Chapter Seven; Search Inside
“You’re kidding.” That’s all Andrew could say after I told him what my father had told me the day before. I nodded, eating my sandwich. We sat alone in a corner so others wouldn’t hear us.
“You’re telling me your mother also killed your father’s brother?” He asked in shock. Reluctantly, I nodded my head. I sighed, leaning back in my chair.
“I don’t even know how to react.” I explained. Andrew nodded, eating one of his french fries.
“I don’t blame you. The whole situation is a bit messed up.” Andrew assured me, finishing the rest of his food. I put my head on the table in front of me, and Andrew put a hand on my shoulder.
“Hey, it’s alright. I’m sure your dad doesn’t hold a grudge against you. He knows you weren’t the one who did it.” Andrew reassured me, but I couldn’t help but feel guilty. Sure, I wasn’t the one who did this to his family, but it made sense why my grandmother wanted nothing to do with me. Even after dad explained, she couldn’t help but scoff at the sight of me. Hopefully someday she’ll realize I’m not a horrible monster. Someday.
“I guess so. I mean, she’s out there somewhere. Her plan with Olivia might’ve failed, but I know she’s far from being done trying. I know her better than that.” I explained, going to dump my tray into the garbage.
“You know, I wanted to ask you something earlier. But with everything going on with Olivia, I didn’t want to stress you out more.” Andrew began. I turned around to see him holding a bundle of lilacs in his grasp. I looked at him with a raised brow, but people started to turn around.
“Do you want to go to the Fall Ball with me?” He asked, a smile on his face. I continued to stare at him, as Liam approached me. He cleared his throat.
“It’s a school dance that’s held every year in the fall. Usually people ask other people to go with them.” Liam whispered.
“What’s a school dance?” I asked. The room was still quiet as I spoke. Andrew cleared his throat, looking at Liam.
“It’s a royal event that is held, and you get a date to take with you. We dance and have a good time with our friends.” He explained. My eyes widened, turning back around to Liam. I mouthed the word DATE, which he nodded at me. I tried mouthing back to him, trying to get him to explain to me what in mira I was supposed to say, but he turned me back to face Andrew. Without even thinking, I agreed. The entire cafeteria started clapping, as Andrew gave me a warm embrace. It was awkward, but I stuck with it. I wasn’t really sure what I just signed myself up for, but it can’t be any worse than the current situation. Besides, he was my friend.
“It’s this Saturday, but I’ve been waiting until the perfect time.” Andrew explained, sitting back down in his chair. I nodded, checking my phone. Is today almost over?
***
“Your mother was spotted in Coral Canyons early this morning, shortly after you left for school.” My father told me immediately, before even greeting me at the door. I instantly groaned, throwing my bag down.
“That’s it! Why don’t we just go find her?” I asked. He shook his head.
“The Jamaa Army is looking for her already.” He said, clearly ignoring the “we” statement.
“Nobody is better at finding her than I am!” I explained, following my father inside the doors. A servant came to grab my things that I left.
“You’re not going out there with her on the loose. The guards can handle this.” My father told me bluntly. I sighed.
“I also heard you’re attending the Fall Ball with Andrew this year? I didn’t think a ball was your thing.” Xavier noted. I groaned.
“It’s not.” I said, sitting in one of the chairs in front of his main office desk.
“Then why did you say yes?” He asked. I shrugged.
“He’s my friend.” I said, fidgeting with my fingers. He nodded, typing on a computer.
“That ball is in a few days. Would you like a new gown for the event?” Xavier asked me, not turning from the computer. I sighed. I guess since it was a royal ball, I should at least look the part. I nodded, and he caught it in his prefiel vision.
“Sounds great. This way you can focus on something other than your mother. You deserve some time to live your life and be a kid.” Xavier explained, filing a few loose papers on his desk into a neat pile.
“What happens if- when they find her?” I asked. He looked up at me, his eyes meeting mine.
