Worry

Mia had found her way back to the ballroom. She heaved a sigh of relief after she ran away from Simon, who wanted her to replace her sister.

She joined her parents at the table to see if Jess had arrived, but there was no sign of her anywhere, and her parents were worried as it was late.

Did she change her mind because I tricked her and decided to stay home? Mia thought.

She was not a child, and the castle was a distance away from their house, and just because she tricked her did not mean she took away her ability to walk on foot to where the celebration was.

Michael Smith wondered what was delaying Jess. Mia had mentioned that James had arranged to bring her to the ball, but it had been an hour now, and there was no sign of her or James.

Mr. Smith had nothing against James. He only wanted his daughters to have the luxury he could not afford for them through their marriage. He was considering the offer of Mr. Robert, who had shown interest in Jess and wanted to make her his wife.

Could she have gotten lost? Vera Smith asked worriedly.

Why would you think that Mama, Mia inquired? Her heart was beating louder than the music blasting across the room. She regretted her actions of tricking her sister because of a little argument.

She was a little shaken up by what the man Simon had told her and wondered if Jess made a deal to entertain guests at the ball in exchange for money. Seeing her parents worried, she could not tell them what she did.

I have heard rumors of girls going missing around this part of town. People get lost and disappear, never to be seen again.

The security around the castle was tight. You could not get inside without an invitation.

The Royal Guards are on patrol around the castle. I am sure nothing would go wrong. Vera Smith assured her husband, trying to ease his worry.

Michael Smith was about to respond when he saw a lady whose height and features resembled his daughter. He narrowed his eyes to look at the woman approaching their table when he confirmed it was Jess.

Jess, Michael Smith called out.

He wanted to ensure his suspicion was correct and not make a fool of himself by hugging a stranger.

He did not want to be arrested by the local council for inappropriate behavior if the lady decided to press charges against him with the local council.

Jess let out a hearty laugh when she saw her parents. She was glad that they were okay and enjoying the ball. Tonight, had been a rollercoaster ride, and she was exhausted beyond words.

True to the words of Walker Lane, she was driven back to the castle and told to wait for the crown prince to summon.

Vera Smith, worried about how Jess would appear, calmed down on seeing how beautiful her dress was. She did not recognize her for a moment until her husband called out her name.

Mia was surprised by the beauty of the velvet-blue gown and wished she had seen it earlier. The gown danced around her waist with each step she took, creating an aura of royalty around her.

Where have you been? Vera Smith queried.

Jess turned to look at her sister, who was giving her a pleading look, with her not to tell their parents of what transpired between them.

She was foolish and had acted like a child, but she had learned her lessons and would be more responsible in her actions, she thought.

Seeing tears almost streaming down Mia’s face, Jess decided to let it be and go along with the lie Mia had told her parents. It was a joyful occasion, and the mood was cheerful. There was no need to ruin it now out of resentment.

Mia heaved a sigh of relief when she heard Jess say she was caught up with something at Sarah’s house that delayed her.

Girls, enough chit-chatting, go and have fun. Their parents said, leaving the girls to explore other parts of the castle.

I am sorry for what I did. It was childish of me, and I deeply regret it. Mia said apologetically.

Mia, you cannot continue to act this way whenever you are upset. I must admit that your actions deeply hurt me and left me in tears, but since you have apologized, I will not hold it against you.

I promise to behave responsibly from now on. Mia hugged her sister as tears streamed down her cheeks, wetting her clothes.

Jess, you said you know the woman who sent the coachman to fetch us from our house, did you not? Mia asked.

Yes, I do. Jess replied, knowing where the conversation was heading.

What kind of deal did you make with her? She quizzed further.

Before Jess could respond, a man dressed in black with a silver mask approached Mia for a dance, but she was in no mood to dance and politely declined the invitation.

Why did you decline the invitation? Jess asked.

I do not think he is the prince, and his dress does not reflect the status of a wealthy nobleman. Mia replied.

You cannot judge a book by its cover. Sometimes, you have to overlook the wealthy things and look beyond the material things to be truly happy, Jess admonished.

Mia rolled her eyes at Jess. It was the reason she was stuck with James, who was only interested in his dreams and career

Have you met the crown prince? Mia asked curiously.

It was hard for Jess to confirm with her sister because his face was covered entirely by the golden mask on his face. But she could still feel the sensation of his hands on her waist as he guided her outside the room.

Jess did not know how old he was and how he looked, but if his brother’s look was anything to go by, he must be good-looking.

No. Jess replied.