Day 74

Evening

Upon entering the ballroom, there was already plenty attendees. It reminded me of when I attended the ball that time before Rowan had me stay in his castle.

Such a big room where people were already dancing to the music, some having wine and chatting, and some stood there probably wishing they could leave. I know how they feel. Because every inch of me hates these types of events!

"Ehem." The music comes to an abrupt stop, and I spot prince Lichter making his way to the center of the room. "Initially, this ball was made for a fun gathering of nobles and royalty of the kingdoms, however due to sudden events, we will also be celebrating me being given the right to the crown from King Virisey." He says with pride, and everyone applauds him.

"They seem happy." I comment, and turn to Rowan. I would've expected even one gasp or look of shock from those in the room. After all, the crown princess was no longer guaranteed the throne.

"Eve was even more widely known to the people of Revellis as the vile witch than the princess."

"Huh." Another thing I wouldn't have expected. Unless Eve would straight up show her true colors, I don't think anyone would ever think of her as vile. "So she's done things to make her own people dislike her?"

"Plenty of things." A voice that wasn't Rowan's answered. But it was a familiar voice of someone breathtaking.

"Miss Annette!" I gasp and turn around to look at her with a big smile on my face. Along with her was the two sisters I met last time she was at the castle in Elleris. "You're here!"

"Why of course I am!"

Nana clicked her tongue, Lili had her arms crossed. Do those two dislike me?

"Assnette only got invited because she's popular and busty!" The two said in unison. I stand corrected, it seems more like a problem with themselves.

"Will you two stop calling me that. It's only thanks to me that you two even get to be here with me." Annette responded to the two calmly. Part of me is amazed with how she's able to respond with both the perfect composure and hateur in her voice.

Both Lili and Nana began growling at her in low voices. Like rabid dogs. I think they should be greatful to Annette, with such a character they'd never get any invitations to any party.

"So, my beautiful Riselle, do you want to know about the things the vile witch princess of Revellis has done to give herself such a title?"

"Hmm, yeah."

"Lets take a seat then, it's quite the story."

Annette motions for us to occupy the nearest table. There I realize the prince with his sharp blue eyes has gone off, to do something else I guess.

I had to admit, being here without someone I was close with made me feel a bit uneasy, but with this lady and her two dog girls I'll be fine.

"As a travelling merchant, I hear plenty of stories." Annette began once we were all seated. First thing that came into my mind was me wondering if she really just was a merchant and nothing else.

"Not too long ago, I had my stall put up in this kingdom. A young girl came up to me, and purchased a pendant with a giant ruby in it's center. Before that the young girl told me about her older sister.

It was one peaceful evening, and the girl was peaking out of her window. There she saw the princess dressed in a black cloak speaking to her older sister. The next morning, a note was left on the table where they'd eat, saying her older sister went out to do an errand for the princess and would return with 100 gold coins. Days, weeks, and even months of waiting has passed and the young girl's older sister never returned. She told me she chose to by a ruby pendant because the ruby was her sister's favorite gem."

"And... Did the young girl ever find out what happened to her sister?" I ask.

"We can only assume she was used as another one of the princess' test subjects to her many spell practices and experimentations."

"She... Used her own people as subjects to her experiments? And the king never found out about this?!" My eyes widened. I couldn't imagine her doing such things, and what shocked me even more is she got away with it scott free. In such an advanced kingdom.

"Yes. No one ever had the proof of her doings, so nothing could be done. Would you like to hear more?"

"No thank you. If I may excuse myself, I am going to head to the powder room." I get up from the seat, Feeling somewhat sick.

The things she possibly could've done to me. The cruel things she's done to others. That twisted face of hers from the previous day was haunting me.

I carried my feet away from the groups of people, almost bumping into a few. I wanted a moment to be free from all of this, I wanted to return to Luca, and Adria, and Kace. Along with Rowan.

But even then am I safe? I spent years around someone who brought me and many others suffering.

"Riselle." I felt a hand wrap around my wrist.

"Rowan?" Only then I realized my body was shaking, and a few tears have already escaped my eyes. "Where'd you go? Why'd you leave me without saying anything?!" Scared, overwhelmed, traumatized... In a place like this I can't breath. "What if she suddenly appeared to take me away again?!"

I couldn't control my speech, whatever I felt came out of my mouth with no filters on. My vision blurry with the tears that continued to flow. But I could see both shock and concern in Rowan's face. I don't think he's seen me burst out like this before, neither do I remember the last time I bursted out like this.

He didn't say anything after that, and pulled me into a hug. Even though there was a whole lot of people here, he still held me tightly and soothed my panic. The arms I once feared felt more comforting than crying alone with a pillow.

And the hard shell of mine that refused to fall in love was quickly breaking.