“We’ll be locking her in the deepest depths of the prison, honey. Right by her father.” He explained. The words hurt, but I knew it’s what had to be done. It was better than another option. I excused myself, going straight to my room. The servants would be in shortly to work on measuring and materials, and I had a few things of my own to take care of first.
We had two days before it was Saturday, and I had a gut feeling that something was going to happen then. I couldn’t say for sure, but what if my mother attacked that school? What if that’s her big plan? If I can’t help save everyone without outting myself, what am I supposed to do? My mother will have no mercy on anyone, especially me. She’s disappointed in me for not fulfilling my destiny that she would’ve loved to have, but it’s not me. Why would I want to destroy such beauty?
***
The maids came in an hour after I had gotten home with their tape measurers and selections of test fabric. I kept staring out the window, noticing the gloomy rain pouring down onto the roof.
“Princess, I think a beautiful lavender dress would fit you perfectly!” One of the maids exclaimed, holding the fabric up to me to see. I nodded as they started to clean their materials up. They took one last measurement of my head for a new tiara and were on their way.
“Aura?” I called out. She hasn’t been around for weeks, and I was starting to get worried. Nothing. I sighed.
“Mariah?” I heard a faint voice call.
“Olivia?” I called, opening the door. Olivia stood there in a pink nightgown, smiling at me.
“Hey, Mariah.” She said. I smiled back at her.
“I am so sorry-” She started, but I raised up my hand.
“I understand, believe me. It’s alright. You’ve already been forgiven.” I told her, allowing her to sit on my bed.
“Now your mother is running loose because of me.” Olivia sighed, but I put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“It was my mother’s doing. She persuaded you.” I explained. She nodded, holding her head down. “And I know that we didn’t start off on the right foot, but maybe we can be friends?” I asked. She smiled, giving me a hug.
“I heard you’re going to the ball!” She exclaimed, the color returning to her face. I groaned.
“I feel like I don’t know what I signed up for.” I laughed, sitting next to her.
“I’m going with Prince Ethan this year!” She exclaimed, straightening her nightgown. I was in a pair of shorts and a tshirt, which was my “comfortable wear” around the castle.
“I’m going with Andrew I guess.” I shrugged. She gasped.
“Liam didn’t tell me you were going with someone!” She jumped up, grabbing my hands.
“Yeah.” I laughed as she led me to her pink room.
“I have something perfect for you!” She informed me, digging inside her jewelry box for necklaces, pulling out the necklace my mother was once inside. “I know it’s not the same with her not in it, but hopefully it can somehow remind you of her.” Oliiva explained, handing me the necklace. I smiled, tears forming in my eyes. I put it on, touching the gem. It was now black with a faint purple tint left over from her magic inside of it, but it was dormant.
“This is amazing, thank you.” I said quietly, a stray tear falling from my cheek. She smiled, giving me another hug.
“It’s what friends do.” She said, sitting down on her bed.
***
“Tomorrow is the ball!” I heard some girls in the halls gushing, twirling to their next classes. Sure, I might’ve worn real dresses and gowns to school now, but that didn’t mean I acted much like a princess.
“Hey!” Andrew exclaimed as I approached my locker.
“Hey!” I replied, opening it.
“Olivia’s back! That’s awesome.” He noted. I nodded. He pointed at my necklace confused.
“She’s still out there somewhere, but Olivia gave it to me as a remembrance gift.” I explained. He nodded.
“How about we try a different topic. What color are you wearing to the ball? Something purple I presume?” He asked, looking at my purple gown. I laughed, nodding.
“Sounds good. The maids are making a lavender and black suit for me to wear tomorrow, so I wanted to make sure I was right on the colors.” He said, leaning against the locker beside me. I shut mine, grabbing all my books. For the first time, Andrew put his arm around my shoulder. I didn’t quite get it, but I rolled with it. It felt nice to have someone who actually cared for me. It was still something new that I didn’t get with having a family, but Andrew had easily grown into someone I truly admire in this crazy world of royalty. I couldn’t think of anyone better to attend a royal ball with.
***
In the words of the Ready or Not The Series team, “OUR SHIP IS SAILING!!!”
Jam On!