You know that feeling of "oh shit", and you know for sure that you are in trouble. The panic quickly trickles in and your mind starts to go haywire. You start to imagine things that aren't even there, kind of like you are on mesgra.

That's how I felt in this very moment.

"Pull! Harder, Hazalen!" Veronica shouted. The coachman held on to her back, pulling as well.

I don't even know this man.

"I'm trying Veronica! I'm not as strong as your big ass!" Hazalen pulled some more.

I was stuck in the door of the carriage, my dress being so wide. My mother just had to go all out, to the point where I couldn't even walk out the damn door!

"My dress is the problem, stop trying to pull me out the door! It's obviously not working," I explained, grabbing a fistful of the fabric.

"Your paying me extra for this right?" The coachman rudely states. His non-existent eyebrow was arched.

"Shut up!" We all glare at him and continue back with the problem.

"Try to see if you can gently pull the fabric out from the sides, that's what's trapping me in. If we can get it outside, I can get out. " I start fiddling with my dress. Hazalen and Veronica come to my sides, trying to pull out the fabric.

Nothing was working.

"Dammit, we are going to be late! We have to be there on time!" Veronica throws up her hands. We were all frustrated and stumped.

"Stop worrying so much about this damn ball Veronica, I'm more worried about if my best friend will be stuck in a carriage for her whole life." Hazalen rolls her eyes. Veronica was getting on all our nerves tonight.

"Wait, what if I walk back in the carriage... then try and come out sideways?" I question.

"It's worth a try." Hazalen shrugs. The coachman was just in the corner, shaking his head with a sigh.

Hazalen was able to push me back into the carriage after a minute of fabric being rolled around. Veronica accidentally ripped a little of my dress and we all just laughed it off, though I was a little worried. I brought a needle and thread anyway, nothing was going to ruin my mother's dress so I came well prepared.

I stepped side-ways in the small carriage, and started to slowly creep out. We all cheered as I pushed through the door all in one piece. Hazalen paid the coachman a little extra for the scenario, and I did a quick slip-and-stitch on my dress for the rip. Everything was looking good so far.

The castle was breathtaking... you could see the lights pouring out of the castle from the outside, giving a soft glow and a relaxing vibe. I didn't remember it being so beautiful, probably because the last time I was here I was rushing to get out.

The large, ornate doors were wide open. Only a few guards were blocking the entrance, and a fancy looking man taking a roll call of everybody who walked in.

"Name please." He stated, his voice high and chirpy.

"Annalise Woods. These are my guests, Veronica Slaten and Hazalen Star." I formally stated. He looked up from his sheet unexpectedly, and raised a eyebrow.

"Annalise Woods, you say?"

"Yes sir, that is my name." I smiled warmly. He narrowed his eyes and called over a guard. The man urgently whispered in the guards ear, and the guard left his post and walked in the castle.

"You and your guests are welcome in. Have a wonderful night." He smiles bright.

Veronica didn't show it, but I could tell she was very excited. Hazalen didn't care to let it show, for a smile was apparent on her face as she rocked back and forth on her heels. She was looking around frantically, her face airy and spastic.

We roamed through the hallway, making our way to the ballroom. The decorations were exquisite. Everything was a grand teal blue, and floor was made out of beautiful marble. Pictures were lining the wall of past kings, and pictures of their siblings or big events that took place. One being the targle sports event, where everybody from surrounding countries come together and participate in contests.

Deltora didn't win last year, sadly Raunia won most of the events. I'll have to ask Damien about it this year, he's come of age and he can now participate.

Knowing Damien there's no way he won't sign up for a new challenge.

The ballroom was quite beautiful. It was so grand and ornate, elegant and sophisticated. Chandeliers above us set a cool atmosphere, a soft glow illuminating every face in the room. The food was very well made, a little taste of every culture and all looked delicious.

Women's outfits were very large and round, and their masks quite beautiful; no mask was the same. People seemed to glide across the floor like a chess piece on a board, very precise. People were either dancing, socializing, drinking or eating.

"Annalise, come get some food with me!" Hazalen was dragging me away from the sight.

I do want to try some of the gourmet food.

But where is Damien?

Or Veronica.

"Woah, is this Godviu chocolate? This is insane Annalise, the best food you will have in a year!" She was trying to shove the food in my face. I was still looking around, trying to spot the handsome prince.

"Why specifically a year?" I ask.

"Well for the next ball of corse, don't forget about that." She smiled bright as she devoured the chocolate box. "They always have the best food at the annual ball."

"Who did you go with last year? Wasn't it a required date last year? Who was yours." I question off-handily, on my toes to peek over a head.

Now, was that Damien?

"Technically the person who I took last year." Her tone changed, as she stopped eating. Her mood was now different, very solemn.

That's when I spotted him. He was dancing with a girl, but he didn't seem to care about her. He was looking over her shoulder, glancing around the room while smiling down at her and answering her questions.

How does he do it?

This meant he hadn't found me yet, so I have the upper hand. I know where to avoid so I can win the game. And by midnight, if he doesn't find me, I will relish in the glory of defeating Darius of Deltora. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face when the clock strikes.

