Chapter 137: Preparation for the Ball

“Ye’re sure I look alright?” Kat asked, tugging at her dress.

“Kat, I will use spells to gag you if you keep asking that. You look incredible!” Rosalyn laughed.

“It’s just, ye know, dresses,” Kat worried. “I’m not built fer ‘em.”

“That’s why it looks so hot, now stop slouching and show it off,” Ann directed. She tugged on Kat’s shoulders, pulling the woman upright, and into a confident posture.

She was right, of course. Ann knew Kat would look great in a dress, but seeing her in the brilliant blue piece was stunning. A long, loose sleeve of blue silk shrouded her left arm, ending just past her fingertips. The cloth trailed up, looping around her neck and fastening to her right shoulder, which was left bare as was the rest of her right arm. Silver bracelets and an armband adorned her exposed limb.

Looking further down, Ann appreciated how the dress showed off Kat’s bust. The woman had a decent chest for her size, with most of it being muscle, but the dress made it look even sexier than normal. The accentuation continued as blue silk hugged her body tightly around the waist, all but showing off her rippling abs, before draping down in a long skirt. As Kat walked, her left leg was clearly shown off by the hip height slit. At Ann’s persistence, Kat had accepted wearing a pair of silver heels, giving her already impressive height a couple more inches.

Returning to Kat’s face, Ann smiled as she saw the woman had decided to wear the earrings she’d gotten her for their event with Rowena. The gold stood out against the blue and silver, but the meaning of the jewellery made Ann’s heart feel all warm and fuzzy.

The princess’ hair had been fashioned into a mess of ornate braids, all carefully arranged to hide the back of her neck in any situation they’d be in. Ann had gone as far as to have Rosalyn watch as they practiced dancing, her hand caressing the hidden scales.

“You do look amazing, babe,” Rosalyn agreed. “Quit fussing, or you’ll pull it out of place.”

“I’m more nervous fer this than a feckin’ fight tae the death,” Kat grumbled.

“That’s what we’re here for. Now shush,” Ann said. “Gotta make sure our lamb is as sharp as you are.”

Rosalyn stood up, allowing Ann to inspect her. “I feel like a true to life princess! Well, a girly princess? Yeah, that. It’s so floofy!” Rosalyn exclaimed as she twirled her skirts.

“Stop that for a sec. Gotta make sure your everything is arranged right. Sure you don’t want the collar?”

“Yeah, it wouldn’t work with this outfit. Yours looks great, though.”

“Fair.”

Rosalyn looked like a living thundercloud. Her dress was a gorgeous four layers of skirts, all arranged in varied shades of grey and white. Where her ample breasts began, the dress hugged tightly, giving her a good amount of cleavage through the square neckline. The outer layer and bodice were white where they met Rosalyn’s ebony skin, providing a fascinating contrast that made the woman look like a black void within the garment. Her white hair was done up in a ponytail with enough of the woolly mass left free to hang down over one of her eyes.

Ann poked and prodded, cinching the bodice to better align with Rosalyn’s curves, tugging at the back so it met the swell of her backside better. Once she was satisfied, she took a step back. “Gods you’re sexy.”

“Stop it,” Rosalyn laughed, fidgeting. “You look way better than I could.”

Ann was in the dress she’d never gotten a chance to wear. Compared to Kat and Rosalyn it was a simple thing. One piece of black cloth that hugged her closely all the way from above her bust point down to her mid thighs. It had been designed to meet where her fur used to end, but since that had changed, she just had it going down over her fur. Yeah, she could lose the fur and show a bit of thigh, but she found the look of her lower body with its new anatomy weird without fur. Plus, it meant she didn’t need to wear panties if there was enough fluff to cover everything.

She grabbed her flat capped, wide-brimmed black hat from the table, adjusting it so her ears popped through the slits. To finish things off, she took the collar - the black strip of leather with silver finishings and a green gem to match her eyes - and handed it to Kat. “Would you do the honours?”

Kat blushed furiously, but nodded, taking the band and fastening it around Ann’s neck.

Ann couldn’t help a soft moan as she felt the leather tighten around her neck.

“Ye did that on purpose,” Kat grumbled.

Ann looked over her shoulder, giving her girlfriend a wink. “Sure did, hon. Is that everything? Are we ready to get going?”

“Gotta say, it’s weird bein’ as tall as ye are,” Kat said, looking Ann in the eye. “I’m only a couple inches shorter, but still.”

Ann grinned. She couldn’t wear shoes with her paws, so there was no change in her own height, which meant she and Kat were actually eye to eye when standing. Submitting to the urge, she stepped forward and pulled Kat close by the hips, bringing their noses together. “Seeing the world from my angle? I like this one.”

Before Kat could stutter out a response there was a knock at the door.

“Hello? May I come in?” A voice called.

“Aye, come in!” Kat shouted back, pushing away from Ann and desperately trying to dismiss her blush.

