OH MY GOD!!! 

OH MY GOD!

What the heck was all that?! I think i'm going to pass out... I feel dizzy. 

No, I have to keep walking! My room isn't that far away. Oh my goodness why did I lie??

But the weird part is that he completely believed me. Andres really believed I was lost. Whew! And it seemed like he didn't even know who I was either. That was really the most shocking part. But why didn't I just tell him I was the Princess right then and there? Why did I say "You'll know at the ball?"

Ugh!!!

Who even says that? How unreasonable. I sounded like an idiot. That's always how I was around him. I felt like a crazy person talking to him. I'm always so nervous and trying to maintain that 'elegance' made my anxiety even worse. I honestly feel like ripping my hair out and slapping my own face.

But those eyes. Why does he look at me like that?  It makes me captivated....but scared. He seems so cold.... but I just can't look away. Strands of his black hair always seem to dangle above his blue eyes just right, making him look like a Prince. Oh wait, he is one. One that i'm going to marry at that. One that i'm going to see at the ball...

Oh! The ball! Daniella and Penelope must be waiting for me. I have to get ready!

I walked faster than ever now so I wouldn't be late. By the time I had reached my chambers I was leaning on the open door from exhaustion. Why is this castle so big? It takes me like 5 minutes just to get my own room!

"My goodness! Are you alright Your Highness?!" Daniella propped up from her chair in shock and came to hold me. I shook my head but my mouth bore a different response. "I'm alright, i'm alright. Please let's just get ready, we mustn't be late." I said wearily. 

I think seriously need some exercise. 

"Alright, but please sit down first your Highness. First things first. Your makeup!" she squealed while leading me to sit down in front of my vanity mirror. 

"But Daniella, where is Penelope? She's not here." I asked. 

"Oh, don't worry about her. She should be back soon. She's discussing with the Shoubets' Royal Tailor. They are planning out the BESTEST dress for you My Highness! By the time i'm done with your makeup, the dress will be delivered right here to your chambers." 

Really? That fast?  Hm...I should just relax. It's already been a long day. No need to think about Andres. I will see him when I see him and leave it at that...right? Or should I be thinking of more lies to tell him? What should I say next? I'm the daughter of the Grand Duke? Ugh.

Daniella tied my hair up and began to brush my face with powder. 

I never liked these routines, but this is obviously going to take a while. I'll just close my eyes for a bit...just a little bit....

"Your Highness! It's done. It's done!" 

My heavy eyelids slowly lifted, bringing me back from my slumber. Had I really fallen asleep so easily? 

"So! What do you think?!" Daniella asked excitedly. When I looked up at my mirror I saw my face, only...not my face. I looked so different. My eyelids had glittery eyeshadow and my lashes were now soot black. My lips were painted a soft pink and my skin looked smoother than ever. But it's natural and beautiful. I like it.

I turned back to face my talented makeup artist.  "It looks wonderful Daniella. Really, thank you." 

She began blushing and fumbling "Oh well I know, its nothin-" She was cut off by an abrupt knock on the door. "Oh that must be Penelope with the dress! Eeeekk!!" she squealed and went to open the door. 

Oh... I wasn't expecting the dress to look like that. Penelope came in with a gasp, awed at my new look.

"Alright! Let's get you dressed!" Penelope said as she said set the dress aside at the corner of my room. 

Wow. The dress is nothing like what I was expecting. I never liked dressing up, but if I protested both of them would be angry with me. I should just appreciate it. 

"Oh and we can't forget the jewelry too." Daniella then brought out a set of diamond necklace, headpiece, mask and earrings to accompany the dress. 

"Um... isn't this a bit much?" I asked. 

"No it's not! In fact, You could even outshine others far more than this, but of course your are being humble. My lady will be the best dressed, AND the most beautiful...as always." Penelope replied harshly. 

I think they are enjoying this too much...

***

Finally, I was all dressed up and ready. The dress was not as tight as I thought it would be. But the earrings weighed down on my ears heavily.

"Thank you, both of you. I'm ready now." They gave no reply and instead stared at me in awe.

 A light knock came from the doors. Damond! Why am I so excited to see his face?  It's not like I don't see him everyday...

I rushed to the door and opened it excitedly seeing Damond standing with his fist in the air as if he were still knocking. Even he had on an entirely different look. Rather than his regular red attire, he wore a black and gold jacket decorated with various medals and a colorful sash. Classic Guard wear.  Like always, his brown ruffled hair appeared flawless.

Actually, he looked very handsome. But his face seemed to be in shock. "What is it?" I questioned.

He looked at me up and down and quickly removed his eyes before saying "Nothing. The carriage is waiting outside....let's go." 

I swear I could see him blushing, but why would he do that? Odd. 

I waved my final thanks and goodbye to my maids and went outside where our ride was waiting. Good thing it wasn't chilly.

Our carriage arrived at another area , where the ball will be taking place.  It's a whole other building connected to the castle. That's just how big this place is...

When we got inside the place was bustling with masked people chattering and laughing. Elegant decorations hung from the ceiling and soft music manifested from a decet orchestra. 

 It's so crowded. Soon Damond will leave me and join the other guards....I'm feeling nervous now. 

"I'm going now Rina, be careful. I'll be over there if you need me alright? Don't get lost, just stay right here ok?" 

"O-ok bye." I nodded. Like I thought, Damond went to stand at the corner of the room, lined up with other guards. 

