Fighting For A King

Prologue

                 

Running down the marble hallway I glide around the last corner slowing my pace as I come into view. Six forty-five I'm running late. I am never late. Maybe people won't even notice. Oh who I am I kidding of course everyone would notice their star guest not being there. Glancing at my reflection in the mirror I give myself a final once over. The beaded bodice of the dress clings to me like a second skin adding subtle curves to my body as the champagne coloured silk bottom flows gracefully to the floor. My golden blonde hair is braided neatly looking like a crown on top of my head. Golden eye shadow frames my ocean blue eyes and accentuates my long eyelashes. The soft pink lipstick rounds off the elegant look easily blending in with my pale skin.

Barbie. Quiet literally Malibu Barbie. That's me a living doll. As my eyes unconsciously roll into the back of my head I mentally prepare myself for what's to come. Putting on my fake girly persona I smile perfectly ensuring not to show too much teeth. Spinning around I saunter towards the doors nodding politely to the assistant at the door.

The ball room looks amazing as usual chandeliers glowing, a string quartet playing softly, dancing couples and as usual the vultures watching me with adoration in their eyes. Kill. Me. Now. Descending the staircase I scan the room making eye contact with all the important people. Finally reaching the bottom I slip on the last step crashing very ungracefully into a guy. "I am so sorry" I schmooze composing myself as he helps to set me on my feet again.

Wait. Is this guy wearing ripped jeans? Like seriously. Looking properly I notice the black biker boots with baggy ripped jeans and a loose blue button down shirt. "Nah don't worry about it babe" he announces proudly. At that my head snaps up "babe?" I stutter.  Assessing his looks, which I have to say aren't bad. Although he really needs to shave and you can tell he's slicked his hair back with gel making it look greasy. All in all I have to hold in the laugh that threatens to erupt at his appearance.  "Would you prefer sweetheart or darling" he asks cockily. Tilting my head to the side I pretend to think "how about damn?" I ask teasingly.  Confusion sweeps over his face. Making his eyes scrunch together in the cutest manner "damn?" he asks.

Smirking I nod slowly "it's what you can call after me as I walk away" I whisper before turning on my heel and swaying away gracefully taking a flute of champagne as I do. I'm not even ten steps when a vulture swoops in "my dear how wonderful it is to see you'" an older lady with alarmingly red hair matching her lipstick and dress. "Lady Howard it's a pleasure to see you looking so well" I beam in full complimentary mode. There's an almost treacherous twinkle in her eyes "oh you do charm. I have to ask though are my eyes failing me or did I just see you conversing with that ragamuffin boy?" she asked in full scandal mode.

Holding back the rolling of my eyes I smile wider. Opening my eyes innocently and glancing around as if to understand who she could possibly be talking about. "Oh you mean the boy over there? I mistook him for a waiter" I laugh heartily at my own joke to which she joins in. When the laughter subsides she starts up again "that boy is trouble kicked out of every school imaginable his poor mother and stepfather they just don't know what to do with him. It's a shame really his mother is such a quiet reserved creature he lets her down acting the way he does."  She gossips happily. I give her all the reactions she wants even indulging curiously "who is the mother and stepfather? You would have thought I would have been told about the boy before?"  I whisper mockingly. Merely for the sake of indulging her, of course. It works wonders "Oh you've met the stepfather Dr Pentworth" she smirks viciously. Raising an eyebrow I smile charmingly "oh yes he and my mother get on famously but I don't believe I've met the wife is she here tonight?" I reply automatically trying not cringe thinking about the creep.

Before she can answer her big lard ass of a husband comes over "ah there you are darling you've got to come meet some of my associates" sadly he then notices me "my darling you are looking ravishing tonight how is your charming mother?" he asks politely. Grinning I nod "thank you Lord Howard its wonderful to see you again. My mother is fine she's in China at the moment but she'll be back soon enough" I reply courteously resisting the urge to sneer. Clapping his hands he seems most pleased "oh that is good news, do give her my regards. On a more serious note I'm afraid I'm going to have to steal my wonderful wife from you if you don't mind" he explains. Rather then answering I merely nod as he and his wife saunter away.