My Princess

Chapter 2

Friday night came quickly, the village surprisingly silent in the hours leading up to the grand opening of the palace doors. Everyone was in their homes doing last minuet touch ups to their appearance so just maybe they would catch the attention of their own prince or princess.

I had finished my gown this morning and was looking over it one last time before actually putting it on. Was I crazy to think I would be one of the most beautiful girls at the ball? I was sure everyone thought that about themselves, or at least hoped, but I couldn't help but be a little excited about my entry into the palace.

Father helped me to do up all the buttons on the back of the sparkly corset, watching me in the mirror lovingly as I pulled my hair up into a swirl on top of my head. A few pieces of my mother's silver jewelry and I was ready to go, giving my father one last shimmery twirl before grabbing my matching mask for the masquerade portion of the ball and stepping out the door.

"Have fun my dear." I bid the man goodbye and started the trek towards the palace gates, the cool clear night perfect for walking, thankfully, as I had no carriage. I was running a bit behind schedule and saw no one on my way there, everyone far too eager to miss the first opening of the palace walls in years.

The guards tilted their heads in greeting as I passed by and I did the same, following the stone pathway towards the enormous front entryway. I stepped inside and followed the sound of hushed voices coming from the ballroom, taking in the sights all around me.

Guards were everywhere to stop thieves and I could certainly understand why. As far as the eye could see there was gold. Gold tiled flooring, expensive gold art in the form of vases and picture frames. The few things that weren't gold were black in color representing the Black family name and their haunting aesthetic.

Two guards were placed at the entryway to the ballroom and silently but synchronously opened the doors for me to enter into the throes of the crowd.

Just like a fairytale every head turned to stare, surprised by the glimmery sheen that caught their eye as I passed through the bright lights of the dance floor. Conversations stopped as people questioned who I was underneath my intricately detailed silver and black face mask.

The room instantly became suffocatingly warm as my gaze shifted around, unsure of what to do now that I had everyone's attention. Sure I had wanted a bit of attention this evening but now that I actually had it I was feeling anxious underneath all of those scrutinizing eyes and muffled whisperings.

"Care to dance m'lady?" A young blonde boy approached me with a warm grin, extending his hand as an offering and pulling me from my panicked stupor.

I took the offered hand gratefully and he led us towards the middle of the ballroom, the music picking up and everyone forgetting about me as they fell into rhythm with their respective partners. As we moved and twirled about the room I caught a few glimpses of the royal family seated on their thrones watching the crowd for a bit before the festivities began. I assumed they were observing their choices for son-in-laws as the princes were already mingling with each other.

The dance came to an end and I bowed to the man as he did the same, walking away from each other. I approached a waiter and took a glass of champagne from his tray without him even realizing, stepping off to the side to watch the hustle and bustle as I sipped the expensive alcoholic beverage.

"I don't believe I recognize you." The soft lilting voice startled me, my eyes darting around to land on a surprising sight.

The youngest daughter of the royal Black family, Narcissa, stood in front of me with a curious expression on her face. She looked absolutely breathtaking in her emerald green bejeweled ball gown, the young woman's two toned hair in a simple half up half down style.