Cruel Deception (On Hold)

Chapter Four

          The gown was beautiful. It was inspired by the late 15 century. It was a two layered dress; the inside was a simple white gown that was lacy above the chest, the outside layer was a dark navy blue. It was then connected at the waist with a gold belt buckle. My favorite part of the dress though was the wide train in the back. I looked in the mirror, it suited me, but for that reason I didn’t want to wear it. I was not trying to impress them; I was trying to not impress them. I wanted to come off as ordinary. Or did I? What chance would I get to escape again?

          My father earlier had come and given me my matching mask for this event. Apparently the Sorcerer wanted to mingle with people without them knowing who he was. This would be good because that meant that I just had to be boring to anyone who talked to me, and somehow avoid Bran. I played with my hair anxiously. My mask was a beautiful weapon though, if the person didn’t know what my outfit looked like then they wouldn’t guess who it was that wore it. The mask itself was matching, plan navy blue with white lace covering just above my nose to just below my eyebrows. My father had asked if I would wear some jewelry and I had declined. I didn’t want to stand out. Plus I hated having any dangly, expensive jewelry on. I’m not someone who enjoys showing off.

          When I had told my father I was taking the security guard he was flabbergasted, but eventually agreed. Apparently, “it wouldn’t matter because you will make an impression on the sorcerer, no matter who you bring”. He was busy preparing himself, for Meg Ryan would be at the ball. I had to wonder if the Sorcerer chose her as his bride how my father would react. Would he laugh it off and say fair game or would he loose his temper and cause a war he couldn’t win?

          My thoughts moved to a different matter all together, I looked into the mirror at the mysterious girl wearing a mask. Bran had said something about my ‘fierce’ almond eyes. I looked deep into them; they looked like my mothers. I couldn’t see what he saw.

“Princess, it’s time for us to go.” A guard, who had been standing quietly by my door, motioned for us to go.

“Did Raoul dress?” I asked with a fakely, sweet voice.

“Yes ma’am. He’s waiting in the hovercraft.” He told me, and held out his arm, which I took with no effort. He guided me through the marble hallways as if it was second nature and out into the patio where the hovercraft waited. When he opened the door I saw Raoul smiling on the other side, and boy, he looked good. He wore a black suit that held tight to his muscular body and gray pants. It wasn’t in with the theme but I let it go. He wore a plain black mask just enough to cover around his eyes. He didn’t have the need to blend in like I did.

I got into the car. There was an akward silence until we both complemented each other on how we looked. Then my father got into the car, which increased the awkwardness. He wore a tailored king’s outfit. He had a green undershirt and a blue over coat that could be buttoned up with black buttons, and blue pants. It wasn’t the best looking outfit. He took one look at Raoul and huffed and went to sit in his corner near the front of the car. Raoul kept his head down the entire way until we reached the ball. We got out slowly from the car to take in the sights. The lights were starting to dim now to give the dome a cooler feeling.

We looked up at the majestic and yet foreboding castle. It took up all our eyes sight to see the stone structure and the hundred feet of the courtyards. It was at least two hundred feet in the air if you didn’t count the tranquil towers in each corner of the gray stoned fortress.

Raoul offered me his arm and we walked up the cobbled path – which reminded me of home. We pasted the main arched gateway and were immedantly greeted by servants offering to take our coats a belonging. I gave this my purse and my blue over coat. We were then ushered up to the main doors.