Chapter 7

Lola's POV
I sat in a low back revolving chair waiting for Phillip, my coiffure to finish. I could feel his fingers fixing a couple of strands, probably pinning them upwards. Mia and mom had already finished, having coming before me since I was too caught up in a peaceful sleep.
As my mom said when I first arrived, the last to come is the last to go. So here I was, drumming my fingers against the chair's arms impatiently waiting for Philip to be done. Resting on a small red cushion was my tiara, placed on a stand next to him. I watched as he grabbed it by its sides, carrying it gently as if it were to break any minute. Wincing as I felt its sharp edges digging into my hair, Phillip's hum of approval signified that his work was complete.
"Perfect." He purred admiring his masterpiece.
"Can I see how I look like?" I put a hand under my chin. I knew my question was of no use, but I tried anyway. From what I understood, mom and Mia wanted some kind of sweet vengeance for my inaccurate timing. Mom ordered everyone to cover the mirrors up so I don't see how I look like until the time of the ball.
Seriously, I feel like I want to strangle her!
"I'm sorry dear, but you know I can't go against the queen's wishes." He said sympathetically. I nodded in understanding. The queen's words are to be followed no matter what.
Getting up, I was taken aback by my mom's sudden gasp. She came closer, a smile covering the surprised look on her face.
"You look breathtaking." She murmured cupping one side of my face with her hand. Her words were laced with pride. All irritation faded as I stared into watery violet eyes. She couldn't grasp the fact that her once young munchkin had turned into a beautiful young woman. I could feel my eyes water as well. It was one of those mother-daughter moments.
"Lola you look amazing." I laughed at Mia's jolt of happiness.
"Thanks Mia, so do you." And she did. Going for a soft look, Mia chose a light pink eyeshadow merging it with a bit of bronze at the edges and a light pink lipstick. Her honey brown hair was down, its ends perfectly done into curls.
I rolled my eyes making both of them chuckle. They're such a tease.
"We still need to get you two dressed. Let's go, we don't want to be late now do we?" Mom said, her eyes holding playfulness.
"Ready?" Mia's eyes shone in excitement. She looked at me from top to bottom, grinning like a fool.
I didn't know why but I felt nervous, a knit forming in my stomach.
"Come on turn around. Trust me, you look beautiful." Mia urged sensing my discomfort. I nodded closing my eyes and slowly turned to face the mirror. This is it.
Opening my eyes, I gasped as I stared back at my reflection in the mirror. The black locks of my hair were pulled up in a bun, a few wavy strands left loose. The front of it was puffed, adding volume to my hair. Whereas for the makeup, the smokey eyeshadow made my violet eyes struck out revealing how truly captivating they were. As for my lips, they were covered in a matte nude beige color making them look natural.All of it fitted perfectly with my sparkling mermaid gold dress. The sheer fabric at the top showed a little skin, but nevertheless made the dress look flawless especially with the minimal amount of floral arrangements set. The floral patterns mostly drenched the middle waist and the very end of the dress in which its bottom part was seemingly similar to the top with little floral printed designs here and there.
The only word that came into my mind was stunning. I looked stunning.
"Wow." I was speechless.
"I know right!" Mia stood next to me and turned sideways to observe her dress.
"Lola, this dress doesn't show my curves. I should've picked the aqua one." She wailed. I rolled my eyes watching her catching the sides of her dress and pulling them forward in attempt to make her butt stick out.
Mia has a thing for curves. She always tries to pick things that show her physique.
"Stop nagging, your dress is beautiful." I snapped. Her chiffon sweep train sequin baby pink dress had an A-line silhouette, decorated in a set of little golden leaves.
"Okay okay, it's not like I could change it or something." She mumbled sitting on my bed.
"Lola, mom said we have to be ready in ten. All the guests arrived and are waiting for us." She stated looking in a hurry. Mia quickly got up, darting towards the door.
Someone knocked on the door before opening it.
In came Melody dressed in a floor length dark blue sleeveless gown.
"See you love." She flashed me a grin and winked before she getting out. Melody threw me a questioning glance, noting Mia's weird nickname. I shook my head, a smile making its way to my face.
I knew who she meant.
"Never mind her. You know how Mia could be." I brushed off. Melody nodded walking out of my room, and I followed.
"What's up with her?" My little sister furrowed her brows in confusion.
Classical music played through the ballroom, calm and relaxing. I could mainly distinguish the violin's melodic tunes through the numerous instruments of the orchestra.
The men were wearing black suits, enjoying their time sipping champagne. Whereas the women, all dressed in gowns, were criticizing every female their eyes got set upon. I hated balls for that exact reason. Whatever you do, whatever you wear, the women will always point out a flaw.
Glancing at my little brother Alexa, I was surprised to see him totally comfortable, staring at the scenery in front of him like it was the most normal thing in the world. I really admired how he could cope with any situation thrown at him.
