Falling For His Charms

CHAPTER 40

It was the day that Sophie dreaded. The one that nearly every member of the nobility and the Black Swan planned out perfectly, with so many details that Sophie had to recite them in her head to remember them. What day was this? Well, it was the day of the annual ball.

Sure, she felt... Slightly prepared. Fitz had let her come to the meetings, and afterwards, they would go through everything together once more. And she had also talked to the Black Swan, making sure that they knew what they were doing, that Bex and Rex wouldn't get into any harm if it could be avoided. After she cleared those things up, she just needed to control her stress. And let's just say that it's easier said than done.

Sophie's hands shook as she let Biana do the finishing touches on her hair. The front part of her hair was pulled back, the rest of her golden locks kept down but curled beautifully. At the back of her head, Biana added a few white carnations, which were in full bloom. Before the princess let Sophie change into her dress - the one she hadn't let Sophie see yet - she put on a shiny white pearl necklace around the blonde girl's neck. Biana squealed in delight and clapped her hands, shoving Sophie towards the mirror.

Sophie absolutely loved it.

"Alright, beauty queen, time to put on the dress!" Biana said, a bright smile still painted on her face. Sophie grinned; even if she knew what would happen in the next few hours, she couldn't help but feel giddy. Never once, as a child, had she played dress-up with such expensive things. Grady and Edaline were never able to afford much, so this was quite a treat for her.

"So just step there- no, more to the left. Yes, okay, let me tie it up..." Biana fiddled with the string at the back of the rich red dress. "It's BEAUTIFUL! Do a twirl! Yeeeesss! I love it!"

"Thank you," Sophie flushed, feeling both happy and embarrassed.

"You look great! There's just something missing, let me see..." Biana thought for a moment, before snapping her fingers and pushing Sophie back into the chair. "You need bright red lipstick, not light pink."

Sophie sighed and shook her head, smiling at Biana's enthusiasm. The rest of the 'makeover' went on like that, until both she and Biana were strutting out of the room the their beautiful dresses. Maids and butlers curtsied and bowed as they walked to the ball room; Sophie knew that it was for Biana, since she was a Royal, but she felt important anyhow.

The duo finally arrived at the ball room doors, and Sophie's anticipation built up slowly as Biana opened the very tall doors. Her jaw nearly dropped.

The marble ceiling was incredibly high, and jewels creating swirls along the edges of it. The walls too were marble, and the tall windows and outlined with pure silver. Long, navy blue drapes hung around the room, and the dance floor itself shined brightly even in the dim light from the fireflies. It looked so beautiful, Sophie couldn't even look away.

Biana pulled her to a corner of the large room, and passed her a glass of blitzenberry juice. "We're not old enough to have the wine," She whispered, and Sophie giggled as she took a sip. Biana nudged her again, and pointed across the room to a balcony. "When the ball starts, try to keep dancing near there; that's what my brother told me anyway."

Sophie nodded. Soon, the ball began, and graceful music began to fill the room. Nobles dance around in pairs for the first dance, all looking swift and strong. Sophie doubted she'd last five minutes without falling. Soon, without any notice, Biana pushed the blonde into some man's arms. Sophie shot a glare at the other girl; her only reply was a wink and a playful wave. She put her focus back on the person in front of her, and she saw light blue eyes, dark smooth skin, and a calm look meeting her.

"Good evening," The man said, who did not look too much older than she did. Sophie smiled.

"Evening, sir."

The dance waltzed near the balcony in silence, simply not meeting the others' eyes and listening to the music. Then, the man leaned forward so that her could whisper into her ear. "I am part of this plan of ours. I will not speak much of it, in case we are being watched." For good measure, he looked behind his shoulder, then leaned back. "I will try to keep us near the balcony as much as possible. I suppose you know the whole plan?"

"Well, not the whole plan... The Prince only gave me main parts, like staying near the balcony." She whispered back. The man nodded, and spun her, so that they did not look suspicious.

"That is understandable. As he said, and I am sure many others have, stay close to the balcony." He said.

"But where are you going-" As soon as she said that, she was spun into someone else's arms. She gasped. "Keefe! I didn't know that you were here."

Keefe smirked and let out a small chuckle. "Of course I am. I'm a noble, remember?"

Sophie laughed and nodded. The two of them talked as they dance, laughing at jokes he said and playing around. Even though they probably should not be doing that at a royal ball, it was still amusing. Then, before she knew it, she was spun into someone else's arms.

Fitz's arms.

He smiled as their eyes met, and she beamed back.

"Are you enjoying your evening, Miss Ruewen?" Fitz asked with a small grin. Sophie chuckled and nodded.

"It is going along much better than I could ever imagine. Growing up, I never had any of this. The most I did was play dress up with the one fancy dress that my mother owned."

Sophie laughed, even though it was true. She never really realized until now how poor they really were; not that it bothered her. She had lived an amazing life anyhow.

"Well, I am glad that you're enjoying your night," Fitz replied. Then, like the man she had dance with earlier, he leaned in and whispered into her ear. "Good job by the way for staying near the balcony-"

"It's not like it is that difficult," Sophie murmured under her breath. Really, why was anyone congratulating her, or repeatedly telling her to stay close? She wasn't stupid; she was told the plan, she she'll follow it.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

"Alright, well, if you need anything, I'll most likely be near the food. Or the drinks. That's where I usually am during these dances."

Before Sophie could even hear the beginning of his handsome laugh, she was whisked away into another person's arms. Being polite, she looked up and smiled, but her eyes widened as soon as the person clamped their hand over her mouth.

"You're coming with me," A gruff voice growled at her, and put her in a choke hold. "Resist and you die."