Deep breaths. I just have to act normal. I'll just a get drink. Non-alcoholic obviously. 

I squeezed my way through the thick crowd and took a drink off of a long table. I just realized that I have no friends...

"Are you enjoying yourself Your Highness?" a voice said from behind. I looked around to find a masked man standing with the brightest and most beautiful smile on his face. Luca! 

"Oh! Yes, I am. I just got here. But...how did you recognize me?" 

" I could ask the same of you. You wouldn't respond so casually if you didn't know who I was, no?"

Gosh, he's beautiful.

"Ah, that's true. Um..."

I m gonna say it.

"By any chance, have you chosen a dance partner tonight?"

His smile disappeared and he froze in place. He looks shocked! Was that inappropriate of me to say?

"I really would love to Princess, but will your fiance not deem that unbecoming of me?" 

I frowned.

Huh??? So now I can't dance with other guys just because I'm engaged??  That's ridiculous!

"Ah! Speaking of which, here he comes. Goodbye Your Highness. I wouldn't want to disturb you two." 

"H-hey wait!"

He swiftly turned around and walked away. Oh no... he's behind me isn't he?

I turned my head a nudge to see that I was right. Andres is right behind me. But he was facing the table, seeming to look for a drink. He doesn't notice me. 

This is my chance!  I can escape while he's not looking!

I turned my back ready to run but...of course, things don't go my way. 

"Stop." he said. Upon his voice I froze like a statue. Why do I listen to him? I could just walk away, but I can't move... 

He blocked my escape route and swiped the glass from my hand, replacing it with another of a different flavor. 

"That one tastes horrible. This one is better." 

"Uh, thank you." I looked up at him to see that his hair was slicked back smoothly with only a few thin strands falling in front of his face. His blue eyes were partly hidden by a black mask.

 Now is no time to awe at his appearance!

"Well, um, it was nice talking to you. I have to-"

"You're not going anywhere. You barely said three words to me. Besides, the dance will be starting soon." he said with a plain face. 

Suddenly, rapid music emerged from the decet orchestra and men and women gathered up in place to start dancing. The Waltz.

He outstretched his hand, waiting. No way.

 I set my glass down on the table, and placed one on his shoulders, the other in his hand. They were so cold...

I can't believe this is happening. He is the one person I wanted to avoid today. 

He held my waist and began guiding me gracefully across the floor. Butterflies filled my stomach. But why do I feel so comfortable in his arms? Shouldn't I be repelled by him?

"Do you know him? Luca? I saw that you were conversing with him, have you two met before?"

"Yes. Just once, when I arrived." I nodded. 

" Hm. Then may I ask..... are you familiar with the Kingdom of Dewsdale?"  He's trying to confirm where I'm from?

"Yes I am. I am actually from there as well."  I replied smiling. Finally, one truth came out of my mouth for once. 

"As you are here now, are you aware of who I am?"

"Of course. Prince Andres of the Shoubet Kingdom." I smiled slyly. It sounds so funny saying out loud. 

A small chuckle escaped him before pursing his lips together. I've never seen him laugh before...

He held my waist tighter and raised my body upwards, spinning me around in the air before setting me down.

Wow. He's good.

"You said you would..." Andres led on. His arms pulled me close to his frame. The mask did a terrible job of hiding him. I could still see his beautiful blue eyes. Eyes that were staring at me as if I were the only girl in the world.

 But he's asking so many questions...Oh! I promised I would tell him my name!

The music came to a soft stop and our bodies separated from its interwind position.  I have to come clean. I can't keep lying. 

I unmasked myself and prepared to reveal the truth. Will he call off the marriage now? 

"U-um well... I'm--"

A sudden crazed laughter erupted from the other side of the room. Everyone looked towards the voice. A man with a thin black hood wore an eerily wide smile on his face. In disgust, the people surrounding him spread apart, leaving a big space in his stead. 

"Finally! I've been looking for you all over you!" the man laughed. What the hell? What is he saying ? And who is he talking to you?  

He reached to the side of his waist and brought out... a bow and arrow?

Gasps flooded the room. He stretched the bow getting ready to shoot."Long live the Supreme Lord of the 12 Kingdoms!!!!!"  

A force of strength thrust me to the ground, as my head hit the floor and a sharp pain pierced my skull. Andres was above me, with the most horrified, desperate look I have ever seen on his face.

Something in the background shattered and screams emerged from the crowd. Damond appeared from thin air with the same desperate look. 

"Get her to a safe room! Quickly!" 

Andres pulled me up and dragged me through the panicked crowd. "After him!" I could still hear Damond screaming at the top of his lungs. 

What is going on? What's happening? Did that man just try and kill me??? This isn't happening!!! This isn't real!

He stopped at a door, kicked it open and locked the both of us inside. 

I snatched my hands away from his and clawed at my chest. I couldn't breathe.

"Who was that person? Why did he try and shoot you?!" he asked in pure rage. 

I can't think right now. "Uh! U-um...maybe! H-he um knows my p-parents or...!" That must be it...why would anybody attack me??

"Your parents? Who? What are you talking?! Talk to me!" 

I could still hear the screams and clashes from outside. I just now noticed that I was pacing around the room. 

 Now he exploded. 

"God! JUST SAY SOMETHING!!!" 

I can't do this. I'm shaking. I can't breathe! I can't breathe!!

I felt my legs buckle under my weight. Everything was falling. 

And then the world went black.