Surprisingly Royal

👸Chapter 11:Old enough

Mom isn't beside me when I wake up. I'm pretty sure she went back to her room the moment I dozed off.

And just like that, memories from yesterday start flooding in.

I wonder if Em is thinking about it too. I already miss her so much. I miss the way she laughs at my jokes ,even the ones she's heard a hundred times.

I love listening to her ramble on and on about whatever new obsession she had that week.

Even though we're not friends anymore, those memories mean the world to me. I'll always keep them close.

I sigh and fix my messy bed before heading out to take a shower.

The house feels quiet, and Mum's nowhere in sight, so I guess she's already gone to the palace.

Oh no the palace!

The ball is today, and I still haven't figured out what I'm wearing. I just hope whatever it ends up being is elegant and actually fits me well.

I really don't feel like going to Matilda's. I'm just not in the mood to deal with Carlos and all his annoying drama.

But... I promised. And now I'm stuck. Maybe I should stop making promises.

After my shower, I rummage through my closet and decide on a dark blue knee-length dress. Then I head to the kitchen for breakfast.

To my surprise, Mum is still there, eating.

"Good Morning, Mum. You're still here? It's kinda late," I say as I scoop food onto my plate.

"Hey sweetheart. I just wanted to stay a bit longer to make sure you're alright."

"I'm fine, really. I'm heading to Mat's. We're going to a beauty shop to get some stuff done before the ball," I tell her, sitting down to eat.

"Oh? Why didn't you tell me earlier? Hang on." She starts digging through her purse.

"Here, take this. It should be enough to get you something nice. maybe fix your hair and nails too. Honestly, when was the last time you had a proper manicure? You need to look your best tonight."

"Mum, this is too much just for a little makeover. I have some money with me. I can use that," I say, trying to hand the money back.

But she refuses.

"No way. It's been too long since you treated yourself. Just enjoy today, okay? Most girls your age are counting down to this ball, and you're over here acting like it's nothing."

How am I supposed to enjoy it when Em and I aren't even speaking? It just doesn't feel right.

"But Mum... you know what's going on. Even if I wanted to have fun, I don't think I could."

"Sweetheart, that's no excuse. Life doesn't stop because something went wrong. If it's meant to be, things will work out. Don't punish yourself for something you couldn't control," she says, sounding firm but kind.

"Okay, Mum," I say quietly.

"Good. Now finish up and don't let your food get cold. I've got to head out, but I trust you know what to do." She kisses my cheek and heads out.

After eating, I clean up and wash the dishes. Then I grab my leather jacket, boots, and bag from my room. I tie my hair up in a neat bun and head out.

Please let Mat be ready. I don't want to hang around too long at her place and risk bumping into Carlos. That'll just ruin everything.

On the way, I try not to think about Emily. Today's supposed to be a break a little treat for myself after all the stress I've been carrying.

When I get to Mat's, I knock gently. She opens the door, already dressed and smiling.

Looks like she's all set, so why not just head out?

But now I'm sitting alone in her living room, flipping through a magazine while she checks on something.

It's a royal fashion magazine full of gowns, crowns, and sparkly accessories. Typical.

I hear footsteps, so I glance up and there she is. Matilda... with Carlos.

"We're ready, Ciara," she says, fussing with her hair.

We?

"Wait. We as in just the two of us, right?" I ask, hoping,praying she says yes.

She gives me an apologetic smile. "Well... Mum said we needed adult supervision. So Carlos is coming along."

"You've got to be kidding me. We're sixteen, Mat! We don't need him tagging along."

"I tried to change her mind, trust me. But she thinks it's safer having a guy with us."

Carlos finally speaks. "Can you two stop talking like I'm not even here? Let's just go. I need to meet someone in town anyway. That's the only reason I agreed to this."

Of course. Probably going to meet one of his little flings. I really don't get what people see in him.

Okay, fine. He's good-looking. Really good-looking. Especially those eyes.

Wait, what am I doing? Snap out of it, Ciara! He's not worth the thought.

A finger snaps in front of my face, pulling me back.

"Can we go now? The carriage is waiting," Mat says.

Yes, a carriage. That's our main ride around here in Angellos. Cars are rare we mostly stick to the old-school ways.

"Right... okay," I say, grabbing my purse.

It's been a while since I rode in a carriage. I usually take the train.

The carriage is elegant, just like you'd expect. The coachman helps us in, and Carlos, already seated, doesn't even glance our way. He just tells the coachman where to go.

The ride is dead silent. No one says a word. I just fiddle with the chain on my purse to pass the time.

Finally, the carriage stops.

"As I said earlier, I'm not hanging around. I've got to meet someone. Don't get into trouble. I don't want to deal with the consequences," he says before stepping out.

Ugh. He's so irritating. Who does he think we are , kids?

I almost call him out on it but stop myself. No need to let him ruin my day.

"We'll be in the beauty shop if you need us," Mat says, pointing to the store.

"Fine. Meet me here in three hours," he replies, walking off.

Matilda pulls me toward the shop and wow, it's massive. There are dresses, shoes, masks, jewelry, accessories... everything you could possibly need for the ball.

But it's all so expensive. My budget barely covers a pair of shoes, a shawl, and maybe a necklace if I'm lucky.

The gowns? Not even going to consider them. I'd have to work forever to afford one.

This place definitely caters to the rich who don't know what else to spend their money on.

I realize I'm spacing out again. I've got to stop doing that.

Now Mat's nowhere to be found, and I'm stuck in this overwhelming sea of clothes, glitter, and people.

Great. This day is going to be very long.

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Beryl 😃