Junia strode in, done up in a gorgeous brass coloured dress that looked like flowing metal. Lace and strands of jewels decked the gown so much Ann would almost call it gaudy, but the first princess skirted that line perfectly. It was a show of wealth and power, but she didn’t go overboard.

The dress hugged her trim waist and cupped her surprisingly ample bosom tightly. Ann would never have guessed Junia had such a sinful body from her last talk with the first princess. From there, the dress continued, covering up any cleavage, into a high collar and long, delicate sleeves that ended in lacy cuffs.

Her hair, like Kat’s, was done up in a series of braids, though hers were larger and tied back in a ponytail that let them all dangle behind her.

“You all look stunning,” Junia said with a warm smile. “Katlyn, you need some makeup. Sit, sit. I figured this would happen and brought my kit. Just a light coat, sister. I know how you are with this stuff.”

“If they don’t like me face, they can bugger off,” Kat grumbled.

“I think you’re sexy without makeup,” Ann tried to console her.

“You think she looks sexy covered in blood,” Rosalyn pointed out. “I mean, I do too. Something about a warrior in her element does that, but still, we’re not really unbiased here.”

“Not helping, ladies,” Junia tutted, pulling Kat’s chin to the side to get a better angle at her face. “We are about to be among the nation’s elite, and looks are about the only thing they care about besides power and intrigue. Annita, you will draw eyes and discussion with that outfit. Be prepared.”

“I kinda figured,” Ann shrugged. “It’s made to show me off.”

“Yes, well, it will certainly filter who speaks with you. Rosalyn, well done with the style of the dress. I think you, of these two, will fit in wonderfully. Sit still sister. You always squirm so much when I do this.”

“Cause it isn’t needed,” Kat grumbled.

“Kat, just a little help goes a long way. There, you’re through. Just a light foundation to cover up that bit on your cheek from when you got burned. It’s healed wonderfully, but is still a slight discoloration.”

“You got a burn on your cheek?” Ann asked.

“She got caught stealing from the kitchens,” Junia nodded. “One of the cooks took offence and smacked her with a ladle. It slipped his mind in that moment that the ladle had been on a heating surface. Reprimands and safety trainings were delivered, but Kat bore the burn for a few weeks. Mother and father did not let a healer near her to teach a lesson.”

“Aye, cooks are feckin’ terrifyin’,” Kat nodded sagely. “Also somethin’ about not stealin’. Figured that was a given, but whatever.”

“What were you trying to steal?” Rosalyn asked, putting the final touches on the polishing and decoration of her curled horns.

“Ye’re gonna laugh,” Kat grumbled.

“I mean, maybe.”

“It was a feckin’ pie. I really wanted somethin’ sweet, an’ it was just there, so I tried to nick it…”

Rosalyn let out a harsh laugh that devolved into giggles. “Kat, that’s something kids in my town would get in trouble for. Miss Kord had to barricade her home when she was baking, lest mobs of bored children make off with her pies.”

“It was a crime o’ opportunity, is all I’m sayin’,” Kat sighed. “Learned me lesson fer sure.”

“You sure did,” Junia said. “I even got some of the lecture aimed at you, since I had not provided our parents cause to teach me these lessons. “

“Yikes. Did they tag team it, or did they do the lecture together?”

“One, then the other, as they are wont to do,” Junia sighed.

“Thank God that’s normal and not just what they were doing to me,” Ann sighed.

“Ugh, good tae know fifty years doesn’t change shite,” Kat laughed.  “By the way, what’re ye doin’ here, Junia? Figured ye’d already be at the hall since ye set this whole thing up?”

“Yes, well, I should be, but I wanted to make sure you three were as prepared as possible, so I made arrangements. The Laytons are hosting tonight’s festivities, and I have made what I believe I can call a friend with their eldest daughter. After explaining the situation, Kris was more than happy to take over the final preparations.”

“Nice o’ ‘er.”

“It is. I will make a note to return the favour at some point in time. Now, Ann and Rosalyn. This will be your first excursion into high society, and we need to go over some quick points of etiquette since Katlyn will be useless on this front.”

“Hey!”

“Shush, sister. You know what I mean,” Junia said with a stern look. Kat just shrugged and went back to fidgeting with her dress.

“Now, you will arrive and be announced. That should not be complicated. Just be presentable and wave as you enter. There will be several stages to this evening. First will be mingling while the guests arrive. It is expected that you chat with other guests in a courteous manner. I would advise to keep topics light and frivolous. Once all guests arrive the hosts, myself and Kris, will make a speech for the guests. This will be the time we introduce you and Rosalyn, Annita. You do not need to make a speech, as I am sure you will be doing more than your fair share of talking tonight.”

“Oh thank the Gods,” Rosalyn sighed.

“Do not relax,” Junia advised. “Your recent escapades have garnered scrutiny and ire with some of the less progressive of our guests. One good deed will not cover up the lapse in judgement at the Brawler’s Guild.”

