Chapter 1: The Ballroom
Lilac
"You should have just stayed back at the palace instead. Now, because of you, my daughters are gonna be avoided by high ranking princes, thanks to your cursed presence." Tracy, my step mother whisper-shouted at me, her eyes darting around to make sure none was currently listening in.
I exhaled sharply, reigning in my irritation. I wasn’t supposed to lose control of my emotions no matter what.
"Father gave me permission to come along with the family." I responded monotonously, eying my gloved fingers like they were the most fascinating thing in the world right now. Meanwhile, what I was actually doing was trying to pretend I didn’t notice how people have been staring at me since I arrived with the family, about thirty minutes ago.
We’re currently at Hellbrid kingdom, seeing as they’re the ones who’re hosting the Rousatos celebration this year. It occurs once in five years, and it’s a mixture of ten kingdoms coming together for it.
Five years ago, my father’s kingdom hosted it. In five years, a different kingdom is gonna host it. It’s a celebration of the day our ancestors defeated the vile supernatural creatures and completely got rid of them, many centuries ago. It’s also a celebration of power, heaven’s blessings, and a chance for the single youths of different kingdoms to meet a lot of other equally single people, and hopefully find a match.
"Well, you better make yourself as scarce as possible! If you’re thinking of ruining Claudia and Aria’s chances of getting matched with the top princes in attendance tonight, then you had better end that delusion right now! You’re not even worthy of marrying a royal court member, talk less of a prince." Her voice hardened this time, the hate and disgust glistening in her eyes as she stared me down.
She didn’t even need to say this, because I never intended to find a prince tonight, or anyone else for that matter. The only reason I was here tonight was to keep an eye on my two younger sisters, and make sure they were at their best. I might not be interested in anything tonight, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want the best for my sisters.
I nodded stiffly at my stepmother. She scoffed hastily and threw me one last, scalding look before whirling around and storming away. I exhaled once finally alone, because as usual, her presence was always stifling.
Hailey, my youngest sister- aged fourteen, was at my side in the next moment, asking if I was alright. I took a step back before she could touch me.
"You aren’t supposed to interact with me tonight, remember? You’ll ruin your chance of piquing the interest of one of the hot shots here tonight." I reminded her. But Hailey only scoffed and stepped closer, taking my hand.
"You know I don’t care about all that. I only care about you." She responded but I shook my head and pulled away again.