Surprisingly Royal

👸Chapter 9: Good for nothing Jerk

I wake up feeling a bit hopeful today. Maybe, just maybe, I'll finally be free from this punishment.

I step out of my room and head to the kitchen to grab some tea, like I always do. Mum's already there, flipping through what looks like a magazine while sipping her own cup.

"Morning, Mum," I greet as I start preparing my tea.

"Morning," she replies, eyes still on the pages.

Once I'm done, I join her at the table.

"Since when did flipping through magazines become your morning ritual?" I ask, curious. Not like there's a rule about it, but it's just weird seeing her do this so early in the day.

"Oh, this? I'm just looking for decoration ideas for the palace. You know... for tomorrow's event."

Oh shoot, the ball. I nearly forgot.

Honestly, I don't get the hype. Why is a royal ball even necessary at this time of year?

But of course, it's a big deal here in Angellos. Some kind of sacred tradition or whatever.

I've never been into all that dancing and dressing up in uncomfortable ball gowns. And this one's worse ,a royal masquerade ball. Like seriously? What's the point of covering our faces with those weird masks?

And don't even get me started on the royals. All shiny and perfect. Meanwhile, I'll probably look like a potato in comparison.

I don't even have a gown or one of those ridiculous feathered masks. If I show up in my normal clothes, I'll either get kicked out or be the star attraction for creepy stares.

Hopefully, Mum comes through. She always has a way of saving my beauty life when I'm on the edge of a crisis. Honestly, she could've opened a whole fashion empire with her skills in dresses, shoes, and hair.

"What's running through your mind? You're zoning out," Mum snaps her fingers, pulling me back to earth.

"Oh, I was just thinking about the ball," I mumble.

"Well, if it's about your outfit, don't stress. I've already planned it. After all... this might be your last ball," she says.

Wait. "What do you mean, might be my last?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Uhh... I meant that since you don't enjoy these things, you can skip future ones. That's all," she replies, clearly flustered.

"Okay," I say quietly.

Truth is, I am worried about how I'll look. This is my first ball since turning sixteen, and sixteen in Angellos means you're officially an adult. That means no skipping out on big events anymore.

The last ball I went to was when I was thirteen ,Prince's wedding or something. It was huge. But that was ages ago.

If I'm being honest, I just want to wear something simple. No frills, no extra sparkle. I hate drawing attention to myself. I'd rather blend in.

Mum, however, looks way too excited about this mystery outfit. That can't be a good sign.

I force a smile. "Thanks, Mum. Can't wait to try it on."

"Alright, I have to head out. We've got a ton to do at the palace. Oh! Almost forgot ,your punishment's officially lifted. You're free to go out, but be back early, and don't get into trouble," she adds as she grabs her bag.

"Thanks, Mum," I say, hugging her tight.

"Okay, okay! I can't breathe," she laughs, patting my back.

I follow her to the door, and she gives me her usual speech about locking up and blah blah blah. Same old.