Has anybody ever beat him at his own game before?

I observed how his eyes became more frantic after dancing with with the girl, skimming over the obtuse room. His eyes were lingering on women with red dresses.

Frack, he definitely knows the color of my dress.

I watched as another girl, younger than I, swept him away. His eyes widened as he looked down, not ready for her constricting arms to abruptly latch around his neck.

I smiled in victory, turning to tell Hazalen about my easy win tonight, yet she wasn't there. It was as if she disappeared into thin air.

I shrugged it off and grabbed a white wine, the waiters not knowing my age and I felt as if I needed a little courage juice for tonight. I walked back over to the food selection, taking up time and dwelling on which food to choose.

There was ostrich, salmon, and moose? I've never quite seen moose before. The appetizers were regular, just made in a very ornate style. Then my eyes drifted to the desserts. I suddenly didn't have a care for the rest of the food, no-the desserts were the best part.

The large lava-ice cream cake was calling my name. I cut out a large piece and started eating away, my lipstick slightly smudging, but I didn't have a care. The food was more important. I finished in mere seconds, even ready for seconds, but a soft tap on my shoulder halted my actions.

My immediate thought was Darius. Yet I realized if Damien was to find me, it would be a lot more forced. He wouldn't even tap, he would turn me around and hug me to his chest, our bodies completely flushed. He would laugh in my face already winning the bet.

"Would you care to dance with me?" The voice was dangerous.

I turn around slowly, and my vision was blocked by a broad chest. I couldn't see far past his mask, all I knew was that I had very bad vibes from him. He looks in his late thirties from what I could tell, with a goatee and dark hair.

My obligated "yes" answer was when I realized Damien was walking toward the food section; I grabbed his hand in a rush to get away from the dancing area. I would have politely declined, and gotten the hades out of there, but it was the only way to get from place A to B from D.

He held out his lanky hand and I quickly took it, not saying a word or looking into his eyes. Once we were far from Damien I started to feel less safe. The man didn't speak a word as he then tightly clung onto my hips as we swayed. His grip was too tight, too secure, as if I would run away. I didn't like it at all, I felt trapped like a bird in a cage.

"What is your name, young lady?" His voice was crisp and deep. It gave me shivers and not the good kind.

"Um- Rose."

"Well Rose, what's your real name?" He sounded bored as he asked that, but a small smirk was making its way onto his face, the goatee rising slightly. It was almost as if he already knew my real name, the fib wouldn't have worked anyway.

"Annalise Woods." I softly reply, my eyes cast down.

"Ah- I know your mother." I had no idea why this man had asked me to dance but I knew he had a motive. I was scared, and I wanted Darius with me then more then ever. He made me feel safe, screw the bet, I needed him.

"And yours?"

"Honey," He drew out, forcing me to look at him,"You will find that out soon. No need to rush! I just wanted to meet you like this before you met me when we are in worse situations in the future. I felt as if it would leave a better impression, don't you think?" He smiled darkly, mentioning to his suit.

I didn't know what his definition of a "good first impression" is, but this was definitely not that. Everything about this man just screamed dangerous. I didn't answer his question, too nervous to say anything. He wasn't making any sense.

"Until later, Annalise." He kissed the back of my hand. His mouth was too wet, so after he disappeared in the crowd I wiped it off on my dress in disgust.

I put all my emotions in the back of my head and forgot about it for now, for Damien was dancing with a girl near me. If the beat changed, we would have to become dance partners due to the dance style.

The random male who was dancing with me seemed awkward and uncomfortable, obviously not the best at dancing.

And Damien thought I was bad.

The key changed and I felt as if all hell broke lose. Damien reached over to conjoin arms with me, me being the dancer to the left of him. I cautiously turned my head and whole body around in fear, and started to almost run away. I felt the graze of his hand on my arm... when all of a sudden the touch was taken away.

Veronica whisked him away, replacing me. I let out a huge sigh I had been holding in for the past five minutes. Over his shoulder, Veronica gave me a dangerous wink and I smiled back. I could still win this bet, thanks to Veronica.

I was finally out of the dance floor, and watched Veronica and Damien twirled around. Veronica was fast and aggressive with her movements, where Damien was fluent and precise. Both well reflecting their personalities. Veronica was rushing it, she didn't take her time to dance, very impatient. Damien tried to slow her down but she was headstrong.

I then watched as Veronica pulled him away, trying to get him off the dance floor, but Damien wouldn't budge. He was looking around the room, a look of frustration on his face. I knew that look all too well... he was about to break.

Good. This is supposed to be hard for you, I'm glad your getting mad... more fun for me!

Veronica rolled her eyes, and shouted out something. Damien's face changed and he turned back around. Damien quickly walked away with her, and they disappeared from my sight. I shrugged it off and smiled to myself, grabbing another alcoholic drink.

I was feeling a lot better after recent events, due to the drink.

I squeaked out as a small figure hit my back. I turned around to find a drunk Hazalen, with quite a cute man.

