The long-awaited morning of the tea party had finally arrived, carrying with it a giddy flutter of excitement.

  "Alright, young dy! You’re all set!" Cecil decred with a triumphant flourish, sweeping the final dusting of powder across my cheeks.

  I slowly opened my eyes — and there, reflected in the mirror, was a version of myself touched by a little bit of magic. Cecil, with her clever hands and keen eye, had once again woven something beautiful out of me.

  My hair, usually left loose and wild, had been transformed into soft twin French braids, each adorned with delicate pearls that shimmered like dewdrops. The style was breezy yet elegant — perfect for the sun-drenched gardens where Cece’s tea party would be held, in the famed grounds of the Bourdelle Estate.

  And then, there was the gown — a creation so lovely it seemed spun from the very first breath of summer. Diana had crafted it from soft ivory chiffon, scattered with watercolor florals in tender shades of peach, lic, and sun-kissed gold.

  The off-shoulder sleeves fluttered against my skin like petals caught in a pyful breeze, while the skirt billowed around me like a wildflower meadow stirring awake beneath the morning sun. Threaded through the fabric were the finest strands of silvery gold, so delicate they caught the light with every movement, sending tiny glimmers dancing in the air — as if dawn itself had woven blessings into every hem and seam.

  At my neck rested the final, crowning touch — a delicate choker from the famed artisans of Rosewaltz & Co., wrought from rose gold filigree shaped into tiny, climbing vines. Nestled among the curls of metal were miniature opals that shimmered in soft iridescence — fshes of pink, blue, and vender whenever they caught the light.

  At my neck rested the final, crowning touch — a delicate choker from the famed artisans of Rosewaltz & Co., wrought from rose gold filigree shaped into tiny, climbing vines. Nestled among the curls of metal were miniature opals that shimmered in soft iridescence — fshes of pink, blue, and vender whenever they caught the light.

  And to complete the look, a pair of blush pink ankle-strap fts and a gemstone-embedded minaudière waited by my side.

  For the first time, I felt fully prepared for an event — not as an obligation, but with genuine excitement. The new dress, the careful preparations... They made me eager to step into the day ahead.

  "Let's go," I said to Jane and Cecil, my voice light with anticipation as we exited my bedroom and made our way toward the front of the manor where the carriage awaited.

  As I stepped outside, the warm summer air brushed my skin, and a small crowd of attendants gathered near the entrance turned to greet me.

  Their faces lit up with admiration, and a flurry of compliments filled the air. I smiled, cheeks turning rosy under their kind words, touched by their joy.

  "Young dy, everyone’s so excited to see you attending your first official tea party," Jane said warmly.

  "I agree!" I ughed, twirling lightly on my feet. "The way they’re reacting... what more when it’s time for my coming-of-age ceremony?"

  "Don’t worry, young dy!" Cecil chimed in proudly. "I’ll make sure you’re the most beautiful girl at that party too!"

  I realized then — it wasn’t just a special day for me. Even the estate attendants seemed genuinely happy, as if proud that I was stepping out into the world at st, no longer hidden away in the quiet corners of the manor, lost among my beloved books.

  As we continued toward the carriage, I spotted my parents standing by the grand doorway.

  My mother turned first, and the moment her gaze fell on me, her face lit up with pure adoration.

  "Oh, my sweet darling!" she gasped, csping her hands together. "You look absolutely wonderful — like a summer fairy!"

  "Thank you, Mother!" I said, grinning. "Aunt Elle helped me pick everything out."

  Then I caught my father’s gaze — hesitant, lingering. He stood a little stiffly, a worried expression flickering across his face.

  "Father," I teased as I stepped closer, "don’t I look beautiful?"

  He cleared his throat awkwardly, giving me a brisk nod and the briefest reply: "Yes."

  I gasped dramatically, pcing a hand on my heart. "What? That’s all?"

  "Terry!" my mother chided pyfully, giving him a gentle nudge. "You need to give your daughter more than that!"Turning back to me, she added tenderly, "Don’t mind him, darling. Your father’s just shy — and a little heartbroken that his little princess is growing up so quickly."

  I ughed, warmth blooming in my chest, and threw my arms around him in an affectionate hug.

  "Don’t be sad, Father," I said brightly. "I’ll always be your little girl."

  As I let go of my father, he reached out to pat my head — but I quickly ducked away. "No, Father! You’ll ruin my hair!" I protested with a pyful ugh, spinning on my heel and hurrying toward the waiting carriage.

  Behind me, I heard my mother's soft giggle — no doubt trying to console my poor father, who was left standing there with a helpless smile.

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