Cora's First Ballgown

The last time Cora graced us with her presence, she looked ready to scour a sink full of dirty pots. Today, she's wearing silk and lace. A grand ball is being held at the palace, and it's Cora's first time at court. She's spent a hectic week getting ready for the nerve-wracking event- after spending days with dirty dishes a ballroom full of aristocrats is a little intimidating! But she is now ready, and looking beautiful enough to be a real princess.
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Excerpt from story:

The court was in for a surprise the next evening. The belle of the ball was expected to be a pleasant princess from the Southlands, or perhaps the exotic ambassador from the Selyon Desert. No one expected a demure but strikingly beautiful lady of a minor household to steal the attention of all present.


Cora had been washed and painted and coached until she was exhausted. She had no more energy for nerves when a pageboy escorted her from the carriage to the top of the stairs. A decorous man announced her name, calling it loud and clear through the beautiful ballroom. She dimly remembered to curtsy, then descend the steps, and curtsy again. After that she was swarmed by young men begging to escort her round the room.

She nearly accepted the hand of a homely gentleman when a stranger entered the crowd. Knights and lords gave way to him. Cora realized this must be the prince. She curtsied, low and long.

“Good evening.” He said. He had a pleasant, melodious voice. His eyes were a soft brown, matched by curly hair of a lighter shade. His smile held a hint of mischief and his features made him appear younger than his twenty-four years. “I don’t believe I have met the most enchanting creature yet to grace this room.”

Cora stammered in reply: “I- my name is Cora Ghelter, sire.”

“Cora: the maiden of heaven. Your name suits you well.” He lifted her hand to his lips. “Would you honor me with the first dance, Lady Cora?”

“Of course.”

The music conductor tapped his wand in a count and the musicians began to play.

The prince bowed. She curtsied.

Cora took a deep breath and hoped she would remember the steps here in front of the entries court.

“I hear you have a fine desert-bred mare.” The prince said.

Cora smiled, “She is beautiful. I have never seen her equal.”

“Perhaps you would do me the honor of joining me on a ride.” Prince Dracone swung her away, then back into his arms. “I would very much like spend an afternoon with you.”

“I should be delighted, sire.”