seats next to each other with the grand council sitting on the opposite side. "Lovely morning princesas, let's get started. What color floral arrangements would you place in the ball room?" Leo asked. " It is a lovely morning indeed. Firstly, please note that we appointed Clara and Lenora as our assistants for the Masquerade ball" Isabelle announced proudly. Leo's face fell, " you appointed your maids?" he asked rudely. "Stylists" Clara corrected arriving with Lenora at her side.
"Take a seat here" Isabelle said gesturing towards the dining table. Clara and Lenora hesitantly sat down. "Leo, stand down. We support this decision. Now let's move along", Queen Melaine stated speaking on behalf of the royal family. Clara and Lenora had breakfast with the Royal family and the grand council for the first time and they enjoyed it. They made creative suggestions and answered the questions that the grand council threw at them with ease.
After breakfast, the first stop was the office where the princesses would sign off on all confirmed guests. They arrived in the office and took a seat while the grand council waited outside. To their surprise, three of the invitations were already signed for. Clara and Lenora were going to search the records, but Leo came rushing in to verify that he signed for them as requested by the king. The princesses then proceeded to sign for the remaining ones. They also signed off on the list of decorations needed for the ball before leaving the office. The next stop was the grand kitchen where the preparation of all the edibles and refreshments would take place.
Jumanné and Clara made sure that all the ingredients needed for tomorrow were available by checking with the chefs and the food manager. They ticked items off their long list as they went along. In the meantime, Isabelle and Lenora made sure to check their list with specific guest requests and food allergies.
After the two teams rejoined, they headed to the ball room where the most work awaited. " The ball attires", Clara whispered to Lenora with wide eyes. "Oh no!", Lenora exclaimed causing the princesses to stop and turn around. "What's wrong", Isabelle asked filled with concern. "We gotta go! You're outfits for tonight", Clara stated with obvious concern. "Okay, will you finish in time? ", Jumanné questioned now worried. "Of course, but we have to leave now", Clara finished grabbing Lenora's hand. They then ran back in the direction of the Westward region of the Kingdom disappearing in the distance. The girls met up with grand council who made it to the ball room a few minutes before them. "Why are they leaving so soon," Leo whispered sarcastically to another member. " Is there something you would like to say Leo", Jumanné asked annoyed. " Is there? As a matter of fact, I think Clara and Lenora should be appointed as new members. We'll vote on it after we're through here", Isabelle finished.
Leo couldn't hide the displeasure on his face. They were roughly forty persons awaiting orders and twelve members of the grand council if Lenora and Clara were counted. Isabelle divided the people in groups of eights with two members of the council leading each group. She assigned different tasks to each group: placing the banner and decorations, repainting walls to match the theme, floral arrangements, replacing the carpet, checking security, lighting arrangements, and arrangements with the assigned musicians. Isabelle and Jumanné took their team and started dealing with the seating for the royals on the grand stage while everyone else went to work.
"I think fifty seats, after all everyone will be dancing", Jumanné suggested. Isabelle agreed after scanning the space. They started out with the set up and spacing before starting to decorate the stage. Four hours later they placed the last decoration and adjusted the chairs. "Phew, I wonder how Clara and Lenora are holding up" Isabelle asked tired. "I think they're doing the finishing touches", Jumanné stated knowingly. "Close enough" Clara responded, again walking towards Isabelle at the perfect moment. "And no, you won't see them until tomorrow", Lenora finished smiling widely. "Fair enough, I'm just glad that you guys are here", Isabelle said joyously. They all used the stairs to leave the grand stage and were soon in the center of the room once again.
Leo walked over holding up a black and white bow in one hand and a red rose in the other. "Princesas, Bows or Roses? " he asked. Clara immediately responded, " Roses ties in with the concept more. I would alternate between black, red and white roses. I'd also use the lighting and some special effects to create a mystical forest concept for the ballroom", she finished. Lenora agreed, "Exactly and I'd use the same rose idea for the floral arrangements on the tables and alternate the tablecloth between red, black and white as well " she finished looking around. "The Princesses!", Leo emphasized rudely, " You heard them", Isabelle answered gesturing towards Clara and Lenora. Leo bowed and walked off with a scowl.
Two hours later the teams exited the ballroom. It was now after seven and they finally wrapped up feeling pleased with what they had accomplished. They did the heavy lifting and left the simpler task for tomorrow morning. After bidding their fair wells they split up and headed in separate directions. The four girls entered the palace and made their way to Isabelle's room. After entering, Isabelle and Jumanné went straight to the bathroom while Clara and Lenora picked out their night wear before leaving to meet with the Royal family.
The Royal family wasted no time in approving both attires and Señor Kenny took them to hang in the dressing room. Clara and Lenora then returned to Isabelle's bedroom to find them sound asleep. "About Luke and Alejandro" Clara started, "I don't trust them", Lenora interrupted; saying what Clara was thinking. " Great! Just wanted to make sure we were on the same page" Clara finished. A gentle knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Clara opened it to find Queen Melaine. "They are out cold! Must have been a long day" she said peeking at the two girls sleeping. "Yeah, it was. You're not supposed to see them until tomorrow", Clara stated smiling cheekily. "Well, this will be our little secret" she whispered to them. Clara and Lenora chuckled and nodded. Queen Melaine then wished them a good night before exiting the room.
Leo's (Pov)
My ringtone blasted in the elevator, and it was another private number; the third call today. "Look Lee, I'll get...", "Woah Leo take it easy. I find it impressive that you know Lee Yang, but I'm just here congratulate you", a Raspy voice echoed from the other end. "Oh John, it's been a while" I responded smiling forcefully. I felt the eyes of the other members watching me keenly. "The John bullshit is getting old. Anyway, you have just become a very wealthy man. Thank you for your services today and tomorrow in advance", he finished before hanging up. I exited the elevator and made my way to my room. "Thank you for helping me with my dept" I mumbled to myself before entering.