Before I Fall

Chapter Fifty-four

Morgan slowly made her way out of her room, she left the servants there to clean up their areas when she stepped out. She was impressed with their work ethic and hoped they were compensated well by Mignon. Ria had wished her good fortune for the night and she was taking that positive energy with her because Lord knows she couldn't conjure any for herself. Her heels echoed in the empty hallway as she walked through it, her mind steeled with resolve that she'd play her part tonight then get the hell out of the palace before the night was over. Mignon would be too busy bending over so her ass could be kissed by everyone else so it was the perfect time to go. Although, she had no idea where she would sleep later on because Mignon had made sure to strip her of everything, including her apartment and the millions she had acquired but hopefully not the fund her grandmother had set up for her.

It felt great to be free again, she walked a little faster because it was a long way from the great hall from the west wing but she didn't want to be left with her thoughts anymore, she just needed a drink and if she was lucky, some weed too. Her quick steps made her reach the grand staircase quickly and she descended slowly while holding on to the handrail. Her exaggerated sleeves trailed behind her and she felt as regal as she looked. She carefully brushed a curled tendril out of her eye so she could see clearly then daintily finished the last of the staircase to step into a whole new world. The entire ground floor of the palace had been transformed from a dull, lifeless domain to a wonderland for the elite. Mignon went all out impress these geezers.

As she glided through the elegant corridor, Morgan noticed that the chandeliers had been lowered, dazzling lights were strung up and the usually vacant walls decorated with fancy cloths and drapes she'd never seen before. Large ostrich feather centerpieces stood tall like palm trees on either side of her, creating a path to the great hall where Mignon would welcome her guests. Servants hurried by her with trays of champagne and other assorted cocktails but they made sure to acknowledge the princess respectfully as they did. She stopped Valeria when she saw her walk briskly pass with a full tray and took a flute. Morgan downed the old drink in one gulp and thanked the timid girl who kept her eyes to the ground the whole time. Morgan didn't have the time to console the poor girl because the event would begin soon and she couldn't be late. The thick red carpet beneath her feet masked the sound of her heels as she walked with all the poise and grace she'd learned from her youth as she approached the open side door.

There were audible gasps from the mingling crowd when she finally entered the hall, whether it was because of her dress or the drastic change in her features, Morgan didn't know but her anxiety was rearing its ugly head. Still, she kept her back straight and head held high as she walked the designated path to the head table, passing the invited demons, dark elves and faerie men and women among other elite gutter rats of the Underworld. She could feel all their gazes of wonder and lust.

The great hall held tables a mile long, lined with golden chairs, shiny silverware, gold rimmed glassware and stunning miniature magnolia trees with candles hanging from the limbs as the tables' centerpiece. Morgan hadn't expected a dinner party, especially one that had mermaids swimming in a five thousand gallon cylindrical aquariums and caged exotic animals. Mignon had definitely gone overboard but if it meant taking the spotlight off the strength of her kingdom, she would do everything to show that there was no trouble in her camp. Lena was standing a few feet behind Mignon's decorated chair when Morgan arrived at the head table waiting for the Queen's arrival. She stood with the other Gentleman Ushers who stood waiting for the arrival of the other esteemed guests. Morgan immediately became annoyed with her presence and strode pass the ogre without any acknowledgment and on to the servant who immediately pulled out the chair that sat beside Mignon's.

"Presenting Princess Morgan Mila LaFray!" the Herald announced to the diplomats and invited guests. Morgan sat down as they clapped and raised their half empty wine glasses in praise.