Episode 40

Finally everything was ready and the day of the engagement ceremony came. And what a day it was.

I woke up with my hair growing backwards, as usual. Went to the kitchen, made coffee, grabbed a smoke, all normal steps of a normal morning. Then I took my phone out and saw the date.

It came upon me unexpectedly. In all the brouhaha I had forgotten. My birthday. The engagement ceremony was on my birthday.

How could I have forgotten? I was too caught up in other people's lives to remember mine. It took a text message from my brother to remind me I was turning 33 that day. It hit me like a shovel to the face. 33 years old, and a bunch of gray hair to show for it.

Well, I had to face the day anyway, birthday or not. There would be no celebration for me that year.

Not that there needed to be, the engagement would be celebrations aplenty. I just had to enjoy my time now. Well, that and play my part as fairy godmother of the princess. I had to bobbitybabbity (which is not the same as boobidybabbidy), give a speech, and bop, they would be engaged. I just had to stay sober until that part and I'd be good.

Yeah, like that would be easy.

I finished my coffee and my smoke in a sort of daze, and took a shower. I'd need to dress up fancy for the event. I hadn't prepared anything, so busy was I with the prep.

I looked at the bunch of clothes in my chest of drawers, but none would fit. Too dark, too casual. I needed something more.

It took me about half a second to decide. A ball gown wouldn't do, but a cocktail dress, yes. Not red, nor white. Orange? Let's go for a flaming dress, make this day exceptional. Yes, that would be perfect.

In the kitchen, I grabbed my wand from my purse. Went back to the bedroom, positioned myself in front of the full mirror. And twisted.

When the magic was done, I twirled in front of the mirror and admired myself. A low cut dress, that hung to my curves. Red at the bottom, yellow at the top, orange in between. A fire of a dress, with sparkles every here and there. Shiny and gorgeous, just like the day should be.

There was something missing. Ah yes, accessories. I twisted again, and a pair of silver boots appeared on my feet. They were laced up to the knees, perfect with the cut of the dress.

Flame earrings, gold necklace with a red pendant, orange bracelet. My gray purse would do.

I was ready. Almost. I put my hair up in a bun, with a back wide elastic band with strass. It shone with the light and would have magic of its own. I was cutting quite a figure, if I may say so myself.

And now, time to go. The ceremony would start around 11. I deployed my wings in front of the mirror to make sure they wouldn't rip the dress, but the back was low enough.

I flew directly to the castle, literally. No time to waste on public transportation that would undoubtedly be full today.

It was a glorious, sunny day. All around me I saw people rushing in the same direction, eager for the ceremony. I wouldn't have been surprised if they all burst into song. But this wasn't a fairy tale, this was real life. People don't sing in real life. At least not all the same song at the same time, not without prompting.

Even the birds flew low to admire the city in all its decorated glory. We'd done a good job. It was beautiful.

All the ribbons were straight and flowy, arranged artfully around the buildings and the trees. Flowers on every house, a few flags proudly claiming the colors of the kingdom. I didn't even know them until last week. And the people! Everyone was dressed to impress.

And impressive they were, all in shiny clothes and colors. Not a single soul was dressed in black. This was a joyful day.

I made my way to the castle, enjoying the view. I waved at people as they looked up, smiling. Everyone was smiling. It was one of those days you only read about, but never get to live. Except I was very much living it. A great birthday present.

As I arrived at the castle, I realized there was no place for me to land on. There were people everywhere. The gardens were full of tents, the entrance was packed so thin even a butterfly wouldn't fit in. There was movement on all the castle grounds, I was sure to bump into someone. I had to go back to the great gates to find a safe spot.

I returned on foot to the heart of the domain, where everything was being set up. All last minute changes, and arrangements, were being applied. I had nothing to do except try to find Eileen or Gianni, or even Cecile, to see if I could make myself useful.

I found Eileen after asking a dozen people. She was in the big chambers with August. Dressing up.

She was stripped down to her underwear, her skin shiny with health and soft looking. She was a wonder to behold, but she wasn't happy. At all. She was brandishing what looked like a dress, waving it in August's face.

"August I'm telling you, no! I'm not wearing that! I don't care if the entire kingdom laughs at me, I'm wearing fucking pants."

I couldn't help but smile. This was Eileen all right. She'd told me several times that, as she was forced to wear what she called princess gowns in her childhood, and despised it, she wouldn't ever wear one again. And true to her word, I'd never seen her in one.

Even at the great balls I'd taken her she showed up, at best, in a comfortable simple dress.

Except this was her engagement ceremony and the whole kingdom would be there. What she wore that day would set the tone for years. She couldn't wear a simple pair of jeans. She'd have to go the extra mile.

I knocked on the door and announced myself.

"Hey girl," I said as I came in uninvited. "Are we having a problem?"

They both turned to me at the same time. They were both in the process of getting dressed, although not at the same stage. They both had a very similar angry look on their faces though.

"Tina!" Eileen greeted me first. "Can you tell August there's no way I'm wearing that?" And that's when I saw it. The dress. Or rather, the ribbons and knots. Very, very pink knots. I laughed.

"August, love, put that thing down. She's not wearing that."

August looked shocked. "But Tina! Gianni insisted!" And here it was. The first statement she'd have to make as a future queen. Does she follow the king's commands, or is she her own woman?

I knew the answer to that, and stated it. "Love, she is simply not wearing that. I don't care who made it or who insisted. She's the future queen. She wears whatever the fuck she wants. Well, almost. I'll fix it. Eileen, you have to at least wear something nice. No jeans today."

Eileen pouted, but remained silent.

I turned back to August. "And get yourself out of that monstrosity, you're not wearing that either. Trust me, that won't help you in the future. Now both of you step back and let me work."

I took my wand out and started working. For August, it would have to be marine blue and white. No black, but as close as I could make it. A pair of dark blue shorts, the elegant kind, with silver buttons, over white leggings. Lighter blue low heeled shoes. A button up, white vertical stripes on marine blue, with the same button as the shorts. That would do nicely and she'd be comfortable.

As August admired herself, I turned to Eileen. That would be more of a challenge.

"Tina, no gowns." I nodded. No gowns. But maybe I could still salvage something. "Eileen, what's your color? I never really asked. I know you don't like pink overmuch."

She smiled. "Yeah, no pink. I like yellow and green but I'm told they don't fit the occasion."

Well, fuck that shit. I would make her yellow and green. A light green silk button up with short puffy sleeves and a golden lining, over a yellow pair of light cotton trousers with the same green embroidery. High heels, the color of a sunray, and assorted jewelry. A golden belt to go with the ensemble and voilà.

I looked at my masterpiece and waited for comments. August applauded, and Eileen simply looked in the mirror, befuddled. "Are you sure, Tina?" she asked.

I nodded. I was sure. It would make a statement all right, and she would be nice and comfortable while doing so. And besides, she wasn't queen yet. Not to mention it would royally piss Gianni off. That was always a perk.