100: Golden Petals

She walks in, and her gown of golden silks and chiffons billows about her like petals on a globular flower. If she moves quickly enough, her admirers catch a glimpse of the white ruffles beneath, or of the tips of her shoes. Then she smiles, embarrassment colouring her cheeks, and hides behind a fan until she is assured that nobody but one noticed. And so they flock to her, like bees on a flowery field seeking what is hidden behind the petals. She smiles at them, all charm and innocence, and they are fooled. They think that a turn on the floor will make the petals fall, that a joke and a laugh will ensnare her gaze. But they do not realise that her golden gown and precious smile are but props that she has learned to use. She plays them according to the rules they themselves laid down, and that she moves about them like a queen in her own hive.

Written by: Katrine H. (@katrinehjulstad)