Todays song is girls just want to have fun by Cyndi Lauper

First chapter hope yall enjoy it

Getting my ribs crushed by a goblin would be far better than listening to Elizabeth rant about my science teacher's supposed crush on me.

"You cannot tell me he isn't your type, L!" Elizabeth's been at it for hours, her persistence impressive, if not irritating.

"No, he isn't," I snap back. "And you'd have to be insane to think of Mr. Gwalcostly as anything more than just Mr. Gwalcostly."

Elizabeth groans dramatically. "Come on, you're about to turn nineteen, and you're still a virgin!"

I roll my eyes at her. "So what? It's not like there's a timer on these things, El."

"Ugh, L!" She throws her hands up like my life choices are physically painful for her. "You can't spend forever waiting for 'the one.' If you're still a virgin by twenty, I swear I'll kill you myself. My best friend deserves better! And seriously, someone needs to appreciate those big—"

I slap her hand away before she finishes her sentence. "First of all, no one touches me. Secondly, I'm not going to be 'alone forever.' I just... don't want distractions right now."

Elizabeth sighs dramatically, clutching her heart as though I've broken it. "Whatever, L. Just don't say I didn't warn you. You could at least try living a little."

She leans back, her face lighting up mischievously. "Speaking of living... you're coming to Will's Halloween party, right?"

I shake my head. "Nope. Not happening."

"Oh, come on, L! You owe me after ditching the last one. Besides," she lowers her voice conspiratorially, "your mom's busy with your brother's graduation. She won't even notice you're gone."

I hesitate, caught between responsibility and Elizabeth's relentless persuasion.

"Fine," I sigh, giving in. "But—" I hold up a finger to cut her off, "if I regret this even a little, I'm blaming you."

Elizabeth squeals, clapping her hands in victory. "Yes! Behind the castle walls at nine. Oh, and wear that red lingerie I got you."

Before I can protest, she plants a kiss on my cheek and bolts out the door.

Great. I'm already regretting this.

Later that night...

"I mean, I don't look half bad," I mutter, eyeing my reflection in the tall mirror.

The deep green dress hugs my figure perfectly, the slit at the thigh adding a touch of daring sophistication. But before I can fully admire myself, a sharp knock at the door sends my heart racing.

"Hold on! Coming!" I shout, grabbing a towel to cover myself.

I swing the door open to find Victor leaning against the frame, his eyes sweeping over me with practiced suspicion.

"Why do I feel like you're up to something?" he asks, smirking.

"I'm not! I'm just getting ready for bed," I reply quickly, feeling my cheeks flush under his scrutinizing gaze.

Victor raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Yeah, sure. The towel screams 'innocent bedtime ritual.' What's going on, Lilith?"

I roll my eyes and step aside to let him in. "What do you want, Victor?"

"Can't I just check in on my favorite cousin?" He grins, flopping onto my bed.

"Favorite cousin? I'm your only cousin," I retort, grabbing two dresses from my closet.

"Help me choose," I say, holding up a short black number and the green gown.

Victor sits up, appraising both options. "What's the occasion?"

"William's Halloween party," I admit, knowing he'll see through any attempt to lie.

"Green," he says without hesitation. "It'll make your eyes pop. Black's too predictable, and you're anything but."

"Thanks, fashion guru," I tease, slipping into the dress.

When I twirl for him, he claps in approval. "Just like a princess—perfect."

For a moment, everything feels light, normal.

Victor is the one person I can count on. Even in the madness of royal life, he's my anchor.

But as I watch him laugh, I can't shake the feeling that tonight's party will be anything but normal.