I could not move. I could not fully understand what was just said to me. I could hear Richard and Jason interrogating Mark about what he said.
"Enough." I squeaked out.
Everyone looked at me and it was quiet. I looked at Mark, "How do you know he is my father, Mark? How do I know this isn't just a game?" I tried to stay as calm as possible so my hands don't turn to fire.
"Listen, Firecracker, I don't know if you can TELL, but I'm not exactly in a position to be lying." He said as he ignored the boys' glares.
He has a good point, one wrong word and he's dead.
"Okay. I believe you. Where is he? Where does he have my mom?"
"He has his own kingdom, so you tell me where you think he is." He smirked and chuckled.
I could NOT contain myself, I walked over and slapped him on the face. I was not playing anymore. Plus, he had that coming.
I could hear Jason and Richard gasp, and I felt their eyes on me.
"I am DONE playing your foolish games. No more. Answer the questions without anymore smart remarks, or there will be a lot more where that came from. Do you understand?" I said cold, and strong.
He nodded his head and he almost looked... scared. Which was good, cause I need him to be. I need to know everything he does about my mother.
"He has her somewhere near the castle. I do not know the exact place. I just know she is not far from him." He was looking down at his lap.
"Anything else we should know, Mark?" Jason said with a face so... hard and scary.
"No. " he said quietly and didn't lift his head.
I felt myself relax a little and my shoulders fall back to normal. I turned and left the room.
"Princess! Wait!" I could hear Richard say and Jason. I didn't stop walking though, I needed some air. That was a lot to take in and it was not what I wanted to hear.
Of course, they both followed me outside and into the garden.
The tears just kept flowing, and my heart ached. I just wanted to have my mother back. Unharmed and safe, I guess that's too much to ask for.
I felt Jason embrace me and hold me tight against him. He was kissing my forehead and rubbing my back as he held me.
"I know. We will figure it all out, I promise." He said into my hair.
His comfort, was the only thing that truly helped me calm down and feel okay.
"We have a ball to get ready for, my love."
I jumped out of his arms, "OH MY GOSH! I FORGOT ABOUT IT!" I yelled.
Jason started laughing, "Well, I am glad that cheered you up a bit."
"Let's go!! I have to get ready!" I started to head for the door and Jason was right behind me, when we stopped as Richard hovered in the doorway.
"Uh. Everything... okay?" I ask, raising one eyebrow at him.
"Yes. Well... no. Jason, a word?" Richard looked worried, which automatically made me feel worried.
"Sure." He kissed my cheek and walked over with Richard.
I went over to the main hall near the front doors. Julie came out of nowhere and hugged me.
"I know that was not an easy thing to do my dear. I am proud of you. After all, we are one step closer to finding your mother. Plus, we did not need my sister and high prices." She said as she rolled her eyes at the last part.
I laughed, "yes this is true. Are you coming to the ball tonight?" I said smiling down at her petite self.
"No, I think I am going to sit this one out."
"Wait what? No please come! I need you there. I won't know anyone else. Please! please!" I said begging her.
She put my hand in hers, "Balls are not my scene dear. But I guess I can for a little bit for you." She said smiling, while giving my hand a little squeeze.
I hugged her tightly and Jason put his hand on my back, "Are you ready, my love?"
"Yes!" I said while doing a little jump. I am so excited for the ball. I have never dressed up before. This will be fun; I could use the distraction.
-----------------------------------------------------
[ Four Hours Later]
I heard knocking on the door, "Are you ready my love? Everyone is downstairs."
"Just one more minute!" I yelled back to Jason. I wanted to take one more look before I go. Typical girl thing, I know. I chuckled to myself.
I went over to the full length mirror in the closet and turned slowly. There was only one tailor with me and it was Lana. She looked beautiful. She had on a dark red dress that stopped at her ankles. It had lace on the sides and long sleeves that opened up on the end. She was helping me with some last minute things before we head downstairs.
"Perfect." She whispered, looking at me. I smiled shyly back to her and looked at myself again in the mirror. I was appalled at my reflection.
My hair was half up, and the top was pulled into a bun with little pearls in it. My hair was curly/wavy and flowed down to my hips. The dress was astonishing itself, it was silver with glitter around the lace on my back. It showed my every curve and it felt good. The material was lighter than silk, and smooth. My shoes were matching my dress, silver heels with glitter all over them. My make up was a smoke eye with glitter. Lana did my make up and hair, and she did an amazing job. I couldn't even recognize myself.
"You... I... Thank you, Lana. You are gifted." I said as I turned to her and hugged her.
She waved her hand at me. "Pshhtt, It's nothing Darlin'." I laughed and she did too.
"Come, we better start going before they start without us." I said walking over to the closet door.
"Ha! They would NEVER start a ball without the Queen. It starts when she gets there. Especially… a ball hosted by Sir. Jason. People wait all year for this." She smiled and it made my stomach turn. There won't be that many people attending, right?
"Let me go out first, to make sure Jason and his knights are ready for us." Lana said as she went to the door.
I stood in the bedroom and stared at the painting near the door. It was a picture of him and Richard when they were kids. I am happy they are talking again.
I heard a knock at the door, "Come in!" I said as I walked slowly over to the door when it started to open.
Jason came in and stopped dead in his tracks. His jaw dropped and the door continued to open and his knights turned and did the same thing. I knew I was blushing because I felt my cheeks get really warm.
A few minutes have gone by and they are all still standing frozen with their mouths open.
"Okay, can we all gawk later? We have an audience anxious to meet their future queen." Lana said as she tapped Jason on the arm to get his attention.
He shook his head and walked over to me slowly.
"Isabelle. You look absolutely... breath-taking. I wish I could capture this moment and keep it forever." He said as he looked at me up and down and smirked. I knew what that meant and started to shake my head.
"You look pretty amazing yourself." I said as I leaned in and kissed him softly. I could hear him let out a small moan. It made me get butterflies and want more of him, but now was not the time for that. I needed to focus.
"Let's go." I said as he nodded to me and held his arm out for me to hold on to.
As they announced us, I felt nervous and my hands started to sweat. Just breathe, I kept telling myself.
Once we were at the top of stairs, I was in awe. The ballroom was a sight out of a painting. The colors, the amount of food I saw, the beautiful dresses women were wearing, the music was delightful, I felt like I was a princess from a movie. I couldn't stop smiling and looking around. As we got to the bottom of the stairs, Jason introduced me to many important people. I could not remember their names or the kingdom names they ruled, but I felt honored in meeting them all. It was all a blur and went by so fast, until the moment I was not quite ready for... came.
He was here.
He was standing by the balcony and I froze. Jason stopped and looked at the direction I was staring.
"Do you want me to remove him? I do NOT have a problem doing so." He said quietly into my ear.
I shook my head, "No, that will just raise suspicion. Just have to try and be normal." I said as he caught our eye. I felt Jason's grip on me get tighter. I could feel someone close to me and turned to see Julie and Richard. I half-smiled at her and him, they looked at me with concern and then saw him.
Julie came over and stood next to me and Richard by Jason.
"Well, hello there Sir. Jason, Isabelle, AH Sir. Richard and Julie as well." He said as he smiled at us and bowed at us.
"Hello. Sir. John Charles." Jason said with a sarcastic response.