"Are you sure this is a good idea Sasha? Aaron is still out there somewhere." Conner worried as I slung my arm through his as he lead me into the crowded ballroom. 

"Conner. I am done sitting in my room cowering in fear of what tactic that man may pull. If I am ever to move on than I need to prove not just to myself but the world that I will not be cowed. I may not be the crown princess but I am still royalty. My people look to me to show them that we will not bend. I am Sasha juliet de marcs. I will not  let this mon... Aaron win. So yes this is an excellent idea." I sighed hating myself for still not being able to see Aaron as the monster he is. Stupid heart. 

"There's the Sasha I know and love." He laughed swinging me around and pulling me into his arms as the music began. his strong arms supporting me as we gracefully waltzed across the room of other dancing nobels. Our soft swaying keeping beat to the tempo of the music. My lavender dress swirling around me as he spun me beneath his outstretched arm.

"Yeah I decided that I could either continue feeling down and pitying myself for things I can't control. Or I can at least attempt to be happy." 

"Too true. Though I am surprised you convinced your dad to host this ball. Last I knew he was making plans to wrap you in bubble wrap." I chuckled at that my eyes straying over to where my dad sat lurking in the shadows. His overprotective eyes trained on me. I winced slightly at that look. I knew if anything happened tonight I would be locked up until I am a thousand years old. Seriously that man needs a chill pill. 

"To be honest I am surprised he agreed as well, but I can promise if something happens I will never see the light of day again." I awkwardly chuckled. The song ending as we separated bowing to each other before adjourning to the punch bowl. It was as Conner was grabbing me a cup that Fredrick appeared. Mischievous smirk firmly in place as he approached.

"Well hello dear sister. Enjoying the ball?" My eyes narrowed immediately at his tone. He was up to something. 

"What are you up to Fred?" I suspiciously inquired. Warily scanning the area for what ever prank the boy had set up. 

"I'm offended. To think you would accuse your dear old brother of planning something devious?" He huffed innocently. I merely raised an eyebrow at him. Realizing I wasn't fooled. He admitted defeat sighing as he pulled out a little black box from his pocket.

"Ok you caught me. I was hoping I could get your help. I was hoping you could cover for me while Annabelle and I snuck out. I was hoping to propose to her tonight in the garden when dad told me I had to attend this ball. So?" He hopefully asked. His eyes pleading. Fondly rolling my eyes. I nodded. 

"Sure Fred. Go and propose to your girl. I'll distract dad." I agreed jerking my head toward the ever observant vulture in the corner. Throwing his arms around me he pulled me into a hug. Swinging me around as if I were a child. 

"Thanks so much Sis. I promise you won't regret this." He laughed as a bus boy with a serving tray appeared with a small pasty. Immediately my alarm bells began ringing as the man offered it to me. I don't remember the cooks making any cream puffs, and why is there only one on the tray. Not to mention there was something awfully familiar about the dude. Before I could voice my concerns though. Fredrick who had let me go snatched up the pastry meant for me winking playfully at me for stealing my dessert.

"Fredrick wait don't..." It was to late. My fears were confirmed the moment he took a large bite swallowing before either me or the bus boy could stop him. Which made me even more suspicious of the bus boy that he was trying to stop the crown prince from eating the pasty he just tried to offer to me. I watched in horror as my brothers hands dropped the pastry. Flying to his throat as his mouth began to foam. His lips turning blue as he fell ungracefully to the ground and began to twitch in pain. I screamed in terror as Conner finally appearing with our drinks. Dropped the glasses shattering them on the ground, as he kneeled by the twitching prince. By this point my dad had appeared from his corner. Kneeling on the other side of Fredrick. I noticed from the corner of my eyes the bus boy trying to stealthily sneak away. My fury rose at this.

"GUARDS STOP THAT MAN!" I screamed pointing to the boy who immediately began booking it to the door. The guards quickly blocked the exits cutting off his escape. Sneering at the surrounding guards. I watched in shock as the man turned and jumped through the first floor ballroom full sized windows. Cutting his arms in the process and dislodging his wig. I gasped in shock and horror. My eyes widening as I realized why he looked so familiar. Aaron glancing back at me smirked as he popped out his violet contacts. Revealing his baby blues beneath. Before turning and bolting into the darkness. The guards hot on his heels. 

"FREDRICK NO!" My dads desperate scream drew my attention once more to the now still crown prince. His glassy eyes staring skywards as foam dribbled from his lips.  The little black ring box laying open on the ground where he dropped it. The Sapphire ring glinting beautifully in the velvet linning. His chest failing to rise and fall as the court physician crowded beside him. Pushing Conner out of the way. After a moment of tense silence the physicians grim face looks up at us. His lips moving but no sound reaching my ears as I fell into despair. 

"The Crown prince is dead."