CORRUPTED FILE [Lumina Chronicles Past Drafts]

Level Twenty-Four: Prince Charming

Lumina was by far the strangest place I'd ever seen. I'm not sure what exactly I expected when I climbed into the carriage with Kindle (that was a fun ride. Almost two hours of awkward silence and alternating which of us was staring out the little window while pretending the other wasn't there.) but it definitely wasn't the bustling city I was presented with.

With its bright lights, enormous skyscrapers, and energetic crowds, it reminded me of New York City. That is, if the citizens of New York City dressed in corseted ball gowns and only traveled by horse drawn carriage. Even Casimir's palace looked far more modern than I expected. The only things that differentiated it from the skyscrapers surrounding it were its ornate golden accents and massive glass-domed roof.

"Is it a good idea to have a glass ceiling on the royal palace?" I asked as the driver I'd never learned the name of pulled our carriage up in front of the magnificent palace, speaking to Kindle for the first time in over two hours. "It just seems like it's asking for trouble to me."

"It's a sign of Jareth's power," Kindle stated, narrowing his eyes at the glass roof. "Anyone could get into the palace that way, but no one's willing to cross him."

Just then, a footman opened the carriage door, politely holding a gloved hand out to me. "Right this way, Milady."

I glanced back at Kindle, who made no move to exit. "You're not coming?"

Kindle shook his head, "I don't have an invitation." I was about to protest, saying I didn't have one either, but Kindle slid a gold-lined rectangle of paper across the seat to me, keeping me silent. Someone in the Order had procured an invitation. That, or it was a forgery.

"Milady?" The footman repeated, catching my attention again.

"Sorry," I said softly, before taking his hand and allowing him to help me out of the carriage.

The footman escorted me up the grand staircase that led into the palace, making idle conversation along the way. They were easy enough questions, ones I'd already rehearsed answers to.

Once we reached the top of the stairs, the footman took my invitation and handed it to a herald, who shouted loudly over the crowd, "Introducing, Lady Jacintha Carlyle!" Carlyle had insisted I would need a last name, and at the time I could think of nothing so I took his name.

Maybe I'd read too many fairytales, because when he announced my name I expected the crowd to fall silent and watch in awe as I descended the stairs and met the waiting prince. Needless to say, that didn't happen. Everyone continued their dancing and conversations, and I made my way down the stairs unnoticed.

Once I stepped onto the ballroom floor, I found myself wishing I'd taken Carlyle up on his offer to come with me. There were just so many people! I had no idea where to even begin looking for the prince in the sea of swirling skirts and loud voices. I should have at least asked to see a picture of him. I mean, I had an idea of what he looked like from the game, but that wouldn't be very helpful. Kindle didn't look exactly like his game self either.

"Would you care to dance, Miss?" A man asked me.

I turned to face him, and found myself staring into a pair of violet eyes, much like Lydia's. He even had her silver hair. The man was much taller than Lydia, but the hair and eyes were identical. He's a fairy, I thought in awe.

"Well?" He pressed, a kind smile on his lips. At least he seemed nicer than the queen.

"I'm sorry," I apologized, smiling back politely. "I'm actually looking for someone right now..."

"Just one dance?" The fairy man held out a hand to me, "I promise it won't kill you," he said with a chuckle.

I sighed, taking his hand. "Just one," I agreed. One dance wouldn't hurt, I could look for Casimir while dancing.