"Ow! Lona!" Lona yanked on my hair as she was trying to style it.

"If you stop resisting, this will go much faster!!"

"But why do I have to look so fancy?"

"This ball is a very important event. Even the King and Queen take place in it. There are some that would die to have an invitation. But only those associated with the school can attend."

I groaned in response and she clicked her tongue, "Joel told me you turned down every boy's invitation to escort you to the ball today. Is that true?"

"Yeah." I paused, "Wait... How did Joel know that?"

She ignored my question, "Why would you turn them down? I was sure you would at least accept an invitation from Dante or Prince William."

"Because I'm a strong and independent woman. Why should I be escorted to a ball?"

"Because you will be ridiculed if you arrive with no escort."

"I don't care about that. Let them laugh at me."

I'd rather see honest faces than fake ones. If someone was making fun of you to your face, then at least you know they wouldn't stab you in the back.

Lona sighed, "Couldn't you have asked your father to escort you?"

I clicked my tongue, "No way! That's way more embarrassing than not having an escort at all."

"Why do you find that embarrassing? Millie is being escorted by her father."

I chuckled, "That's because Millie is adorable so it makes it acceptable."

Lona rolled her eyes and decided to let it go. "I'm finished now."

I looked in the mirror and was amazed. I turned my face in appreciation. My hair was volumous with loose curls hanging down. There were two braids that met in the back which was pulled into an elaborate bun that looked similar to a flower. Throughout my hair was several jewels that were black and red.

Lona put makeup on me which made my eyes stand out and my lips look pouty. I had never seen my own face look so seductive and gorgeous before. I could barely pull my eyes away.

As for my dress, I wore a mature looking dark red silky dress that trailed slightly on the ground. The sleeves and chest were black and faded into the red silk. The dress itself reminded one of fire. Even though I didn't have remarkable curves, I was still drop dead gorgeous.

I smiled at my reflection, "Lona! You've outdone yourself again!!"

She was also attending the ball with Joel. She was already dressed and ready before she got me ready. But she chose to wear a dark green dress that was simple and modest. She had her hair pulled back, but didn't do anything too remarkable to it.

I frowned, "Why didn't you put more effort into your attire? You've made me look so amazing, I feel a bit guilty with you looking like that."

She shook her head, "I prefer simple. And Joel doesn't mind it either."

My face twitched. I seem to recall asking for a simple hairstyle. So why does she get to do one, but I can't??

I choose to ignore this, "But I'm surprised you picked out this dress. I thought you would rather me wear less dresses that were dark."

She glanced at me, "Well, I felt that if you wore a dress that resembled fire, maybe you would be less inclined to start a fire today."

My face twitched, "Just what kind of person do you think I am?"

"A troublesome one."

"Lona. You are getting bolder everyday."

"Thank you. Now we should go find Joel and leave or else we will be late."

We opened the door and Joel was already standing outside waiting. He rushed forward and hugged Lona, "I missed my lovely wife so much!! Did you miss me?"

She scowled as he nuzzled her lovingly. She spoke in a stern tone, "It's only been a few hours. Now get off before Seri kills you."

He looked at me and grinned. I cracked my knuckles. Although I gave Lona my blessing, I still have the urge to beat up this idiot every time I see him.

He stopped hugging Lona and held out his arms to me, "Perhaps my daughter is jealous and wants a hug?"

I punched him in the face and he fell backwards. I glared at him, "Just who is your daughter?"

Joel sat on the ground and rubbed his eye, "How cruel.. How cruel..."

Me and Lona ignored him and left the room. When the carriage pulled up, we climbed inside. Joel sat next to Lona with a large grin. He wore a suit that matched hers perfectly.

I scowled in disgust. I don't know what's making me more nauseous. These two lovebirds, or the carriage ride.

When we arrived, I was more than excited to leave the carriage. I instantly was slapped in the face by a cold breeze.

