The woman staring back at her from inside the mirror did not look like Captain Cecilia at all. It was the first time in her life she had ever bothered to get all done up, and for a party of all things. This was the type of thing she avoided. Everything leading up to this point was a mess. It took Ramsey and another crew mate to cinch up her corset. She was surprised she could breathe at all. The dress was stolen from one of the neighboring ships in the harbor, because her original dress was currently floating in the middle of the ocean somewhere. The dress was spectacular with a full silver brocade skirt and intricate lace designs on the corset. A delicate diamond circlet rested atop her head, her jet black hair was loose, falling in careful ringlets down to the small of her back. The look was completed with a delicately painted face, another job done by Ramsey. She questioned both his motives and sexuality most of the time. He definitely knew his way around getting her ready for this charade. She stood there, staring at herself for a few more moments. She looked about and did a girlish twirl, giggling softly.

It didn’t take long for Cecilia to arrive at the palace. “You look gorgeous, Cap’n,” Ramsey said as she stepped down from the coach. Cecilia took a deep breath in an attempt to steady her nerves. This had better go right, she thought. “You know what to do?” 

“Yes, Cap’n,” Ramsey confirmed. 

“Repeat the plan,” Cecilia needed to know everything will flow smoothly. Ramsey rolled his eyes. “Secure the garden and wait below the balcony for your signal,” he repeated for the thousandth time that day. Cecilia nodded, pulling the top of the corset. What was the point of cinching it so tight if it was going to fall? She exhaled sharply, this was going to be a long night. Guests mingled outside, laughing and talking about their fabulous lives as members of the court and sipping champagne. She hovered around a few groups, waiting for one of them to go inside, giving her an opportunity to look like she actually belonged there. A few minutes passed and the opportunity opened up. Once inside, she couldn’t contain her amazement. It was a festival of colors, women all dressed up in their Sunday best looking like royalty. People stared at her, whispering, “Do you know her? Who is she?” 

She surveyed the area, searching for her target. Cecilia spotted the princess at the other end of the room, looking detached from all the party. She cut through the sea of people coming up beside her. “Spectacular party, your majesty,” she said. The princess looked beautiful, her dress almost the same hue as the color of her eyes. She was actually quite pretty, if one were to like the high maintenance royal type. Cecilia smiled her most enchanting smile, “Are you enjoying yourself?”