The Female Lead

I let out a gloomy sigh as we approached the Palace. My insides were on fire, the thought of being there as the original novel unfolds left me in a state of dilemma. On one hand I was glad to actually get to watch the entire scenario while on the other hand I was terrified to be there which was kind of strange knowing that there was nothing to be scared of.

My heart drummed faster as the seconds flew by.

"Rosalind, is everything okay?" Edward's voice drew my attention.

I turned to him, his eyes filled with concern. My gaze shifted from him to Leo, he too had a concerned demeanor.

"I just don't want to attend the ball!" I replied, in my saddest voice hoping that it could change my Father's decision at the last minute but his face remained indifferent.

"Why?".

"I don't know!" I said with a shrug "I just detest balls I guess!".

Edward drew quiet, probably thinking of a way to cheer me up.

"If you are that bothered about it, would you like it if Leo and I stood by your side throughout the ball?" He asked.

My eyes gleamed at the question, I stared at Leo checking if he was onboard. He gave a light nod, I smiled. With my two big brothers to protect me, I don't even need to bother about anything.

"I would really love that!" I replied.

Edward clapped his hands together "That is settled, consider us your knights in shining armor for the rest of the evening!" He said cheerfully.

I beamed at him, grateful for his decision.

>>>> A gasp escaped my lips as I stared out the window of the carriage overlooking the majestic Palace, it screamed of royalty, beauty and power. Located at the center was an enormous fountain spraying water into the air.

Before us were a line of carriages of different noble families, they trooped out of them, exuding an aura full of elegance and nobility. Our carriage halted in front of the entrance. The footman stepped down and opened the door for us. Father got down first, followed by Edward then Leo. They both extended their hands, offering to help me.

I wholeheartedly accepted their offer with a smile. We walked into the Palace, my hands were wrapped round theirs as they led me into the Palace.

The ballroom was decked out for the beautiful occasion, an elaborate chandelier adorned the soaring ceiling casting a warm glow over the entire room.

Chattering of the guests could be heard from every inch of the room. I rolled my eyes at the sight, I was already bored at least I had my knights in shining armor with me.

"Hey Edward, don't forget your…" I paused, he no longer stood by my side instead he was surrounded by a group of stylish noble ladies who were fawning over his good looks. My lips slightly parted with shock. I couldn't believe he ditched me.

"You look so handsome Sir Edward!" One of the Ladies said, slightly touching his biceps.

"Did you do something with your hair?" Another asked.

I watched as Edward flushed, completely swooned by their compliments.

I scoffed angrily "Leo, can you imagine Edward…" I turned to where Leo stood, he too was gone.

"Sir Leopold, is it okay if I can take a moment of your time?" A noble man asked him.

"Sure! No problem!" He replied, walking beside him as they drew further away from me.

I gaped, stunned at him. Edward I could understand but Leo I don't think I will.

"At least I still have you Father, even though I am still mad at you…" I sighed "...but I will do you a favor by hanging out with you all night, what do you…" my voice trailed off, looking around I could not find him anywhere.

I groaned angrily. Great! So much for sticking by me. You guys are the best!.

The best option at the moment was to leave the ballroom, escape into a garden or something.

I made my way through the dense ballroom avoiding bumping into the guests.

A group of noble ladies fawning over something caught my attention, I inched closer to them, curious to know what they were talking about.

"I cannot believe you got one of the latest designs of Countess Arabella. She is so talented!" One of the Ladies said.

I followed her gaze and it landed on the lady in the middle. Her black hair flowed mindlessly over shoulders, her face was apathetic as the ladies offered their compliments to her gown.

"I wanted to purchase the other gown she designed but I was too late. Some noble lady already bought it!" Another lady complained.

"And to think that there are only two of the gowns in the entire empire!" The lady next to her added.

The lady with black hair didn't say a word to them. Her aloof aura made me think that she was the leader of the tiny clique of ladies. Something felt off about her, especially since our gowns were nearly identical.

Our eyes met! Mine widened as I observed her distinct red eyes which mirrored the same color of eyes of the villainess. Her eyes trailed down my gown with contempt.

"I think I know who bought the other gown!" She said crossly, looking displeased at me.

The ladies around her followed her gaze and stared at me. Astounded by my attire.

"I cannot believe the dummy bought it!" One of the ladies said, her tone screamed of disgust.

"To think it is wasted on her body!" Another one added.

"It would have fitted me more than it did on the dummy!" another added.

The looks I received filled me with an indescribable rage. I wanted to burn off their annoying, pampered faces but I couldn't, unleashing my flame in the ballroom would cause an uproar and I didn't want that. I exhaled, closing my eyes and opening them once more. I walked past them with my head held high being unfazed by them, ignoring their comments, remarks and their annoying laughter that reminded me of a group of hyenas.

Once I was far from them I let out a breath I didn't know I held. Their words stung a part of me and I hated it. My fist clenched in fury, I felt like punching a hole in one of their faces at least if I do that the others will back off.

"Don't let them get to you Emilia!" I said to myself, calming down.

"Do not listen to the words they say. They are just jealous of you!" A soft, sweet, angellike voice spoke from behind me.

I slowly turned around, my face grew pale at the lady who stood before me. Her aura was pristine as she smiled warmly at me.

I didn't need to ask her who she was. She did not need to introduce herself. She was the female lead, Lady Adeline Ashbourne.