Inside My Head

Chapter 15

I hear the trumpets that announce my arrival at the gala and the guards swing open the doors. I begin to step forward and walk down the aisle. The cheering dies down as the DJ starts to play a slow song with a 3/4 time signature. I look around for Shawn to get him to come dance with me. I spot him and Aaliyah alone at a table in the corner. I walk over to them.

Jackie: Aaliyah, go find Dillon. I'm sure he'd love to dance with you.
Aaliyah: Ooh yay Dillon is kinda hot.

I laughed. The only girl Dillon could get was of course, a 14 year old girl. Shawn took my hand and led me to the dance floor, where plenty of couples were already waltzing. I tried to help Shawn catch up with me. He wasn't as great of a ballroom dancer.

Shawn: I didn't have the time to tell you before you changed but you looked, and still look beautiful.

He blushed as he said this. I kissed him on the cheek and whispered 'thank you'. The song ended and I curtsied, and he bowed. I walked away to go find my brothers. I spotted Dillon laughing with Aaliyah.

Jackie: Liyah, would you mind if I stole my brother for a second?
Aaliyah: No, I was going to find Shawn anyways.

She walked off, clearly enjoying the party. Dillon pulled me into the crowd for the next dance, which we both knew well. It was way more complex than the waltz.

Jackie: I'm sorry about before Dillon.

He spun me out and pulled me back in.

Dillon: I know how you felt. We weren't making it easy on you. I'm sorry about that. Did you have to keep the throne to yourself though?
Jackie: It was Maven who told me to take it from you. I support his decision. Were you really ready for the throne?
Dillon: Nope. Not at all. If I'm being honest...
Jackie: Always be honest with me.
Dillon: Fine. I wasn't thrilled with how you've been acting lately but then I thought, how have I been acting? We are all grieving Nathan still, and you've got your past catching up with you too. I can't imagine how you felt. Then Maven comes and pops up. I felt a little jealous of him. I wanted my own sister.
Jackie: You're so soft. You loooove me!
Dillon: Maybe.

The song ended, and we parted ways. I turned around only to bump into Grayson. He pulled me into the next dance.

Grayson: My best friend, is a princess. I can't believe it!
Jackie: I can't believe it either.
Grayson: I'm sure you'd rather be somewhere else than dancing with me but I need to talk to you.
Jackie: I always have time to talk with you Gray.
Grayson: What happened with you and Shawn? You just arrived here and were together again.
Jackie: It's hard to explain, but when you really love someone, that feeling doesn't go away.
Grayson: If you're happy, then I'm happy.
Jackie: I really am Gray.

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Once the party died down, it was around two in the morning. I headed back to my room with Shawn. We stopped at the door, and he kissed me goodnight. Aaliyah was already asleep on her bed. I sat on mine a slowly took in what had just happened. I was now a princess.

I went into the bathroom to take off my makeup, and couldn't help but smile at myself in the mirror. I was only 18 and all these amazing things were happening to me, and let me just say, I looked good tonight. I was not looking forward to tomorrow morning when I had to leave all of this behind. I was grateful for what little time I had in Karaine though.

I walked to Cal's room to find Maven crying on his shoulder. Maven looked up to see me standing in the doorway.

Maven: I'm not made for this. He didn't prepare me enough for this. I don't want to be the king. I want to be a normal 23 year old.
Jackie: Mavey, you were born for this. Plus, now you have me and Cal to help you!
Maven: I just can't believe I lost my father.
Cal: Me either.

We ended up falling asleep on Cal's bed which was massive enough to fit all three of us.