♚17 ♚

HEY IM BECK FROM THE GRAVE! Sorry I'm a 14 year old smol child who is struggling with life and it's difficult keeping up with writing, oh yeah and Wattys that's cool :D prolly won't win but ITS WORTH A SHOT! What am I even saying anyways ON WITH THE PLOOOT!

"Come in!" I raided my voice so suddenly I had startled myself. The door opened smoothly (by a servant) and in peered Adrian. I grew stiff at the sight of him, uncomfortable from the events in my dream. Even though they never happened, it felt so real...

"(Y/N), dear, how happy I am to see you," he sighed with relief.

"And I you." I pushed away the thoughts of the dream. "What brings you here?"

"I'm assuming you've heard the news with how fast it travels in the castle walls," the young prince implied.

"Yes... I've heard things... is it true? Did she really take her own life?" I asked, though for some reason I didn't believe the story.

"Yes, it's true... she leapt from the balcony late last night. This is why no one should put themselves in danger by leaving the safety of the walls, I couldn't possibly imagine if it was you out-... No, that would never happen."

"Wait... what?" I paused, suddenly very confused. If there's such tight security throughout these halls, then how on earth did she even get outside of the castle?

"How devestating..." I answered sorrowfully. "Though I am curious, how did she manage to get out there in the first place? I thought no one was allowed out onto the terrace."

"You're correct, it is one of my most pressing concerns, I'm not sure who gave her access beyond those doors, but I will find out who did," he answered immediately. I'm not sure why, but what he said felt sincere to me, making me feel as if the nightmare I had wasn't valid to the circumstance at all anymore.

"Well, I do hope you find out soon..."

"As do I. Though now it is time for your class in the dining room, I shall send a servant soon to escort you," he changed the subject.

"Wait, what? Now...?" I retorted, confused.

"Why yes, is something wrong?"

"Well, er, pardon me for disagreeing, but someone just... died, and I'm just being sent to a class as though everything is normal?" I asked, slightly snapping. It wasn't until I saw Adrian slightly tick when I began to regret lashing out. His demeanor slightly shifted making the aura of the room uncomfortable.

"I can assure you, everything is completely fine now. You are safe inside the castle. Though after the rumors I've heard throughout the castle, this state of confusion could bring upcoming havoc. I do fear it may involve someone who wants to ruin our future together, and I will not let that happen. If there's one thing, it's that I promise no one will come between us," He stated darkly.

"So! That's why I say the sooner the better you become qualified to wed! I will leave you be for now, as I go to observe other matters around these walls," he said cheerily, completely bipolar to his previous words. He stepped closer before pulling me into a warm embrace. "Stay safe my dear, I love you," he spoke softly before planting a kiss on my forehead. I could feel his hesitance to let go, but eventually he did, smiled sweetly, and left the room, the door closing behind him.

"I shook my head, pulling myself from the somewhat hypnotizing trance I was temporarily under. Well that was... nice...

Once again I heard a knock on the door, and I suddenly remembered the cotillion.

"Ugh, noooo," I groaned.

~♛~

"It seems your really getting the band of it Miss (Y/N), you're a very quick learner. I'd say we're done for the day!" Florence, the woman who was teaching my etiquette class, concluded. Thank goodness! I practically screamed of relief in my head.

"Thank you for all your help. I'm sure I'll fit in in no time, thanks to you," I smiled appreciatively.

"No problem Miss, I believe the prince made a wise decision in choosing you," she complimented.

I wasn't quite sure which aspect she was directing her statement to, but I still smiled to appear thankful. I realized now was as good a time as any to start asking some questions to get some potential answers on the real reason of me being here, if any at all.

"Well, I am curious as to why... do you know why he-!"

I was interrupted by the creaking of the large wooden door opening into the dining room where I was having my lesson. Great. Just when I was finally about to get some answers.

"Sorry for intruding, Miss (Y/N) has been summoned else where by the prince himself after the lesson, he ordered me to bring her there as soon as possible." The servant spoke quickly, he was clearly urgent with his message, which made me uneasy.

"At this hour? It's already dark... I wonder what could be so important. I'm sure the prince has his own reasoning. Go ahead Miss," Miss Florence spoke softly. I really didn't want to move from my chair, slightly anxious of what he could be wanting to speak about. Could he have found out about... well anything that's been happening since I've been here?