"Hazalen, put your mask back on! This is a masquerade ball, and this is so unprofessional." I scold her. People around us glared, noticing how young she was and intoxicated. Plus her mask was off, a HUGE no-no at masquerade balls.

"Well.... if I knew where it was, maybe I could put it here..." she confusingly drew out," Where did we make out? I think I placed it somewhere around there-"

"Hazalen, why are you drunk as Dionysus! I thought you got over your additive drunken stage." I pull her away and glare at the man who really wasn't helping, at all. He just gave a wolffish grin and walked away, to leave me with an annoying drunk Hazalen.

Men. I swear.

"Oh Annalise- have you tried the chocolate? So good right!" Hazalen laughed to herself.

"Yes, quite amazing, now sit down while I grab you some water." I baby her.

"No you don't understand... I'm taking about that man I was just with! Why did he leave? He was one hunk-"

I've had enough,"Hazalen if you don't sit your arse down right now I will cut your hair off and ship it to Gregerson!"

"No! Please!" She easily fell for the lie and sat down real quick. I grab her some water and some crackers with cheese, just a little something to sober her up a little.

"Oh Annalise- I found Damien!" I hand her the food while she was smiling wide.

"I did too, where have you seen him last? I haven't seen him in the past hour."

"First off... guess what time it is!" Her face was ecstatic.

"What time is it?" I small smile starts to creep up on my face.

"It's 12:01! You have to find him Annalise! I can't believe you won the bet!" She puts her food down just to do a little jig, though it was hard in a huge ballroom dress.

I laugh and smile... I actually won. I won against Darius of Deltora, the first win!

"Go- find him!" She laughs and pushes me.

"I don't know if I can leave you alone, Hazalen. Your definitely still drunk and I can't trust you to take another drink. You don't even have a mask!" I smile with every word dripping from my tongue. I could say a bird died and I would still be happy right now.

"I'll be fine Annalise! Go find your man. He owes you something." She pushes me away.

"I don't know where to look."

"Well I last saw him with Veronica in the hallways." She taps her chin.

The hallways?

Veronica?

"Are you sure you weren't just drunk Hazalen?"

"I could have been, just look around everywhere." She shrugs and grabs more food.

"I'll see you soon." I give her a small nod. My steps were urgent as I walked through the crowds. The music was very slow and boring now, the night was coming to an end and they were bringing out all the slow songs.

My heels clicked with every step I took down the marble hallway. I came across a familiar painting, one I saw on my way out of the castle when I woke up in Damien's bed. The hallway was quite long, but I knew my way around pretty well. That's when I saw the orchid plant outside of a door and I knew it was his room.

The door was already a little open, and I could peek through the creaks of the wooden door and see a good view.

But this was no good view.

There was Veronica, sprawled across Damien's bed in just her tacky lingerie. She was a moaning mess as Damien was leaving kisses all over her body, pleasuring her.

I just stood there.

I don't exactly know for how long, but I stood there, watching as Damien was muttering words and Veronica was moaning loudly.

Then it hit.

The pain.

The sadness.

The betrayal.

I knew it from the start he was trouble, yet I continued to let my feelings grow for him. To thrive and become something that was never even meant to be. Something that could never work out.

And Veronica. Oh Veronica... I trusted her. She was my comrade, my ally, my best friend.

The betrayal... from both sides of the story to me. I couldn't take it anymore.

No more nice Annalise. No more bottling up the feelings and throwing it in a gods damn ocean. I burst in the room, not even realizing my face looked like a river.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE." I cursed and threw my hand down.

Veronica and Damien jumped up, surprised looks on both of their faces.

Annalise?" He leaned over as if he was looking real hard at me.

Real hard my ass.

"Don't you ever fucking talk to me again! The both of you. I can't STAND to even look at you. You both disgust me." I spit out with fiery rage.

"Who ever said I wanted to be your friend in the first place Annalise?" Veronica's face was so twisted. A beautiful, sinister look on her face that fueled my rage.

I took a deep breath in, and closed my eyes. Now only tears were slipping out. Sad, sad tears... just looked looking at them in this position made me so sad. I calmed my dragon for now, and a void of unhappiness filled it.

"I guess you did get your damn kiss by the end of the night, But it wasn't from me."

//////////

A wholeeeee lotta shit just went down. I'll be coming out with another update soon! But right now I have gmas and I hate it so so much. It's almost the end of the school year for me. I'm so excited for the summer... I will actually have time for updates!

I already have the whole book mapped out. This is just one obstacle that might or might not bring them closer together... who knows? But what I do know is that the book is going to be very long, and with is only a tiny part of it.

I will definitely finish this story no matter what, even though nobody is even reading, but for my own sake as well. I love writing and the characters especially in this book so this book will be completed.

I'm planning about 45 chapters? And you know mine are long. Maybe even 50. We will see where it takes us!

I really wish I could update a lot more but I'm so busy all the time. I'm just a teen in high school with a big social schedule, sports, and grades. So bear with me please with the slow updates!

Enjoy:) much more is to come. This is not the end♥️