Forgotten Vale

Chapter 13

The day of the ball arrived quickly for Pippa and soon she found herself getting ready for the ball. As Britta helped her slip on the beautiful emerald dress, Pippa sighed deeply and said, "If I was back home, this would just be another day, as ordinary as the last."

"I often wonder what would have happened if you hadn't come to the castle," Britta mused.

"So do I," Pippa replied. "Sometimes I wish I was back home, that I had never met Lucas or Ashton, or you. But then again, I wouldn't have the beautiful friendships I have now, and my life would have been the same as it always has been."

Britta finished buttoning up Pippa's dress and turned her around so as to look her in the eye.

"I'm glad you came," Britta said firmly. "I have never had a friend like you, and it's wonderful!"

"I'm glad you're my friend too," Pippa said with a smile. The two friends embraced, then continued the preparations.

Once Pippa was ready, she walked out of the room. There, standing patiently outside her door, was Peter. When he saw her, his face lit up in a proud smile.

"You look beautiful, sis," he said sweetly.

"Thank you," Pippa replied, beaming happily. "You look quite handsome yourself."

And it was the truth. Peter's strawberry-blonde hair had been slicked back and teased into compliant waves. He was also wearing a brand new tunic, the exact same shade of green as Pippa's dress, and a pair of dark brown trousers. Peter took Pippa's hands in his own and rubbed them comfortingly.

"Everything's going to be okay, you'll see," he told her encouragingly. Tears formed in Pippa's eyes. She hugged him tightly.

"I love you," she whispered, burying her head in his neck.

"I love you too," Peter replied. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, smiled at her, and then released her.

"By the way, Lucas wanted me to tell you that you two are supposed to walk into the ball together," Peter said.

"Alright, where am I to meet him?" Pippa asked.

"I think he said the throne room," Peter explained.

"Can you show me where it is?" Pippa asked.

"Of course."

Peter then led Pippa to the throne room.

When Pippa arrived in the throne room, Lucas and Ashton were already there. They were both wearing fancy clothes.

"Pippa, you look lovely," Lucas said with a smile.

"Thank you."

Pippa smiled back at him.

"I'm going to the ballroom," Peter said, clearing his throat. "Save me a dance, sis."

He shot her a wink, smiled, and then turned to leave the room. As Pippa watched her brother walk away, a feeling of dread settled over her. She breathed in deeply, trying to calm her nerves.

"You're going to be fine, just follow my lead and socialize," Lucas said, smiling down at her.

"I can do that," Pippa replied with a nod. She gathered up as much courage as she could before hooking her arm into Lucas' and allowing him to lead her out of the room.