~3~

The doors at the front parted for the two of us to enter, leaving a long empty hallway, with the exception of guards. The guards were also wearing masks, all the same one in fact, all appeared to be wolf-like.

I made sure to notify where we were going at all times, just to make sure I could find my way out in case anything bad happened. My plan to trace my steps was seemingly to no avail, considering all the twists and turns in every corridor, which I eventually gave in and began to study the surreal artwork plastered on every wall.

Our last turn, we made it into the ballroom, where hundreds of maidens were stationed waiting for their chance with the prince.

Abruptly after my scanning of the room, a thin man came running up to us.

Before the man could utter a word, "No need for the introduction, thank you," the one who had escorted me here waved off. At that moment, a red flag set off inside my mind. The way this man carried himself was odd, but I decided not to pay too much attention for the time being to not seem rude.

He continued on walking in front of me as I quietly followed behind. He led me down the stairs and near the outskirts of the bundles of waltzing pairs. As I was zoning out, I barely noticed this 'mystery man' turn around and hold out his hand. I was about to comply, until I short my hand back to my side in retreat when I realized what he was asking. He's asking me to dance...

"Is something the matter?" He questioned tilting his head slightly. Truth of the matter is I had never learned how to dance, I had no one to teach me nor the interest to learn.

"S-Sorry sir, I just am feeling rather famished is all," I quickly used to my defense. Though I had come up with an eligible excuse, It wasn't all a lie, I had to skip breakfast to fit into this corset.

"Ah is see, how insensitive of me. Come, we shall get something to eat," he stated firmly, oblivious to my white lie.

After weaving through the crowds of people, with the guidance of the masked man, we entered a smaller, yet still large room through and impressive archway. Ahead we're tables and tables filled with grande dishes that I have never seen anything of the like before. I mentally had to stop my jaw dropping, and physically had to stop myself from diving headfirst into the desserts.

"Does the food accommodate to your liking?" He asked pulling me from out of my trance.

Does it? Man, I've never seen so much food in my entire life! Hell yeah it does! I thought to myself. I quickly fixed my posture  and responded, "Yes, it most certainly does."

As I grabbed a hold of a plate, the man spoke behind me, "I'll be right back (Y/N), I just need to take care of something real quick, stay here ok?" He asked but it felt more like a command.

I realized how unfamiliar it felt for him to say my name, I don't recall telling him, I must've told it to him outside.

When he left the room, I quickly piled up food on my plate and shoved several chocolate eclairs into my mouth.

After thoroughly stuffing my face, I heard the music and murmuring die down in the ballroom. I gave up waiting for the masked man to come back and I sat up from the elegant sofa that I was sitting on and shuffled to the archway. Everyone seemed to be looking at the top of the stairs to where the thin man from before stood proudly.

"Ahem," he began, clearing his throat. "I now present to you all, the prince of Cress, his royal majesty, Prince Adrian!"

All eyes were glued at the top of the balcony. I myself wasn't interested in the prince, but I too found myself waiting for the reveal. Slowly, A figure emerged from the top of the stairs, and to my surprise, he looked different than I had expected.

From far away, I can't see most of his facial features. I half expected for rude, loudmouth, snobby, rich and spoiled brat to appear, but I was sorely mistaken. Instead, his face glowed with delight, and he looked, kind, if that makes any sense. His presence alone seemed to shake the room, but I was oddly calmed. The prince's dark hair was neatly combed below his crown, along with his snug uniform perfectly fitted to his body. I wonder how many seamstresses work for him, at least a dozen or so. I thought.

I glanced at the people around me, and their faces were a vast array of different emotions. Some of the maidens had a look of shock, while many others had a head over heels in love emotion glowing on their face. I found myself rolling my eyes as I turned around walking back into the food selection room. I think I'll just wander and explore the castle, this is the only time I'll be able to even do this.

I decided to give up on waiting for the mystery man and made my way into another hallway of doors.

At the end of the hallway, a large selection of french-styled glass doors towered over the wall. Since they all lead to the same balcony, I just picked the one in front of me, but a guard put his hand over the door handle to prevent me from opening it.

"Shouldn't you be enjoying the ball, Miss?" He asked, but it felt more as if he was mocking me.

"I don't care for balls, let alone getting betrothed to someone I don't know, and in addition to that, the ballroom is too crowded at the moment, and I would appreciate some fresh air," I explained throughly back at him.

The guard hesitated at first, but he grabbed hold of the handle and open the door. I walked briskly outside and noted a stone bench looking out across the forest. I took a seat and closed my eyes, breathing in the air that had never felt better when I opened my eyes, I noticed smoke coming from far off in the distance. There must be a village there...

I took a good look around the balcony, and noticed some descending stairs.

"I'll probably use those in a few minutes, or I can use them now..." I thought aloud. I didn't see the point in staying longer, but the crisp air felt great. I looked back at the castle which surprisingly appeared smaller on the outside. Maybe a few more minutes.

With my back towards the castle once again, one of the glass doors opened, causing me to jump, standing up abruptly. I turned around to scold whoever disturbed me, but when I saw who it was I was in pure shock.

The Prince!