Avoid The Lead! [[COMPLETED]]

23. The Winter Ball

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A few days later, Elfsworth Academy threw its grand winter ball early, so it could coincide with Celia's birthday.

Lord Scarlett had paid for the entire thing and made it even grander than usual, so it was an advantage for the school!

The ballroom was draped in intricate finery, and a popular string quartet played beautiful music, as the elegantly dressed guests either danced, chatted, or milled around, while smartly dressed servants served snacks and wine round the room.

At one end was a buffet table heavily laden with glorious food, with a neat line of servants ready to serve, and at the forefront of the hall was a raised platform with a high table, where Celia sat with her father, a few nobles, and and the teachers.

Celia was dressed in a beautiful red ball gown which complimented her in every way, making her stand out.

But she wore a crestfallen expression...

"Cece, what's the matter?" Her father leaned over. "Are you not enjoying the ball?"

Celia reached over to hold his hand. "Papa, I'm fine! I was just admiring the ballroom!"

How could she tell him that she was missing a certain person?

As she expected, Taze had decided to avoid the ball, but had promised to come find her later that night.

Cheered by the thought, she reached for a crossed bun (Yeah! Hot Cross Buns!) and had just taken a bite when a few young men approached the high table.

"Miss Scarlett! May I have your first dance?" One asked with a proper bow, his gloved hard extended politely.

Celia nearly choked on the bun.

The only person she wanted to dance with was Taze!

But she gave an elegant cough, stepped down, curtsied, and then gingerly placed her hand in the young man's.

"Presenting the first dance of the celebrant!" An announcement rang out, making her cringe!

The young man looked awestruck as his free hand politely held the small of Celia's back, while her free hand rested on his shoulder.

And the music started.

After twenty five lifetimes of numerous balls, Celia could dance in her sleep, so the instant the music started, her feet moved automatically to follow his, but her mind wandered far away.

A beautiful fairy sat at the pianoforte, and her fingers weaved magical music, which teased not only their ears, but their entire senses, and soon the dance floor was full of dancing pairs.

But Celia was immune to fairy charm, and after her third dance, she politely declined further advances.

She hurried back towards the high table, hoping to spend the rest of the ball in peace, but just as she left the dancefloor, another announcement suddenly filled the air, and everyone froze.

"Presenting! Prince Vitav! Eldest son of King Vien! Pay respects!"

Celia froze and felt like her ears were ringing.

She swivelled and watched as everyone cleared a path, bowing or curtseying as Vitav passed their midst.

"This is THE Prince Vitav?!" The ladies were all a-titter.

"He's so handsome!"

"I can't believe we always had such a prince!"

The first thing Celia felt was fear...