A Curse to Break

Chapter 4

I take one last look at my reflection in the mirror, slowly turning my head to each side. I don't think I did too bad of a job. Hopefully, Mother would agree. She was likely still mad at me, and I didn't want to give her any more reason to be mad. She would likely think any slip-up was another attempt to get out of going to the ball. I knew better than to push my luck like that, but Mother wouldn't care. 

If only I had fallen ill. Then I'd have a legitimate excuse not to go. I didn't want to go, but not for the reason Mother thought. The merchant's son, Kyler, had actually been rather nice. He seemed kind enough. I wouldn't mind if Lord Levine managed to arrange a marriage with him. I suppose that's why tonight was so important. I was to go to the ball with Kyler. We were supposed to spend the evening together before Lord Levine met with his father again. It wasn't him I was worried about seeing though.

Hearing that King Axel and King Randolph had gone on a hunting trip had come as a huge relief. I had hoped that they would have been gone for the entirety of the day, but I suppose I should have known better. Princess Claudia would have been furious if her father had been the reason she had lost out on her last chance to make King Axel fall in love with her. So, of course, they had been with plenty of time to ensure they'd be at the ball.

Mother looks up as I exit my room. Her lips form a thin line as her eyes scan over me. 

I had done something wrong, hadn't I? Had she wanted me to wear a different dress? Or maybe she didn't like how I had done my hair? There wasn't much I could do about the jewelry. I didn't own much to choose from. She wouldn't get mad at me about that, would she?

My worry continues to rise as Mother continues to study me. Finally, she nods. 

"I'm glad you've come to your senses," she says thinly.

I bow my head. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."

Mother humphs and I can hear her stand. "Let's go. I don't want to be late."

Silently, I follow Mother along. I'm not sure why she's worried about being late. We're running much too ahead of time for that. I don't say anything though, I just follow her. 

I stand silently by her side after we find Lord Levine and the twins, and she sets to making sure they look their best. I continue to stand silently as the ball begins and Princess Claudia is announced. Once that's done, I follow Mother and Lord Levine as we head to meet up with the merchant and his son.

Kyler smiles at me as we stop before them. As our parents chat, he steps forward, offering me a hand. "Miss Levine, would you do me the honor of being my companion for the night?"

I smile back at him as I place my hand in his. "Of course."

"Would you like to dance?" He asks as he leads me away.

"That would be wonderful."

When we reach the dance floor, a song is already underway, but Kyler is undeterred, seamlessly leading us into the steps. "You look lovely, by the way."

I blink in surprise as his words sink in. A second later my cheeks are flushing, and I can't hold his gaze. "Thank you," I manage to say. "You look quite nice yourself," I add quickly.

When Kyler spins me, that's when I notice him. I only see him for a second through the crowd, but I couldn't be surer: King Axel was watching me.

My mind is so caught up on that thought, I miss the next step, stumbling over Kyler's foot.

"I'm so sorry!" I quickly exclaim. "Are you alright?"

Kyler gives me a pleasant smile. "It's alright. My mother insisted I help her teach my sisters to dance. That was much worse."