Chapter 33: Picnic

5 hours later

In Gabrielle's room, Gabrielle sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection as Josephine styled her (Gabrielle's) hair into a waterfall braid.

"There are done," Josephine hummed, "What do you think?"

Gabrielle stood up, marveling at her aline, floor-length, bright lavender color dress, that had faux rose petals throughout the skirt and her done hairdo.

She looked back at Josephine, giving a brighten smile.

"You've really outdone yourself," She praised, "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"It's my pleasure Milady," Josephine smiled softly, "Now we should really get going, I'm sure they're waiting for us."

"Get going? But you haven't gotten a chance to get ready yet," Gabrielle stated.

"I am ready, Milady," Josephine informed, "This is what I'm wearing."

"You're maid uniform," Gabrielle gasped, "You're going in your maid uniform."

"I have no other clothing Milady," Josephine imparted, turning her eyes to the floor.

"No way. You're definitely not wearing that. I have hundreds of dresses and we're the same size, let's go dress shopping in my closet and then after I can do your hair," Gabrielle beamed, grabbing onto Josephine's hand.

She looked up at Gabrielle, her doe eyes shimmering in the light.

"But Milady I'm a maid, you should no waste such beautiful gowns,"

"Hush now," Gabrielle interrupted, her tone insistent, "You aren't a maid anymore, you are my Lady and even if you were a maid it still wouldn't make you any less than. Don't forget I was a maid too when Ansel chose me. I will not allow you to look down on yourself nor will I allow you to go on a date with the man of your dreams in a maid's uniform and as my Lady you have to follow my orders. So we are going to give you a makeover and then tomorrow we're going shopping because you need an updated wardrobe. Now let's get you ready."

Josephine nodded, a gentle smile painting on her face.

An hour passed and Gabrielle stood Josephine in front of the vanity mirror.

"Now it's my turn to ask you, what do you think," Gabrielle inquired, with a brightened smile.

Josephine's eyes widened as she looked at the apricot colored, floor-length, boat neckline, short-sleeved dress she had on and her braided updo hairstyle.

She looked back at Gabrielle, tears filling her eyes.

"It's so beautiful…" She whispered, wiping her tears.

"Not it, you," Gabrielle complimented, hugging Jospehine's shoulders.

Knock, knock

"Come in," Gabrielle called out, looking towards the door, watching as Cobsworth entered the room.

"The carriage His Majesty sent, is ready Milady," Cobsworth informed.

"Thank you Cobsworth," Gabrielle responded, grabbing on to Josephine's hand, "Come Lady Josephine."

Gabrielle tugged on Josephine's hand, leading her out of the room, to the carriage…

30 minutes later….

Eeeeeeeer

The carriage came to a slow stop.

The door to the carriage swung open, as a servant man stood at the entrance, putting his hand out.

"We've arrived, Milady," The servant man informed.

She grabbed his hand, being led out of the carriage, Josephine following behind her.

The servant man led them to an open part of the forest that was set up for dinner.

Gabrielle and Josephine marveled, taking in the beautiful fireflies that flashed around, and the romantic 4 top table set up that had a floral center piece.

They watched as Ansel and Christopher walked up to them. Both men putting out their hands towards them.

"Shall we eat," Ansel greeted Gabrielle, his deep stare captivating her mind.

"Y-Yes," Gabrielle responded, grabbing onto his hand.

"Are you ready to eat Lady Josephine," Christopher hummed, watching her cheeks turn red.

She grabbed his hand, unable to utter a word, she looked towards the ground.

Christopher smiled softly, leading Josephine over to the table as Ansel and Gabrielle followed alongside.

Ansel and Christopher pulled out chairs for Josephine and Gabrielle, watching as they took their seats, they pushed the chairs in, and sat on the seats besides their dates.

"Everything is so beautiful," Gabrielle complimented.

"Just wait until you see dinner. The chef has ensured a beautiful dinner presentation tonight," Ansel praised.

"Can't wait to see it, I'm sure…"

"Your Majesty," Hattie interrupted, storming towards them, Nylah following behind her.

"What is the meaning of this," Ansel fumed, standing to his feet.

"Your Majesty, I know this is inconvenient but I had to come, it's an emergency," Hattie stated, standing her ground.

"And what could that possibly be," Ansel growled, his gaze chilling the air around them.

"The food, it has been poisoned…" Hattie relayed, turning her gaze towards Gabrielle, "And I know who did it."