Prince Gerard, Prepare Yourself

After I've arrived at the estate, I noticed that the sun was still high and up above. I asked the coachman for the time, and it was only 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I then told him to go back into the city, to a boutique that caught my eyes not too long ago.

I had money prepared and I was ready to spend it all away to show it off to the Prince and Princess. Call me petty, but I will buy the most outstanding burgundy dress that they could offer. Just to make sure the Prince looked underdressed next to me.

I am working on to break our engagement after all.

Finally getting out of the carriage, my personal knight, Siegfried, escorted me to the boutique. There, I found the most extravagant burgundy dress you've ever seen. Although it was a little bit peculiar for a ball dress in this era, I guess being fashion forward wouldn't hurt.

The jewellery shop next door had the perfect earrings and necklace set that matched perfectly with the dress. I was satisfied that it didn't take too long to find the things I wanted.

When we arrived at the estate, it was already 6. Me and my maids rushed to prepare myself for the ball. That stupid Prince is going to pick me up at 8.

"Oh, Amanda, I'd rather wear the dress that I just brought. The matching jewellery set too." I told her as the other maids helped me wear my corset and the cage for the skirt too.

"But, Her Royal Highness already sent a dress."

I smirked, gripping on my vanity as they tightened the corset.

"I bumped into Prince Gerard today at the city, and he informed me there was some mishaps with the dress. He's wearing burgundy tonight, and I wanted to match with my fiance for the ball. That's why I brought the dress today." I lied, though it is for her own good. If I told her something else, then she would sense something's fishy.

"If you say so, Young Mistress." She bowed and took out the dress I brought from the boutique.

Taking one more good look at the dress, I smiled knowing how much of a fool Prince Gerard is going to be made tonight. Not only do I match him, but I also managed to outshine him. Me, a mere bastard from a Marquise house, outshined His Royal Highness, Prince Gerard whose brother is the Emperor of the continent.

I can't wait to see the look on his face tonight.

__________

"Good evening, Your Highness. I appreciate that you're taking my daughter out to the ball tonight." My father greeted Prince Gerard with a warm smile, the Prince only replying with a cold smile.

I get that you hate being engaged to me but haven't your parents taught you to be respectful to your elders? What a pompous prick. Emilia might be the biggest thorn in her family's side, but don't you ever get the feeling that the reason why you're engaged to her was because you were the biggest pain in the ass for your brother? Geez, that lunatic brother of yours might be the most bloodthirsty man in the Empire, but I pity him having to take care of your troublemaking ass.

Talk about having the youngest child syndrome.

After I finished my makeup and some finishing touches on my hair, I exited my bedroom with Siegfried, who also escorted me down the stairs. I appreciated his help, since I've never been too comfortable walking in high heels before, much less going down the stairs with it. I gripped on his elbow quite tightly, and he looked at me quizzically before fixing his stare straight ahead.

Emilia was probably the most talented catwalker in heels, but I wasn't. I was used to combat boots, regular boots and sneakers. I wore heels occasionally but even then it didn't go higher than 2 and a half inches. And although during undercover ops where I'd have to wear the 6 inches one, those were desperate times and I even had to learn some dances in them as training. Ballroom dance, exotic dance. But those were a long time ago, when I was still in my twenties. After a long time of not wearing heels and then suddenly throwing on 5 inch heels on me is throwing me off balance. Quite literally.

After finally reaching downstairs, I was actually so focused on making sure I didn't trip and fall down the stairs like a klutz, I didn't notice how my beloved fiancée was looking at me. People would say he was starstruck, but actually he was stupefied at the fact I'm wearing a matching burgundy dress and also looking like a million dollar Gucci babe beside his Walmart ass.

I told you I was going to outshine him.

I gave him a blinding smile and held out my gloved hand for him to kiss. His movements were stiff and I could sense his tenseness as he took my hand. When he gripped on me hard, I did the same to him.

Did you seriously think I was going to let you and your sister make a fool out of me, dear Prince?

Too bad, I ready decided that I'm not going to be your family's puppet. I hope you prepare yourself to all the things I plan to do, Gerard. The same goes for your older sister and brother. I have no intention on dying so pathetically in this life.