Change The Tides

Trapped

Arlette POV

Slowly I began to stir as I rolled over onto more sore spots from the corset I had to wear last night... and for once, my brain went straight to what was bothering me.

I barely slept last night... between Aud and I both freaking out to us trying to figure out how to get through this... I don't think either one of us got much sleep. But can you really blame us?

After thinking and talking... we had to think about what would change if I was married to Prince Dominic. Ultimately... I'd have to move into his place which I remembered is three hours away from here, probably making it four hours away from Auradon Prep. And... I wouldn't be able to see Aud almost... ever.

And that was one of the facts that frightened me the most, for I... I don't know what I'd do without Aud, naturally, I'm a little freaked out about having to face life, let alone this rather scary life without her! Even once we said goodnight and returned to our individual rooms, I stayed up nearly all night and tried to think of some way to get out of this... because today was the day that grandma, Dominic, and Mrs. Collins were talking about, but what about? I have an idea of course... but I don't wanna think of what it could truly be about. I'm dreading all of it, but time never stops marching... so I know I need to face it at some point.

Suddenly, I heard a gentle knock on my door, causing me to groan and slowly sit up to answer to who it was. Rubbing my eyes and feeling the tired weight behind them, I shouted out,

"Who is it?"

My voice was strained and audibly tired too... awesome, it's probably gonna be obvious that I didn't sleep last night. Well... who cares at this point? Rather than answering my question, the person on the other side of the door slowly began to open it which... granted, it made me a little nervous, but I let out a sigh of relief the moment I saw it was my chamber lady! Her familiar presence was ever so comforting, she was dressed in the rather old-fashioned light beige dress with a white apron tied around her waist, the uniform for the chamber ladies. Her naturally red hair was tied into a bun as well, just as I've always known her which just put me at so much ease. I smiled at her as she came in, a... a dress in hand? How odd... I wonder who that's for because surely it's not for me,

"Just me Miss, I hope you had a good rest..."

She delightfully began as she gently shut the door behind her and began buzzing around the room, opening up windows and hanging up the dress off one of my wardrobes in the process which allowed me to see it clearer now. It was a dark blue, quarter sleeve, floor-length dress with a lace top of sorts. The collar, the buttons going all the way down the top, the sleeves... it was a pretty dress but... not for me. I don't like dark blue on me anyway, I'd much prefer light blue or light pink, my... mother's favorite colors,

"... Queen Leah requests that you be downstairs as soon as possible, and she's asked that you come down wearing that dress I hung up over there. And just so you're aware, we do have guests so she's asked me to insist on your haste"

Oh great, I have to wear the dress that I know won't look great on me, and for what? I sighed and just nodded as I put my hands behind me to keep me propped up. Grandma can insist on my haste all she wants, I don't wanna pass out when I get up so I'll be sitting here as long as I need until all of that calms down, she can wait, and so can the guests!

........

...... hold on... guests?"

My eyes widened a bit as a pit in my stomach suddenly began to grow... guests...... Dominic and Mrs. Collins are back, aren't they?