[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/951907880779538452/1114288273393729606/2.png[/img][/center]
[color=slateblue]Time:[/color] Evening
[color=F0E399]Location:[/color] Dressing room - Edwards estate
[color=slateblue]Mention:[/color] [@Lava Alckon] Drake
[color=F0E399]Interactions:[/color] None
[color=slateblue]Appearance[/color]:[url=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/03/09/71/0309716d36264c56e3ea1d2bef6e9cab.jpg]Dress[/url]

The morning had unfolded with a whirlwind of events, and Ariella's experience was nothing short of tumultuous. Despite her fondness for the beach, the persistent sand managed to infiltrate every nook and cranny of her elegant dress, transforming the dressing room's floor into a makeshift shore.

Ariella's mother, however, seemed impervious to the sandy intrusion, preoccupied with scolding the lady's maids, barely acknowledging her daughter's discomfort. This chaotic routine involved a flurry of hair tugging, poking, and prodding, all while adorned with new and opulent makeup. Ariella endured the ordeal like an unyielding statue, arms extended in every direction as she was tugged and adjusted.

As time passed, Ariella's mind transported itself to a place of serenity, mentally retreating to the observation tower where she had shared an evening with her friend.
But as the minutes dragged on, the pain in Ariella's feet intensified, a reminder of just how long she had been standing. It wasn’t long after that the room cleared, and Ariella's arms slumped to her sides as she approached the dressing mirror. Her mother had indeed outdone herself this time, and not in a good way.

[i]...It was horrible[/i]

The garish gown sprawled before her was a profusion of pink, littered with excessive ruffles and bows. Its hoop skirt could accommodate an entire family if she so desired. A sense of repulsion twisted Ariella's face as her gaze settled on the absurd puffed sleeves that swallowed her shoulders. This was supposed to be a masquerade ball, yet she felt more like a character from a circus act.

Anxiety seized her as she tugged on her sleeves, struggling to loosen the constricting corset that gripped her chest, her breaths quickening. She felt trapped, her hand resting on her belly in a futile attempt to calm her racing heartbeat. As panic continued to swell, Ariella dashed towards the door, her gown snagging in the frame as she desperately tried to free herself. With an almost superhuman effort, she managed to break free and wobbled towards Drake's room, intent on seeking refuge.

Inside her brother's room, Ariella finally found a sanctuary. Grateful that her brother had already left, she tore into the oppressive fabric with unbridled fury. Her hands ripped off the offensive bows and ruffles, sending them flying in a whirlwind of panic that transformed Drake's room into a graveyard of discarded fabric.

With trembling hands, she fumbled for the corset's laces, frantically undoing them. As the corset loosened and air flowed back into her lungs, Ariella's chest heaved with relieved breaths. Finally freeing herself of the abhorrent gown, she huddled within the hoop of her skirt, clad only in the dress's slip. The room seemed to close in around her as the enormous dome of fabric encased her.

[color=slateblue]"I can’t do this anymore…"[/color] she whispered, her voice a fragile plea of hurt.

Outside the door, Sebastian's keen ear caught the rustling sounds emanating from Drake's room, but Ariella's soft voice on the other side was unexpected. Lady Edwards had rarely ventured into her brother's room without an invitation, not since she was a child. Hearing Ariella's distress, he decided it was prudent to inform Drake of his discovery.