Masquerade {Edited}

Masquerade -3-

Chapter Three

The ball

"Introducing, Lady Jane, and Queen Beth." The announcer said, as we walked down the grand staircase together. All eyes were on me, the whole village was here, in my honor. For some reason I felt out of place, like I wasn't supposed to be here. The crowd clapped their hands and bowed at me once I reached the bottom. I smiled politely at them.

Everyone was here tonight, to witness the beginning of the rest of my life. Smiles were brighter than I had ever seen before. My dress was heavy, weighing down on my body. I clasped my own hands in front of me and looked around.

"Thank you all so much for attending the masquerade on this fine evening," I started, like practiced. I looked around me at all the people who wore white with masks and all the people who were looking right at me. The line of suitors was to my left, each waiting to dance with me.

"As you all know, we called you all to join this wonderful part of our lives as my daughter starts the process of finding her betrothed." My mother said, pointing her hand out in my direction. A few people congratulated me, but others didn't dare to interrupt my mother.

"This is a celebration amongst many to come! Please, enjoy yourselves!" My mother said, clapping as the music started to play. All around me chatter broke out as people started to gossip and talk about things I couldn't fathom to understand.

"My lady, care for this dance?" A man asked. By how tall he was I would have guessed he was Tim. I nodded my head and put my hand in his as he led us to the floor. The lights were dim, but I was still able to see him.

"You look just as wonderful as the day before." There was only one suitor I saw yesterday.

"Kevin." I stated, he nodded his head and smiled even wider. Surprised, I smiled at him.

"I knew you would know it would be me." He said, wrapping his arms around my waist as we continued to dance.

"Yes, only because you told me." I said, laughing. I noticed my mother and father watching us, with smiles on their faces. We swayed to the soft music as others watched us in hopes that he would be the one.

"Ahh, but that wasn't in the rules." He said, smiling even bigger now. I faked out a giggle looking around the room. There was about a couple thousand people at the castle, either walking around it or dancing. Either way, I wanted this ball to end.

"Mind if I cut in?" I heard Kyle's voice. Kevin glared at him; obviously he didn't like the fact that he cut his time short, and he was his only real competition.

"Actually I do." Kevin said angry. Kyle's eyes widened and I could tell they were going to start fighting.

"Boys, you all have time to make an impression, now drop it before people start watching." I said, through my smile but using my strong voice. Kevin's hand dropped from my waist as Kyle smiled in triumph. They whispered something into each other's face, leaving both angry.

"Sorry about that." He said, as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"You two don't get along?" I asked, trying to make it into a joke.

"Not really, we never have." I was taken aback by the truthfulness in his voice. Normally royals don't confess to something like that.

"Why not?" I asked.

"You can ask me on our next date..." He said, smiling at me. I faked a giggle. Oh god, another date? After a couple more minutes, I left the dance and walked around the ballroom in hopes to see a familiar face.