I smiled softly, shaking my head. “Serena, I’ve got a lot of work to finish. And besides, I can’t afford anything from those booths.”
She pouted dramatically. “Don’t be such a killjoy, Dorothy. I’ll ask the other maids to cover for you, and I’ll pay for the gown.”
“You know you can't keep paying for my things,” I protested gently. “Yes, we’re friends, but you’re still the daughter of my employer. And honestly, I don’t think I even want to attend the mating ball.”
Serena rolled her eyes in annoyance. “Ugh, so you just want to stay mateless forever? Don’t you want to at least try? Maybe even share a kiss with someone?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “That’s crazy—”
She interrupted me, determined. “No, you’re crazy! You’re coming with me, and we’re getting you a gown. You’ll go to the mating ball, and that’s final! No buts!”
Serena then grabbed my hand and dragged me down the grand staircase toward the mansion’s front doors. But just as we were about to step outside, her mother appeared, raising a curious eyebrow.
“And where do you think you’re going?” She asked, her gaze shifting between us.