To Prepare

Lady Rosellia's last words and Asty's final response brought a smile to her face. Her peaceful expression became the visage of her final moments. She closed her eyes gently and slept forever.

Her hands became lifeless. Asty slowly places it down and gets up. She looks over to the bedroom's door as the maid hands her over a golden envelope with the stamp of the King.

"Asty," Noelle called.

Asty smiled. "I will tell you every wonderful thing that I will see in the Palace, Lady Rosellia."

Noelle heaved a sigh as the maids escorted Asty away from Lady Rosellia's cold body.

Though she could not contain her tears, she clutched into the envelope with utmost care and brought it near her heavy chest.

"Asthenosthene." a soft, motherly voice comes from behind. An elderly servant of Lady Rosellia called her over from the hallway.

"Madame Pickinns."

"Oh no, do not call me like that, just Missus Pickinns would be alright, honey." her eyes darted to the male behind Asty. "Noelle."

The male nods a bit. "Missus Pickinns,"

"I assume both of you knew what Lady Rosellia's last wish was?"

Asty and Noelle nodded. "But we did not know what to tell the Duke."

"Do not worry about that. Come over here, I will get you measured."

Mrs. Pickinns was Lady Rosellia's personal tailor and maid. And now that Lady Rosellia had passed, Mrs. Pickinns would do the honor of dressing Asty to go the Ball.

"I don't think I should, Mrs. Pickinns."

"Oh no, Noelle. Who will become Asty's escort? Do you wish to embarrass Lady Rosellia's subject?"

"I mean, I am not as charming or beautiful as Asty, Mrs. Pickinns. Bart or Andrew from the pub would be suitable for this."

"Both look rubbish." Mrs. Pickinns insults. "Those drunkards know nothing but women and booze. Their skins are hard as stones and it will probably take days to rinse the filth from their skin."

Noelle looked down. Asty remained silent.

"We should hurry. Lady Rosellia's carriage has been prepared the day before, you do not need to worry about transportation. The ceremony of the banquet will start at seven o'clock. Surely we do not want to be late if we want to confide with the Duke, yes?"

"The problem is we do not know what Lady Rosellia wants to tell the Duke." Asty replied with a worried face.

"It should be in the envelope. Hurry. I will still need to tailor your dresses."

"Can't we just borrow clothes?" Noelle asked, worry plastered on his face. "We won't make it in time if we make them."

"If you want to catch the plague, yes."

Noelle heaved a big sigh. "Asty and I won't make it there, I am sure."

"I may have a few samples from behind that I did not lend anyone."

Asty and Noelle's eyes gleamed. "Really?!" both exclaimed in unison.

"My, my, are you both that excited to enter the Ball?"

"I want to find the Duke." Asty replied.

"I want to find a rich princess and marry her." Noelle replied in the same monotonous manner.

"Oh, you children..." Mrs. Pickinns placed a palm on her forehead. "Hurry then."

The two substitutions quickly ran into Mrs. Pickinns' tailor office. She sighed at the children.