Culture Shock

Chapter Nine

"I can't breathe!" I swung my palm against her arm behind me, fastening laces of my dress. My waist has tightened far from my original. Now I understand why being a princess is distressing.

"Forgive me, my lady, but we must tie the laces tight for the dress not to fall off."

I rolled my eyes and inhaled every air my diaphragm could take. "Great." My boobs were being exposed, dang it.

We heard a knock on the door. I asked Bo Young to open it for me. It was Johann Sender in a tucked polo shirt in an ash colored pants which are tucked in a pair of boots, as well. His coat was bluish. He removed his hat from his head and bent his both knees.

I gasped realizing we were wearing the same as in Les Miserables. Victor Hugo was a French novelist, right? Wow.

"Are you all set, my lady?" he asked. I mustered an emotionless face and answered yes.

He was caught off-guard after I land my hands draped around his arm. "Let's go?" I fainted a smile. "We shall play the game well, my lord." I whispered near his ears.

He shivered and threw glare at me. "We must, my lady." And we headed out to the Grand Pavilion.

The Spartan soldier who was guarding the main door of the pavilion knelt down upon touching his gaze on us. We both nodded and waited for the organizer of the ball. He told us to wait for a moment until our names are called.

We could hear music, buzzing and laughter from the outside. A pretty sound for a party. Until a familiar voice which I supposed was Aurelius Sender's announced, "... the coming nuptial of my son, Johann Sender to Clare Van!"

Everyone growled and clapped their hands. The organizer gave his signal to open the door which became very dramatic. Everything in motion became slow like I was sent into the outerspace, floating. Each light of the chandeliers struck my eyes.

I winced.

I noticed how wide the smiles of the python-eyed people. "Look how delighted they are to have you, Clare. Both commoners and aristocrats have prepared most."

"Commoners are welcome inside the palace?" He nodded yes. That's news.

In some series, the palace does not let the poor step on their territory. Well, good thing if so.

We began to walk at the center of all the guests. I jumped as his hand snaked around my waist. Goodness! "Smile, Clare."

I smiled awkwardly and murmured "I am."

Aurelius Sender became more visible until we reached the stairs. As what Saree reminded, I gracefully bend my right knee behind the left one. The king seemed impressed and relieved.

Yeah. I won't make a scene, bitches.

It went as how I anticipated it to be. The best part I think was the eating and the drinking of the wine (a life-long dream), and the worst was the dancing. We did not dance. If Leonidas was here, I'd dance waltz with him. Nah. He was around, I am aware.

Talking to Aurelius Sender was the worst. His voice gives me dang fright especially when he laughs.

We were seated on the long table when the king moved towards the guests. "May I interrupt for a moment?" He chuckled. Everybody's attention turned to him. "Seeing you formally leaps my heart for you are witnessing the engagement ceremony of your prince, and my heir, Johann, along with this beautiful and wonderful young lady from Lord Leopold Van's house. Lady Clare."

"We have waited for a decade and a half; time must not be wasted. Tonight, I formally invite you to this historical event."

Half-heartedly, I clapped my hands. I wanted to sleep and take this freaking dress off me. To my surprise, Johann leaned towards me and whispered, "May I take you some where quiet?"