My Foreign Prince

Chapter 4

"Okay, so let me get this straight..." Shane began, clapping his hands together and pressing them against his lips "You've been grounded for three days, and the only reason you're not anymore is because you made a deal with your parents to take them to the ball. But the only reason you're going is to hang out with this chick Lizza and her classy brother Al?"

"Yeah, pretty much," I reply with a shrug, continuing to look through the racks of dresses. Picking out one I held it up for my friend to see "Does this one scream 'Pick me, your highness'?"

"Yes, one hundred percent."

"Then it's going back." I sighed "I need to find something that won't make me stand out, the last thing I need is a prince asking me to marry him."

"And why do you need me here for that, again?" Shane asked, crossing his arms "You've shopped for clothes before."

"You're mom makes dresses for a living, I thought you'd know what counts as breathtaking and what doesn't."

"Wha-- I hardly ever go into the workshop!"

I smirked "You used to, though~"

"We do not mention those dark times!"

So, let me introduce you. The guy I'm dress shopping with right now is my childhood friend Shannon Akira - more commonly known as Shane. He has short dark brown hair that he usually combs over to one side, and freckled cheeks which I teased him about when we were kids. He's also actually the apprentice of Belliak's head guard which is a huge deal, especially for him. It's probably why he wears his armour literally everywhere.

"How about this one?" I asked, and Shane's nose wrinkled in disgust.

"Oh you'll be noticed alright. For wearing the ugliest dress. You're supposed to blend in, not be the tackiest one at the ball."

"Hmm, what about this?"

"Ugh, no. Kill it with fire!"

"... This?"

Shane gagged.

"..." I turned to him "Am I thinking too much into this?"

"Yes!" He dragged, flexing his hands slightly "Listen to yourself! You're so worried about being noticed by the Prince you are literally looking at the rejects section!"

"The reje--" I glanced up at the rack's label "Oh... Well, what do you suggest?"

"I'm glad you asked!" Shane mused with a grin, before whistling over the woman by the till "She needs a dress that makes her stand out, but keeps her hidden from the royal eye, stat!"

The girl nodded with a smile, grabbing me by the wrist and pulling me towards the dressing rooms. I turned to Shane with a look of desperacy, but he only waved my off.

"You'll thank me later." He called out, giving a thumbs up before making his way to the waiting area.

Dammit, Shane...

---

The days dragged by, and finally the day of the ball came. My parents were so excited, and therefore closed shop two hours early to get ready. Even though the ball wasn't until seven, they got ready at three. I remained logical and began getting ready at quarter to six, slipping on the dress Shane helped me buy and applied the lightest amount of makeup. I also decided to wear the pendant my grandmother handed over to me before she passed away, to give me strength for the night.

"Cindy, the coach is here!"

Great. Hell's coming "Coming, mom!"

As soon as I came downstairs my mother gasped, pulling me into a death grip and crying about how 'beautiful' I was. After that she and father pulled me out of the bakery and into the coach they had rented for the night. Don't ask how they could afford this, because I myself don't know.