[Auspicious Happenings]

"I- I cant do this! I'm a boy!" Evan stammered, eyes looking like he'd begin crying any moment.
Matilda sighed, feeling unhappy to worry her gentle and sweet son. " I'm afraid there isn't any other way around this... If we don't comply, we all face execution" she admitted.
A shiver was sent up Evan's spine. He couldn't be the reason they all died.
He gulped and fiddled with his fingers. " How long do I have to act like Evangeline?" he asked cautiously.
"Only until the ceremony is over" Lyle said, resting his hand on Evan's delicate shoulder.
" I'll do it" Evan agreed softly, truly between a rock and a hard place.
"Excellent. I knew you wouldn't let me down" Matilda exclaimed, hugging her son and placing a gentle kiss atop his forehead.
She looked over to Constance. " Gather the wardrobe, we must dress him properly. You will go with Evan to the castle and act as his hand maiden. Never -under any circumstances- allow him to be exposed" she ordered.
"Y-Yes Milady" Constance stammered, before curtsying and taking her leave.
Matilda took Evans face between her hands and studied it for a few moments. " Such a good boy... Its a shame you were not born a girl" she sighed wistfully.
~~~ A half an hour later
Evan stood uncomfortably before his Mother, dressed in a rich brocade of amber and viridian silk. The dress was a floor length number with a square cut throat, corseted front studded with pearls and amber beads. It had a full hoop skirt, and rich off white underskirt. The sleeves were thin at top, until they reached his wrists, and belled out gracefully.
Atop his head was a heavy, nearly mahogany colored with. It fell to his waist in elegant ripples. Atop the wig sat a pillbox hat in the same viridian silk, with an amber colored lily and a spray of pearled, off white tulle.
He truly looked like a girl. A flat one, but a girl none the less.
Matilda circled him thoughtfully, and smiled approvingly. " The picture of a refined and proper lady" she murmured.
"My lady, the carriage is ready..." the butler announced.
With a curt nod, she gestured for her servants to load the heavy chests into the carriage. Looking down at Evan on last time she touched his cheek gently and kissed his forehead. " This is only temporary" she soothed.
The coachman helped Evan into the vehicle, and closed the door behind him.
And they set off towards the palace.