Laina was standing on the platform while Maragaret and another maid made the final alterations to her evening gown. The beautiful dress was tailored made to fit her body like a glove. It accentuated all her curves in the right places.

Her burgundy hair was given large wavy curls towards the ends while her fringe was pinned to the side with a bright red ruby-encrusted hairpin. Laina turned from side to side, admiring herself in the full-length mirror.

Margaret was smiling as she saw her princess’s reflection in the mirror.

“The dress is made for you, and only you, your highness,” she commented with a gleaming smile.

Laina blushed a little due to the compliment, “When did you learn how to flatter me this much, Margaret?”

She reached her hand out, pointing towards the black wooden box that had been placed onto the table. Margaret picked it up and unlatched the golden hinges before presenting it to Laina. In it, laying on silky red satin was a black masquerade mask adorned with the finest black pearls, gemstones.

Laina carefully picked it up, admiring the craftsmanship of the mask before putting it on. It was the finishing touch to her already stunning outfit.

“Perfect,” Laina whispered to herself as she took another look at her reflection.

“I wonder if he would like it…” she muttered to herself.

“What did you say, your highness?” Margaret asked. Laina had whispered so softly, she could not hear what she had said.

The crown princess blinked a couple of times before shaking her head. As soon as the words left her lips, she could no longer remember any of them.

“It’s nothing,” Laina assured her handmaiden before stepping off the platform.

“I am ready for the ball,” she proclaimed.

When Laina turned to see her handmaiden, she realized the young woman had been so focused on her, that she had barely dolled herself up. Laina shook her head as she looked at Margaret with an arched eyebrow.

Sensing something was amiss, Margaret did not know how to react.

“Is something the matter, Princess Laina?” she asked.

“Margaret, is this what you’re going to wear to the ball?” Laina asked sternly.

The seriousness in her voice sent a chill down Margaret’s spine. She looked down at the frock she was wearing. It was covered in dust and dirt from all the running around she had done since they arrived in Everfree.

Laina called the other maid to bring her the large box that had been sitting on the sofa at the side. The maid did as Laina asked and set the box in front of Margaret. The handmaiden was surprised.

“Milady, this…”

“It is for you, Margaret. Open it,” Laina urged.

It was a large box, wrapped in intricately designed wrapping paper, held together with a well-placed ribbon.

“Your highness, this gift… it’s too expensive. I cannot accept-”

“Margaret, I don’t accept returns.” Laina cut her off with a sneaky grin.

Without any way of rejecting the crown princess, Margaret relented and carefully unwrapped the box.

“I hope you like it,” the princess said with a smile.

Margaret took off the lid of the box and peered in. She gasped in shock as she picked up the folded garment that was resting snug in the box itself. It was a beautiful lace evening gown.

Apart from the dress, the box also contained a matching masquerade mask and heeled shoes.

“As the handmaiden to the future Queen of Kinshearth, I can’t have you debut at a ball in a worn-out frock. At the very least, you have to look presentable,” Laina explained.

Margaret was moved, she had tears in the corner of her eyes.

-You remembered my favorite colors.- she thought to herself as she ran her hand down the lace fabric of the pastel pink dress.

Looking up at Laina, she wanted nothing more than to hug her. But she held back. Margaret bowed.

“I am eternally grateful for your gift, your highness,” she thanked Laina formally.

“You’re most welcome, Margaret. Now get ready quickly, the ball will begin shortly,”

The evening kicked off to a slower start. Royals from all participating countries, kingdoms, and nations entered the main cocktail ballroom. Everyone was dressed in their finest. Every nation had its own unique styles and customs and so did its outfits.

While most preferred to keep up with the trends, some preferred to remain true to their homeland, donning more traditional garments. The fashions of the Universe were on display at the Masquerade Ball.

Keeping up with the theme, everyone who entered donned a mask to hide their face. However, the announcer would announce each and everyone who entered. By the time Laina and Margaret arrived at the entrance to the cocktail ballroom, most of the royals were already inside.

Laina could feel her clammy palms through the long black silk gloves she was wearing. Why was she so nervous? Was it because this was her first debut at such a prolific event? Margaret went forward to speak to the announcer.

The announcer nodded before turning to the trumpeters. He gave them a signal and in an instant, they were all at attention. They raised the trumpets in their hands and began to play. As soon as they did so, many in the ballroom turned to look up at the entrance of the ballroom.

Margaret walks over to Laina.

“They are ready for your entrance, your highness,” she whispered to Laina.

Laina swallowed hard as she walked down the carpeted hallway and made a right turn at the entrance of the cocktail ballroom. With the spotlight on her, Laina felt her nervousness ease away as she looked into the ballroom.

The announcer cleared his throat just as the trumpeters finished their playing.

“Announcing the arrival of Crown Princess Laina De Solara, future Queen of Kinshearth.”

When men turned to see her, most of them had to take a double-take. Laina gracefully walked down the steps into the cocktail ballroom. She held her head up high as she surveyed the room. Everyone, both men and women, were in awe of her grace and beauty.

She was regal and radiant.

Her black dress was a bold statement at the event. Especially when lighter colors were in season since it was the beginning of Spring.

As her eyes scoured the room, Laina’s heart was pounding. As she looked around again, she furrowed her eyebrows. Who was she even looking for? Laina did not know anyone personally amongst those in attendance.

The only person she knew was Margaret, her handmaiden.

Just as she was about to give up, she met his eyes.