The King's Prey (Unedited Edition)

Chapter 3 : The Snow Ball

Abience • [ab-e-ence]
The strong urge to avoid someone or something.

🖤

~+~

Pairs of servants line the heavy doors, welcoming guests as they enter. Crowds of people flood into the building; keeping my eyes on one thing at a time becomes more of a struggle than I initially realized.

We walk through the opening hallway until we reach the large ballroom. I gasp at the sight of the inside: party decorations cover every square inch of the walls, balloons are tied to any possible posts, and waiters carry platters of champagne and appetizers. Thousands of guests walk in every direction, making me lose my sense of awareness. I feel Max's arm tighten around mine from the sight of the bustling area.

"I'm ok," I reassure him.

"You look like you might puke." He gives me his signature boyish grin. I shrug, unsure if his words are true or if I'm just overreacting. He takes a long breath before speaking again. "Remember, if you ever want to leave just say the word."

I nod slowly, comprehending half of the sentence. I just need to relax a little—loosen up. As Max guides us through the crowd, I manage to slip myself a glass of champagne, taking light sips as I scan the scene for my friends. Bianca is going to be thrilled to see me after months of being preoccupied with my studies.

Max doesn't seem to notice the alcohol in my hands and, hopefully, he won't for a while. He's not the biggest fan of underage drinking, but oh well—this is a party after all.

We glide our way through the crowd as we're continuously greeted by distant family friends, some of which I haven't seen in months—maybe even years. I finish my first glass in record time, catching conversations with several of my schoolmates. Most of them boast about their educational achievements; I hoped to get away from my school work instead of reminiscing on it tonight, but I guess beggars can't be choosers.

Max stays close while I finish another droning conversation, one that discussed my future plans as queen. I honestly just tried to fib my way out of it; the topic is revolting. I pivot myself to face Max, rolling my eyes dramatically as an indication that I was already prepared to stab them out of my sockets long before we arrived. His hands are stuffed in his suit pockets as he exchanges a cocky grin with me.

"Having fun?" he asks playfully as he follows my movements, wandering through the bustling mass of people.

I take another short drink of my champagne. "Don't even joke with me about that." My tone is a warning one.

"You have to admit, tonight hasn't been that bad."

I roll my eyes again, but just as I open my mouth to respond a small body collides with mine, nearly sending me to the floor. Max's arms extend, half-expecting for me to go hurdling to the ground, but whoever just ran themselves into me catches me before anything disastrous happens.

I'm about to curse out whoever almost made me spill my drink all over my expensive dress, but my eyes soon meet with Bianca's hazel irises that are covered by a velvety blue mask. A Cheshire grin grows over her lips as a greeting.

"Bianca!" I nearly slur her name. Am I that intoxicated? I've only had a few glasses tonight, I'm sure of it.

She throws her arms around me, this time careful to avoid my drink. I return the embrace, missing her touch. She pulls away after a moment, her eyes scanning over my outfit.

"It's been forever, Ana! I've missed you so much!" She has to yell over the commotion of the crowd and music just for me to hear her, but I manage to make out her words.