When will I get my happy ever after ?

Chapter 25

Marina's POV

My arrival to the palace was as peaceful and tranquil as any royal event arrival and being as this is my very first royal affair, I would consider myself a pretty reliable source. It was loud and crowded with the palace staff running around getting ready for tonights ball. I could hardly get out of the limousine without getting trampled by the ice sculpture.

"Please excuse the chaos" the man leading us through the doorway states with his gloved palms purposefully clasped behind him. The man stands tall at 6'2. He is very pale but it works in his favor accentuating his icy blue eyes and slicked back midnight black hair. He gives off the vibe of muted and assiduous but looking into his keen eye I can tell that he has an astute and mischievous side to him. He is most definitely the eyes and ears of this place. "With the impending event abreast I am sure you can understand the urgency." We all nodded in understanding. Walking through the doors was a complete culture shock. I mean, the pack house that I live in now is gorgeous but I would describe the palace as grande. The entire flooring is white marbled with greek inspired marbled statues lined parallel to the walls. On the walls is completely opposite of what I expected. Yes, there is still abstract art framed and on display but what is surprising is how many photos of what I am assuming is the pack members fills the walls. Although, the palace is very grande it seems very homey in a way. Very special to all that live in it. The first thought that entered my mind was 'man this place must be next to impossible to keep clean'. Sun laughed quietly at the thought but stayed to herself obviously as mesmerized as I am.

"The king and queen sends their apologies for not meeting you upon your arrival. They had an impromptu pack meeting regarding what is expected of them tonight but they are looking forward seeing you all again." he says scanning all of the faces in front of him landing on me. "All but you.... you're new to us. How rude of me to skip the introductions. My name is Niles. I have been the butler to the royal family for over a century and I plan on many more to come." I looked at him in confusion." Ah my apologies again, I am a vampire. Actually, all the staff here are vamps." he says eyeing me more closely than I believe to be necessary. "Allow me to explain, many centuries ago vampires almost went extinct due to one major reason; the lack of accessible blood. We were forced into hiding after the Dracula ages; therefore, finding a filling meal proved to be harder by the day. We were starving to death all while being hunted. The king and queen of that time posed a solution. With our promise to help the royal pack for one century, we were given the blood supply we needed from threatening rouges and from the palace blood drive. Once our contract was up we were free to leave but honestly, the royal pack became our family and it has been a pleasure to serve them. Plus, I have no desire to murder for my meals. " he finishes his well performed explanation while looking at me expectantly. Everything here seems so extravagant and performance like that I am still awestruck. I don't belong here....Alana nudges me mid thought. I look at her shakily. She mouths 'introduce yourself.' I gasp in embarrassment. How could I have been so rude.

"My name is Marina." He starts walking around me, eyes only wavering my composer. "um I am Oliver's mate." I blush feeling tongue tied. Saying anymore would only embarrass me further. He stops towering over me with a cocked head. "Interesting" he muttered unapologetically. "Follow me to your rooms" I let out a breath I didn't realize that I was holding. I was prepared for some attention today but I didn't expect it to happen this early. I need to get myself together. My life is literally riding on tonights meeting with the King and Queen. We need to convince them to help us in our war. I cannot allow my nerves to get the better of me.

----

Standing before the mirror, I do not see myself. The girl in front of me is beautifully dressed in an all white but shimmering gown. Her curves that normally are dormant are being accentuated by a sheer bodice lined with formal vines and an off the shoulder a-line neckline. The rest of the gown is brilliantly scattered with white iridescent flowers peeking through a thick tulle. Her hair is shiny and healthy with her blonde curls expertly framing her face. The rest is in a formal bun on the crown of her scalp. Her stylist has also put jewels in the bun with the intentions to make her sparkle from head to toe. Her makeup is simple yet elegant. Her eyes shine in contrast to the nude smokey eyeshadow and undetectable false eyelashes. The only color that stood out on her were on her lips. They were beautify lined and painted a brilliant shade deep red. This girl demands attention actually she doesn't need to demand it when they will gravitate towards her willingly. This girl cannot possibly be me yet it is.

"You look remarkable." Oliver gawks through through the mirror. I can practically see him drooling. I smile at him awkwardly. "Your mom has impeccable taste" he comes closer and takes my hand in his turning me to face him. "I wasn't talking about all this" he says gesturing to the gown and hair "I think you look even better without all this crap and with only my t-shirt on. But this isn't half bad either" he says kissing my shoulder. Butterflies ignite in my stomach as they often do when his lips are involved. "I am honored to have you as my date to the ball and everything after." He then kisses the ring that comfortably lies on my finger. "Are you ready?" I give out a shaky breath and nod.

--

I could feel eyes on me. I haven't even walked in to the ballroom but I seem to be the talk of the staff. I am sure Oliver feels it too. He seems just as confused as I but I can also see that he is quite pleased with the attention.

Our entrance reminds me of one of the movies Oliver and I watched while I was sick. Being announced into the ballroom with all eyes on us and everything fell silent. I couldn't move. Something about this room felt so familiar to me even though I have never stepped foot here. There is an aura. Its comforting.

That's when I see them. The king and queen who were now standing in shock as opposed to sitting in the seats that they were comfortably seated into just moments before. They are the ones from my dreams.

"Lizzie and Robbie...." I whispered.

My vision blurred as I descended the grand staircase. In just moments Robbie and Lizzie will be meeting us at the bottom whose vision seems to be at a disarray just as mine. We are drawn to each other for an unknown reason but my feet seems to want to move faster although my mind seems delayed.

"Your majesties" Oliver bows to the king and queen. I stayed standing not able to take my eyes off of Lizzie and Robbie. I feel Oliver slightly tug at my arms hoping to have me show my respects with a curtsey. Unfortunately for him I cannot move a muscle. There isn't movement in this entire ballroom.

"How could this be...." Lizzie gasps with tears filling her eyes. "I thought---we thought" she tried to continue "We thought you were dead" Robbie whispers. Without thought I answered "there were definitely some close calls" Lizzie then bellowed in sobs. "I am so sorry. That was impolite of me to joke about. I am not very good in awkward situations" I say reaching out to touch her shoulder but was pulled into an embrace in-between the two. "You are safe now. I promise that no harm will ever come to you again" Robbie mutters into my hair. "Wait-" I pull back "I'm confused." I step back getting closer to Oliver for comfort. "You're from my dreams...Lizzie and Robbie...I have dreamt about you since I was young" Lizzie smiles covering her lips with her satin gloved hands. Then Robbie turns to address the confused audience. "This ball will now go down in history. Tonight we celebrate the return of our daughter and princess, Marina." He says gesturing to me.