The immortal excused himself, as well, and left through the ballroom’s back door. Eleni and Darcie proceeded towards the main entrance.
“Any last minute questions?” Eleni asked right before they were about to part ways. “Before tomorrow?”
Just knowing the impending event was so close caused a fresh wave of panic to flow through Darcie’s veins. “Not unless asking for a way out of attending is still out of the question?” She gave the instructor an expression full of both hope and resignation.
Eleni looked sympathetic, but she breezed past the question. “Would you like to do a quick review of everything tomorrow morning? Before Bella and Eshe begin working on your appearance?”
“No, I think I am alright.” If she didn’t know the moves by now, practicing last minute would be little help.
The pretty immortal nodded. “I will see you at the ball, then. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
Darcie waved goodbye and watched until Eleni disappeared around a distant corner. Once out of sight, she let her shoulders slump. Holding proper form for the dances was killing her back.
She contemplated seeking out Bella’s company, but decided against it. Her mind and body were tired after the lessons. It would be good for her to go back and rest in her room.
She climbed the large staircase and walked to her bedroom on the third floor. It might have taken almost two weeks, but she finally felt comfortable maneuvering through eighty percent of the mansion. Darcie turned the corner and stopped in her tracks. There was a large, brown heap directly in front of her door.
Darcie was in the middle of trying to figure out what the object was when a furry head popped up from the pile. Argos’ brown eyes met hers.
“Hey boy,” she called out and continued her approach.
Argos rose to his feet and leaned back to stretch–his tail wagging the entire time.
“Whatcha doing?”
Argos responded by nudging her bedroom’s door handle.
Darcie chuckled. “You want in my room?”
Argos’ tail wagged more furiously, and his tongue rolled out as he began to pant.
Even if she wanted to, there was no way Darcie could say no to that face. Resigned to forgo her nap, she opened the door and walked in her room.
“Come on,” she called to Argos where he waited patiently by the door.
Once given the invitation, the immense creature trotted into the room and immediately jumped onto the fluffy bed. He circled a couple of times before finally making himself comfortable.
“You read my mind,” she told him.
Darcie kicked off her shoes and joined Argos on the bed. The large dog took up the majority of the space, but there was plenty of room for her skinny frame.
Rolling onto her side, Darcie observed Argos. The mythical animal already closed his eyes and appeared asleep.
Looks like I won’t be losing my nap after all.
Darcie burrowed into the comfortable mattress, enjoying the feeling of not being alone as the sound of Argos’ breathing lulled her into a restful doze.
19
The crisp night air swirled around Darcie as she stood on the high balcony. The sensation soothed her overheated skin. As the clock ticked closer to the start of dinner, she consciously reminded herself to remain calm. Leaning against the stone railing, she gazed into the darkness below.
You can do this.
“Come back in, Darcie,” Bella’s voice carried from inside her massive suite. “We’re ready for you.”
With one last lungful of the clear air, Darcie straightened and walked back through the French-style balcony doors. She braced herself, putting on a brave face.
Darcie entered, blinking against the room’s bright lights; they were overpowering compared to the soft moonlight.
Regaining focus, she turned her attention to the women in the room with her. Bella stood next to her personal vanity; its surface covered with various types of cosmetics. She motioned for her to have a seat.
Eshe stood just behind Bella. The dark-eyed immortal offered a small, encouraging smile as Darcie approached and settled into the elegant chair at the vanity.
Maybe she didn’t look as brave as she thought.
Darcie watched as Bella turned to the cluttered vanity. She picked up a tin case and a fluffed brush.
“How would you like your makeup?” Bella asked, still facing the many products. “Are you wanting something subtle or something that will stand out?”
Darcie shrugged. Makeup was Marie’s department. “Whatever you think.”
“You are naturally pretty,” Eshe offered over Bella’s head. “I would say less is more.”
Darcie felt surprised when Bella laughed. She tilted her head, hoping to hide her embarrassing blush. “What’s so funny?”
The immortal waved a hand in the air. “Oh, it’s nothing. I am simply amused to hear Eshe recommend less cosmetics to anyone.”
Eshe shook her head but couldn’t hide her own amusement. “I can acknowledge my makeup style is not for everyone, Bella.”
The petite brunette snickered. When she saw Darcie’s continued confusion, she offered an explanation, “Eshe really likes eye makeup.”
Darcie turned her attention to Eshe. After giving it some thought, she realized she never once saw her wearing makeup.
“Really?”
Bella answered for her sister-in-law. “Really. Bright blue eyeshadow, fake eye lashes, thick eyeliner… If you can put it on your eyes, Eshe uses it.”
“It was the style when I was growing up,” the immortal offered.
Darcie imagined the Egyptian beauty with the intense cosmetics. With her dark, almond eyes, she was sure the highlights made Eshe’s features incredible.
“Well, it’s not like you guys need makeup,” Darcie interjected. “You are both gorgeous.”
“Aww!” Bella placed her hand over her heart. “You are so sweet.”
“But back to business,” the immortal opened the tin and displayed varying shades of blush. “What will it be?”
