“And you’re sure this will work?” Katya turned her head, one side then to the other. The image she saw before her wobbled, a reflection of her inner state. Straightening her back with grace, head held high and neck long, flashing dark eyes and firm jaw, hair silken and perfectly dressed—the mirror now truthfully reflected the young woman before her.  Running damp hands down the length of her embroidered full length skirt, she checked her silken slippers, the laces of her bodice, the knot, center and top, that shaped and lifted.             

“I’m fully confident, as should you be,” answered the brown-garbed figure, muddy-gray hair escaping the edges of her black hooded shawl. Though the familial cataracts had begun to cloud Esme’s already pale blue eyes, her inner vision never failed. This young woman, a godchild of sorts, would step into and through the palace ballroom, and outside its heavy doors, to find a life.  And happiness, if she allowed herself that.

“Perhaps we should repeat the spell and strengthen the glamour.” Noting the soft curve of her belly, more weight than was fashionable, Katya tightened her muscles and nearly forgot to breathe.

“The basic glamour is fully in place.” A wave of annoyance washed through the older woman, followed by a soothing calm. It had taken her a century to learn for herself what Katya was attempting this night. “We can do a sealing charm if you wish. But remember that confidence is your most important power, more sustainable than any other spell.”

“Let’s do the sealing charm, then.” Resolute, Katya smiled at her newest and dearest old friend.

“It’s simple, my girl, and is this.” Esme gently grasped the girl’s hands and held her gaze. “Just breathe.”   

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2025)

Just Jot January Day 27 Prompt: GLAMOUR, by Sadje. Be sure to visit their blog to read or just say hi!  See what other folks have done with the prompt, or add your own!

https://lindaghill.com/2025/01/27/jusjojan25-the-27th-glamour/