Happily Never After

Chapter 7:The Ball

Within the kingdom of Phrygia, lived a family just on the outskirts. The Arden family was once much higher in society, that was until Lord Arden met his demise. His passing left his son, Elliot, to remain with his stepmother and stepsisters: Diedre, Rosalyn, and Adelina. The Arden’s had been invited like the rest of the kingdom to a ball celebrating the new princess. Diedre had spent all she could to get her young daughters the finest dresses in the kingdom. Diedre was against bringing her stepson along, but felt obligated to since Elliot was still a child. The Ardens were escorted by carriage, as was the other invited people of the kingdom.

“Now, I want you all on your best behaviors,” Diedre told the children. “Rosalyn, do use our manners dear. Adelina, do not partake in any eating at the ball. And Elliot, do not speak to anyone of noble status other than the three of us. We can’t have you going disgracing the family name. You are the heir of your father’s wealth if anything happens to me after all, or at least what’s left.”

“Yes, stepmother, I understand,” Elliot obeyed. The carriage ride was quiet. They arrived shortly after their conversation and walked up the steps of the palace. Each family or guest was announced by name as they entered the vast ballroom.

“The Lady Arden and her children,” the duke announced. The Ardens all entered the ballroom awaiting the presentation of the new princess. Dozens of lords and ladies were in attendance, sipping rosewater as they anticipated the presentation any moment. Then appeared King Midas and Queen Bromwen.

“Citizens of the five districts of Phrygia, I’d like to first thank you all for your attendance,” Midas said. “Now, it is with great joy my queen and I present our adopted daughter and new princess of Phrygia: Princess Adastrea.” The crowd of nobility cheered and applauded as the young girl appeared. Her once matted hair was now tucked and woven into a lovely braid that ended just above her ankles. Her torn blue dress was now one suited for a princess in a pale green. Among the hair atop her head sat a tiara with gems that matched the gown she wore. “Now, let the festivities begin!” The crowd of nobility all began dancing or socializing. Elliot knew what his stepmother had told him, but he figured it wouldn’t hurt to dance or socialize while she was busy speaking with noblemen. She was probably hopingto arrange marriages for Rosalyn and Adelina. Elliot crept through the croud until he had bumped into someone behind him.

“I’m so sorry,” A feminine voice said. Elliot turned around and then realized he had bumped into the princess.

“No apologies needed, your highness,” Elliot said. “I am the one at fault.”

“Please, no formalities,” Adasrea said. “You can simply call me Adastrea.”

“Well, Adastrea, would you care to dance,” Elliot offered.

“I’m sorry, I’m not really one for dancing,” Adastrea replied.

“No worries, whatever you’d like,” Elliot said.

“How about we get out of the crowd,” Adastrea said. “Come on, we’ll go to the gardens.” The two children successfully made their way through the crowd and into the gardens. However, they didn’t go unnoticed. “It’s beautiful out here, isn’t it?”

“Very much so,” Elliot agreed. The two sat together on a stone bench.

“It’s a nice getaway,” Adastrea added.

Meanwhile inside the ball, Diedre had enlisted the help of the duke to find Elliot. Midas was involved as soon as he heard Adastrea was involved.

“Tell me, are you hoping you’d suit me,” Adastrea questioned?”

“No,” Elliot answered. “Just a friend would be nice.”

“I’d like that too,” Adastrea agreed.

“Oh, thank Hebe you’re alright,” Midas said relieved. “We didn’t know where you had gone.”

“I’m alright,” Adastrea reassured. “I made a friend.” Adastrea looked at Elliot. “I hope to see you again, Elliot.”

“Thank you for your help, your majesty,” Diedre said. “Now I’ll be getting my daughters and be on my way.” Diedre had an iron grip on Elliot’s wrist. “I thought I told you not to speak to any nobility. Then I see you talking with the princess.”

“Stepmother, I’m sorry,” Elliot apologized.

“You are to never leave this estate,” Diedre ordered. “And you are never to see the princess again.”