Royals. (Prince! Komaeda Nagito x Fem! Reader x Prince! Hajime Hinata)

13. The Ball Takes a Turn.

The next day, I was awoken far earlier than I usually was, by a brigade of maids that doubled my usual entourage. I was thrown into a bath, every inch of my body being scrubbed and cleaned, before I was brought back to my room to be dressed in a pastel pink dress. The maids wasted no time in getting to work on my hair, styling it more elegantly than normal, and they also applied some light makeup on my cheeks and lips, giving me a glowier appearance.

Afterwards, I was immediately directed to the front of the castle, which I had only traveled to when I first arrived all that time ago. When I got there, the two princes were standing there, along with the other girls, who were wearing dresses nearly identical to mine, just in different colors.

We stood there in two lines on either side of the princes— 7 on one side, 6 on the other. It was completely silent between us, no one daring to speak or ask any questions.

The other nobility in the castle also made their way in formation, waiting expectantly for the guests to arrive. We waited for an uncomfortably long time, but I eventually spotted carriages approaching on the horizon.

Cue the sea of greetings. Nobility from all around the world seemed to be in attendance, every one of them greeting me with a bow or curtsy. I have no idea how long we were out there for, but the time seemed to dredge on with each passing greeting.

Suddenly, I noticed a purple carriage pull up in front of us. Out of it hopped a short boy with black hair, a crown sitting on top of his. His purple eyes gleamed as he approached the princes, grabbing them both by the hands and looking up at them with a glint in his eyes. I couldn't make out what they were saying from where I was, but I nevertheless observed them as they made casual conversation.

The boy went through and greeted all of the girls, before finally ending up in front of me. "Why, hello there, my lady! I know you, you are the baker's daughter, correct?"

I felt my face grow hot at his words. "Y-yes, that's me! (Y/n) (l/n), your majesty. And you?"

The boy gingerly took my hand into his. To the shock of both myself and everyone around us, he pulled it my hand up to his lips and gently placed a kiss on the back of it.

"Prince Ouma Kokichi of the Imperial Kingdom, lady (y/n). It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," the oh boy exclaimed, a devious smirk on his lips. "I do hope you will join me in a dance later, won't you?"

"I-I will," I stammered in response, though the thought of dancing with him did not sit well with me. Before I could say another word, however, the prince began to stroll off, heading in to the castle without a moment of hesitation.

After a few more hours of greetings, and curtsying to countless members of nobility, it was time to get ready for the night's festivities. The entourage from earlier in the day helped me slip out of my dress, putting on the gown they had created just for me. After I finished changing, I couldn't help but admire the way it looked on me in the mirror, spinning to give myself a better look at it. The palace tailors did not disappoint, and easily created a gown that was beyond my imagination.

After receiving some touch ups to my appearance, it was finally time to head to the ballroom. My crew had held me back for a few minutes, so most of the guests had probably already arrived. I headed down the stairs of the castle, gently pulling open the door to the ballroom.

I couldn't believe the sight before me. Nobility from all over filled the room, as well as some familiar faces as well. A small group of musicians was performing some upbeat music, and there were couples dancing to it in the center of the room.

Once I walked in, I immediately felt out of place. I had never attended a ball before, so I had no idea what to do. However, I didn't have to think for long, however.