I shivered, "I hate snow... I hate the cold... I hate winter..."

Lona stepped out of the carriage with help from Joel. She spoke, "Don't worry. The inside is well heated."

I nodded, "Then let's hurry inside."

We walked quickly into the building. The servants at the door checked our invitations and let us in. They showed us down a large corridor which led to a large set of doors.

Another servant opened the door and announced, "Now entering... Sir Joel and Lady Lona."

The two of them entered and walked down the stairs gracefully. Everyone politely grew quiet upon the announcement, but continued talking since it wasn't anyone of high status.

"Now entering... Seri-"

I scuffled down the stairs not even allowing him to finish.

Food. Food. Food. Food.

Lona sighed and followed me to the food table. I happily grabbed a plate and started munching on an assortment of food.

Millie walked over to me, "Seri! You're here... I just knew I would find you by the food table."

Mary, Mathias, and Artie followed after her. Artie chuckled, "Don't you know that eating at this kind of event is considered poor etiquette?"

I frowned, "Why would they put out food if they didn't want anyone to eat it?"

Artie was frozen speechless.

I looked around, "Where's everyone else?"

Artie answered with a slightly irritated face, "Well Lucius is over in that crowd of girls."

I looked over to see the playboy laughing and smiling like an idiot. Every so often he would glance at Artie.

Oh, he's definitely trying to make his boyfriend jealous. Hehe.

Artie frowned, "Why are you making that face?"

I changed the subject quickly, "And what about William and Dante?"

Millie answered, "Prince William is with the King and Queen seeing to his duties. Dante was hanging around in the shadows the last time I saw him."

Oh yeah, I forgot Dante hated these kinds of events. He was always in an area with no one around. I wonder if he just hates being around a lot of people.

Joel spoke, "Ah, we also should go greet the King and Queen before they get upset."

Lona took the plate away from my hands, "Yes, let's go do that."

I pouted, "But..."

She sighed, "You can come back for another plate after you greet the King and Queen."

I reluctantly agreed and followed her and Joel. When we walked over, The Queen's eyes lit up, "Seri!"

William stood beside her looking handsome in his Princely attire. I was almost blinded by his brilliance. He frowned at me, "Aren't you a little late?"

The King chuckled, "Now now, William. Aren't you happy to see her?" He added, "Also, she's not as late as she always is."

William blushed slightly and looked away in embarrassment. I bowed to the King, "It's a pleasure to see you, your highness."

The King chuckled, "At least her etiquette is getting better." He patted Joel on the back, "Good job, Joel."

Joel chuckled, "She's quite good when she wants to be."

The King's eyes had a glint pass over them. "By the way, how is your mother doing? I really ought to pay her a visit."

Everyone suddenly felt irritated and wanted to smack the King over the head. Of course, no one dared to.

Queen Luna clicked her tongue and looked at Lona, "Lona dear. How are you doing? I haven't seen you in a while."

Lona bowed politely, "I am honored that you remember humble me."

Queen Luna laughed, "Lona, you needn't be so formal. I heard you gained a Noble's status through an anonymous benefactor. You should hold your head high now as a proud noble."

Lona nodded and gave a faint smile, "Then I will try to take your advice."

Queen Luna looked at me, "Seri darling. How about you and William share a dance?"

William's face burst red from embarrassment, "Mother!!!"

"What? I know you were impatiently waiting to ask her for a dance. Stop being so shy." She looked at me, "Well?"

I chuckled awkwardly, "Ah. I would love to dance with Prince William, but I'm afraid I can not."

She frowned, "Why not?!"

I spoke politely, "It's just that, I'm very bad at dancing. I fear I would make your son look bad if I were to dance with him."

She shook her head, "Nonsense. He won't mind looking bad as long as he dances with you."

"Mother!!!" William looked as if he wanted to run away and hide.

I shook my head as my face twitched, "I really can't..."

I really don't want to. Please don't make me embarrass myself.