Darcie turned to the side and glanced at herself in the vanity’s mirror. She looked sickeningly pale. Her nerves were getting the best of her.
“Natural,” she told Bella. “I want to look like myself.” Now was not the time to try something different. She did not want to feel self-conscious about her appearance on top of everything else.
Eshe nodded in approval. “Bella will highlight your features, but you will look like you.”
Bella, on the other hand, frowned at the decision.
“Is that okay?” Darcie asked her makeup artist.
The immortal released an exaggerated sigh. “Yes. I just wanted to play a little, that’s all.”
As soon as the words were out, Bella put on a happy face. “Let’s get started. Close your eyes.”
Darcie obliged and remained still while Bella covered her face with various textures and patterns. Eshe moved behind Darcie and, after a conversation regarding her hair, went to work on arranging the intricate style.
“I’m surprised you guys don’t have people to do this for you,” Darcie commented, only moving her lips. She didn’t want to mess up their work.
“We used to,” Bella revealed, sweeping a brush over her cheekbones. “But we’ve had a lot of time to develop hobbies. It is fun to get ready for events by ourselves.”
Eshe murmured her agreement.
Not for the first time, Darcie wondered what it must be like to live forever.
What skills would she choose to master given an unlimited amount of time?
She could see herself researching and studying various subjects. She already struggled with deciding on a major in college. Having an eternity would enable her to not have to choose.
It was a very appealing thought…
But, almost instantly, Darcie could see how continually seeking an education might get old. She couldn’t help but suspect boredom would be a trying factor that came with immortality, no matter what d
iversion you chose to spend your time on.
Do the brothers ever feel bored?
Probably not.
They were born into their never-ending life, after all.
But what about the women beside her? Eshe and Bella each had a taste at a normal life. Did they ever feel the loss of their mortality? Darcie didn’t know if she would be happy living forever.
“Finished.”
Darcie opened her eyes and looked at Bella. “Can I move?” she asked Eshe, still feeling slight pulls and prods against her skull.
“Almost.” Eshe continued arranging her hair. Darcie resisted the urge to fidget, eager to see the changes.
“There.” Eshe placed one last bobby pin before lowering her hands. “Take a look.”
Darcie turned to the side and faced the mirror. Her eyes widened as she took in her reflection. “Whoa,” she breathed, unable to recognize the beauty in front of her.
The teen’s long, curly hair coiled perfectly at the crown of her head. Twisted tendrils fell down the sides of her face, gently framing her jawline. The up-do parted down the side, allowing a portion of hair to sweep across her forehead before it met back up into the intricate arrangement.
As her eyes continued to travel across the image, Darcie noticed the subtle touches Bella added to her natural features. Her eyebrows formed a structured arch, and were slightly darker from being filled in. Her blonde, curly lashes looked longer now that their pale ends were covered with brown mascara. The natural eye shadow brought out the flecks of green in Darcie’s royal blue eyes. The hollow of each cheek was accentuated by one sweep of peach blush, and her lips matched the pale color from the matte lipstick.
“Do you like it?” Bella asked nervously.
“I hardly recognize myself,” she replied. Then, with a smile, she said, “I love it.”
Over her shoulder, Darcie watched both Eshe and Bella share a pleased glance.
“Trust me,” Eshe offered. “Bella only highlighted some of your more distinct features. The girl in the mirror is still one hundred percent you.”
Bella nodded in agreement. “You are lovely, Darcie.”
The artificial blush did nothing to hide the natural color as it rose to her cheeks. “Don’t you both need to get ready?” Neither woman looked prepared to attend the ball.
Eshe and Bella nodded and both began applying their own makeup. Darcie relocated to one of the many chairs in Bella’s suite to get out of their way. She watched absentmindedly as both immortals took turns standing in front of the mirror. The pair, also, assisted each other when it came time to complete their hairstyles.
The women worked together seamlessly. Often, Eshe or Bella would help the other without being asked. Centuries of practice would, no doubt, foster such efficiency.
As Eshe put the final touches on her makeup, Darcie saw what Bella meant earlier. The immortal’s eyelids were covered with a dark blue eye shadow. The thick, black eye liner extended an inch from the corner of her tear duct. Darcie couldn’t help but compare her to the movie renditions of Cleopatra. The exotic makeup was very distinct.
Bella continued to modify her appearance in the mirror while Eshe disappeared behind a screen. She emerged minutes later wearing a silk dress which loosely hugged her frame.
“I love your dress,” Darcie told her as she continued to admire the ensemble. Now, Eshe really looked like the historic Egyptian princess. She could only hope her dress looked as elegant.
As if reading her mind, Eshe asked, “Would you like to change into your dress?”
Ever since the fitting, Eshe finished the last alterations on Darcie’s ball gown in private. Needless to say, she was eager to see the final product.
“Yes, please!”
Eshe motioned for her to follow as they left Bella’s suite and walked a few doors down the carpeted hallway. The pair entered a room rich in mahogany and red tones. Darcie could only assume they were in the immortal’s private suite. Her eyes roamed the unfamiliar space, taking in the distinct style of Eshe’s décor.
