The girls arrived at Serena's room by 1pm. They brought their dresses with them too. First, they all lied on Serena's bed, placing some thinly sliced cucumber on their faces.

Then, they painted each other's nails and toes, curled and braided each other's hair, they even plucked their eyebrows.

During this time, make-up was frowned upon. However, Serena knew that it was just the excessiveness and there's a way around it.

"But, would it be okay? My mom told me that only prostitutes wear them." Via said when Serena said that she will apply make-up on them.

"Do me as you will Serena" Gizel and Milly said.

Serena laughed. "Well, they won't know that we're wearing make up exactly. I'll apply it on you guys and make it look as natural as possible. We'll just try to enhance your beauties."

Actually, Serena just applied some powder on their faces to avoid it becoming oily as the night grew deeper, brushed some blush on their cheeks, and dabbed a little bit of rouge on their lips.

"and viola! We're done!" Serena said as she made them face the mirror.

The girls looked at themselves on the mirror, the change was miniscule but it indeed made them look prettier.

"Wow, do you do this every day that's why you always look fresh?" Milly asked.

Serena just smiled at her friend not answering.

--

When the girls were done preparing, it was already 7 in the evening, just in time for their escorts to fetch them.

"So here goes nothing…" Via said nervously. Although she was a little serious with everything, she was still a girl. She was flattered when Kylo asked her if she was willing to have him as her escort to the ball, and although she only reluctantly agreed, she was still looking forward to meeting him tonight.

"My chest is about to explode! Serena, thank you, you've done magic to my looks, I wonder if Paul would find me pretty." Milly said.

"If he doesn't then he must be blind. Ugh, I'm so jealous of you two, I have made every effort to look this good, thank you Serena by the way, only to be escorted by my brother. UGHHHHHH… I just hope that he would take responsibility for my dance card and ensure that it is filled and hopefully, those dance partners he finds for me are handsome."

Serena giggled, "Well, you're not the only one. My brother is also escorting me."

"If my brother is even half as handsome as yours, then I won't be complaining!" Gizel responded.

"Anyways, let's go and not keep the boys waiting." Milly, excited to see her Paul, advocated.

--

In the lobby of their dormitory, there were a lot of gentlemen waiting for their partners. Serena and the girls agreed to see each other at the ball as they separated to look for their respective partners. Thankfully, Serena spotted Leonard quickly for he was taller than most of the men there.

"Brother Leonard!" Serena greeted as she approached him. She saw that he was wearing a black tailcoat, white shirt, white stock and white vest. He was also wearing white gloves as it was the de rigueur of the era. Despite wearing the same colors like most of the gentlemen wore, her brother was still a cut above the rest. His suit fit him just right and emphasized his figure.

"Serena." He greeted back as he approached her halfway. He observed that she was wearing an off the shoulder bugle bead tulle gown in red with embroidered feathers. It was fitted at the bust and waist and was loose at the hips. He noted that the hem just went to the floor without a train. She was also wearing elbow length gloves. Her hair had a top knot while the rest fell in loose circular curls neatly arranged, adorned with some jewels and feathers matching her gown.

Serena saw him looking at her dress, so she turned in a full circle letting the skirt flare. Although her skirt was not ballooning like some of the other girls' it can still do that. "Wat do you think?" she asked.

Leonard smiled and nodded giving her his approval. Although she was his sister, it still gave him some masculine pride to know that he is escorting easily to most beautiful girl in the empire. "You look beautiful."

Serena grinned at him. "You're not half-bad yourself."

Leonard smiled bank as he offered her his hand. "Let's go?"

She placed her hand in his, "Alright."

--

Serena and Leonard being part of the organizing committee were given access to the ball immediately. They did not fall in line like the other students and was just handed their dance cards. Serena's as she saw the last time was quite elaborate, while Leonard's dance card looked like something done just as an afterthought. Anyway, as her escort, Leonard also received hers for her. Taking it as his duty to have it filled. At least with names that he deemed acceptable.

"Am I not supposed to be the one holding on to that?" Serena said jokingly.

"It will help drive away some pests that would wish to have a dance with you." He replied as he started marking her dance card. "I will hand this back to you before the dancing commences so you will know who you will be dancing with. Also, this will ensure propriety."

Serena was surprised. She didn't know that her brother can be… well, like this. Anyway, she does not really mind him doing so. But she still has her one condition. "Alright but do save the last dance. I already have arrangements for the Second Waltz."

Leonard knew who she was saving it for. He wanted to tell her no immediately, but he knew that Serena would not take that for an answer. She already let him control her dance card, and he worried that if he were not to agree with her condition, she might just do whatever she wanted. So, to appease her, he nodded his head.

Upon entering the venue, the master of ceremonies announced their names.

"Mr. Leonard Maxwell, and Miss Serena Maxwell"

--

TBC