The Princess' Choice

The ball

Emmett

After a hot bath and some rest, I had to get ready for the ball held to celebrate our victory and Annalise's inauguration. Victory... We won, but the price we had to pay for it haunted me. The blood of my soldiers and our enemies dried on my hands. I looked at my reflection and felt disgusted. With a big sigh I walked to the ballroom and waited to be announced. Sébastien appeared next to me and pat my back.

- It's good to have you home. I missed you brother. - he said and I gave him a faint smile.

- I missed you too.

- Can you imagine? Anna is twelve years old already...

- Time flies. - they announced Sébastien as the First Prince and he entered. His place was almost immediately taken by Annalise. She grew into a charming young lady. Her cheekiness seemed to be just a memory. She looked calm and calculating. She bowed and stayed silent next to me.

- Where is your maid? - I asked and she kept staring at the door.

- She is already inside.

- Shouldn't she be at your side all the time? - I asked and a small smile cornered on her mouth.

- Except when I send her to bring me some information about you. - my jaw dropped.

- When what?! - Annalise looked in my eyes and we heard my name being announced.

- Good luck, brother. - she said and I walked in. My eyes searched for Berke. If Lise wasn't playing a joke on me, that meant, that the spy we noticed yesterday, was Berke. It didn't matter how badly I searched, I couldn't spot her flaming red hair. Finally Annalise entered as well and we all greeted her and congratulated her. The ball began. Many ladies stared at me and also our father persuaded me to dance but that was the last thing I wanted to do.

Annalise

I walked around the ballroom and greeted the guests. Previously we disguised Berke as a noble lady, so she could stay close to me without drawing too much attention. I had a bad feeling about tonight, but without a vision or solid reason , our parents wouldn't cancel the ball. Berke taught me a few self defense movements and we agreed also on signs if I feel uncomfortable or in danger. I was about to go back to my throne when a smuggish looking man walked to my direction. I heard the ladies gossip around me softly.

"What would Prince Damien want from the Princess?"

" I heard the Princess is mentally instable, this is why she never appeared publicly before."

"Sh.. The Prince is near, maybe he will just greet her highness."

- Your Highness Princess Annalise, my name is Prince Damien, it is my pleasure to meet her Highness in person. Please allow me to tell you, you are even more beautiful than the rumors said. - a real charmer. He was around 26 years old, just like Emmett. He resembled a little Sébastien, with his height and blonde hair. Prince Damien seemed to be a fine gentleman, but when he kissed the back of my hand I felt like I was hit him in the head. I grabbed the side of my dress and crunched it, like I was nervous hoping that Berke will notice my sign as soon as possible. I didn't want to spend another minute near this snake.

- May I have a dance your Highness? - he asked and leaned closer to my ear so only I could hear him. - There is something I'd like to discuss with you privately. - before I could answer he grabbed my hand and walked me to the dance floor.

Berke

I saw her Highness's sign and approached them carefully, waiting for my opportunity, but the Prince pulled her to the dance floor. I had no other choice, I grabbed the arm of a lingering young Baron and followed them. During the dance I couldn't hear their conversation because the young lord who I kidnapped, was talking nonstop. When the song was over I looked at him with a smile and said in my mother tongue, that I didn't speak his. He left me alone embarrassed and I felt a little sorry for him,but I had no time. The next song started and I walked directly aiming for Prince Damien who still had Annalise in his arms.

- Your Highness! Oh, finally I found you! Why did you leave me alone?! - I pouted while I clinged onto his arm. He looked at me with disgust until he saw my dress that pressed against my fragile figure. He smiled but kept his attention on Annalise.

- It looks like your companion has been alone for a long time. I'll live you two alone. - Annalise said and bowed. Damien grinned and kissed her hand again.

- Please consider my offer your Highness. - Annalise left and the song began.