The Price You Pay

And So It Begins...

 ©2012 Price You Pay

Chapter 4

The prince twirled across the ball room with some petite blond in hand and he hadn’t been more bored. Yes, he was smiling at her and nodding and paraphrasing but he has been doing this since he was born. He has mastered it to such perfection that the blond didn’t even know that he wasn’t listening. What was her name again? Samantha? Sally? Sabrina? Ugh why does it matter? He thought.

He gave one last charming smile as the song ended while giving a graceful bow. The blond girl ‘Samantha’ blushed deeply, curtsied, and scampered off. The prince watched as she ran to a group of friends gushing about how the prince was so into her.

The prince sighed if only she knew. He didn’t even want a ball he knew who he wanted to marry the day he met her. But it would have been too impolite not to attend the ball. Speaking of which, where is she?

He suddenly felt the atmosphere change as everyone stared at the entrance. A smile graced his lips as he laid his eyes upon her. She was gorgeous to say the least. 

Her dark hair looked so glossy against her gown and her face held no powdered makeup yet it was flawless. He felt as if his prayers had been answered. Entertainment has arrived. The announcer banged his staff in a cry of attention. “Now entering, Princess Tatiana Brightington.”

*****

Melissa took several quick glances at Patrisha as the carriage tumbled along the road towards the castle. Everything today had gone wrong but yet Patrisha didn’t even look stressed. She must know that she was beyond late for the ball and the prince could pick anyone, yet she remained calm. Melissa gazed at her face once again.

“Melissa, no matter how many times you stare at me, my face will not change.” Patrisha taunted as she turned toward Melissa. “Is there a reason you are staring so intensely?”

Melissa shook her head softly. “Aren’t you worried he is going to pick someone else, or even think you aren’t coming at all?”

Patrisha let a knowing smile slip on to her face.

“I doubt that he would.”   Melissa shook her head, baffled by Patrisha’s confidence.

Patrisha continued to gaze out of the carriage window. The night was beautiful to say the least. The castle was surrounded in so much light that the kingdom seemed to be just pebbles around a raging flame. And one day this could all be hers.

“Ma’ Lady” Melissa spoke, “We are here.”

Patrisha quickly corrected her posture, it was time. 

The carriage door opened and once again Patrisha was amazed by the sight before her. But she had no time to marvel at the unique design. She was ushered quickly through the halls by Melissa to the ballroom. 

Patrisha felt a rush run through her, the same rush that she always got with a public appearance. She felt power run through her because right now she was in control.

“Now entering Lady Patrisha Millings.” Bellowed the announcer. 

She let a smile grace her lips as all eyes turned towards her some in awe and many in envy, but their feelings nor their attention mattered. She only cared about one person but no matter where she searched his eyes never met hers.

She maintained her smile as she approached the bottom step, but inside she was panicking. He had to be there somewhere it was his ball after all. She wanted to sigh but her smile can not fall now she was almost to the ballroom floor.