Passing another set of guards for security purposes, I was finally in front of the humungous palace door. The shaky feeling didn't stop but now most of my nervousness was converted into excitement. Standing in front of the massive building alone felt too unreal. People actually lived here, it was crazy to think about that. Entering the ballroom, I was met with a gush of expensive air. I squinted my eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness. Everything looked like it was made up of diamonds and emeralds. I heard they changed the decoration every year. Hundreds of bright chandeliers hung from the tall ceiling. The room was so vast and full that it was impossible to see an end to it. Gold, light pink and other fancy coloured gowns complimented the gold and green room perfectly.
What I just realized was that I was wearing a similar deep green colour, much fancier than anything I had worn. Even though it was making breathing difficult, I doubted anyone would think it wasn't as expensive as all the royals here. When in fact, it would cost 1% of their shoes. I smiled brightly, feeling confident and a little at ease though I still was a little confused since I didn't know how to act or who to approach. Everyone had an uneasy and arrogant vibe to them. Finally, walking awkwardly among the guests, I decided to just grab a drink to look busy and wait for someone to approach me, which wasn't happening. Sighing, I made my way to the refreshment table. Calling it lavish, was an understatement. Calling it anything would be. Even looking at the high quality food and drinks made me unworthy of eating them.
I grabbed a green looking drink with caution. "These drinks aren't for thieves, I fear," A voice approached me from behind.
I winced, spilling some of the drink on my hand. It was the guy from earlier. My world spun. Was he a royal? Had I slapped a freaking royal? Or no. This really was a ball for lucky locals. But looking at the guy in a milky tuxedo and his mirror like leather shoes, it was hard to guess. He looked godly.
He gave me a disgusted look. "Where are your manners? Wouldn't you at least offer an apology for slapping a duke's son, or the prince's best friend?"
His cheeky behaviour was still there. But my courage was long gone.
He smirked seeing my reaction. Grabbing a drink, he moved closer, "Care to explain how you got here?"
"I told you already. I showed you. I mean, you saw it yourself. I got an official invite. With my name on it," I explained rather hurriedly.
He raised an eyebrow. "Interesting..." He suddenly jolted upright, exaggerating his body language. "I guess we'll have to ask His Majesty if he really sent an official invite to some stray clot of dirt." His expression turned hostile, his glare boring holes in me. I just stood there, silent. I didn't know what to say. To say I was hurt, was unnecessary. What else would someone like him say to me? Getting treated nicely wasn't something I was sure I deserved here but I still looked down, unable to hide how offended I was.
"𝘏𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘩! Marcus, the prince will be coming shortly. He's calling you to his room." A voice drenched in thick Irish accent called.
Marcus walked away without another word, shattering my confidence. The subtle background music changed to a slow breeze-like song. The intense lights blurred into smoothness. Couples hand in hand moved towards the dance floor, swaying in the magical ambiance. I must've looked stupid staring at everyone with dreamy eyes, but it was hard not to. So many different kingdoms were there. Some with black hair and porcelain skin while some with lighter hair and darker skins. I just slowly sipped on my drink, which was too good to be true. When one round of the dance ended, everyone scattered once again, drinking or eating from the tables arranged in all corners of the room.
"Here comes the prince. His Highness!" A voice echoed around the ballroom.
Heads turned and light whispers filled the room, the prince accompanied by some guards and what looked like his close friends entered the room. I recognized Marcus next to him, with a confident grin on his face and along the guards was the one who gave me water earlier. So two close people to the prince knew me, and not in the best way. The prince looked extravagant. I looked away, trying not to get carried away by their beauties. Marcus' words still stung. All they held in their hearts was arrogance.
The soon to be princess entered not long after, accompanied the same way as her prince, smiling and laughing lightly. I couldn't help but smile too. She looked so happy and whole. Her dark hair fell just above her hips, her slim physique making her way elegantly towards the center of the dance floor. She wore a similar green to me, but her dress was far more enticing. The prince offered her a hand, and with a charming smile spun her around. They chuckled often and talked while still keeping their steps aligned. It was mesmerizing to look at. I suddenly missed Layla and Luna a lot. I was such a misfit here. Just thirty minutes into the event, I felt suffocated with happiness around me and decided to move away for some time. I briskly made my way to the royal gardens.
They looked even more beautiful now that I was walking here. I looked around to find myself completely alone, no sign of anyone. I took off my heels and started walking barefooted on the smooth grass. My feet felt relaxed and I could breath easily, too. After some time, I jumped when I felt a presence behind me. I turned around quickly, losing my balance. Groaning, I looked around to find nothing. I had felt a pair of eyes on me but maybe it was just the guards. The eeriness still didn't leave me; feeling edgy, I decided to move back inside. This time I'll surely find someone to dance with. There has to be a good plot to tell Luna and Layla. Taking courageous steps back to the great palace, I was interrupted by a sudden blackout.
That was.. unexpected and not very royal like. Did they have electricity crisis too? Unsettling screams sounded from the ballroom. My heart skipped a beat. I ran in to find a scene of chaos. It was completely dark, and due to the sudden change, people were crashing in the dishes, causing great noise.
"Everyone calm down!" I recognized Marcus' voice.
Some hefty doors opened, followed by many people walking in. Someone said, "There has been an accident at the palace. Everyone stay intact."
Slowly the lights went on, and I found myself standing in the center of the room. The prince looked stern yet pale. Something was very off. All the guests were checked again for any forbidden weapon. Some guards approached me, and I moved my shaky arms up to let them check.
"Her dress is torn! " Someone yelled. Marcus, of course.
I looked at him with a sullen expression.
"She doesn't even belong here, or anywhere." He then scoffed. "A thief from nowhere! Lock her in the dungeons." He continued to accuse me of something I hadn't done.
I snapped back, "I showed you my invite! It had my freaking name on it, you rich moron. All this time you've pushed me down since I am not a royal. Do you have a conscience?" My voice shook. I shouldn't have. I will die. For sure.
Just then the prince stomped towards me, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me vigorously and shouting, "My wife's sister has died! And before you teach any of us to have conscience, prove yourself innocent!" His loud voice made my legs shake. My eyes brimmed with tears.
𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘥?
The princess collapsed to the floor with a loud thud. "Hana is dead?" she cried.
The prince, giving me one last fierce expression, ran to her. And before I knew it, I was dragged away from there...