Celina's eyes glowed with delight as she pulled the corset strings tighter, giggling at the gasp her handmaid let out. "Oh, come now," she mocks. "You are being dressed by your Princess. Surely that must render this experience pleasant. Besides, you've laced me up more often than not."

Celina then picks up the gown, imperiously ordering her to step into it. It's one of her castaways, though she did have it slightly altered. It wasn't the height of fashion, but it would do. After all, no one would outshine her anyway. Celina was resplendent in her gown of red, the blue and gold shimmers appearing almost magical as she turned in the light. Her handmaid would be beautiful enough to stand next to her, but no more than that.

She began painting her face, carefully applying the rouge. Celina's touch was harsh as she turned the girl's head, though her face had softened. "None will recognize you, dearest. They will imagine you as a noble from across the Samaraen Seas, a beauty I've brought to keep. And none will know the truth. Are you excited?"

The answer does not come quickly enough for Celina, and her expression tightens. "Well, it does not matter if you are pleased. I have decided to bring you, and you should seek only to please me. I do not wish to dance with any men, and you will be my pretty companion for the night."

Celina stands abruptly, fetching the mask she had made. She places it over her handmaid's face, carefully pinning it securely. "There. Now, escort me," she demands, having the audacity to look demure as she does. But such is the princess's way--to be haughty and demanding in one moment, and cherishing in the next.

They descend the staircases towards the ballroom, soft music making its way through the halls. A whispered word to the announcer cements the handmaid's persona as a noblewoman, and the two walk into the ballroom. Celina's ruby eyes are on her companion, a soft smile gracing her visage as she observes the reaction to the opulence. The ballroom is decorated in gold and red, the colors of the Invictus family.

A song begins the moment they enter, and Celina wastes no time in sweeping her off to the middle of the floor. Celina is unmasked, desiring the attention that a masquerade normally would not bring. All eyes are on her and her beautiful companion.

"Aren't you pleased that Father made you attend every dance lesson with me? No one would believe you were a mere commoner," Celina whispers in her ear. She daringly presses a kiss to her cheek, an impetuous impulse. "You are most dear to me. I would have no other by my side, but you."