If Rosalyn could have gone scarlet, Ann knew she would have. Mostly because she felt herself going red.

“Are we really going to have to talk about that?” Rosalyn asked nervously.

“I doubt it. I would hope no one would speak on it directly out of propriety, but there are some that might. Ignore them and move on to other topics.”

“I’ll try,” Rosalyn mumbled.

“Stick with me or Kat,” Ann said, putting a comforting hand on Rosalyn’s shoulder. “We can at least provide a buffer.”

Rosalyn nodded, then returned to her horn polishing.

“Once announcements are complete, the ball proper will begin. Socialising and dancing will be the main activities, though certain games and friendly contests can be expected among the rougher nobility.” Junia’s eyes fixed Kat, who pointedly dodged her gaze. “Food will be served at several tables. Eat, but do not gorge.” Another glare at Kat. “Partake in activities as you wish, and retreat to a table when you wish to rest. If you do not want to speak with someone, be polite when dismissing them. This will be the norm for most of the night. I will try to keep my eye on you three to avoid any issues, but I have my own set of goals. I know you have been studying for this, Annita. Please try to help them both.”

“I’ll do my best,” Ann nodded. “I’m still going to have my fun.”

“I would ask nothing less,” Junia nodded with a dazzling smile. “Now, are you finished, Rosalyn? The coach should be arriving soon, and we should not be late. I would have preferred to be much earlier to make sure all my requests were fulfilled, but such is the way of things.”

“Almost. Kat, help me with this last bit? I can never get back of this crook right,” Rosalyn asked.

Kat smiled and walked over. Taking Rosalyn’s head in her hands to steady her, she worked the wax and polish into the back of the curl in Rosalyn’s horns.

“I’m so nervous,” Ann grumbled to Junia as she watched. “I’ve been going over names and current events so much my head’s swimming. Scared I’m going to forget all of it the second someone starts talking to me.”

Junia gave her a gentle smile. “You will do fine. I trust that Orenous chose a woman who can handle social situations better than most. My advice? Turn on that charm and wow them all. Any mistakes you can make will likely be dismissed as nerves. None of them know you’re chosen by the Goddess of Love.”

“Right. Just gotta put names to faces, and remember that, be a good dancer, be a protection to Rosalyn, keep Kat out of trouble…”

“I would advise not stressing about that last one,” Junia cut her off. “She will be trouble. I guarantee it. Just do your best.”

As if to prove her point, Rosalyn swatted Kat’s hand as it reached suggestively down her back, then both girls fell apart into giggles.

“She’s not the only one,” Ann sighed, smiling at her girlfriends.

“Really? Rosalyn too?”

“You’d never guess it, but she’s got a streak for mischief,” Ann sighed happily.

“You’re correct. I never would have guessed her to be anything but a timid personality, despite her competence in combat.”

“Well, that’s part of why we love her. She keeps up with us pretty well.”

“Good. Well, be careful, and be as proper as you can. No incidents.”

“Yeah. I’ve got you,” Ann nodded. Inwardly, she was sweating. If Kat and Rosalyn, who were giggling again at some whispered joke, chose to do something, she was only one woman. One woman who was hopelessly into both of them and their quirks. She was screwed.

“You are doomed,” Junia nodded.

“Wha?”

“I know that look. I’ve seen Katlyn wearing it many a time,” Junia sighed. “Please. For my reputation, and Kat’s.”

“Oh, I’m not going to ruin any more reputations tonight. I absolutely promise that. If they push things, I’m going to make damn sure that nothing can affect the rest of the night,” Ann said firmly.

“Redirection in the face of an unstoppable force. Wise,” Junia said, her mouth quirking up in a slight smile.

“Unstoppable is right when they’re concerned,” Ann giggled. “Alright, that’s enough. I can see my reflection in your horns, Rosalyn. You’re stalling.”

“You’ve seen through me!” Rosalyn said with a mock gasp. “Yeah. I’m really nervous and I guess I’m delaying. It’s just scary to think about how many people are gonna be looking at me, wanting to talk to me, dance, all that and I just keep feeling… mph!”

She was cut off as Kat grabbed a glistening horn and dragged her into a kiss. “Ye’ll be fine, lamb. Come on. The coach awaits.” Kat grabbed Rosalyn’s hand daintily, took Ann’s as well, and whisked them through the door.

A surprisingly smooth ride later their carriage slowed to a stop. Junia gave them all a look that said more than her words. “This is it. Best behaviour, ladies.”

“Your highnesses,” the coachman said, opening the door. “Watch your step.”

Junia stepped out, with Kat following closely after.

Ann’s heart jumped in her chest as Kat reached out with her bare arm, offering her hand. Like a scene out of a fairy tale, she took the offer happily and stepped down onto the smooth stone walkway. She paused a moment, then turned to Rosalyn, who looked absolutely terrified, and offered her own hand along with Kat’s.

“Come on, lambchop. We’ve got some people to blow away,” Ann said, not able to hold back the wolfish grin.