Surprisingly Royal

👸 Chapter 19: From Eye Rolls to Slow Dances

We walk into the ballroom, and honestly, I'm blown away. The decorations are beautiful soft beige tones everywhere, and the lighting is just perfect. I'm pretty sure they renovated this place recently. Mom and her team really outdid themselves.

It feels like forever since I was last here. Actually, the last time I remember being in this ballroom, I was just a little girl. School took over, and most of the events here are usually for people sixteen and older anyway.

Now that I'm sixteen, I have a feeling I'll be coming to more of these.

"This place looks so elegant," I hear Rebecca say.

"Yeah... It really does," Emily agrees.

Oh, and speaking of Emily, she's been fitting in so well with the group like she's known them forever. It's kinda impressive how easily she's clicked with everyone. She's laughing and chatting away with my friends like she's the honorary BFF of the group.

Calling them my "friends" still feels a bit weird, though. I mean, Carlos is just Matilda's annoying brother, and while Fynn and Rebecca are cool, I'm not fully used to thinking of them as friends yet.

As for Matilda , I can't even pretend she's not. She's too sweet, too charming... too Matilda. I take friendships seriously, and she's definitely earned that spot.

The ballroom is packed like, really packed. Since this is a general ball, people of all ages and backgrounds are here.

I spot the King and the Crown Prince chatting with some important-looking guests, while the youngest prince who's barely a year older than me is busy flirting with a group of girls. I roll my eyes. That's royalty for you — everyone wants a piece of them.

"Isn't he dreamy?" Emily whispers.

"Uhh... yeah, he's nice," I reply, avoiding eye contact with the prince.

"Oh Ciara, that is the understatement of the year. He is perfect," Matilda gushes.

"Whatever you say, Miss Royalty Fanclub."

"Where are the boys?" Rebecca suddenly asks.

That's when I notice they're not with us.

"Fynn went off to talk to someone," Matilda says, "and Carlos? He just walked off without saying a word."

"Is he always this moody?" Emily asks.

"Oh no, Em, he's just a certified jerk," I reply casually.

"Hey! Don't be so mean he's still my brother," Matilda defends.

"Oh, please. You know how he is. I'm just being honest. Emily will figure it out soon enough."

"He's really not that bad, Ciara. You just have to understand him better," Matilda insists.

"Yeah, sure. He wishes."

"Anyway... I'm getting a drink. I'm parched," Matilda says and heads off.

"I'll join you!" Rebecca hurries after her, leaving me and Emily alone.

"You really hate this Carlos guy, huh?" she asks.

"Hate is a strong word. I just don't vibe with his attitude."

"Well... I think he's kinda hot."

"Emily, every guy you see is hot to you."

"Oh come on, Ciara. It's not like I said you like him."

"You know what? I'm done with this ridiculous convo. I'm getting some punch. Join me when you're done fantasizing."

I walk off while she laughs behind me.