After the dance lessons and hour dressing I finally made my way to the ball. Once again butterflies fluttered within my belly at the thought of finally explaining to percival what happened earlier.
Archibald announced loudly my arrival all heads turned towards me. The whale rib bones of the dresses corset constrict each breath . I smoothed down the black lace of my dress I deemed this dress perfect for tonight. After all my future looked bleak after tonight announcement of my future husband.
I descended the grand stairway step by step my heart raced. I gazed around the ballroom and waved to my guests. King Loren's face drawn tight in apparent fury. I drew In a deep breath before continuing on. This is madness and yet excitement buzzed through my veins. My father, Lord claudius and king Loren met me at the bottom of the stairs.
towards the dance floor . I pressed my hand upon my belly as butterflies danced within it as I made eye contact with each prince. They were all handsome in their own unique ways.
One stood out to me more than the others .
Not just the fact for the first time since his arrival.
Ladies in elegant gowns Being spun across the floor by handsome gentlemen. It was a sight to behold as majority of the Unmarried bachelor's and spinsters upon the dance floor met their mates. Their once brown hair turned colors before everyone's eyes.
Out of the corner of my eye I found myself searching for someone but I don't know who. I noticed prince draven near the punch bowl conversing with the city officials. Xavier strolling with his mate princess Echo around the dance floor. My heart clonched at the. Sight of them hand in hand. They gazed at each other with such love. I yearned for a unconditional love like theirs. Ours eyes met this from across the crowded ball room. I grabbed a fluke from a passing maid.
While everyone in the ballroom watched this joyous sight of love blossoming. I watched with intrigue as atlas smiled at me. Raising his cup to me before bringing it to his mouth poised to sip the dark liquid. My mouth parched at the sight of the liquid dance across his lips. I yearned to lick the sweet bead of wine that dripped dow his lip. I watched as his pink tongue darted out and wickedly licked the remanence of they wine .He hungrily stared at me as he did the gesture .
I heard gasps and coos from all the girls who also watched the sensual gesture. Deep down within in my soul I knew he did that display for me and me only.
I nervously licked my own parched lips as I looked away . Grabbing a fluke of hibiscus wine as the maids passed. I swallowed the whole sweet liquid in one swallow .
I knew atlas is a royal or a member of the royal court. My mind swirled with unanswered questions. Before I could make my way in atlas's direction a voice behind me chilled me to the bone.
" princess you must watch how you drink when your in mixed company." Lord Claudius scolded
I coughed as the liquid finally went down the throat. He patted me upon my backhand openly stated." Once were married you may never drink this Hardy ever again. So enjoy your freedom now once we walk down the isle for a second time you will be mine forever." He stated as he carefully caught the scruff of my neck roughly whispering into my ear. On looking couples would see the display as intimate in nature and I was not being held against my will. " I will never be your bride I rather die than be your bride."
"That can be arranged so can the sudden disappearance of you mate."my blood ran cold but I didn't let Claudius see how his words affected me. " I have no mate " I countered as he pressed closer " I know why you powder your hair princess"
I pushed away from his vile touch as a pair of hands touched me gently upon the shoulder. " May I have this dance my princess " prince Xavier growled out as he stared lord Claudius down. His meticulous eyes noticed the reddening of the back of my neck.
He grabbed my arm" if I ever see you even think about touching her ever again I will kill you with my own hands.
Claudius chuckled at the princes threat " that is a hard threat to keep due to she will be my wife in eighteen hours."
"Never "I countered as his smile widened " your father has already given consent and is going to announce our betrothal when the clock strike twelve."
Xavier pulled me away from that vile man. If you can actually call him a man that is. "I promised on my mothers grave I will not let him be your husband."
I have no choice Xavier I have to marry for the sake of my kingdom. What will or can do?
We will figure something out go dance and make it look like your having the time of your life.. Xavier whispered in my ear as he strode off in the direction of my father and his father.
At least I have one ally in all of this I thought as archibald's voice rang out announcing the late arrival of none other than.. Prince percival of the other hand is furious with me