[1] YOU FOUND ME ( gilbert blythe! )

30 | THE ROYAL BALL: PART ONE

⎾30 | THE ROYAL BALL: PART ONE⏌

AS I HELD MY DRESS in my hands, I descended the staircase with my head held high. I observed the group below as all eyes fell on me, but the only eyes that I met were Gilbert's. His light brown eyes seemed to sparkle as he took in everything—a grin plastering on his pink lips.

When I made it to the main floor, Gilbert stretched out his palm and took my hand, leaning down and kissing it, "You never fail to to take my breath away, Samantha Darling."

My cheeks heartened up as I gazed up at Gilbert admiringly, "Same to you, Gilbert Blythe."

Gilbert was dressed in a black suit with his hair styled back and loosely combed. I had never seen Gilbert in such fancy attire, but might I say he had defiantly fit the profile. Long story short, Gilbert Blythe looked to be the most handsome boy in the world.

"Samantha!" A voice rang, causing my head to turn and face a beaming Diana—who was wearing a navy blue satin ball gown. "What do you think?"

I smiled brightly, "You look stunning, Diana."

Anne followed a few moments later, her blush pink dress complimenting her red hair nicely. Her face lit up with happiness as she spotted the three of us, "Isn't this delightful? I truly feel like Princess Cordelia."

I slightly giggled as Anne twirled in her gown, the pink fabric ruffling as her head ran dizzy, "Woah, careful there, princess."

Anne let out a laugh as my parents were escorted down the staircase by the assistants. When down, my mother walked up to me, her pearl-white teeth gleaming as she flashed me a smile.

"You look beautiful, darling," said my mother, while pulling out a large black box. "But, I have one more accessory that I think will compliment your dress beautifully."

As I took the box from her hands, I carefully peeled back the exterior—revealing a diamond embedded necklace. I gasped, my hand shooting to my mouth as my eyes widened, "Is this for me?"

My mother nodded, and I carefully set the box down—pulling out the necklace. My mother then turned me around, placing the piece of jewelry around my neck gently.

"Thank you," I said as she finished clipping it together. "For everything, mother. Thank you."

My mother nodded, giving me a loving hug and turning back to the group, "Well, we should get going. You all look very lovely, by the way."

The group rode in two carriages: one for Gilbert, Anne, Dianna, and I, and the other for my parents. As I took a seat next to Gilbert, he grasped my hand in his and smiled.

The loud sounds of the trumpets signaled we were getting close to the castle. As we arrived at the destination, the carriage circled the castle. You were able to see everything—the bright lights, the crowds of people surrounding the area to admire its beautiful atmosphere, and the ones who were lucky enough to attend the ball.