The Key ♕

11

Sophie's Point of View

A few days has passed since the dinner party, and Lucas has been acting strange around me. He continues with his usual teases and antics, yes, but I catch him looking at me with a strained expression at times.

"My princess, may Sophie and I be excused early from today's duties to get ready for the ball we mentioned?" Nathaniel bows.

"Of course, I'll handle the rest. Sophie, have fun!" Alice nudges me on the shoulder.

"Thank you, your Majesty. Please take care," I smile back.

Lucas shuffles from his desk on the other side of the room, "what? What ball?" We all turn to look at him. He wears an anxious expression on his face.

"Your Majesty, I apologize," Nathaniel bows his head, "I must have forgotten to tell you, but lord Edmund invited me to his house and I asked Sophie to come with me."

"What? Why Sophie?" Lucas scowls.

"I-"

"That's none of your business," Alice interrupts, pushing us towards the door.

"Wait!" Lucas shouts suddenly, causing us to all jump.

"What is it?" Alice asks impatiently, crossing her arms.

"I want to go," he says.

She laughs out loud, "you're not invited."

"Does it matter? I'm the prince. Any lord would be more than delighted to have me there," he scoffs. I mentally roll my eyes at his arrogance.

"Even so, it's not right," she replies. I secretly hope that she can convince Lucas not to come.

I look worriedly at Nathaniel and his lips are pressed tightly together. "Nathaniel, you don't mind, right?" Lucas asks.

"No, your Majesty," Nathaniel replies blankly, knowing that was his only acceptable answer. He clenches his jaw and fists. I pry open his hand with mine and look up at him with a forced smile to try to convey my understanding. He relaxes slightly and smiles back.

Lucas doesn't seem to notice our held hands, "see, Alice, Nathaniel doesn't mind."

"Why are you acting like such a child?" Alice scoffs.

"I just want to go to the party. I promise I'm not going to cause any trouble there."

"I still don't trust you. If you really want to go that badly, ask permission from father first and make sure to bring someone to accompany you."

"Fine," Lucas turns around to leave the room.

"If you bother Nathaniel and Sophie, I will not forgive you," Alice warns.

Lucas's footsteps stop, "I won't."

Nathaniel guides me out the door, his big hands still in mine when I hear him mutter, "I sure hope so."

The maids help me choose a strapless pale pink gown that slightly drags on the floor. The bodice is embellished with tiny pearls that reflect iridescent light. I touch up the rouge on my lips one last time before someone knocks on my door.

I open the door to reveal Nathaniel in a navy suit, looking as handsome as ever. I take his hand and we walk to the front entrance of the palace to get into a carriage.

Lucas is already waiting for us, "you're finally here. Let's go." A beautiful woman appears from behind him, and my mind immediately recognizes who she is: Abigail. I subconsciously shoot her a menacing look before climbing onto the carriage.