The Vengeful Princess

Chapter 3: Un-Common Ground

There was an obvious disquieting dread in the ballroom the next morning. Although we should've been happy that there were less Privileged to compete against and were warned prior to the culling, the Prince's immediate decisiveness was unsettling. Some of the girls had barely even unpacked. It had harshly reminded us that we could be sent home easily and at any time. 

Most of the girls were engrossed in their own subdued conversations as we waited for Margaret's arrival. Seraphina flounced about the room, chattering on about how the Prince had asked her on a date. The jealousy in the room was palpable. Seraphina had won the Prince's first date. Mckayla's hands twitched as if she was about to rip Seraphina's blonde locks out. Amelia and Grace stared after Seraphina in admiration. 

"I wonder what happened during her interview that made Prince Alex choose her..." Grace sighed.

I raised an eyebrow. "You do have to feel sorry for him. Poor guy won't know what hit him."

Amelia giggled as she took a sip of tea. "Seraphina will-"

"Seraphina will what?" Seraphina interrupted, standing over us. Amelia jolted, dropping her teacup. The porcelain shattered on the floor, spilling hot tea all over the bottom of Seraphina's lacy white gown and onto her heels. The room hushed as Seraphina slowly examined the damage. 

Amelia's face drained of all colour. "I'm so sorry... that wasn't intentional!" 

A loud slap rang across the room. Amelia clutched her face in shock. I was halfway out of my seat before Grace pulled me back down. A shallow cut ran across Amelia's cheek from Seraphina's ring, on top of a vivid red handprint. Seraphina hissed venomously, "Clean it up."

"...What?" 

"You heard me, clean it up." Seraphina threw her hankerchief onto the floor. "Did you learn nothing from yesterday? Do you need to be taught another lesson?"

Amelia slowly climbed out of her seat, lowering herself onto her knees at Seraphina's feet. 

I shook off Grace's grip. "Seraphina, I'm sure that isn't necessary. You could easily get a maid to do that for you."

She smirked, "Then should I get you to?"

I forced myself to ignore her comment. If only she knew. "Prince Alex is a compassionate and forgiving man, don't you agree?" I smirked back, daring her to challenge me. "He probably respects those same values in his future wife. If he hears about you treating another Privileged this way, I wonder what he would think?"

Seraphina scowled. "Fine. But only if Amelia begs me for my forgiveness. I could've been badly burnt! And my gown is ruined." She crossed her arms expectantly. 

Thankfully, Margaret opened the double doors, breezing into the room, immediately redirecting all the attention onto her. "Okay ladies! As you all know, the Initiation ball is approaching quickly," She paused as excited titters broke out, "Many of you have probably never been to a ball before. Therefore, you will spend today familiarising yourselves with the basic moves. I have enlisted the help of Lieutenant Winter's officers to be your partners for today." 

My heart dropped as the officers entered, headed by a blonde man that made me forget about Seraphina instantly. I still remembered his face after all these years. I saw him force my father down onto his knees again, his black boot connecting with the back of my father's knee. All these years, he had been the nameless officer that helped to capture and kill my father. Now I had a name. Lieutenant Winters. 

♕

I adjusted my hand against his, internally scolding myself for not wearing gloves. The officer's sweaty hands did not help his dancing. As I stepped forward, he would follow, stepping on my toes in the process. I had danced with many officers this morning, but had not yet had one dance with the Lieutenant. The song seemed to last forever before I finally curtsied and he bowed. Twirling over to Lieutenant Winters, I curtsy and offer him my hand.