With Love, Always

Chapter 2

"Ah there she is... darling! How was school?" My mother asks.

"Great, told you I was fine." I said as if I didn't have a headache. 

"Good, the carriage is waiting for us let's hurry to the modiste before supper time comes." She says.

On our way there I wonder... Should I tell her Lord Jackson asked me to accompany him to the Annual Ball. She'll find out anyways but it'd be easier than him showing up tomorrow night as a surprise. 

"Lord Jackson asked to accompany me to the ball tomorrow night" I say anxiously waiting to see what her response will be.

She turns her head in shock and we stare at each other for a couple of seconds then she finally says "And you didn't tell me beforehand!?" 

"It happened today" I say.

"Darling! That's great to hear!! I do wish this happened sooner how will your dress color match him!?" I'm in shock now... my mother's never had to deal with her daughter going to the ball with someone and she's only concerned about how our colors will match.

"I'm sure he'll wear the same black coat and vest he's worn the past years" It's what every man there wears anyways. 

"Well black may go with everything but your dress is navy blue it may be too dark of a color for black, maybe we can get a different color" She says.

We continue to discuss how this is the last fitting for the dress I have now and don't have time to tailor a new one by tomorrow night; soon enough we reach the modiste.

"Welcome my loves! Oh Princess Charlotte you look as beautiful as ever" Janice the modiste says.

"You flatter me Janice, are we all set for the fitting?" I ask.

"Yes, Queen Alice will you come with me to discuss your dress first." Janice asks and my mother follows her."

A lot of times I get judged for being the King and Queen's only daughter. Though it will be my older brother who gets the throne, I'm expected to marry into a family with a title and money. Who knows who that will be... or if that will be.

I get snapped out of my thoughts as Janice calls my name. She dressed me with the navy blue dress I fell in love with months ago. 

"Are you still in love with it Charlotte?" My mother asks. 

"Yes, I'm excited to show it tomorrow" I say.

"You certainly look stunning" Janice says. 

"Thank you, so I guess I'll see you at the next event Janice, thank you again for the dress. Your work is amazing as always." Janice has been making my dresses since I was a baby.

"It's my honor Charlotte" She says. 

"Very well, let's get going Charlotte" My mother says.

Once we reach the castle I head straight to my room, my mother asks me if I'll be having supper and honestly my head still feels faint from this morning so I decide to call it an early night. 

I sit in front of my vanity while brushing out my hair. Prince Julius comes into my mind...

He lives in Theodora so I only have to see him at balls and events. Oh how I can't wait to see the look on his face when I walk in with Lord Jackson! I just want to hurry up and reach tomorrow so I go to sleep.

KNOCK KNOCK. Door opens.

"Good morning Princess Charlotte! Wake up we must have you ready by this afternoon." 

I have no trouble waking up, today's events will be entertaining. 

The process of getting ready is long and demanding. The corsets are tightened to their full extent and hair is pulled back so hard it gives you a headache for the rest of the day.

The afternoon comes and it's time. Our carriage arrives and my brother and I step foot in it. I will meet Lord Jackson there. 

My mother and father, the king and queen have their own carriage they arrive in. 

"Charlotte I heard Lord Jackson will be with you tonight, I suppose that means you won't need me to tell off your suitors anymore" My brother Prince George Atkins says. I don't speak much about my brother but we're extremely close though lately he's occupied himself with learning the ropes of being the next king.

"Don't worry you'll get to tell off my suitors for years! Lord Jackson is a friend who asked me to accompany him tonight" I say.

"If you say Charlotte, nonetheless I'll be keeping watch of this Jackson." He says and I laugh it off. My brother is the only person who can get me to laugh publicly. Not because he's the funniest person I've met but because I know I can be myself around him.

It's a cruel world we live in and showing emotions is seen as a weakness. 

And finally, we arrive to the palace. We might be the royal family but it's not safe to invite people we don't personally know into our home so we host balls and events at the palace.

Suddenly I feel butterfly's in my stomach, my hands are getting sweaty. 'What's happening I was fine a second ago' I ask myself. Oh no I feel nervous my leg is shaking... so nervous but why?

I take a breath in and out... and repeat. 'You're okay you're okay' I repeat to myself. 

I feel a weight of anxiety on my chest but I conceal it as I step off the carriage. You must not show weakness Charlotte. I put on my poker face as I meet with Lord Jackson and we start walking up the steps to the doors. He says something about how I look beautiful with jewels decorating my neck. 

But as someone is opening the door to the ball room and introducing my mother and father then my brother and I.

The only thing on my mind is how I just locked eyes with Julius.