We traveled through many long hallways, beautifully decorated with lights, vases, and antiques. Some of which were painted and gold. Until we finally came to the large and lavishly decorated ballroom. The theme of the decorations seem to be consistent with silver and gold with the rich, red cedar wood accent furniture across the room.
I started to get nervous again when I felt Mason hugged me from behind. Hey, don't fuss. You'll be fine. Just stay close to us OK. The Kingsmen will be standing watch the entire time the Gala is in session. Nothing will happen Cass.
yes, but don't leave your drink unattended, Although this is a party, but there could easily be a few…. Well. Jaden stammered.
Pathetic Welks to look out for? you'd be surprised how many Nobles try to get an easy lay with a simple and elastic drug and Crushed sleeping pills. Mason said With a disgusted look that matched Jaden's.
Believe me, I wouldn't judge myself unless I see those drinks being made before my eyes, I said confidently.
Yeah, I wouldn't want You go under.. be safe, all right? Mason pleaded.
All right.
Oh Cassie, There is another reason we wanted you to come with us, besides being our Secret guard. Mason said playfully.
Please tell me you're not going to get me in trouble with the whole royal family. I looked at him worried.
Nothing like that, Not this time at least! I promise. It's just that.. the room where the gala is held? Is next to the royal gardens and most of the flowers are already in full bloom.
This cheeky brat! He knows how much I love flowers, is he trying to use them to butter me up, and then ask me for some unspeakable Favor again? my thoughts ran wild thinking of what shenanigans Mason was about to put me up to. But I still answered politely.
Really?
Yeah! After we greet some of the guests, You can slip out the Gardens, side doors, and cool off your nerves for a while. Mason smercked.
You mean, do a perimeter check, For any potential ladies for you to flirt with? Mason just gave me a knowing smile.
All right, enough stalling already we are already late. Said shoeing us into the room. The room was so big and extravagant. Most of the leaders could be seen on the second floor of the grand Hall. Or by the bar socializing over hors d'oeuvres.
************ Cassandra's POV. **********
Heading over to the banquet table, I had failed to notice that Jaden stopped dead in his tracks and unfortunately bumped into him. Which felt like face planting into a brick wall. I peered around him curious to figure out what in the realms was going on.
There was someone yelling at a young boy, who couldn't have been any older than 15 at most? His cowering brittle frame trembling in front of Not one but a group of these so-called women. They were old enough to dress to the ninth, but not grown enough to step away from something so childish as bullying a poor boy, I couldn't help but think again about Mason when he was at that age.
Although he was the exact opposite and would've punched the girl to a bloody pulp, regardless of gender or status.
Jaden carried a Tense aura about him, Quite visibly disgusted, but Trying his best to hold back his anger. Whereas Mason looked like he'd have no trouble, rolling a few heads.
Jaden, the mature older brother that he is grounded Mason and pulled him back, So as not to cause trouble. No one was going to help? How pathetic are these people? to sit on their high horse and think they're better than everyone else including a child who hasn't even had his coming of age ceremony no less. With determination, I look straight at Jason and gave him a look. That clearly Says I'm not letting this go on any further.
J don't let Mason out of your sight. I'm going to handle this. Jaden reaches his hand out to me. With Me giving him a glare saying don't fight me on this.
He signed heavily, don't go overboard, understand Cassie?
I give him a tight smile. I won't lay finger on them.
I took a deep breath to calm myself once I'm I'm calm I go where the boy was. I Pushed the screaming banshees out of the way and checked for any injuries on the boys hands or feet? From when he dropped, What appeared to be wine bottles. when I don't find any, I offer him a hand to help him stand to his feet. Once he stood her properly, I decided to ask the banshees what happened?.
Facing the young women, I asked them. Could someone help explain what happened? Or do I need to call the guards?
One of the sidekicks in a green dress started to scream, Who are you and what right do you have to tell us what to do? She said in it conceited manner.
I gave a slight courtesy to be polite, And stop myself from being spiteful. My name is Cassandra storm assigned aid of the Caspian household. It is a pleasure to meet you, My ladies. May I know how to address you properly?
They huff in annoyance, but complied. I'm Olivia Rose. Said the girl in the green dress from earlier. I turned my attention to the other girl wearing a purple gown, And I am Aurora, Dawn.
I remember that both the Rose and the Dawn family's are vicounts, That are on the decline. Due to their disposition.
Olivia continued with the introductions Once more, And this is our generous lady of the Owlets House herself. Lady Angela.
Angela gave us sweet smile and Kurt seeded gracefully, But I knew that Behind that smile was a sly fox Laying in Wait to attack its prey. Unfortunately I was correct. Since her looks hold, no candle to her personality…
This brat wasn't watching where he was going and spilled all the wine glasses on me! Ruining my new dress that is worth many gold coins, Far more than the glassware and the wine to use here at the party. Having been wasted and spilled by some clumsy servant at the Royal Palace.
I see, do you have anything to add to that young man? I say in a gentle tone as not to intimidate him.
The boy trembled still, I tripped on the steps on the way From the kitchen. I'm terribly sorry.! I promise to be more careful. Please forgive me. he dropped to the floor and bowed on his hands and knees to Angela.
Lady Angela, the boy has apologized and knows what he has done. So please accept his apology. I hope that you would please follow me so we can fix your dress before it stains yes.?
She looked at me questioningly. I typically wear a mask of motion with a polite smile to avoid being rude thankfully, most nobility would understand the benevolence she would be showing in front of the crowd as a form of courtesy. For causing a scene. I raised my eyebrow out her and she nodded.
Yes, I believe you have a point. I will take you up on your offer for that New dress please. As well as apologize for slapping you. She said, looking at the boy.
I smiled and not a small one either knowing her apology was a fake slice of cake. putting on an equal spirit of energy I say. Wonderful I have the perfect dress for you to wear, Come . The night is still young and we should enjoy the party while it lasts. Right?
The people in the room are staring at our backs as I lock arms with her, leading her upstairs to the guest bedroom . Hobbs, The young Masters coachman had already brought our bags to the room we were staying in as courtesy of the royal family. And luckily, he had already brought all of our bags to the rooms. It took a little longer than usual to the dress without help from the Servants roaming the castle but I still managed.
I rushed Angela into the bath, so she wasn't sticky from the wine, We talked, I did her hair and make up. It was a strange, comfortable silence. It was strange that I felt so comfortable, but also on edge with her I finish her hair and pull her into the closet to change..
I put her in a modest champagne colored ruffled dress that was appropriate for a young woman of the Dukes lineage to wear that even caught me off by surprise.
OMG, You look like a goddess in that dress. I It would look good on you, but I didn't think it would be this good.!
Are you sure? It feels like it doesn't fit me that well. She said well, looking in the mirror. I scoffed and under my breath so she wouldn't hear. that's because almost all of your attire is the most skin that I've ever seen in my life.
That's an easy fix for me so you don't worry about it, I took out a sewing kit and hemmed the dress where it didn't fit, and it still looked gorgeous on her. I was a little jealous about her figure, though her fake ass acting was a little excessive.
Amazing!! How are you so good at that?
Practice. Lots and lots of practice. How do you feel?
Like a queen, thank you for doing this. But I have missed more than enough of the Part return to it, See you there. She said with a sickly sweet smile that Show traces of wicked nature.
I roll my eyes as she leaves. Shockingly with the submissive attitude I just witnessed Was not what I expected. Though it makes me chuckle a bit when she tries to lock me in my room. I take a spare hairpin from the vanity and the lock looking for a way to go to the garden instead of the party. No Tries to stop me...