Cinders [Completed]

Chapter 4: A Royal Ball

I have never been to the Palace before.

It's ridiculously large. As our car gets closer, I drink in the front facade, covered in elaborate golden designs. Three staircases lead to a massive entrance, all covered in dozens of A-list guests and -

"Goddess, I didn't think of the cameras!" I exclaim in a panic. Of course there are cameras. It's the biggest celebrity event of the year. If I got caught on a single camera, I was done for!

"Of course you didn't, sweet summer child," Elia sings in a consoling tone, "that's what I'm here for."

She holds my hands and pats them, patronizing. I roll my eyes.

"Then please tell me, O Great and Wise One."

"Denton is going to take you around to the back entrance," she says with satisfaction. The car driver nods at me from the mirror. "I am going to meet you there. There are no cameras allowed inside, so we should be good after that."

The car stops. Elia smiles.

"Don't worry. You look gorgeous. I'll see you in a second."

She steps out of the car, allowing the train on her dress to drop after her in a red river.

I'm not worried about how I look, I want to bite back, but I hold my tongue. She knows that. That's just my nerves talking.

And, woah, how my nerves have multiplied. They keep my muscles stiff in defense. So many things could go wrong. Dad and Jonah could spot me at any moment. What if I don't even find Cassandra Huntley, and I've just risked everything? What is Cassandra Huntley just - decides not to come?

But it feels like more than that. The anxiety thrumming through me veins is strange - almost thrilling.

Denton pulls the car to a small door on the side of the building. His beard ruffles as he smiles. I open the door, bracing myself for the cold air.

Okay.

Okay okay okay.

At least I'm not in heels. I'm sure they would wobble as I walk.

The door opens into a small, dark corridor. At the end, to the left, light glows from the next room. I cross the space and wait.

And wait.

And wait.

Where is Elia? Did I come in at the wrong entrance? Maybe I should go back to the car, if it's still here?

The longer I'm here, the higher the chance that Dad will discover me.

I shake off my hesitation. I can't afford to waste a second. I would have to go find Elia.

When I open the door, I'm momentarily dazzled by the light. I open up to a nearly empty corner of the room, separated slightly by a partition of decorated glass, apparently meant for servants. I gear up enough courage to walk past this and into the main room.

Two giant chandeliers hang from the ceiling like dripping waterfalls. The main doors, where guests are still arriving, are on an upper level that stretches overhead in a bridge. Two staircases on either side lead down to the main area, which is currently packed with people. Tables line the opposite end of the room, where several people are already eating, among which is my father.

I flip my body around quickly and hurry in the other direction.

I scan the crowd for Elia. Where could she be? Her red dress should be easy to see, even among so many people.

A servant offers me a light, golden drink. I shake my head. My stomach is twisting like a boat in a storm. The nerves I had before multiply by ten, making me feel like I've had several shots of espresso. I need to calm down.