Keziah
As Callie styled my hair for the Foundation Ball, I mentally rehearsed the various dance styles I might be called upon to perform this evening. I'm going to treat this ball as my second debut. I will charm the court and continue to establish myself as a new artist. I will use myself as the best advertisement to gain new clients and improve my reputation. Thinking of the positives, I feel my posture straighten, and a delighted smile pulls at my lips.
Just as I was beginning to worry that I would be late to meet my family in the foyer, Callie finished styling my hair. She reminded me to keep my eyes closed so her surprise would not be ruined. I had told Callie I wanted to be less extravagant and flashy for the ball. Her response was that she knew exactly what I should wear, and it would be a surprise. So, I would find out what I looked like at the same time as my family.
When I came down the staircase with Callie's help, the surprised gasps I heard made me wonder if Callie had misunderstood my request.
Reaching the bottom, I felt hands grasp mine and squeeze.
"Oh, Kezi, you look so beautiful. Callie, you dressed her up wonderfully."
Opening my eyes, I saw my mother smiling with tears in her eyes. Taking the offered handkerchief, I dabbed at her tears.
"Mom, please stop crying. You will mess up your makeup. I'm ready on time for once; let's not be late. Am I really that beautiful that I bring tears to your eyes? You know I look like you, so this is just crying over your own face."
Mom looked shocked, then started laughing so hard Dad had to come over to help her so she wouldn't knock us over.
"Kezi, your sense of humor has greatly improved. Yes, the women of our family do tend to look similar, so I guess you are right in a way. What brought tears to my eyes, though, is how much you look like your grandmother and me when we wore this traditional gown during our debut. It brings honor to us that you wear it now when you didn't want to wear it for your debut three years ago."
Confused and curious, I walked over to the full-length mirror in the foyer to properly see myself.
Tears welled up when I fully took in how much I looked like a younger version of my grandmother and mother.
"Callie… Callie, how did you know?" I muttered softly to her as I leaned on her. She held me while tears welled up in her eyes.
"I know you best, Ms. Keziah. I know you are hoping for this to be like a fresh start for you. This traditional heirloom purple ballgown is your fresh start. You stumbled for a while, but now you're back on track to grow into a woman your grandmother would be proud to have wear this gown," she muttered back, comforting me before making sure I was ready to head out with my family.
My family had given me space for the moment. When I was ready, we headed out to the carriages. Dad and my brothers remarked on how beautiful I looked. I was smiling and thanking them until they turned to each other and agreed to keep an eye out for any unworthy suitors who might approach me.
I giggled, thinking they were kidding, until I saw their completely serious faces. I felt warmth in my heart at their affection.
I watched the scenery pass by, smiling as my mother instructed them on which families were decent enough to approach me.
Oh my goodness, my family certainly wasn't this protective in my first life, were they?
I couldn't help my big smile as Amias argued that I should only dance with family tonight.
"None of them are worthy of my sister. As the youngest, I hear and see things when others think no one is around. My sister will not be anybody's plaything."
I leaned forward and grasped his hand.
"Then I will not dance with anybody but family and royalty. Royalty are the only ones I can't safely reject without a good reason, but I don't expect any of them to ask me for a dance."
Looking like he was considering what I said, Amias nodded.
"That is acceptable, sister. I'm so happy you are more reasonable these days."
There was silence in the carriage before I threw my fan at him. Then we were all laughing until we arrived at the palace.
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"Now introducing the members of House Casimir and the holder of the mantle of Lord Protector of the Realm: Duke Casimir, Duchess Casimir, Lord Quinn Casimir, Lady Keziah Casimir, and Lord Amias Casimir."
The announcer introduced us as we walked into the ballroom. Father escorted Mother first; next were Amias, Quinn, and I. We all walked toward the dais at the other end of the room amidst the whispers and soft music. I held my head high and did not make eye contact with anyone.
Once we were a foot away from the dais, we all bowed and curtsied.
"We greet the royal family and wish for your everlasting prosperity and good health. We, the House of Casimir, offer our loyalty to the Kingdom of Daril once more. We will be the shield to protect the people and the royal family. This we do pledge."
We gave our oath and then waited for the king to accept it and bid us to rise.
"Rise, House Casimir. We thank you for your dedication to our kingdom. Please rise and enjoy the celebration. Duke Casimir and Lord Casimir, I would like to have a word with you two."
We all rose, then separated. Father and Quinn stepped into a reception room behind the dais, Mother walked over to speak to the duchesses, which left me and Amias to find an activity to occupy ourselves with.
"A dance, then food, sister?" Amias proposed.
I curtsied and held out my hand.
"I would love to dance with you, brother."
With a bright, unexpected smile, Amias sweeps me onto the dance floor, showing me that he is a talented dancer. We dance and laugh through two songs before Amias guides me to a table to rest. Soon, we are served some appetizers and provided with drinks. We talk about our studies and any upcoming projects we are working on when a shadow falls over us.
Looking up, I see it is Quinn, looking pleased. I guess he still had some worries that I might cause problems like I did in the past. I give him a smile and gesture for him to sit with us.
"Brother, would you like some refreshments, and then will you dance with me?" I ask him with a hint of hopefulness.
Quinn appears surprised before a grin—one that makes him look like Amias's twin for a moment—spreads across his lips. He places a kiss upon my head, then sits down with us.
"It would be my honor, sister. However, I must admit I am most likely not as good as Amias. He is a talented dancer for his age. You should have seen the way his instructor went to Mother crying that he is wasting his talents doing anything else."
Sipping his citrus punch, he falls into our conversation, and soon I can feel the increased attention on us from those around the room.
I guess it probably does feel strange for them to see us like this, as we have never acted so close in public and only really became this way after my return. Ignoring the watchers, I eat a little more before heading back onto the dance floor with Quinn.
Mother and Father are dancing beside us, laughing and enjoying themselves in a way I don't remember ever seeing before. They, too, look relieved that there are no issues to resolve, and we are all simply enjoying ourselves this evening.
Quinn dances another round with me before someone taps on his shoulder to interrupt as the song ends.
"May I have the honor of dancing with Lady Keziah next?"
There stands Prince Cyrus, his hand extended in invitation.
Quinn glances at me with a raised eyebrow. I raise an eyebrow in return.
Feeling eyes on me, I decide to accept the invitation.
What's the worst that could happen?