Another Elite (Book 2 of Selection fanfics)

Chapter 31

I'd thought our makeovers when we first came to the palace were hectic; they were nothing compared to my family preparing for the New Year's Eve party.

Neither my father nor my brothers knew the first thing about a tuxedo--Dad hadn't even worn one to my parents wedding. Thankfully we'd wrangled a group of butlers to help them. I wasn't embarrassed by my family in any way, but it would have been rather mortifying if they'd showed up in flannels and jeans.

I was glad to see Annika as happy as Amber for once. She still wasn't speaking with me, but at the mention of a ball and a pretty dress she perked up. She'd always been so good with clothes and I knew Cora, Elisa, and Beth appreciated someone who knew as much as they did about fashion. Her glittering ombre dress was stunning; if I didn't know any better, I'd think she was a princess.

Amber was bedecked in a sparkly silver dress, fitting for a fourteen year old girl. Jewels adorned her light brown hair which hung in loose curls. Mom was in a slightly more demure shimmering gray dress; she still looked gorgeous and Dad's eyes lit up when he looked at her. I wondered briefly if that happened when Derek and I looked at each other.

I felt rather queenly and elegant in my draping gold dress. It was partially see through with sparkly gold streaks twining across the bodice, skirt, and sleeves. My hair was braided into a crown and shimmering eye shadow glittered on my lids. Mom had positively beamed when she saw me, fussing over my skirts and hair along with my maids. She seemed oddly excited, as if she knew something I didn't.

My entire family was gathered in my room when I heard a knock. Beth opened the door to reveal James, who was dressed in a simple black suit. He smiled widely as he took us in. "Good evening. I'm here to escort you all to the ballroom."

"Why are you taking us down? Aren't you off duty?" I raised an eyebrow as I gladly accepted his outstretched arm. My parents walked out after, both of my sisters linking arms with one of our brothers.

"I'm never off duty," he chuckled as we walked downstairs. "Derek asked me to take you all."

"Ah."

"He'll probably have a heart attack when he sees you." James laughed. He seemed oddly happy as well, just like my mother.

"Am I missing something?" I looked between him and my parents, brows raised in confusion.

"Of course not." James and my mother spoke at the same time.

I rolled my eyes but said nothing as the double doors opened in front of us. The ballroom was dressed up elegantly, with glittering fabrics and silver chairs fitting for a New Year's Eve party. I'd never snuck out of the house with Annika or my brothers to go to one, but if this was what I'd missed out on, I certainly regretted it. Flutes of champagne were pressed into everyone's hands, though Mom immediately grabbed Amber's. I took a small sip, enjoying the sweet bubbles. I'd never been interested in drinking, but this wasn't bad.

Aidan and Annika drifted off together into the crowd, James a moment later. My parents followed suit, Mom smiling at me over her shoulder. I stood with Amber and Kaleb, surveying the room. Devon, Eveline's little brother, was trying to catch Amber's eye. I grinned and leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"Go over to him."

Amber blushed. "I don't know, Er..."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm doing this because I love you. And because you'd do the same to me." I pushed her over to him, hard enough that she stumbled and landed in his arms. I smiled, remembering a time when the same had happened to Derek and I.

"Am I going to lose all my sisters here?" Kaleb chuckled beside me, hands stuffed in his pockets. "Next Annika will be cozying up to the Prince of Italy."