Lost In Wonderland

Chapter 4

AN: There's a name in this chapter that the pronunciation may be different between people. Pronounce it however you want, but the correct way is Tear-E-a.

But like I said, pronounce it however.

My hair was set in curls, some of it pulled up into a complex pony tail. Ringlets fell by my face. Standing in the mirror, I couldn't believe I was looking at me.

The white dress complimented my slightly pale skin, the blue matching my brown hair. I stood in clear high heels, that should make me wobbly but didn't. It was like I was a different person.

"All done admiring my work?" The artist asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

I blushed. "Sorry."

"I'll lead you to the banquet hall."

Walking into the hall—that was more of a ballroom—I couldn't help but to be impressed. Along the two side walls there were circular tables, along the back wall, a long table on a raised platform. The Queen sat in the center, the Prince to her left, and an empty seat. To the right of the Queen sat two others, their heads held high.

In the center of the room, people dancing along to the happy music. Everyone was in their best dresses and suits, everything going all out.

The Artist led me to the back table and pulled out my seat. I sat down, thanking her. Cory stood at my side, in his white uniform.

"You look very beautiful," he said softly, still staring straight ahead.

"Excuse me, but I don't think the servants are supposed to speak without being spoken to." William said. "There are consequences."

Cory almost flinched, stopping himself before it was too obvious. "Right. Of course. I'm terribly sorry."

"As you should be."

Cory left it at that.

Something heavy set on my chest. I turned to William. "Happy birthday, by the way. Twenty years old, pretty exciting."

"Very. How old are you? You look to be about twenty as well,"

I shook my head. "Eighteen. Won't be twenty for another two years." Shit. Shit shit shit. I should've lied. I should've said I was under aged. Shit.

"Well at least you're an adult, that must count for something,"

"Not much when you're still in high school."

William didn't say anything after that. I thought that if that would be all I had to do tonight, have common conversation, it wouldn't be too painful.

Our dinner was served, something I couldn't even recognize. I barely ate it, asking Cory to instead bring me some crackers. He nodded and walked off. I leaned back in my chair, able to relax.

I shut my eyes briefly, when I opened them, William was gone.

I looked around the room but couldn't find him anywhere. I sighed and gave up my search. Cory came back soon, setting down the crackers. He looked pale and shaken.

"Cory? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Miss,"

I didn't believe him. William came up behind me. "May I have this dance?"

"I can't dance," I said, a very true excuse. "I'm clumsy, I'll make a fool out of you," I shook my head. "Really."

"Nonsense." William took my hand and pulled me up. He dragged me to the dancefloor, couples moving out of our way until we were at the center.