Encounter at a royal ball

It was the week of the solstice ball. The biggest noble festival in the kingdom, celebrated every year. It was an extravagant affair, with more food eaten and money spent than most people would see in their lifetimes.

Izabelle had always attended these balls, and always felt out of place. As a child she was meant to look pretty and regal. As she aged she was taught her to impress and entertain visiting guests. And now as adult she was expected to find herself a suitable husband.

She was dressed today in a blue dress of the finest silk in the land. She had a gem-studded silver tiara, long brown hair, and perfect soft skin. She looked beautiful, especially when she put on the fake smile she had been practicing for many years.

In truth, she was dreading the occasion. Rude demanding men, gaudy displays of wealth, dull conversation. Most of all she dreaded her parents pushing her into flirting with some oaf.

She headed into the hall with a couple of her attendants. They were terribly dull women, but at least they helped her with all the makeup she was required to wear at these events.