Plaything?

Alina's pov

Maggie left the next morning, saying Aurelius couldn't pick her up and she had to head home due to an emergency. It was quite early when she left so I just gave her a kiss on the cheek and went back to bed.

When I woke up the next day, I was surprised to see Charmaine standing right in front of me with a cold expression on her face. "Good morning, ma'am"

"Ahh!" A shriek left my lips on seeing her in anything but her suit. Weird, to think she started this job two days back and now I suddenly felt like I had gotten used seeing her in black, all prim and proper.

Now, she stood in front of me with an ash sweatpants that hung right on her waist and black tank top that showed her flat stomach or rather abs. I blushed as I looked away from her, I saw Charmaine roll her eyes at me before clearing her throat.

"Your father is back and he demands to see you immediately, don't keep him waiting" She said not giving me time to respond before walking out of my room.

I sat in bed stunned but feeling lazy to get up. Dad never came back home at the break of dawn, so something might be wrong. I grabbed my black fur robe, throwing it over my satin chemise...I left my room heading for father's study.

I knocked on the door hoping he was inside, after the third knock, I heard shuffling before the door finally opened. A blonde woman stood in front of me, with flushed cheeks and her head bowed low.

"Good morning father" I walked to where my father was seated at his desk, his eyes firmly glued on a document.

"Morning princess, please take a seat" He said and I sat on the chair opposite his before turning to look at the blondie who smiled at me softly.

"Dad, why are you home this early? Is something wrong?" I asked him and he just sighed, I could see the dark circles under his eyes and it made me worry about him.

"Something isn't wrong princess, I'm worried about you..." He trailed off as he passed me an envelope, I eyed it curiously looking up at my father but he just smiled softly.

I reached over and took the envelope, tearing it open I saw two invites to a party. It was said to be a gathering meant for the children of great politician's or noble men. I wasn't one to socialize and dad knew that.

"Is this compulsory?" I asked as I stared at the invites, he slowly nodded about to speak when I shrugged with a smile. "I'll do it, I can't keep being couped up in this house after all"

Seeing my bright smile, Dad smirked before nodding slowly. "Go freshen up, the stylist and make-up artist would be here in few hours so prepare yourself"

I nodded, grabbing the invitations before turning my head to look at the blonde woman in the corner. "Dad, is this one of your plaything's?"

He turned to the woman who was standing timidly in the corner, I saw something in his eyes that made me regret my words. "No, she isn't"

"Oh, have fun" I smiled at both of them before leaving the study. I stared at the invites with a small smile as I went back to my room, I met Charmaine in front of my room with three women. "Uhm, who are they?"

"Makeup artist and the stylist" Charmaine said and I nodded smiling at them.

"Take them to the visitor's lounge, I'd join you guys in a bit" With that I practically ran into my room, threw the invites into a drawer, stripped myself of my robe and night wear before going to shower.

I didn't rush but I didn't take my time to soak up the sweet scent of my bath wash. I just applied lotion, threw on a cream wool dress, my hair pulled into a bun as I finally headed downstairs.

*****

The rest of the day went by in a flash, the time for the party had finally arrived. The make-up artist did a soft make-up glam for me, not applying heavy products but just enhancing my features a bit while still keeping my natural look.

"Oh my gosh, you look so beautiful, miss" The artist gasped as she finally finished her work. I slowly opened my eyes and I couldn't even recognize myself anymore.

"It was all your handiwork, ma'am" I smiled at her politely and she flushed without saying anything.

The make-up artist and her assistant packed up their things and left. I stood looking at the dress that was placed on the bed, my heart was racing against my chest and I couldn't help but sigh.

By the time I finally had the courage to finish putting on the dress, I gasped looking at myself in the mirror. It was a dark blue dress, that hugged my curves but was let loose just from my knees downwards, a plunging v-neck that showed quite the cleavage and long net sleeves that made me look even more alluring. With the heels I wore and my small clutch purse, I couldn't help but smile.

I wish mother could have been here to witness this.

A knock on my door startled me. I took a deep breath smiling as hard as I could, before going to answer the door.

"Miss Alina. You can call me Leon for the night and I would be your escort" My eyes widened as I stared at Charmaine who was in front of me, her voice sounded more masculine as she bowed her head offering me a bouquet of roses.

"And aren't you quite the treat, Leon" I smirked as she raised her head to stare at me with a surprised expression, but I didn't say a word, but grabbed the roses instead.

"Shall we?" Charmaine or rather Leon said to me as he held out his hand.