I Don't Need the Prince! 21

The next morning, maids swarmed her room carrying intricate dresses, accessories, and perfumes. Avina allowed her body to be in the care of the maids as she thought of her next actions. Organizing her mindset, the monitors, and collecting information on Amanda and Earl John; she worked as the people around her worked too.

5025 stared as its Host lifelessly worked moving monitor after monitor and scanning document after document. While it was happy its host wasn't sad, it felt a little stifled at its host's constant workaholic attitude. It likes its lively host more.

'Host, are you alright?' 5025 looked at Avina's mood bar worried how its question may affect her. Avina stopped what she was doing considering how she should reply.

'I'm alright,' replying, Avina started fiddling with the monitors again. Although 5025 expected an answer, it was still unsatisfied somewhere. It didn't understand so it asked Avina one more time.

'Then why was Host sad before?' 5025 switched to its monitor and saw it lightly fluctuating. Compared to yesterday, it was calmer.

Avina did not know how to answer 5025. One part of her didn't want to share but another knew that 5025 was going to be her partner for years. In the end, Avina truthfully told 5025, 'I felt a little down, but I'm better now. Let's finish this mission, 5025.'

5025 had nothing else to say. It swallowed the remaining questions and helped Avina set up all the monitors. The time passed quickly and the two sides, Avina and maids, were done at the same time.

Avina slowly walked out of her room and headed towards the stairs. Her long dark blue dress shimmered with each step looking like stars. Her hair was tied up into a bun and small threads of hair framed her face; a tiny hint of blue flashed behind her hair showing her sapphire earrings. Woven into her hair were small jewels twinkling shyly. She wore elbow high gloves and a moderate diamond ring on her left hand. Hanging on her neck was a gorgeous necklace adorned with diamonds and sapphires.

No matter how pretty she looked, Avina hated how much a struggle it was to just walk. The weight of everything slowed her steps down to a snail's pace. She held onto the railings stepping one step at a time down the stairs. Then, a hand reached out supporting her back, and guided her slowly down.

"You should have asked for help. That's what brothers are good for," Hector had appeared out of nowhere and took her hands supporting her down the stairs. Avina squeezed his hands as acquiesce and said a small thank you. Hector continued his one-sided conversation until they reached the bottom.

Avina retracted her hands, but Hector grabbed them once more. Hesitation appeared in his eyes, but ultimately, he told her, "You don't have to go if you don't want to."

Avina's eyes went round with shock before smiling lightly, "I chose to go myself. For fun. It will be alright, brother." Avina may have lived a pampered life before, but this was the first time she experienced having a brother's care. It felt good to be cared for.

Hector watched as Ariel left with a smile and a small part of his worry was relieved. He headed back to his office and several attendants were waiting for him all holding stacks of information. Each wore a monotone dull face before bowing towards him. When Hector finally sat down, they each handed him their stack, and Hector flipped through each one of them. A paper slipped from inside and out fell the paper with Amanda's face on it.

When Avina's carriage reached the ball, several carriages were already lined up. Out from each one was a young lady garbed in her fanciest dress or a gentleman wearing his most charming suit. Some of them were escorted by servants while others had partners.

When it was Avina's turn, she expected the coachman to open the door, but instead, she was met with a head of blonde hair and cold eyes. The moment George saw her staring at him, his eyes warmed and there was a hint of a smile in those cold lips of his. His hands reached out for hers and she was lead slowly down the carriage.

His outfit matched hers today except he had a couple more gold accents. The suit was dark blue fitting his body showing his fit figure. Hanging on the right pocket side was an array of decorative medals. Tassels hung from his shoulders swaying gently with every movement. Each visible thread was shone with a light gold finish and his collar featured exquisite embroidery. In contrast to his navy, there was a red ribbon hanging from his left.

"Would you like to walk with me?" once in the hall, George asked Ariel. His implications were if she wanted to greet people. Of course, Avina did not refuse and together the two greeted noble after noble as the perfect couple.

While it was not much to stand by George's side and lightly smile while saying good evening, her heels started to pain her the more they walked together. Soon, it was unbearable as she felt blisters forming. Every single step was filled with pain, and her smile slowly cracked.

George had been watching her and quickly bid farewell to the noble still wanting to talk. He supported Ariel towards the terrace and helped her sit down at the nearby seat. Grabbing a drink from a walking tray servant, he handed it to her.

"Stay here. I will walk around a little more, and I will be back," holding her hands, he gave it a small squeeze. "And then we can the night to ourselves." He warmly stared at her cutely adorned face and walked back to the crowd.

Swirling the drink in her hands, Avina looked at the people in front of her. No matter where she stared, there was always a small group of people laughing and talking to another. Some shook hands while others hugged. Light orchestral music strung in the air, lifting itself out into the terrace. Amidst the light chatter were the refreshing sounds of a violin singing away.

Making sure no one would come here and talk to her, she looked at her monitors. As she was greeting, she didn't pay much attention to the people she was monitoring. Now that she had the chance, she noticed there were changes. Amanda was conversing with the usual ladies but occasionally there would be stares directed towards her terrace. Avina's brows wrinkled as the glances increased even more.

Towards Earl John's side, he was laughing jubilee with his friends. Following behind him was Jane, with her head lowered and hands resting in front of her lap, wearing a light pink simple gown. She was barely noticeable compared to her bright surroundings. Occasionally, she would sneak a peek at her surroundings, but at the sight of Earl John, she lowered her head once more. Not too far away was Rey clinking his glass to boys his age. He would occasionally sneak a peek at Jane, but never walked towards her. Occasionally a blush would rise, but he would hide it drinking the white wine he held.

Earl John's, Jane's, and Rey's situation was nothing out of the ordinary. But the more she looked at Amanda's, the more she scowled under her breath. It was expected, but also unbelievable. Amanda was really spreading rumors about the Crown Princess! What was even more shocking was her clique was heading towards her way!