Joel interrupted, "Actually Queen Luna, I've tried to teach her how to dance before and it was impossible. Once she actually broke my foot!"

... Well that was because he pissed me off... But I don't need to mention that.

Queen Luna scrunched her face, "Well... Then I guess it can't be helped..."

I silently praised Joel. I should give him my thanks later...

We excused ourselves and I walked toward the food table. A waiter walked in front of me carrying drinks. A sweet aroma wafted over and I took a deep breath.

"Ah..." I could recognize the smell of wine.

I licked my lips. I went to reach out for a glass, but Lona smacked my hand. She frowned, "You can't have one."

I pouted, "Why not?!"

"Because you're not an adult. You're only 14. When you are 16 you can have some."

I clicked my tongue in annoyance, "How come I'm old enough to get married, but not old enough to drink?! Don't they know marriage and alcohol go hand in hand?"

I noticed someone walk toward us and immediately stopped whining. My face turned serious as I tried to refrain from showing my hatred.

Simon smiled at us, "It's nice to see you again." He looked at Lona. "Lady Lona, always a pleasure."

He bowed and grabbed her hand gently. He went to bend down to kiss it, but Joel smacked his hand away. Everyone around us froze at Joel's sudden action.

The usually cheerful idiotic Joel now actually had an angry scowl on his face. It was extremely out of character for him. Simon's smile grew larger in response. Suddenly, Joel realized what he did and quickly put on another goofy grin.

"Oh Sir Simon. If you want to kiss someone's hand, kiss mine."

Simon chuckled, "There's no need." He straightened back up, "I was hoping I could borrow Seri from you for a second?"

They looked to me and I gave them a nod. Lona nodded and bowed, "Then we will meet with you later."

Simon held his hand out to me, "Seri."

He had on a smile I recognized to be trouble. I took his hand and smiled back, "Shall we go?"

He led me to an area behind a pillar where there was no one around. It was the perfect place for something scandalous.

However, nothing of that nature could pass between us.

I instantly dropped my fake smile, "Just what do you want."

He chuckled and twirled my hair. If one didn't know better, they'd assume we were flirting.

He bent towards me and smiled, "Now, now. What is with that animosity of yours? Shouldn't you be more polite to me?"

I clicked my tongue, "Bah. That's like saying, why don't you let a venomous snake bite you?"

He chuckled, "I really do love that nasty tongue of yours."

I ignored him, "You clearly want something. So just spit it out."

His smile grew larger, "Very well. There's no use trying to deceive you. I need your help in a delivery."

I furrowed my eyebrows at his vague words. "And why would I help you?"

His deep brown eyes bore into me, drowning me in coldness. "Don't be like that... Aren't you worried that I will accidentally mention your identity to the King?"

I gave a vicious smile, "Aren't YOU afraid I will mention YOUR identity to the King?"

Simon didn't feel threatened. Instead he gave a genuine laugh in response. He reached out and grabbed the side of my face with one of his hands. He rubbed his thumb slowly on my cheek in a loving fashion.

But I could see through his actions.

My eyes never left his. He enjoyed my glare and spoke haughtily, "I wonder what William would think about you if he found out the deal you made."

I glared at him, "Don't you dare say his name with that disgusting mouth of yours."

Simon gave a sadistic grin, "What would he do if he found out that his precious childhood friend betrayed him so cruelly?"

My fists tightened so much my nails broke my skin. I growled at him, "You better shut up before I get really angry."

He chuckled and looked over my head, "Speaking of William, he's heading over here now. He looks awfully angry too..." He looked down at me, "Well? Your answer?"

I spat at him, "Fine."

He kissed my forehead and whispered into my ear, "Then I will find you when I'm ready." He rubbed my head before walking away, "Good luck."

Fucking bastard.

I turned around and took a deep breath. I successfully managed to wipe off any trace of anger and hatred that had been on it.