Dawn caught Veronika off guard with a growing murmur on the other side of the door. The lack of sleep forced her to get up. When she opened it, she found an overflowing hallway: the red-ribbon girls were coming and going carrying boxes and decorations, like a crazed swarm.
A clumsy girl bumped straight into her.
—What the…!
—Ah! Sorry… She lifted her gaze and froze. —Veronika?
—Eva? What the hell is going on here?
—Don't you know? An important event got moved up and we're really short-staffed, she answered with a worried tone.
—Event? Staff? Veronika yawned, incredulous. —Tell me what you're talking about.
—It's an exclusive event for the Red Pavilion. The guest list wasn't supposed to arrive so soon… and now, with the expulsions because of the incident at the pharmacy, we're left with less than seventy percent of the staff.
—What a pity… Veronika said sarcastically. —So in the end they got rid of the addicts. I thought they'd at least give them rehab.
Before she could continue, an administration employee called for Eva, who had to hurry off.
In the main gallery, seamstresses adjusted hems, the guards wore different uniforms, and the smell of incense competed with the metallic scent of freshly polished cutlery. Veronika went down the stairs, watching how every movement seemed rehearsed to the point of exhaustion.
Luna passed by her with a bundle of tablecloths.—You're going to take part too? she asked, with that smile she used to provoke her.—If I don't have a choice, Veronika snorted.—Then I suppose you already know, Luna replied, walking away.
The comment left Veronika more intrigued than before.
In a side corridor, several rooms remained locked. When she peeked into one that was half-open, she saw untouched beds and no belongings.
—Too many missing… she murmured to herself.
Two maids passed by with hangers loaded with more revealing uniforms, muttering under their breath:—We don't have enough to cover all the posts… it scares me to have to attend more than one.—Anna says we'll improvise with new assignments.
Veronika didn't fully understand the background of that conversation.
The main hall had been transformed into a stage: chandeliers lined up, glasses gleaming under amber light, and an army of maids practicing greetings, bows, and movements with trays. Anna supervised with the coldness of an officer.
—Kensington, she called, without raising her voice. Veronika walked up to her. —I need you to review the service protocol.
—Protocol? Veronika replied, discouraged.
Anna took her by the arm and placed her in front of a table full of glasses. —You may have to participate. I'd rather you control your outbursts at least while the event lasts. You already know etiquette, so you don't need to repeat rehearsals. What I expect is that you wear the new uniform they made.
—Can I ask about options…? Veronika said sarcastically, pointing at the skirt that was far too short.
—No, Anna replied, cutting her off.
Veronika held a glass with an arrogant gesture, though her fingers trembled slightly.
Hours went by between rehearsals and corrections. The red block looked like a theater racing against the clock. Exhausted and without answers, Veronika leaned for a moment against the wall and saw Ilse walk past with Karina.
—You're here too? Bad timing for your vacation to be over, Ilse commented.
Veronika glanced at her. —It was impossible to keep sleeping with this chaos. And what are you two doing here?
—Making sure the staff is fit for tonight. You seem fine, Karina answered in a professional tone.
—Several special guests will arrive today. Some ask for tonics… and we have to clean up the mess they leave them in, Ilse added with contempt.
Veronika frowned. —What kind of event is this?
Before anyone could answer, Anna burst in from the back:—Everyone to the mirror hall! Final rehearsal. No time to waste.
The maids of the red block dropped what they were doing and headed there in silence.
—Oh, right… remember to take your dose before six. It's important, Ilse warned her as she passed.
—Dose? What are you talking about? Veronika asked, confused.
—CN-09, Karina replied without stopping.
Ilse and Karina headed toward the infirmary. Veronika, motionless in the middle of the corridor, felt a chill as she remembered what that code meant.
—What kind of damn event is this…? she whispered, unable to hide her unease.