The Royal cruise

Chapter Seven

THE NEXT MORNING

Amelia wakes up to the sound of the whistle; She realized that she slept in the middle of her writing and she was astonished at how much she had written in one night. She put the journal under her pillow and changed into her uniform. She ties her hair up before glancing at the mirror and heading out to the kitchen. On her way there, she spots Adeline sitting down in the lobby and approaches her with a smile on her face.

Amelia: Good morning, ma'am.

Adeline looks up at her and smiles.

Adeline: It's you; You're the kind angel from two weeks ago.

Amelia nods her head and Adeline holds hands with Amelia.

Adeline: Oh, you look so beautiful each time I see you, my dear. All the men would come lining up to dance with you...

Amelia: I'm not attending the ball as a guest, ma'am.

Adeline looks at her in confusion.

Adeline: Why not?

Amelia: I'm on serving duty. 

Adeline: How can a beautiful girl like you be on serving duty? 

Adeline looks around and back at Amelia. 

Adeline: Something tells me you will be attending the ball tonight. 

Confused, Amelia just smiles thinking the old woman is out of her mind. She casually nods.

Amelia: Have a good day ma'am.

Amelia walks away, leaving Adeline alone. Upon entering the kitchen, she is welcomed with the sweet scent of the delicious food.

Amelia: So good.

Her thoughts are later on interrupted by the chef, who seems pissed.

Chef: Hey, you there! Don't just stand there! Go on and carry the food to the dining room.

Amelia: Sorry.

Amelia carries food to the ballroom. As she enters the ballroom, she sees Zac dancing and laughing. She looks on as Zac spins Olivia around and dips her. the dance instructor claps.

D.I: That was amazing, your Highness.

Zac: Thank you, Mr.Jones.

D.I: Now, the end greeting.

Zac places a kiss on his sister's forehand and bows while she curtsies. Amelia smiles at them before leaving the ballroom. On her way to the kitchen, she hears two voices approaching; It was Lauraine and some other man. Terrified, she jumped into the closet and spied from inside.

Lauraine: You know what to do right? 

The man nods and Lauraine hands him a small pouch.

Lauraine: Let me know when you're ready.

The man nods before heading to the ballroom. Lauraine looks around before leaving. Amelia sits in the closet as she begins to think of what Lauraine said. she slowly opens the door and peers through the open gap. She comes out of the closet and makes a run for the kitchen. 

FIVE HOURS LATER

Amelia is about to head for her cabin when she decides to pass by Camille's cabin. She knocks on the door and the door opened. When she entered, she gasped in astonishment as she saw Camille dressed up.

Camille: Amelia!

Amelia hugs her.

Amelia: You look amazing!

Camille: Thank you.

Amelia: I'm sure Frederick won't hesitate to ask you to dance with him.

Camille laughs.

Amelia: Have fun okay?

Camille: I wanted to share this moment with you.

Amelia: Don't worry about me! This night is about having fun.

Amelia picks up Camille's mask and puts it on for her. they both look at the mirror and smile. Camille hugs Amelia one more time before heading out to the ballroom.

FIVE MINUTES LATER

Amelia is seated in her bedroom writing in her journal. There's a large knock on her door. Curious, she opens the door to see a woman standing there.

Amelia: Can I help you?

The woman looks at her from head to toe and grins.

Woman: Are you Amelia?

Amelia: Yes...

Woman: Perfect! I am Lena and I will be the one to get you ready.

The woman grabs Amelia's hand and takes her to a powder room with two other women. 

Amelia: I don't have time for this. I have to go serve...

Lena: The queen specifically told us to dress you up for the ball.

Amelia: The queen?! 

Lena: Enough talking! Let's get started.

She took off Amelia's clothes and shoved her into a rose bath; She made Amelia sit in there for thirty minutes and they took her out.

Amelia: That was freezing.

Lena: You'll get used to it.

They dry her face up and began applying makeup on her while Lena made her hair. Once they were done. They put on her dress and tie the bow tight

Amelia: Ow!

Lena: Steady!

They tie the dress and slip her shoes on. She puts on her mask. 

Lena: One more thing.

Lena takes out a tiara and places it in her head. 

Lena: There. All done.

Amelia looks at herself and gasps.

Amelia: This is amazing! Thank you so much!

Lena: No problem.

There's a knock on the door.

Lena: She's here. 

Lena opens the door and Adeline comes in.

Adeline: Is she ready?

Amelia gasps as she sees Adeline at the doorway.

Adeline: Such a beautiful pearl.

Amelia: It was you?

Adeline: My predictions never lie, sweetie. Now come on, the ball has started.

She takes Amelia's hand and they head for the ballroom.

