Ladies in Waiting 2

All of us were gathered at the table, waiting in silence for the Queen to arrive. Violet sat fidgeting with her necklace, and Phillipa was drumming her long fingernails on the table, making an irritating rhythm that made me want to rip my hair out. Oh, if i should ever have the misfortune of having to kill someone, I pray that it be her. Suddenly, the door opened, and Queen Catherine De Medici walked in majestically, accompanied by two body guards. We all bowed in respect. The Queen was my age, around nineteen, and not very beautiful. She did have an air aboout her though, something that made you want to listen to her, made you want to please her, but at the same time made her seem slightly arrogant. Maybe it was the way she stood, straight as a stick... or the way she looked at everyone, as though she were more important... or perhaps even the authoritative way she spoke, as if she were lightly scolding a small child. I never did figure out what it was that made her seem so much more significant than me. Some would argue that it was the title, but I don't think of her as much of a Queen as other commoners, for I am with her much too often.
"Bonjour madamoiselles" she said in a powerful voice, "As you all know, today we prepare for the masquerade ball that is to take place tomorrow night. I assume you are all educated as to the theme of Black and White, and know what I expect from your attire tomorrow evening. You must look your absolute best. I will not be made a fool of by poor fashion choices. Madamoiselle Cossette?"

"Yes, your Majesty?" I replied
"I suggest you attain some help with your outfit choice. What you are wearing now is not in the least bit flattering. Why would you ever buy such a thing?"
"I thought it would match my eyes, your Majesty" I said softly, looking down at my hands. Phillipa scoffed a laugh.
"Yes well, the sillouette is what troubles me. As does the make. Did a toddler sew that hem?" by this time, all of my fellows had different expressions on their faces. Monet looked apologetic, as did Violet. Phillipa looked as though these accusations were what I deserved, even though in my opinion her dress was more horrible by half. Larue looked almost concerned on my behalf. Even the body guards looked sympathetic. Queen Catherine continued on with her speech. "You will all be at the ballroom an hour early so that I may judge your outfit to see if it is appropriate. Following that, you will line up at the door and greet the guests as they enter. Are all these directions understood?"
"Yes, your Majesty" we chanted in unison.
"Madamoiselle Cossette?" the Queen questioned me
"Yes your Majesty?"
"I would like you to go out tonight and buy yourself another work dress, for I shall never want to see that horrid washcloth you are wearing ever again. Pascal will escourt you." She waved one of the bodyguards forward. I nodded as tears welled in my eyes. I looked up at the bodyguard. He tried to smile reassuringly, but it did nothing for me. "A tout a l'heure" commented the Queen. We all bowed as she exited the room.