𝑻𝑶 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑶𝑵𝑬𝑺 𝑾𝑬 𝑶𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑳𝑶𝑽𝑬𝑫 || 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐒 (ON HIATUS)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟹

Y/N'S POV

The two days leading up to the ball pass in a whirlwind of preparation. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before—maids flitting in and out of my room, measuring me for gowns, styling my hair, discussing every detail as if my appearance could somehow make up for the years I’ve spent locked away.

The excitement is almost overwhelming. I’ve never been fussed over like this, and while part of me enjoys the novelty of it all, there’s another part that feels the weight of expectation pressing down on me. This isn’t just about attending a ball; it’s about stepping out into the world for the first time, about proving to my family—and myself—that I can handle it.

On the morning of the ball, my room is filled with activity. Maids bustle around, carefully laying out the gown I will wear—a shimmering silver dress that looks like it was spun from moonlight itself. The fabric glitters in the sunlight streaming through the window, and I can’t help but feel a strange sense of awe.

“This is really happening,” I whisper to myself, staring at the dress as if it belongs to someone else.

“Of course it’s happening,” one of the maids says brightly as she adjusts my hair, arranging it into an intricate updo. “You’ll be the most beautiful princess at the ball, Your Highness.”

I nod, though a part of me feels like I’m playing dress-up. It’s hard to imagine myself—me—among the swirling gowns and handsome lords, laughing and dancing as if I’ve been doing it all my life. But no one else knows the truth. To the outside world, I’m just the princess who’s been hidden away, fragile and mysterious. They don’t know the full story of why.

Not even I do.

When the final touches are in place, I stand in front of the full-length mirror, staring at the reflection that looks back at me. The girl in the mirror is unrecognizable. She’s regal, poised, the very image of a royal princess. The silver gown hugs her frame perfectly, cascading to the floor in delicate waves, and her hair, pinned with jeweled clips, glistens like starlight. A light dusting of powder has softened the pale tone of her skin, and her lips are painted with the faintest hint of pink.

But behind the beauty, there’s still that lingering fear in her eyes.

Can I really do this?

I hear a soft knock at the door, and before I can answer, Alex steps inside. He freezes for a moment, his eyes widening as he takes in my transformation.

“Y/N…” His voice trails off, a look of pride mixed with surprise on his face. “You look… incredible.”

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks. “You think so?”

“Are you kidding?” He grins, stepping closer and taking my hand to twirl me around slowly. “You’re going to be the most beautiful person in the room. I’m not just saying that because you’re my sister.”

I laugh, though there’s a nervous edge to it. “Let’s hope I can manage more than just looking the part.”

Alex squeezes my hand, his expression softening. “You’re going to be fine, Y/N. I’ll be by your side the whole time, and if it gets too much, we’ll leave. But I think this will be good for you. More than you realize.”