July 14

Esme sulked from her bedroom. She reluctantly walked down the hall towards the ballroom. Today is Gene’s birthday. His birthday is a huge deal because he is the heir to the throne. There is a ball in his honor. He is turning 18.  

Because today is a formal event, Esme must wear formal clothing. She has to wear her home colors, red and gold. She is wearing a red ballgown with an illusion neckline. She has gold bracelets on her wrists. She has a bit of makeup on. Just some mascara and lip gloss. Her hair is up in a dutch braided low bun. 

She hates getting dressed up. She doesn’t understand why she must be uncomfortable every time strangers visit. 

She stopped before a corner. She now knew the layout of the castle by heart. It's been almost 4 years since she came here. She’s 11 now. Every birthday she wished the same thing, that her father would take her home. And that when he did Crystal and Calvin wouldn’t be there. 

It never came true. Her father never took her home, he never even came for her birthday. In the 4 years that she has been here, she talked to him 4 times. All of which were on the phone. None of them lasted more than 10 minutes. 

Around the corner, there was a large set of doors. The doors opened to the ballroom. 

Esme took a deep breath. She fixed her posture. She then turned the corner and walked through the doors.