|🌴| Shipwrecked Princess |🌺| A Novel |🌺| Complete |🌴|

🌴 Chapter Forty-Two 🌴

Essa had been panicking, more like a full-on panic attack. Her eyes were wide and breathing jagged as she paced in front of the doors of the entrance to the ballroom. Her hands clenched the fabric of her skirt as she stopped suddenly and fell to her knees.

For some reason, she couldn't force herself to open the doors before her. The foreboding feeling of all those faces, the gazes, the whispers, the glares, whatever would happen she'd have to endure. Could she truly face all those walking sticks? Strangers whom she knew thought badly about her.

She could feel a pain in her chest, tightening with every second that ticked by. She didn't know how long she had been out there; a handful of songs had been played through and yet she hadn't moved one inch.

Her hand went to her head as it throbbed at the very thought of facing Leshay, Raymond, and even Morgan. She knew they wouldn't want her there and even if the princesses, Jayme and Taileiah reassured her they wouldn't make a scene, she couldn't help but feel something bad would happen. They would perhaps make an accident happen and pin it on her, making it seem like she ruined everything or was trying to sabotage the wedding.

It sent chills down her spine. She didn't want her imagination to run wild, but she was mentally preparing herself no matter what came her way. She knew William would want to come to her defense, perhaps even Rosalya and Jayme, but she didn't want to make others believe something that it wasn't.

It could have been her nerves and her subconscious trying to protect her whether she couldn't break her promise. She had to go in and be there for her friends, no matter how much her heart ached.

She recalled the words of her animal family. She was not going to let anyone ruin her night. Even if that meant her feelings of doubt, she would push through. She needed to be there for her friends and have a chance to find her family.

She placed her hand over her heart and took a deep breath, looking back up at the doors. It was now or never. She wasn't about to give in to the nagging thoughts of doubt. This was one night. She wasn't going to let all of Taileiah's hard work be for nothing.

Essa walked up to the royal announcer, playing with her fingers nervously. "I'm sorry I'm late," She began, getting his attention. "I was having a few issues - I'm Lady Essa of the Pacific Isles?" She questioned, knowing he had to know about her.

The royal announcer looked her up and down, scoffing as he walked over to the beginning of the stairs. He cleared his throat and tried to get everyone's attention. "We have one guest left - who is late - now presenting Lady Essa of the Pacific Isles." He announced, moving out of the way and motioning to Essa.

Essa took a deep breath and rounded the corner. She faced all those below her as she began to walk down the stairs. She could hear the gasps rippled through the crowd, whispers added in. She could feel the heat rush up of her cheeks as she forced a smile, trying not to focus on everyone.

Raymond's eyes went wide as he watched the island girl descend the stairs. He couldn't believe that she had shown up and here she was, looking - he wouldn't ever admit it but her dress was something to admire. "Leshay, I thought you said she was gone?" He growled, glaring over at the woman beside him.

Leshay was at a loss for words. She couldn't believe Essa was there. She has come even though she figured she was gone and even after what Maileena had told her. "I - I truly - I just assumed - I hadn't seen her nor did anyone speak of her - don't you give me that tone. Her being here won't take the spotlight off our children, don't worry." She stammered, trying to keep her composure.

Raymond didn't care what Leshay had in store for her. As long as it got rid of her he wouldn't care unless it made a huge spectacle. "Whatever you have planned, make sure it doesn't come to burn you or cause a scene!" He jabbed his finger at her and shook his head.