Betrayed

Chapter 4 - The Invitation

Chapter 4

The Invitation

            I stand at the doorstep for a minute wondering why Allen rushed off like that. Normally he would stay in chat. It actually annoyed me that he just went and left like that. I turn around abruptly and went inside. I go up the stairs one by one contemplating what the letter could be about. I wonder if it has something to do with the company. Along with inheriting the Huxley estate, I also inherited the candy making company, Huxley’s. It’s been in business for about a century now. I sighed as reached the top of the staircase. My body is still not in top notch condition after that night. I go down the hallway to the last door on the left and open it. I walk into my study and sit down at the desk. I open the top cabinet and get out a letter opener. I look at the envelope and slowly turn it around in my hands. It has the stamp of the royal family on the back. I sigh as I take the letter opener and slice it open. I take out the letter from the envelope and gently unfold it.

            Dearest Almira,

            This letter is to inform you of your invitation to the ball tonight at 6 in the evening. I am sorry for the late notice but it seems the earlier sent invitation has been lost. My sincere apologies.

Signed,

Queen Victoria

                        Well I got all worked up over nothing I suppose. At least this is something to look forward to. “Sebastian!” I call. I hear his footsteps coming up the stairs. He enters the room regally with his stature of six feet and 6 inches. He is 32 years old. He was orphaned when he was five after his parents were murdered, so was sent to my father for work. My father gladly accepted. He was glad to have a servant after the last one died. He has raven black hair and ice blue eyes. He’s very handsome to say the least.

            “Yes Allie?” He asked as he stepped through the doorway.

            “The queen’s having a ball tonight. I was wondering if you would like to be my escort.” I asked, since I no longer had Lucius and an escort was required to all of the queen’s balls.

“Of course. When will we need to be ready?”

“By half after five, leaving thirty minutes to get to the palace.”

“Alright, one hour, be downstairs when you’re ready.” He said leaving the room.

I sigh and head to my room to get changed into a ball gown. I always hated these things. I pick out a blue dress with white ruffles. I slip it on and head over to pick out a pair of shoes and do my hair.

When I finish I head downstairs to see Sebastian waiting. “I’m sorry. Did I keep you waiting?”

“Not at all Allie. Let’s go,” He said opening the door for me. We head outside and I get into the carriage and Sebastian goes up front to steer the horses.

We arrive at Queen Victoria’s palace at exactly six. Sebastian comes around and opens my door for me. He holds out his hand for me to steady myself as I step down. “Thank you Sebastian,”

“You’re welcome Allie,” He says looking me in the eyes and smiling. My heart flutters and I feel my face get red. I look down hiding my blush. Why am I feeling like this? Sebastian offers his arm for me and I gladly accept it. We then start our walk into the palace.

“Welcome to the Buckingham palace,” The greeter said as we headed past into the grand ballroom. Graceful music played calming my soul. I turned around to observe the room I’ve seen so many times before and there I see Lucius with another woman, laughing without a care in the world.