To Be Loved

15 - Haven

The rest of yesterday went by super fast.

My plan was to tell Ashton about the marriage my parents were pressuring me into doing but he had to leave to see his Dad. I was going to meet up with him last night for dinner but since his Dad wasn't at the shop, Ashton had to work late.

I had barely talked to my parents or brothers. I was mad at all of them but had no energy to have arguments with the four people. So, I figured it would be best for me to just stay in my room and loathe on my own. I couldn't help but let tears fall within the hours of today. I've cried so much in the past few weeks, that I think It's physically impossible for anymore tears to fall.

Now I'm at the party, or about to be. I was waiting for my mother to tell me It was time for me to come down to the ballroom. I was waiting behind the doors that led to the marble staircase.

"Please don't get food on the dress, Haven." Drew chuckled.

I turned to see her in her own dress. It was a velvet green and had ruffles on the bodice. It was lovely and suited her well.

"I'll try not to." I told her and she reached out to give me a hug, "Thank you- for everything Drew."

"It's been my pleasure, Ms. Haven. After today you'll be a woman... and soon queen." She said talking about me marrying James. Mother must have told her. I slightly smiled at her knowing Drew always means well. She probably thinks we're in love which is totally wrong.

Drew leaves and joins the party that is beyond the doors I stand in front of. A few minutes past and I find myself staring at a mirror that is hanging on the wall. My hair is curled and cascades down my back. My gold colored tiara sits atop my head and my makeup is neutral with pink lips. But the dress is the best part: It's ombre blue with gold designs swirling around the fabric. It is strapless with a straight-across neckline.

I smile in the mirror and try to hide the frown that tries to show. I know when I get down the steps and James offers a dance, Ashton will be there and I don't know if I could handle seeing the heartbroken look his face is undeniably going to present me with.

I am brought out of my thoughts when Mother barges through the door with a huge smile on her face.

"It's time!" She almost yells, "You look beautiful, honey."

"Thank you." I answer with a fake smile.

"Remember the plans for tonight?"

"Yes."

She squealed before descending back into the ballroom. The plans were that I would walk down the stairs, James and I would perform the first dance, then he would take me aside and propose. Only thing is James has no idea I know about the proposal, his parents told him about the marriage but left out the part about me knowing. His parents, including mine, have convinced him to think that we're "in love". Cruel, I know, but James would have never agreed to do it if he knew the truth.

I wish he knew.

Soft music starts playing and the large doors in front of me open from the outside. I get into position and fold my hands in front of me while lifting my chin.

"We humbly welcome, Princess Haven." A pause, "Happy Birthday."

I slowly start to descend down the stairs. I looked around at the people around me. I saw my family including my grandparents who had come to celebrate, I saw the maids and butlers all standing together in beautiful outfits of their own. There were some dukes and royals from different kingdoms. I saw Anna standing near my family along with an attractive male I had never seen before. He must be Anna's friend.