Adeline: You are attending this ball as my personal guest and I would like to know a little more about you. Now tell me, how are you feeling?

Amelia: To be honest, your Majesty, I feel a little nervous.

Adeline: And why is that, dear?

Amelia: I've never attended such big events and I haven't worn any dress this beautiful.

Adeline: That's the rich lifestyle, dear.

AT THE BALLROOM

Zac was talking to Frederick and Camille.

Zac: This place is full.

Frederick: You don't say. Are you nervous?

Zac: Who wouldn't be?! 

Camille: I would be nervous.

Frederick: At least you'll dance with me.

Camille looks around.

Camille: I haven't seen Amelia. Where is she?

Zac: Now that you mention it, I haven't seen her either.

Frederick looks around and spots Zac's grandmother.

Frederick: Wait, who's the girl with your grandmother?

Zac looks over at them.

Zac: I have no idea, but she is beautiful.

Camille: Why don't you find out?

Zac: Not now.

MEANWHILE

Adeline and Amelia take a seat.

Adeline: So many people.

Amelia: Indeed.

Alexander comes up to them.

Alexander: Mother, I was looking for you.

Amelia stands up and curtsies.

Alexander: And whom do we have here.

Adeline: Oh, she is just my personal guest, Amelia.

Alexander: Pleased to meet you.

He kisses Amelia's forehand.

Alexander: I hope you enjoy your night. I must go now.

Amelia: Thank you, Your Majesty.

Alexander walks away. Adeline looks over at Zac.

Adeline: Ah, there's my grandson. Charming, isn't he?

Amelia looks over at Zac, who is staring at her with Camille and Frederick.

Adeline: He's the one with the princely attire.

She gestures for Zac to come over.

Zac: I must go; My grandmother is calling.

He goes over to his grandmother.

Zac: Hello, grandmother.

Adeline: Zac, I'd like to introduce you to my personal guest. Meet my grandson, Zac.

Zac looks at Amelia as she curtsies. He kisses her forehand.

Adeline: She's the one who helped me.

Zac: Is that so? Well then, It's a pleasure meeting you.

The music dies down and the king climbs up the stairs. 

Alexander: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I must admit I am happy to see you all gathered here tonight. It is an honor for me to announce we will begin the dancing; So, gentlemen grab a woman and may the ceremony begin.

Everyone cheers and they grab partners.

Adeline: You two should dance together.

Zac and Amelia looked at each other. Zac holds out his hand.

Zac: May I have this dance?

Amelia nods and Zac leads her to the dance floor and they begin dancing. Amelia could feel her dress gliding on the dance floor as she looks into Zac's eyes.

Zac: You dance really well.

Amelia: So do you...

Zac: I don't believe we've seen each other before.

Amelia blushes and looks up at him. He recognizes Amelia almost immediately and he can't stop admiring her. He spins her around and lifts her up; Amelia smiles as she is lifted up in the air. As the music dies down, Zac dips Amelia and brings her up slowly looking into her eyes. Everyone starts cheering and clapping; Zac kisses Amelia's forehand and looks up at her. Amelia blushes and smiles before leaving the ballroom and heads out to the deck. She sighs heavily as she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She looks up at the starry night sky as she feels her hair flying through the wind. She turns around and gasps as she sees Zac standing there. He comes closer to her.

Zac: Is everything alright?

Amelia: Yes... Everything is fine, why?

Zac: You look pale... and you're cold.

Zac takes off his jacket and places it over Amelia.

Amelia: Thank you...

There is a brief moment of silence between them. 

Zac: It's a beautiful night.

Amelia nods her head.

Amelia: It is.

There's another brief moment of silence between them. Zac looks at Amelia. 

Zac: Did you receive the journal?

Amelia looks up at him.

Amelia: That was you?

Zac nods.

Zac: That was a little token to help you get better.

Amelia: Thank you; I love it. You're so kind.

Zac comes closer to her and takes off his mask. He stares into her eyes.

Zac: You're so beautiful.

He slowly takes off her mask, tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear and pulls her closer to him. He then leans in and kisses her, with his hands around her waist. They pull apart and Amelia slowly opens her eyes. Zac looks at her and says in a hoarse voice; 

Zac: I love you.

Amelia smiles at him and with her hand in his, she answers

Amelia: I love you, too.

Happy with the response, Zac pulls Amelia in for another kiss. They pull apart and smile at each other before Amelia hugs her lover tight.

Amelia: Thank you for that precious gift.

Zac: Anything to make you happy, my love.

She smiles as she looks up at him.

Zac: Shall we go back?

Amelia nods her head and they both go inside, hand in hand.