I was told that we would be presented through the grand staircases in the front of the ballroom. Two staircases lead into one, and that's where I would link arms with Zuka then go down the rest of the way together. We would be the first ones to go down, then the next couple, then the King and Queen coming up the rear.
I looked at the queen behind me, who was smiling softly and engaging in soft conversation with a maid. She was wearing a stunning white dress with golden accents and her golden crown atop her head. As a queen, she was ruthless to those who opposed her, but the sweetest being as a person close to her.
But, I was still wary of her.
Then a woman entered the room. I could barely recognize her before she spoke confidently. "Arianna, I would like to apologize," she sa
