A confusing reflection

“Hold still while your toenails dry.”

“Look up, it’s easier to plump your lashes that way.”

“Gold earrings, definitely. They match her hair.”

It was like a blur to Kelly as the two girls got to work. Creams, brushes, polish..

In no time at all, all traces of the bold knight (to be) Kelly vanished. Instead it was Kelly, the demure dancer who looked back at him in the mirror. His hair had been brushed out and flowed over his shoulders, with a braid that looked like a crown wrapping around the back. His eyes looked softer, outline in soft black and powder on his eyelids. His lashes looked twice as long and twice as dark, giving even his gaze an allure. His lips barely looked his own, pink and shiny.

A black choker was around his neck, with several golden necklaces falling onto his collarbone. Hoop earrings sat in his ears and swayed with every motion of his head. At least six bracelets were on each arm, hanging at his wrists, and each of his ankles had at least one as well.

Kelly blinked, and the girl in the mirror did too.

Tami stood behind him, arms folded. “Wow, she’s spellbound. Hey, Kelly, try not to fall in love with yourself, huh?”

“S-sorry. I’ve just…” Kelly stammered, trying not to even THINK about confronting that idea. “I’ve never looked like this before.”

Cherry paused, part of the way through putting away her makeup. “You…haven’t?”

Kelly jolted towards her, lifting up his hands. “Oh! I mean, like this! I’ve just-just never wore such cute things and makeup this way! We didn’t have a lot in my home village!”

Tami placed a hand on Kelly’s back. “Ah…sorry to hear that. Look on the bright side. Those struggles are over. Lord Rosenburg treats his girls like treasures.”

“Y-yeah.” Kelly didn’t want to admit how nice that sounded.

Cherry was suddenly at his side, taking his elbow. “Come on, Kelly. Let’s go get you warmed up for your first performance.”