Chapter 5 - Fuel to the fire
1200 Words
Lilly's POV
The girl staring back at me in the mirror looked so familiar, yet so different.
The yellow chiffon ballgown was perfectly draped around her body—it looked like a series of yellow flames was following behind me.
She had pinned her golden hair meticulously into an updo, and arranged soft curls to frame her softly made-up face. She looked beautiful. Her parents would be so proud.
I looked stunning, and it was a lot to process.
Was this even real?
Was I dreaming?
This can't be me? I am usually pale, not a colorful butterfly...
A soft knock on my bedroom door interrupted my thoughts, and I unwillingly dragged my attention towards the door.
"Come in," I replied, trying hard not to look back at my reflection.
James peeked his head around the door, his gaze traveling over my small room. It was now his duty to drive me to the ball.
James let out a small, surprised gasp when he saw me.
"You look absolutely stunning, Miss Lilly," he said.
My face heated up, and I looked down—my words caught in my throat.
No one has ever told me I looked stunning before.
"The car has arrived," he continued, stepping inside. "Are you ready?"
Ready?
No, I was everything but ready. I was nervous, and my stomach had decided to move to my throat.
James must have seen the concern in my eyes, and he stepped forward, shifting his head to the side, trying to read me.
"Is everything okay, Miss Lilly?" he asked, concerned. "I promise—Jacob and I will take good care of you."
"It's not that," I muttered, finding my voice again and sighing.
James came closer, closed the door, and sat on the side of my cot.
I never allowed him inside before; I was too embarrassed. My living conditions were not ideal, but I had grown accustomed to them.
There wasn't much inside my room—just the bare basics. The mirror was a rental.
The changes in the past two weeks were overwhelming, and it made me feel scared.
What if all this is just a dream?
Will I be able to survive it?
I refrained from raising my expectations. Things can change in a matter of seconds.
Another breath escaped my lips.
"What is the matter?" James asked, his voice turning low.
"I am not sure I know how to dance," I said, feeling my face heat up again. "I have only ever danced in my dreams."
James stayed silent for a moment; a small smile pulled at the corners of his lips.
"I think you will do fine," he said. "I have seen you sway to the music when you work..."
James got off the cot and held out his hand to me.
"If all else fails," he said and winked. "I will bear full responsibility."
I placed my hand in his, and he twirled me around. A giggle escaped my lips.
"See," he said, smiling. "You already know how... now you just need to own it!"
James made me laugh. He had a knack for calming me down. His contagious and upbeat attitude effortlessly drew me in. I couldn't help but trust him; he felt like a brother I never had.
Besides, I had no reason not to trust him. He found a way out of Angelica's list of duties and put her in her place.
For a moment, my thoughts shifted to Angelica.
When James finished his mind link, he had a sly smile tickling his lips. He grabbed the mop and bucket, and he handed them to Angelica.
"What is this?" She asked, horrified.
"Punishment," he replied, capturing her gaze.
Angelica huffed, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and started towards the exit.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Jacob stopped her before she left.
She slowly turned to face the two warriors.
"As per punishment for disobeying his orders, Beta Zack hereby punishes you, Angelica Black, to do all the domestic work for a month."
"You will be starting with the list you compiled," Jacob added.
"This is outrageous!" she yelled.
"Is it?" James asked. "You have the option to resist..."
"But then we will have to lock you up for at least three months, pending trial," Jacob said, keeping his face calm.
Angelica never thought that the two brothers would shift all the domestic duties onto her.
James winked at me, and I almost burst out laughing.
The way Angelica's face twisted in anger would stay with me for the rest of my life—it was priceless.
I must give the two brothers credit—they were skilled enough to be part of King Alpha Alexander's elite army.
"Now," James said, forcing the memory from earlier out of my mind. "Let's not have the Prince and Beta waiting. We still have a long drive ahead, and the two of them are expecting your arrival."
I nodded, and James held out his arm to me.
We were coming down the stairs when I heard Sade and Jacob. They were in a heated argument, and it piqued my interest.
"You can't do this to me!" Sade yelled, furiously. "How do you expect me to get there?"
"What is the meaning of this?" James asked, letting go of my arm and stepping forward. He seemed angry.
Sade's head snapped in the direction of James's voice. She hissed upon seeing me.
My gaze swept over her. She wore a yellow dress, which was completely uncharacteristic for her. Sade always loved wearing vibrant colors like pink, purple, and red that made a fashion statement.
"He…" Sade hissed angrily as she wildly pointed her finger at Jacob. "He refuses to let me get in the limo and go with you!"
James c****d his head to the side and scrunched his eyebrows together. He gazed at her as though she had become confused.
"But he is correct," James stated. "Beta Zack arranged the car for Miss Lilly, not for you."
"What!" Sade roared, horrified. "You can't do that to me!"
The hair on my back started to rise as I felt eyes on me. I knew who was standing behind me, yet I didn't dare turn around.
"Can't you gentlemen make an exception?" Angelica asked. She kept her voice low and friendly—desperate for the warrior to agree.
I shifted my head just enough to be able to see her from the side of my eye.
Angelica didn't dare meet them outside—she was afraid that the neighbors would see her dressed as a maid...
Jacob had gifted her an old apron and gloves he found in the drawer in the kitchen. He insisted she wear them. Besides, the list of domestic chores she had jotted down for me was far from complete.
"We have been very accommodating toward you and the Royal House," Angelica continued. "The least you can do is drive my daughter to the ball tonight. It's not as if it is out of your way..."
Jacob and James looked at one another, then back at me.
What Jacob did next just added more fuel to the fire.
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- Writer
