I can’t believe what I’m seeing. In front of the mirror, I’m faced with a different version of myself. The version that looks like she’s never had to worry about food, shelter, a mother who was sick or an alcoholic father. This version looks the opposite of the dirty and unrefined me. My hair is in a messy bun with strands of hair falling to the side of my face. I have golden earrings, a golden bracelet, a golden necklace and the golden heels, that all together could probably buy someone an enormous estate. And the dress. This dress could buy an entire city. It’s a beautiful sparkly red dress. It was long sleeved and it covered the bruises on my arms. It left my collarbone and my shoulders exposed, however, it was still decent. The length of the dress was long and it almost reaches the floor. I never in my life ever dreamed of wearing something like this. All my life, I’ve only had worn-out that they sold at the market. Clothes don’t mean a lot to people when you’re struggling to put food on the table.

“You look beautiful Ms. Evanna.” Gloria places her hand on my back to reassure me that this is not a dream. I try not to cry so I don’t let Ms. Gloria’s creation go to waste.

“Please Ms. Gloria, call me Evanna.” She smiles at me.

“Only if you call me Gloria.” I smile back at her and nod. I take one last look in the mirror. For one night only, I’ll look like this, then I go back into the real world. “Are you ready to go, dear?”

“Yes, Gloria. I am.” I take a deep breath before exiting the room.

I follow Gloria and I try not to lose her from sight because I would not want to get lost in this enormous Palace. I notice the painting on the walls of what I’m guessing are of the former Kings and Queens. I pass by a painting and I stop. I recognize the person instantly. From seeing her statue daily, there’s no way I wouldn’t recognize Queen Marigold. She was beautiful. Her green eyes were bright and soft, just like her smile. You could feel her warmth from her painting. At times I wondered why such a compassionate person, could end up with someone as vile as King James. I notice something in her hand that looks very familiar. Before I get a chance to get a better look, Gloria calls out to me.

“Let’s go dear or you’ll be late!”

“Yes Gloria!” I pick up my pace and a minute later we arrive at the doors of the ball. People are still entering even though the ballroom is almost full.

“This is as far as I can go. I hope you enjoy tonight, dear.” Gloria pats my cheek.

“Thank you for everything Gloria. I will never forget your kindness.” She smile and then leaves.

My plan is to try my best at not standing out. The last thing I need is being the mid and high-tiers target tonight. Thankfully, blending with the crowd is one of my specialties from my years of pickpocketing. I stay next to a group of girls gossiping about who they could seduce tonight. I roll my eyes. I’m grateful that I’ll only have to do this tonight. I would not be able to listen to this more than once.

After I enter the ballroom, I’m at awe. It’s beautifully decorated with golden everything. From the floor to the ceiling. Then again, I wouldn’t expect any less considering the money they take from the people. I’m sure there are more things that are used for their personal needs that come from the low-tiers pockets. I keep my composure but it’s hard not to scream at them, to let them know that multiple people suffer so that they could drink their precious wine. Then again, it’s not like they aren’t aware of that fact, so I would just be wasting my breath.

I hear a commotion going on and I see everyone is looking at the entrance. I follow their stares and I see that there’s a girl at the top of the stairs. She has black hair and she’s wearing a long light blue dress that match her eyes. dress. She has an aura around her that doesn’t match the other tiers. Her aura is softer and lighter. Someone emerges next to her and it makes the crowd gasp. Next to her is a man. He’s tall, with blond hair and his aura reflects the same as hers.

“That’s Prince Rafael!”

“Isn’t that Princess Cybil?!”

“She’s the Princess of the Kalestai Empire. I heard that the King was making plans for the two of them to marry.”

“Of course the King would choose her. Her Kingdom has a big army and the land is very fertile unlike this one."

Just another Kingdom for the King to conquer. This is my first time seeing Prince Rafael. The Royal family likes to keep themselves private. They throw these events to at least make their appearance in public and satisfy the people. Only mid and high-tiers are invited to such events; therefore, low-tiers don’t know what the Royal family looks life aside from Queen Marigold.

As the pair descends, another figure takes their place and the room goes quiet. Chills run through my spine at the sight of him. I want to leave but at the same time I can’t because my legs won’t move. Only one person could make a whole room feel this way.

The King.