I was currently being tortured to death by a curling iron.
“Are you done?” I asked as I stared at the ceiling.
Rose gritted her teeth.
“Goodness Adelaide, can’t you have any patience?”
I sighed.
Today was Sunday, the day of my ball. And so here I was, getting my hair done, while dressed in the burgundy dress I picked out.
“There. You’re all done.”
I sighed in relief. Finally.
Rose handed spun my chair around so I could look at myself in the mirror.
I almost died when I saw myself.
Rose had dusted my face with a sparkly highlighter. She had accentuated my cheekbones, and made my brown eyes stand out. My lips were covered with a light coat of dark red lipstick that matched my dress.
Rose had curled my blonde hair into beautiful ringlets that bounced around when I moved. I didn’t know that my hair even had the ability to look that good.
“Oh my god this is amazing!” I shrieked as I squeezed Rose into a tight hug.
Rose immediately pulled away.
I frowned, confused.
“Don’t you dare ruin your hair! I spent an hour on that!” She glared.
I rolled my eyes.
Typical.
“Princess Adelaide?”
I turned to find my dad’s advisor standing in the doorway.
“It’s time.”
I turned to Rose.
“See you at the ball.”
I retrieved my mask, which was the same color as my dress. It had feathers sticking out from one side of it, and little diamonds dotting the sides.
I quickly put it on.
Even though I was the one who was supposed to be seen, it was still a masquerade so I had to wear a mask like the others.
“Ready?”
I nodded at the advisor as we stopped in front of the doors that lead to the ballroom. He turned and gave me an assuring smile.
Then he gave the signal, and the doors opened.
The ballroom was huge. The chandeliers were lit, making the marble walls shine. Hundreds of people stood on the edge of the dance floor, chatting and drinking champagne. Some were at the buffet table, eating with their friends.
When I entered, everyone stopped. The music, the talking, the laughter.
I gulped.
Why were there so many people?
Okay, Adelaide, take a deep breath.
1, 2, 3 , 4.
Now exhale.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
I plastered on a smile.
“Please welcome, Princess Adelaide Lana Halsey!”
I curtsied, and everyone clapped. I lifted my dress and steadied myself on the railing.
Slowly, I made my way down the stairs.
“Let the choosing begin!”
Oh dear lord.
Immediately, a few boys came over to me. One with dark brown hair and green eyes bowed.
“May I have this dance?”
I half smiled as I put my hand into his.
This is going to be a long night.
After dancing with countless boys, I was exhausted and out of breath.
“Anyone you like?”
I jumped at the voice.
“Not really.” I sighed.
Corrie nodded sympathetically.
“I’m sure you will find someone. There are a plenty of boys who would love to-”
I held up my hand to stop her.
“Everyone here just wants the money. They want me because I’m a princess. I don’t want that. I want someone who wants me, for, well, me.”
Corrie was silent. She knew this was true.
“Well, I’m sure there will be some that will.” She said quietly.
I snorted.
“Yeah sure.”
I spun around to get some water. All this has given me a massive headache.
I weaved through the crowd, trying to get to the buffet table. All of a sudden, a hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me back.
I groaned as I crashed into a wall. I looked up, only to find that the wall wasn’t a wall.
“Well hello there.” An amused voice said.
I groaned again. Just great. Another one. Can’t a girl get some rest? I was so done with being polite.
“Oh my god will you just leave me alone? I don’t want to be your girlfriend so just let it go.” I grumbled, irritated.
The person raised an eyebrow.
“Who said anything about wanting you to be my girlfriend, princess?”
I sighed.
“Oh it’s you.”
Carter grinned.
“Well you sound enthusiastic to see me.”
I rolled my eyes and tried to push past him. It didn’t work. His hand was still holding my wrist.
“Excuse me, you’re in my way.”
Carter chuckled.
“I know.”
I glared at him.
“Move it.”
Carter smirked.
“Make me.”
I scowled, and tried to push him away. But seeing that he was made of rock, I failed.
“So weak, Delly.”
I arched an eyebrow.
“Oh it’s Delly now?”
“Yup, princess.”
I rolled my eyes.
How the heck am I supposed to get past him? I can’t push him because he’s a walking wall. I can’t demand him to because he won’t listen. I can’t beg him because I have my dignity.
What the heck do other girls do to get out of this situation?
Wait.
My eyes lit up as I got an idea. There was another way. It was horrifying. Disgusting even. But I didn’t have a choice, did I? I had to do it. It was the only way. So, putting away my fears, I decided to do what I have to do.
Seduction.
I took a step towards him, a smirk on my lips.
Carter’s eyebrows furrowed.
“What are you doing-” His eyes widened.
My fingertips were trailing down his chest, moving slowly. I could feel his abs from under his shirt. God they were so firm…
No Adelaide stop it. Focus on your task.
Right.
I stared into his eyes as I continued to move my hands across his stomach. I bit my lip in a way I hoped was seductive. When Carter’s eyes darkened, I knew it was.
Holding back a grin, I moved closer to him, pressing my body against him. My lips closed in on his ear and I blew a soft breath of hot air onto it.
I heard Carter suck in a breath and I laughed evilly to myself in my head.
Moving my lips so that they grazed his ear, I opened my mouth to whisper into it.
“I win.”
And with a cackle, I slipped from his hold and ran away.
Only when I was a good distance away did I look back. Carter was standing there on the dance floor, looking as confused as ever.
I laughed.
He finally turned towards me with an annoyed expression and I laughed even harder.
So he stuck his middle finger at me.
ns 15.158.61.54da2
