The Seven Kings

Chapter 5: Gown-Gown

"Jane!"

"Jane Lei!"

"Jane Lei Eisley!"

Oh for the love of God, I put the last of the toys into the basket and took it, going down the steps. 

Moira stood by the door giving me a wide eyed stare with a small smile. I eyed the Kings guardsman and gave them a questionable look, did the pie taste that awful?

I put the basket down and walked over smiling at the men and giving a small nod.

The first guardsman looked to me carefully, "You've been formally invited to join the Kings and Queens for the Wedding of King Ebner and future Queen Terra." He stated before another man held out something in a beautiful silk bag with a hanger.

I took it and curtsied before they left to the horses and rode off.

What the hell was all that about?

I looked to Moira who smirked, "I'm guessing they were impressed by your pie, I suggest you make a list of the recipe for Laura." She said giving me a wink.

My pie gave me an invitation to the Kings wedding?

Wow, I never knew I had that much talent.

I took the dress and headed upstairs to my room, lifting the silk bag and eyeing the gorgeous dark red gown, it hung off the shoulders, had a tight and busty top with a flowing skirt and ruffles under the skirt to keep its shape.

It's a real gown, like a gown-gown.

Biting my lip nervously, I hung it on the dresser and gave it a long stare before reaching into my pocket and pulling the ring out putting it on.

I finished up my chores and listened to Moira continue to yell at me to go get ready, I just felt so nervous.

But no one says no to a King.

Brushing out my hair, I pinned it into curlers and did my makeup before slipping on the corset and tights before pulling the dress on, well actually stepping into it since the makeup.

"Girl, turn, you need to be laced up tight and good." Sure I do, I thought as Moira gestured for me to turn.

She yanked at the laces, smacking the breath out my chest. I scowled and then she pulled my hair from the curlers doing a fancy and elegant updo.

I looked myself over before slipping into my heels and going out the room and down the hall.

The neighbor was dropping me off at the Castle, I hurried to their home and gave the door a wearily knock before stepping back.

I watched the door open, and Mrs. Wiley gave me a wide smile, "Jane, darling you look like such a lady!" She said running a hand over my sleeve before calling to Mr. Wiley, "Hurry hunny! She needs to be there before her curls fall!" She shouted inside.

Mr Wiley came out pulling his jacket on and staring from her to me, whiplashing as he stared at me with a growing smile, "My, my, my Jane, as beautiful as ever." He said while we went to the cart and horse.

I got in the back and he rode us off to the castle, I had him stop a bit from the castle, in worry that they'd question my invitation based on my ride.

Going to the gates, I watched the suited man look me over carefully, "Name?" He asked.

I felt worried, what if they didn't put my name?

"Jane Lei Eisley." I said questionably.

He gave a nod, "You May enter." He replied while I exchanged a smile and headed inside the gate and up to the castle steps.

My stomach fluttered and I wondered if I should have invited Nathaniel. Eyeing the ring on my finger, I sighed and hurried inside feeling the weight of guilt.

Heading inside, I gave my name and my cape, to the man, he announced "Jane Lei Eisley" before I went down the stairs to the ball room.

I was met at the bottom by a man who brought me to a table, there sat some wealthy couples all of which gave me mysterious looks.

Keeping my stare on the dance floor, I felt a smile grow as I watched them switch and continue to dance with one another, all the beauty of them.

King Ebner danced with his new bride Queen Terra, their vows had been said in private, amongst the kings, queens and elders. But we got to watch the newly couple and my did they seem just happy.

"Champagne?" The waiter asked, and I gave a small nod, taking a glass and thanking him.

Looking to the Kings and Queens, I caught eyes with Queen Zara and she held a small smile. Then she leaned forward and looked to Zadok who looked around and then met my eyes.

He gave a proud smile before I watched him nod upward, for me to rise.

Standing, I placed my drink down and walked around the newly dancing couple and over to King Zadok.

I walked over and kept my distance, at a safe manner of course, giving a curtesy, I smiled up at the King, "Your Majesty." I stated while he smirked and looked me over, "Leave the recipe with the maids. That pie was astounding. I could hire you if you'd like." He said thoughtfully.

They were offering me a job, in the castle, that's beyond a great opportunity.

I gave a single nod, "It would be my pleasure King Zadok." I replied softly while he smiled and took his wives hand kissing it.

Taking that as my call to leave, I curtsied and gave a small bow before he made a small growling sound and laugh.

I turned and headed back to my table, noting that the Kings are prideful, perverted and impossibly spoiled.

Going to my table, I sat down and took a drink of my champagne while trying to be silent and quiet, staying in the background of the night.

One could only hope, that I won't be too noticed in this gown.

It's a bit much for a pie baker.