"Oh, alright. Thank you for the class, I'll be heading to see what the prince wants now. Goodbye," I acknowledged while getting up from my seat and making my way to the door. I quickly nodded at the man at the door to lead the way to the prince. At once he perked up and began walking. I slowly noticed how much my attitude was changing towards the workers in the castle as I was beginning to conform to the lifestyle of royalty... and I hated it.

~♛~

"Here we are Miss, he asked me specifically to take you here." He finished as he stopped in front of the same ballroom from the night of the masquerade.

"Thank you, and thank you so much for your help in leading me throughout this dreadful maze of a castle," I said hoping to show my gratitude. The young man smiled and nodded, taking his leave.

Okay... I'm alone now I guess.

I scanned the room carefully, a bit confused as to find what purpose I was supposed to be here in the first place. Everything appeared normal. I slowly walked around the rather large ballroom, making my way to the center of the floor. I glanced over to my right, seeing a doorway to a balcony. I guess I missed this one because of how crowded this room was before...

The most shocking fact of the entire situation was that the balcony was completely unguarded. To my surprise, I also noticed a figure outside through the reflection of the glass. That must be the prince then... I guess I'm supposed to go see him...

I slowly stalked my way to the door before gently pushing it open. Thankfully, the door made no noise at all, concealing my presence, but I knew he had to of known I was here. I saw him standing at the end of the balcony, resting against the railing, facing the vast forest below.

Suddenly, I felt a faint gust of wind against my cheek, which gave me a terrible memory. It's almost like that dream... I stepped out onto the terrace, the door shutting behind me.

"Adrian?" I interjected into the quiet night air. Unlike my dream it was dark, but not dark enough to where I couldn't see. I could clearly see the balcony and Adrian, but nothing past it.

"Adrian..." I called out once more. I got incredibly nervous as I edged closer to him. My heart began beating faster in my chest. This time, I knew it wasn't a dream.

"Adrian." I finally stated, standing by his side now. He looked deep in thought. I didn't know whether I should do something or not. I gently placed a hand on his shoulder, attempting to wake him from his thoughts. His eye returned, as he blinked a few times before turning his head to look at me.

"...Sorry my love, I was just thinking..." he excused, similar to before. My heart was now pounding.

I quickly cleared my throat, stepping backwards to make space between the two of us, my hand returning to my side. "Well I, er, you asked for me to be here... I was just, doing as I was told..."

"Ah, Thank you, I didn't expect you to be here so s- woah my dear, you look deathly pale, even in this light you look like you've seen a ghost. Is something bothering you?" He asked worriedly, stepping closer, closing the distance between the two of us. He brought a hand close to my face, stroking my cheek.

I stopped myself from flinching this time, though my heart was still racing, I felt as if it would burst out of my chest. "I, uh," was all I managed to let out.

"Remember, if there's something on your mind, you can always tell me, I'm here for you," Adrian replied to my stammering. I felt a slight heat build in my face.

"Yes... Yes thank you, I've just had... I've just had a long day, with everything that's been happening today, you know?" I assured, looking down to hide whatever hopeless blush was present.

"I'm very sorry to hear that..." he says sorrowfully.  "Though I do hope what I have planned will help with your stress."

"Oh! And uhm... what's that...?" I asked slightly worried, looking up.

"Give me just a moment." He says as he proceeds to the glass doors to back inside the castle. He then begins to open them, leaving them completely ajar. Next, he steps inside, looking up to somewhere I can't see from outside. Lastly, he nods his head, and from what I can hear, music starts playing. He smiled slightly before walking back outside to me.

The prince had made his way to the center of the balcony now, and he smiled joyfully, gazing at me.

"Now I know you've had your cotillion class already..." he began, "But as a future princess, and queen, it is imperative you learn one of the most important skills as potential royalty."

I stood speechless, taken aback by what was happening in the moment. He slowly held his hand out in my direction, beckoning my to come closer.

"Care to dance with me?~"

I DID IT! I FINALLY WROTE A CHAPTER! I'm so sorry it took me forever!! It's currently 2 am and I forced myself to write it before I fell asleep. THANK YOU THANK YOU SO MUCH for being so so so supportive with my book! You have no idea how much it means to me! I seriously can't thank you all enough ♥ ♥ ♥

Also ITS NEARLY MY BIRTHDAY!!

But seriously, you have no idea how grateful I am to have the opportunity to write and get such wonderful support. I love each and every one of you so much! I read each and every comment I get ♥

( Side note if you ever need someone to talk to I'm always here!! :D )

One more thing, I wrote this at 2 a.m. so I apologize for all the errors and mistakes. I'll fix it as soon as I get sleep ;~;

Take care my lovelies!~

♥