The green salon was aptly named. White silk pleated walls were covered in heavy mirrors and candlesticks of gold. The heavy draperies and two long chaise lounges were of a very expensive hunter green velvet. Gold tassles held back the drapes and the polished oak floor was covered in a white and hunter green persian carpet. The room was specifically designed to portray a cool and ancient dignity - and did so well.
Giselle's dignity was crushed beneath the iron fist of her father's will however. She carried herself with the grace he demanded, her face a study of grace and elegance. The heightened flush of her skin over her cheeks and breasts, along with the brightness of tears in her diamond blue eyes however - told the truth to any who dared study her close enough. As she entered the room, she almost stumbled at the shock of who stood there to escort her.
"U... Uncle?" she stammered in disbelief. She'd had no idea that she would be escorted to her first ball by her uncle! She was terrified of the man! She would never be able to relax under his eagle eye!!
"Yes Giselle. Now close your lovely mouth. You gape like a grounded fish. Some men might take that for an invitation." His voice was as cold as she'd remembered. No surprise there - he'd always treated her as something distasteful he'd found stuck to his shoe. She closed her mouth, a small frown appearing between her arched brows as she caught his implications - her blush deepening.
"Giselle, your uncle will escort you tonight. You will obey his every command and remain firmly in his sights tonight or your punishment will be very severe - I can assure you that you have no idea how you will beg for mercy should you disobey him - or me. Do you understand me girl?" Her father's barked commands jerked from her an instinctive nod of her head and a whispered "Yes, Father."
Her uncle arched a brow at her, then turned to her father. "Alexander - I trust you have instructed her on her behavior? She'll need to make a very distinct impression tonight if she's to escape her mother's reputation. I will not stain myself with her presence for a moment should she fail to perform."
Her father nodded. "She wears a chastity belt. I've even added a special touch of my own to keep her from stuffing herself at the buffet - a suggestion of our friend the Marquis. She is still intact and shall remain so until she is wed and bed. I trust you shall keep her in your sights tonight."