Rittenhouse Royalty

Chapter Six

Chapter 6: The Ball

Suddenly the entire ballroom was staring at the top of the stair case in stunned silence. There standing at the top of the stairs was Princess Luceilia looking more beautiful than anyone could ever have imagined. She looked like a goddess. Wyatt couldn't stop himself from muttering out a "my god! She's perfect." to which his brother muttered "And she's all mine" before he stood up and made his way over to the stairs where she still hadn't made an attempt to descend the stairs. She kept looking all over the ballroom as if looking for someone specific. Then her eyes landed on Wyatt and she started down the stairs. Having kept her eyes solely on Wyatt, Lucy was surprised to find Garcia standing before her when she had reached the bottom of the stairs. He bowed to her holding out a hand which she took dropping into a short curtsy as was expected. He then told her how 'absolutely stunning she looked that evening' and lead her over to where her parents, and Wyatt, were seated.

"well my dear, you certainly do know how to make an entrance. Happy birthday Luceilia."

"Thank you Father"

" I am sure you remember Queen Emma and her youngest son Prince Wyatt"

"Yes. Thank you for coming" She replied curtsying to them as well. Her future mother-in-law merely smiled at her. Wyatt however just kept starring at her with a look in his eyes she could quite figure out. However, before she had time to think about it too much Garcia was back by her side guiding her to stand right beside her father, never leaving her side. Then King Benjamin started addressing those in the ballroom.

"As you all know today is my daughters twenty first birthday. We are all so proud of the woman she has become over the years. And tonight I am proud to announce that she is to be wed to Prince Garcia Flynn of Masonia! Help me celebrate the happy couple as they lead us in the first dance of the evening!" Garcia then takes her hand and leads her out onto the dance floor as the band begins to play a waltz. To Lucy it felt as though the short waltz took forever only wanting to be out of the arms of monster holding her. She tried to convince herself that he had changed, that he wasn't the same person she remembered from her childhood. But, he just felt wrong she felt like she was drowning whenever he was touching her it was the same feeling she got that afternoon with her mother all over again. Then suddenly she was dancing with her father and only felt marginally better. That dance seemed to be over much quicker than her first and her father was leading her back over to the thrones. Before she had the chance to sit down Wyatt was there before her asking her to dance, just as she was about to agree and join him on the dance floor Garcia spoke up.

"Wyatt, I don't think that's very appropriate. After all she is to be my wife."

"Ah but she is to be my sister, What would people say if you didn't allow me to dance with a dear sister." and with that he led her onto the floor just as a beautiful waltz started playing. Lucy recognized the song immediately, it was one of her favorites, Dark waltz. As she looked towards the band she saw Jiya standing there smiling at her. Of course Jiya would have them play this song for her. She then looked back to Wyatt, whose eyes had never left her face and it was as though the rest of the ballroom disappeared and it was just her and Wyatt and the music. In that moment nothing else existed and nothing else mattered. It was in that moment that they both felt safe and at home. It was at that moment that they knew they were meant for each other. Then the world started coming back as the song ended and they came to a stop realizing the entire ballroom was just standing there watching them in awe. Lucy glanced up towards the throne to see Garcia glaring daggers at them.

"Thank you Prince Wyatt that was lovely perhaps we should make our way back to Garcia, wouldn't want to upset my future husband." and she thought she had detected a hint of disappointment mixed with jealousy in his eyes before he simply took her arm and led her back to his brother. The rest of the evening was spent with Lucy and Wyatt avoiding each other, not wanting to cause any more gossip. Lucy spent the majority of her night with Garcia so that he wouldn't be too upset with Wyatt for stealing her away earlier, she remembered how mad he always was with Wyatt as kids and didn't want to cause any more drama between the two brothers.

Wyatt spent his evening catching up with Jiya. He was hoping he could learn more about Lucy through her best friend. They danced and talked, reminiscing about the summers past when he would come to Rittenhouse as a child and played non-stop with the girls. he asked about Amy, and was happy to hear she was doing well. He then proposed they go for a walk through the gardens to get some air as the ballroom had become very hot and stuffy. Once he was sure they were far enough away from the ballroom and wouldn't be overheard he turned to Jiya and asked her very seriously about Lucy.

"How is she really? She seems hollow somehow, like she's only a shell of the girl I remember from our summers."

"She's not well Wyatt, we have been trying to get away for so long now. She doesn't want to be like her parents and she doesn't want to marry Garcia."

"Then why is she going along with things? Why not tell her parents no and fight it?"

"Have you ever tried saying no to Queen Carolyna? She would have Lucy locked up... in fact thats what she already did. When Lucy first found out about her Family history we tried to escape. They caught us and since then we have never been left alone. Have you not noticed the many guards following her every move?"

"I thought that was just because of how many people are here tonight, wanting to make sure she is safe and all that."

"No its to make sure she doesn't try to run again. Thats why we plan on running once we get to Masonia."

"Why are you telling me all of this? Aren't you afraid I'll tell my mom or Garcia? Or that I would try to stop her myself?"

"I dont fully trust you no. However for some reason Lucy does and I trust her. I had hoped that you would take pity on her, knowing how Garcia is and all, and even help us at least get out of the Palace once we are there."

"I think I can do even better than that. I Have a place where you will both be safe. But we have to be very careful. No-one can suspect the three of us are getting too close. My brother may be an ass, but he isn't stupid. Lets go back in. Don't talk to me anymore tonight and keep your distance. And whatever you do don't tell Lucy anything just yet. Theres too much chance of being overheard here. Tomorrow we will be heading to Masonia and we will get al the details worked out there. My man Rufus is already helping where he can."

"Rufus? What kind of name is that?" Jiya had to laugh at the absurdity of his friends name but instantly sobered when remembering everything going on. "Thank you Wyatt for everything. Lucy is lucky to have a friend like you." With that they made there way back into the ballroom and as promised kept their distance the rest of the evening, dancing with other people and trying not to think too much about the rocky road ahead of them.

That night after the ball had ended and everyone was back in their own rooms the girls sat on Lucy's bed ready to discuss everything that happened that night.

"So what were you and Wyatt talking about all evening?"

"What do you mean? I wasn't with Wyatt"

"I saw the two of you talking and dancing.... then disappearing into the gardens...."

"OK! yes were talked and yes we went for a walk but I assure you we only talked of you. He wants you to be happy..... and my isn't Rittenhouse lovely this time of year...." Jiya ended the conversation about Wyatt using their secret phrase for 'we cant talk here'.

"Yes, it is. We should get some sleep, tomorrow is a long day after all." And with that the girls drifted off to sleep both dreaming of the days to come.