To Win the Prince's Hand

Chapter 30

 30.

"I don't want to go," I announced into my bed. I was laying sprawled across it while Abigail and Danielle struggled to get me to get dressed.

"Well, it's not an optional event," Abigail countered. "Come on, you haven't even seen it yet."

"I don't care what dress it is. I don't want to get all dressed up to go to a ceremony so I can be essentially beaten up," I declared.

"You're being so dramatic," Jasmine remarked and I could practically hear her roll her eyes. Then I actually did hear Abigail hit her.

"Come on. If it was Christian getting engaged to someone, you'd be pretty upset too," she pointed out.

Today was the day of the closing ceremony of the competition where Gabriel would announce his engagement to whoever he chose, which everyone already knew would be Isabella.

"Anyways, I'm not even that upset about Gabriel," I lied, flipping over so I could see them.

"Liar," Abigail sang under her breath.

"I really don't want to deal with my family today," I finished, shooting her a look for calling me out.

"Oh, come on, it can't be that bad," Jasmine shrugged.

"Yes, it can," Abigail spoke up before I could. "They're all terrible."

"Anyways, we want you to look gorgeous so Gabriel can see what he's missing, so get up!" Jasmine continued as if she hadn't heard any of my arguments.

I groaned, slowly sitting up and giving her a frustrated look. She smiled in reply. "Close your eyes!" Abigail instructed. I rolled my eyes before doing as I was told. I could hear shifting and rustling and I sighed.

"Tada!" I opened my eyes to find them holding a ball gown that resembled what I wore to the ball but was more ornate. It was the same shade of pink and hung lightly on the hanger like cloud.

"You must be kidding me," I muttered.

"Come on now, let's get ready!" Abigail cheered, looking as though this was going to be the most fun she'd had in her life.

I tried to argue with them, but they wouldn't take no as an answer. They started early and nearly four hours later, they finally left me to prepare themselves. My eyes turned to the mirror and I studied myself.

The girl in the mirror was a stranger. She looked older somehow. I couldn't have worn the elegant bun that she wore, her dark curls piled on top of her head and gleaming with jewels.

Her blue eyes studied me in return as I watched her face. Her pale skin held a rosy tint on her cheeks that was pulled out by the pink dress. Her lips were slightly parted in awe at something.

And then her dress. It was the original blush color that I was originally going to wear to Mother's birthday about a year ago. It was fancier than I would've picked for myself, but it was a beautiful dress nonetheless.

I quickly turned around, striding to my bedside table and grabbing the small necklace there. I gently put it on, touching the pendant that rested on my chest. The small sapphire pendant gleamed and I smiled, remembering when Gabriel gave it to me.

We were still friends like he had promised, but it hurt to be around him at times. Despite my wishes, any feelings I had only grew stronger as the competition ended. Well, a lot of good that had done me.

"We're ready!" Abigail called as she entered. I turned over to find her and Jasmine had entered in their gowns along with Sophia.

Jasmine wore a deep red dress from her home that reminded me of when I first met her, and her eyes were already shining with unshed tears. "I can't believe this is the end!" she exclaimed, brushing her eyes lightly.