Paralyzed

Chapter One

The sunrise brought with it, a new day — a very important day. With the social season just beginning, it was finally time to make my debut. My mother, the Viscountess Sinclair helped the servants put the finishing touches on my hair and makeup. My little sister, Lucy, paced back in forth as she couldn't wait any longer. It seemed as if she was more excited than the rest of the household. Her debut wouldn't be till next year. With each step she took, her curls bounced along. My father then called up to us from downstairs.

"We must make haste! We do not leave the queen of England waiting!"

Panic started to set in for me and my mother could tell. "Is it really time?"

She tucked a piece of hair behind me ear. "You will do wonderful my dear. Whether you are named diamond or not, the queen will still notice you."

I nodded my head and stood to my feet. The servants helped with the train of my dress as we all made our way downstairs and into the carriage to the palace. I caught a glimpse of the many other families that would be attending today's festivities.

The ride managed to calm my nerves ever so slightly. The sights brought a piece of serenity to my mind. I began to fidget with the cuff of my sleeve. My mother then grabbed ahold of my hand. "Stop. If the queen sees you're nervous, it'll take away from everything else."

I swallowed hard and fixed my posture, holding my hands together. My father held little Victor in his lap and Lucy rested her head on my shoulder. We all stayed like that in silence until we arrived at the palace. One by one, we stepped out of the carriage only for my worry to increase. More than 200 young ladies will be presented today. I didn't see any chance of me standing out unless everyone were to trip on their way down the aisle. I looked all around until I spotted him — Benedict Bridgerton. I sighed in relief and ran over to him. He embraced me in a warm hug that I never wanted to leave.

"Don't tell me you're nervous, Miss Sinclair?" He poked fun.

We broke away from the embrace. "Nervous? Never" I teased before taking notice to the beauty that stepped out of his carriage. Daphne Bridgerton. She and I grew up being the best of friends. That is, until the pressure of society started to arise. It slowly became a competition of who was prettier and who was more musically inclined. We never wanted to drift apart, but it was inevitable. Benedict then turned my head to face him instead of Daphne. "While I do wish for the success of my eldest sister, I can easily say that you have nothing to worry about. The queen shall most certainly only see the best in you." He whispered in my ear.

"Thank you" I mouthed.

Growing up, everyone thought that Benedict and I were courting each other and we were destined to wed. He has always held a special place in my heart, but only as a friend — my dearest friend.

"Miss Sinclair" Ms Bridgerton smiled as she placed two kisses on my cheeks. "You look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you, Ms Bridgerton" Daphne's mother had always been like a second mother to me. My own mother seemed to forget that I was her own daughter at times and treated me like a piece of gold and nothing more. I was to be polished and shown to society at my finest to make herself feel better about the childhood that she lacked. Ms Bridgerton reminded me that life wasn't just about marriage and festivities. I then turned around to see that Anthony had just arrived.

I scoffed, "And here I was thinking that you had forgotten about your own sister's big day."

"I would never miss such an important day, Ms Sinclair" He shot back. Anthony and I had always hated each other growing up. He was cocky and arrogant. He would constantly bully me, which only caused me to retaliate. Our parents hated when we would get into fights, especially physical fights as it wasn't proper for a lady to fight like that.

"No, you'd just be late for it." Benedict added, causing me to laugh a little. Our laughter seemed to have caught Daphne's attention as she looked over to all of us. I didn't want there to be any tension today so I shot her a caring smile and a wave that she kindly returned. At least there would be one less thing for me to worry about today. I then felt someone link their arm with mine. It was my mother.

"Ready?" She asked. I nodded and she lead me away with the rest of our family as I waved goodbye to the Bridgerton's. My mother then whispered in my ear, "Never run towards a man like that again, do you understand?"

"What are you talking about? Benedict is my friend." I tried.

"I do not care. People will talk and question if you are damaged."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Damaged?!"

"Will you keep your voice down? You are creating a scene."

I looked to my father for help, but he only wished to stay out of these situations. It was useless to fight my mother. I could tell today was going to be rough.

All the ladies and their mothers headed into the palace to prepare for either the best or worst debut of their life. Today was the day where all of a young woman's hard work either payed off or failed miserably. My mother adjusted my headpiece as I saw many other ladies head out to face the queen with her mother. Some came back crying while other's came back confused. No one had came back with a crystal smile on their face yet.

"Will you stop turning your head?" My mother was getting frustrated and I did as she asked. She finished up her work and began to drink down her champagne out of anxiety. Daphne then made her way over to me.

"How are you feeling?"

"Daphne..." I said in disbelief.

"Sorry if I startled you." She apologized.

I sighed, "You're quite alright. This day just has me very on edge."

"I completely understand."

Neither of us said anything after that for a second or two until she spoke up again and faced me. "I'm sorry if I haven't been the kindest friend these last few years."

I tried cutting her off. "Daphne, we really don't need to be discussing this right now..."

Suddenly her mother grabbed our attention. "I hate to interrupt, but it's time, Daphne."

She took a deep breath in and nodded. "I'm sure you'll be perfect as always." I explained before she took her place with her mother before the door opened and she headed inside.

It felt like Daphne had spent an eternity inside that room. I spent every waking moment pacing back in forth until she returned. I hated to say this, but the truth is, she is my biggest competition.

And I was right.

The moment she waltzed back into the room, I could tell something had happened. Whispers grew throughout the room how the queen had just named Daphne the diamond of the season. I could feel my heart shattering and the voices around me became distant until my mother grabbed my shoulder.

"Do not let this distract you. It's heartbreaking to all of us, but you still need to make a debut."

I pulled myself back together as it was soon my turn to be presented.

I could hear the announcer from the other side of the door. "Miss Alice Sinclair, presented by her mother, the Viscountess Sinclair."

I could hear my heart beating and once those doors opened, I could've sworn my legs were going to give out on me. Everyone in the room turned to face me. Everyone was dressed in their finest and there eyes held power in their eyes, but especially the queen as she was to decide my value and fate. My smile grew as I caught a glimpse of Benedict with the rest of his family. He winked at me and my doubts floated away. Benedict has always been truthful with me. If someone was wrong, he would have signaled it.

I walked down the aisle with poise and confidence. It seemed like the longest walk of my life until I reached the end and bowed before the queen. I stayed like that for a moment, not knowing what I should do next and pulled myself back up to face her. Surprisingly, she stood up from her throne and made her way down to me. Her hand caressed my cheek in a gentle fashion before smiling, "Perfect in every possibly way." She then kissed my forehead and I was left wanting to cry with tears of joy. My mother and I bowed once more before returning to the others.

What did all of this mean?

Were there truly to be two diamonds this season?