Saving Her Kingdom

♡ Chapter 57

Anna's ballgown ^^

Chapter 57

I walked towards the lounge on the left of the big staircase, readjusting my gloves and securing my ring on my finger. I was now wearing a lilac ballgown, paired with the most beautiful jewels and hairstyle, which was a high bun adorned with little flowers. I looked like a real princess. I hoped I wouldn't disappoint the Court, but Lola had assured me that nobody who ever come to the idea of calling me ugly. And if anyone did it, it would be because of spite and jealousy.

I slipped inside the room, filled with the quiet chatter of the Tannerson family, some advisers of the Council, and my father with a few of his generals. I walked over to my father, not able to contain my smile the entire way. I would finally get to attend a ball with his presence! I couldn't be happier.

His conversation with his generals stopped the moment he saw me. He only looked at me, his brows raised in admiration. I curtsied for good measure, and smiled when he kissed my hand tenderly. I would have happily jumped in his arms again, but I knew that we currently had an image to uphold.

"I would have never imagined how stunning you would become all grown-up, my little daughter. And with the eyes of your mother... you truly look as wonderful as her," he murmured, only for my ears.

I beamed at him, filled with an almost childlike joy, since I had not been able to grow at his side since I was fourteen. "Thank you, father. You look great too," I replied, and then whispered, "A tad bit older, but the years have been kind upon you."

He chuckled, squeezing my hand briefly, "Go greet the others, we will get announced soon."

I grinned at his anticipating face and went over to Queen Rosalie and King Sebastien, who were discussing quietly with two advisers. I approached them politely, and the Queen smiled when she caught sight of me, causing the currently-speaking adviser to interrupt himself and the others to look at me as well.

I curtsied deeply, my eyes casted downwards and uttered my greetings to each of them. They reciprocated, giving me polite compliments, and the queen, sensing my concealed nervousness, discreetly squeezed my forearm in reassurance, which made me give her a grateful smile.

Then, I walked over to the Tannerson siblings, who were waiting for me, each of them a smile on their faces. When I was finally there, Elisa pinched my cheek lightly, smiling hugely, "Now look who's all beautiful and ready to get revealed!"

I rolled my eyes, a smile grazing my lips, "Come on, I'm not particularly beautiful tonight."

"That's because you're always beautiful," Thomas said with a playful glint in his eyes, as he brought my hand to his lips.

Gaby made a subtle disgusted noise, "Have mercy, Tommy. Not in front of us."

Thomas rolled his eyes, "You better close your eyes at our wedding, then."

Elisa and I looked at them amusedly, quite used to their banter. Thomas turned towards me, his eyes twinkling happily, "I had forgotten to tell you Anna, our engagement will also be announced tonight, my father told me."

I looked at him surprised, "What? So soon after my reveal?"

"Yes, both our fathers decided that the sooner the better. And we have yet to discuss what will happen now that your father is here, so I thought it would be good to be publicly engaged in the meantime, not to start rumors or something... And also, some ladies and their mothers will have more time to recover, my father's words not mine...", he finished and smiled at me sheepishly.

"Well, that's great news, Thomas. I can't wait for our engagement to become public," I said and gave him another smile when he kissed my hand again.

"So cute!", I heard Elisa comment quietly from beside us, and another disgruntled noise coming from Gaby, making her hiss at him, "Oh shut up, Gaby. When was the last time you saw Tommy so in love?"