Movement caught her attention as Eshe moved to her left. Darcie watched her pull down a deep green dress from a hook on the wall. She couldn’t believe her eyes.
The dress was gorgeous. Its style and design were completely unique. The metal needles from the fitting were replaced with small, ivory beads. Their delicate color created a magnificent contrast with the rich, green fabric. The boning in the bodice was visible and would give her a flattering silhouette. Eshe’s creation was the epitome of a ball gown.
“Do you like it?” the immortal asked, holding the dress out for inspection.
Darcie moved forward and lightly brushed her hand against the smooth satin. “It is wonderful. I love it.”
Eshe smiled. “Come, let us put it on.”
Darcie followed the seamstress’ instructions as she changed, careful to not damage the elegant creation. She stepped into a white petticoat and stood stiff as Eshe laced up the back of the corset.
When first discussing the ensemble with the immortals, she tried to argue the restrictive body wear. Darcie could hardly breathe in the contraption when she wore it during the second dress fitting.
Despite her best attempts, Eshe would not budge. She insisted the ball gown was designed so that Darcie would need the support of the specific undergarments. Bella had sided with Eshe, effectively undercutting Darcie’s argument.
Now, as Eshe slipped the gown over her head and she could feel the heaviness of the gown, Darcie realized her normal bra would have never supported the dress’ weight.
“Hold still,” Eshe instructed as she began tightening the ribbons at the back of the bodice.
Darcie resisted the urge to turn and observe herself in the nearest mirror. The following minutes felt like an eternity as she watched the seconds tick by on the wall clock.
“Okay,” Eshe lowered her hands from the dress and stepped back. “Turn around.” Darcie obliged and watched as the immortal’s eyes brightened, nodding in approval.
“Can I look?” she asked, itching for a glimpse of herself.
Eshe laughed and walked to the other end of the room. She pulled a thin blanket off an object and revealed a long mirror. Darcie quickly positioned herself in front of it and dropped the edges of the dress. Her breath caught in her throat.
If Darcie didn’t recognize herself after Bella’s makeup, she certainly could not identify the ethereal beauty looking back at her. Her eyes trailed over the stranger’s body.
The flattering dress fit the girl perfectly. The bodice gave the illusion of feminine curves, while the wide skirt added an element of regality and grace. The smooth fabric was covered with a lace overlay on the skirt, and Darcie thought the addition exquisite.
“Do you like it?”
Darcie’s eyes met Eshe’s through the reflection. “Oh, Eshe,” she gushed. “It is perfect! Thank you so much.”
“You are welcome.” Eshe reached out and touched Darcie’s head, taming a stray hair.
“You should return to your room,” Eshe stated. “Des will be by shortly to escort you down.”
The reality of the situation returned. Darcie took a steadying breath. “Alright. Will I see you later?”
Eshe smiled softly. “Of course,” she reassured. “Don’t worry. Everything will be alright.”
As Darcie walked back to her bedroom, she lifted up a silent plea that the immortal beauty was right.
20
Darcie stared out into the night as she waited for Des to arrive. She held a hand gently against her corseted stomach and willed the butterflies to stop their movement.
Looking out her open window, she counted the stars and wished she paid more attention to her father’s astronomy lessons. Her mind would have loved the distraction of naming the constellations.
What was her father doing at that moment?
Was he missing his only daughter?
Did he wish whatever lie the brothers’ spun in his mind was soon to be over so
she might return home?
It struck her that she never spent more than a couple of days away from the man who raised her. Whenever he went on extended trips, John Abernathy always insisted his daughter accompany him. Homesickness threatened to ruin Bella’s careful eye makeup.
Fortunately for the delicate creation, Des’ firm knock sounded against the oak door.
Darcie faced the entrance, running her hands down the front of her ball gown to smooth the puffy material. “Come in.” She watched the knob turn and quickly dabbed the corners of her eye to erase the evidence of her sorrow.
Des appeared, and he looked amazing in the expensive tuxedo. Its fitted form showcased the muscular body beneath.
Darcie’s earlier emotions were replaced with awe and astonishment as she watched him move into the room. Not a single hair moved despite the strong breeze coming through the window. There was no question about it, Des belonged on a magazine cover. His looks–his demeanor–all of him was perfection.
Without warning, he stopped in his tracks.
For a moment, Darcie panicked. There was no way he could have known what she was thinking.
Right?
His emerald eyes assessed Darcie where she stood, moving up and down her dress. She watched as his mouth opened ever so slightly. A large gust moved through the room and slammed the room’s door shut, causing Darcie to jump at the loud sound.
Feeling awkward, she clasped her hands in front of her. “You look nice,” she offered when Des remained quiet.
The silence persisted. She moved her weight between feet. “Des?”
Is he really not going to say anything?
The sound of his name snapped him out of the ill-timed stupor. Des turned his attention to her face.
“Forgive me,” he apologized and continued his approach.
When he was no more than two feet away, he stopped again. He gave her a breathtaking grin. “You look great.”
Great?
Darcie couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed with his word choice. “I’ll pass your compliments on to Bella and Eshe.”
“Please do.”
Enlightened Page 15
