Saving Her Kingdom

♡ Chapter 50

Anna's ballgown ^^

Chapter 50

Lola finished the beautiful braid she had managed to make with my hair by adding a few white pearls in it. I was indeed preparing myself for another ball, three days after having been engaged to Thomas.

The following day, we had had a meeting with Gaby and Elisa, and Thomas had demanded to take the meeting upstairs to the queen's study, telling them that he had great news to share. When we arrived, he had even taken my hand, to make me stand next to him, to which Gaby and Elisa had smirked and shared a knowing glance.

When they were comfortably seated, Thomas had looked at me, his eyes the happiest I had ever seen, announced our engagement.

Needless to say, all of them had been ecstatic. The queen had congratulated us with tears in her eyes, Gaby clapping Thomas' shoulder a bit too roughly, and Elisa had squealed so loud that I could still hear it now.

I looked down at my left hand, marveling at the beauty of the ring on my finger. It was clearly an ancient ring, with a golden ring band, a diamond in the middle and little emeralds attached all around it. It looked so precious with all the sparkles it created... I sure hoped it wouldn't be noticed too much at the ball.

"Thank you, Lola. It's beautiful, as always," I said, turning my back to the mirror to face her.

She smiled happily, "You're welcome, my lady. That's what I'm here for."

I stood up and she leaned in slightly, her eyebrows raised teasingly, "And the best proof that I know what I'm doing is that ring on your finger."

"Lola!", I gasped, my cheeks flushing pink.

She laughed, "Don't worry, my lady. I know it's not official yet and I don't know the identity of your fiancé. I'll keep my mouth shut."

I sighed in relief, "Thank you. I don't want too much attention on the ring anyway."

She only smiled, and opened the door, "Now, have fun at the ball, my lady. Just don't catch the eye of other gentlemen."

I bit my lip nervously, "I'll do my best," I said and stepped into the hallway.

~~~~~~~~

I clasped my hands together, my right covering my left, so that the ring was at least a bit hidden.

Entering the ball from the main door this time, the unmarried ladies didn't have to descend the stairs anymore, since everyone had arrived at the palace three months ago and didn't need to be introduced anymore. My eyes searched the crowd for Elisa or Michelle, but I was distracted by the view of Thomas stiffly talking to a young lady and her mother, who seemed to desperately want her daughter to dance with him for the first dance. Poor him. The mothers seeking to place their daughters as high as possible always seemed like the worst people to talk to.

Where is Elisa? I couldn't find her. I had already seen Michelle talking to a young gentleman, so I didn't want to disturb. Maybe I should just go to the tables and drink something until she returns. I was beginning to feel slightly concerned for her absence. After a while, I decided to go look for her in the garden. I couldn't think of anywhere else she could be.

But before my foot could take a step forward, Louis suddenly appeared in front of me from the side, making me stop, startled.

"Hello, Anna," he greeted me, a bit sheepish at my surprise.

"Oh, hi Louis," I greeted him, smiling slightly.

At the ball three days ago, we had agreed to stay friends, which would technically improve the relationship between our families, even if they weren't aware of it yet.