SIX

After some time, it seems the royal family is preoccupied with the ceremony. I see this as my chance.

Finding my black coat, I slide it on to seem less noticeable in the crowd. I time myself. Five minutes to confirm the location of my target object and return to the party.

It seems more crowded now, so I find the stairs and head for the next floor.

But I soon discover how impossible it is to find my way around here. More so, there are guards stationed at every corner.

Fortunately, I see a young maid stroll by, and I stumble into her with a look of confusion on my face.

“Lady Hayes,” she says in acknowledgement.

“Oh, thank goodness. Can you help me find the bathroom?”

“Of course. Come with me.”

I follow her as she leads me through the hallway. The number of doors and corners makes my head spin as I try to figure it out.

Nothing seems the match the map Zephyr gave me.

“Here we are, my lady,” she says.

I thank her and she walks away.

Goodluck finding your way back I say to myself.

I walk into the bathroom and pull out my phone to have another look at the map. Thankfully, I start to understand it.

I smile when I see that the room I should be searching for is only two turns away.

After studying the map for a few more seconds, I tuck my phone away and crack the door open, wide enough to have a peak. There is no one at this area of the hallway so I walk out, trying to look as casual as I can.

Slipping my hand into my pocket, I pull out my red lipstick that will now be used as a spy gadget.

I use it to make small marks on the door frames leading to the mystery room where the map claims the silver bracelet is hidden.

When I reach the door, I squat carefully and mark the bottom corner of the door.

This should make things easier for me when I-

“Lady Hayes.”

My soul almost leaves my body at the sound of a muffled voice behind me. I stand and turn to see one of the guards. Does everyone around here know me?

“Is there a problem?” the guard asks. I shake my head, giving him my signature smile. “None at all. This is my favourite lipstick. Couldn’t let it be even after it escaped from my pocket.”

I can’t see the expression on his masked face, so I keep smiling.

“But now that you’re here, I do need help finding my way back to the ball room. Would you be so kind?”

“Of course, my lady. Follow me.”

…

I shudder to think of what would’ve happened if I had gotten caught. I ditch my coat again, but a part of me just wants to leave.

I find a good seat where I can ponder my plans even further. The sooner I get that bracelet, then sooner I can leave, and the sooner I can give April a better life.

I shake my head. It’s time to go. I should leave.I get up and make my way out of the venue.

“Leaving so soon, Scarlet?”

It sounds more like a statement than a question.

I recognize the voice, and it’s the last one I want to hear right now despite its deep, silky texture.

“Your highness. What a pleasant surprise,” I say sarcastically, not bothering to turn towards him.

I can feel him behind me, his body radiating an uncomfortable heat. And his bloody scent…

“You haven’t paid your respects to my sister yet, have you?”

I sigh before turning to face him.

“I’m sure the princess is far too busy for my irrelevant greetings. But thank you for your concern.”

“Nonsense. I’ll escort you myself.”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes when he holds out his arm for me.

“Of course. Thank you.”

I link our arms together as he leads me back into the center of the room. And now, people are staring. Even Damian’s parents have noticed this from their special seats.

“You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?” I say, keeping my expressions neutral.

“Let’s see how well we can please the crowd,” he replies.

“You seemed displeased by the fact that your parents are trying to play matchmaker with us. Have you suddenly had a change of heart?”

“Less talking more smiling, Hayes. This is the most fun I’ve had all night.”

We look ahead as Lysandra and Prince Aiden start to approach us, until we meet in the middle of the invisible path and exchange smiles. Well. Theirs seem much more genuine than mine. As for Damian, I wonder if he’s ever cracked a smile in his life.

“I believe we’ve all met,” he starts as I fight to ignore the countless eyes that are now glued to us as if we are performing a play. But in some ways, we are.

“Congratulations, your highness...es. I hope you both find happiness,” I say. “Oh, please. Call me Lysandra, Scarlet. And thank you.”

“And call me Aiden. These titles make us sound like old, uptight people,” Aiden adds. They both laugh.

“I should get going now but this is such a beautiful party, Lysandra.”

“Well, if you enjoyed this one you should come to my bachelorette sleepover next week,” she suggests.

“A sleepover? Here at the castle?” my voice is an octave higher than I need it to be.

She nods eagerly. “We’re having ours on this wing and the bachelors party is on the east wing. It’s organized this way because we will all come together for the rehearsal dinner the next day.”

“If you can find a date, that is,” Aiden says. She nudges him lightly.

“Of course, she can find a date. I mean, look at her,” she whispers loudly. “What? I don’t want her to feel left out and lonely,” he whispers back.

I peak up at Damian to see him rolling his eyes beside me.

“She’d love to. Now don’t be rude, Sister. She would like to leave.”

He practically drags me away impatiently, not waiting for an exchange of goodbyes.

Always so rude.

I don’t expect much from him after he pulls me away, but he escorts me back to the entrance doors.

“Goodnight,” he says curtly before walking away. I stare at his retreating figure in confusion.

“Goodnight…” I say inaudibly. I know he can’t hear me. No one can.”

I’d say tonight was a good night.

Returning to my suite, I find a large bouquet of flowers at my door, lying beautifully and sending a bold message.

I pick them up with both hands, my eyes landing on a small notecard.

To my Lady,

Here’s some colour for that pale dress.

-your anonymous admirer.

This isn’t sweet. It’s scary.

Instinctively, I look around to see if anyone is watching me. If I do have a stalker on my tail, this could be bad.

I open the door and walk in cautiously, reaching for my thigh to arm myself with the little knife I carry around just in case things go south.

It is not my best defense, but you’d be surprised how much I can accomplish with it.

I walk around slowly and discreetly, looking up and around. After a few minutes, I manage to reassure myself that I am alone.

I breathe out a sigh of relief.

Shit.