The music was cut to an end and the talking dwindled to pure silence.
I wish I were the same, I said to myself.
"Ladies and gentlemen, their majesty, King Crest and Queen Penelope." A man standing at the very top of the staircase bellowed. He was in his late forties, bold, and dressed in a suit.
I watched as my parents slowly walked down the staircase, their heads held high and their arms linked together. Mom pulled her silk red dress up a notch so she doesn't trip. The crowed bowed moving aside as their rulers walked forward.
"Alexa," I whispered nudging him by the elbow,
"lead Melody when you go down. We don't want her to fall." He nodded and linked his arm with Melody. I could sense her nervousness, especially with her fiddling with her fingers. She smiled gratefully and I smiled back at her reassuringly.
"Their royal highness, Princess Lola, Prince Alexa and Princess Melody." That was our que to walk down. Straightening my shoulders, I stepped forward. Alexa was in the middle whereas I was on his right. I could feel the stares of the crowd, even hearing their hushed murmurs.
One step at a time, I reminded myself.
I wish I could get rid of those heels, they were extremely uncomfortable. And the fact that my dress tightly hugged my body wasn't helping me either. I scanned the ballroom, trying to spot Jake. My eyes wandered from corner to corner but Jake was nowhere in sight.
My heart fluttered in joy as my eyes set on the staircase's end. He wore a black tux with a black tie, similar to the rest of the men here but somehow outdid them all. His hair was slicked back, neat and tidy.
I blushed at the way he was staring at me, his intense green orbs captivating my every thought, knocking my breath away. Reaching the staircase's end, he offered me his hand in which I gladly took. He confidently walked us between the crowd, which soon began whispering.
Probably spreading rumors.
"Don't mind them." He whispered in my ear sending chills down my spine. I just nodded and carefully smiled at the people looking at us. I spotted Mark and Mia standing a few meters away, Mark playfully grinning whereas Mia's cheeks were flushed.
To be honest, they were a perfect match. With Mia's fiery attitude and Mark's composed one, they fit to be a couple. I always wanted them to be more than just friends, knowing that the love and hate relationship they shared will lead to something else. I never hinted wanting them to grow closer, and seeing them enjoying their time together, I think the right time has come to make them view each other in a love perspective.
"And here comes the love bi – Aw what the hell," Mark groaned gripping his side. He frantically stared at Mia who only smiled sweetly at him, but the warning in her eyes said it all. I almost laughed watching him look flabbergasted. Turning to me, she sent me a wink and I mouthed a thank you.
She knew Mark's comments would only make thing awkward, so it was best to shut him up.
"That man doesn't know when to keep quiet." Jake muttered smiling ever so slightly.
"He can't help in, embarrassing people is in his blood." Jake snorted making me laugh. He seemed relaxed, enjoying himself. It made me feel as if he's a totally different person, not serious and gruff but the easy going and stress free.
"You look nervous." He commented.
"Balls aren't my thing. I can't but attend them since I'm the princess. You know the drill." I explained trying not to get lost into his orbs.
"Though you looked relaxed." I said.
"I got used to it. The first time I attended a ball I was in a panic mode but later on I got accustomed to it." He looked deep in thought remembering how his first ball went. I was about to ask him what happened but as if reading my mind, he continued.
"The first went bad. I accidently threw wine on a woman there." He smiled shaking his head. I giggled imagining how that would've looked like.
"I got in so much trouble. Got unending scolds about how it would become a scandal." He chuckled.
Before I could say anything else, couples began walking to the middle of the room and I realized that they were preparing for the slow dance. I bit my lip staring at their care free expressions, wanting to be in their place. I was never escorted before and whenever I was asked, I would politely decline. Though tonight was different. Tonight I wanted to dance with him.
A slow tune began playing.
"May I have this dance, my princess?" He confidently offered me his hand. I blew out a breath of relief thinking he would have never asked.
"You may." I answered with a smile. When he took my hand in his, I audibly gasped feeling tingle sensations run up my arm. I wondered what just happened but let it go as he smoothly escorted me to the dance floor, guiding me through the couples dancing.
He put a hand on my waist, grasping my right hand with his left one. I draped my hand over his shoulder and gazed into his deep green eyes. We swayed back and forth, neither of us saying a word, too engrossed in each other's embrace.
It was similar to a movie, where the lead character finally gets to dance with her special someone. The need to be closer to him grew stronger, feeling myself melt into his arms.
"You look – incredible." He breathed out, his eyes never wandering from mine. All of a sudden, I felt him pull me closer until we were almost touching, his lips just above mine. The melody quickened, and so did his pace. The people around us became a blur, as I was too focused on the emotions crossing his face.
"So do you." He smiled twirling me around and taking me back into his arms.
"A lot of men are looking at you, and I can't stand that." I was surprised at his boldness. Usually, guys weren't so upfront. But this is Jake we're talking about.