KENNEDY
The invitation had arrived earlier.
My shock was an understatement.
I stared at the white with the golden intricate square paper as if my sight was playing tricks with me. My name was written on it, though. I just got my first invitation to the Royal Charity Ball in Burkhese.
Thayer must have connections with the royal family, or he was an active philanthropist.
When Thayer said earlier he had someone to prepare me for a party, he was right, but not on that someone, because I had a masseuse, a manicurist, someone for my hair, another for my makeup. Arina was also with me.
And my dark blue floor-length vintage-inspired gown with beaded bodice, floral details along the hem just arrived. By a single glance at this creation, it was from a known designer. In my opinion, it felt like I was attending a MET Gala—it was gorgeous, but I didn’t know if I was the right person to wear it.
“Do I have another gown to choose from?” I asked Arina. She became my assistant since these guys came over to make me look worthy for the gala.
The guy who was fixing my hair stared at me in the mirror in surprise. “You don’t wanna wear it?”
“If he chose that for me, then I’m gonna wear it.”
He sighed. “Great! Trust me, ma’am, you’d look stunning. The color of the gown would make your eyes more—” He gestured his hands as if he was thinking of the right word.
“Dazzling.”
“Yes!” He pointed at Arina. “Regal.” He looked at the mirror with pride after he was done with my hair. “Nothing can beat a classic hairdo. Do you agree?” He was right, side braid, low deconstructed chignon, loosely pinned back with a little twist—it looked great.
“It’s perfect. Thank you.” Even myself, I found it hard to believe that I was in that reflection, staring back at me.
“My pleasure.” He did a curtsy. “Madam.”
I did my best not to roll my eyes. What was with these people with their bow and bob?
They left me with Arina. “Let’s put your gown on.”
The wall-sized mirror did a great help. After I wore my gown, I found it hard to believe it fit perfectly for me—as if it made for me. Arina was clasping her hands together, giggling.
“How do I look?”
“A princess. A real princess.”
“Silly. Thank you, Arina, for helping me.”
“That’s why I’m here, madam. Now, let’s put your shoes on.”
I’d stared at these shoes in last month’s magazine. Now, they were in my feet—ankle strapped sandals with pears clustered.
I sighed in front of the mirror—I was now a different person, but deep inside, I was still the same without these grandiose and luxuries.
“Please, come in,” Arina said.
“Who’s there?”
A slim man around fifties walked in, carrying a blue velvet square jewelry box. “Madam, I’m Daniel Areon, a representative from Gattewarde Braynburd Assets. I am here to present you this fine jewelry.” He flipped the box open.
I squinted my eyes as sparkles erupted in the room.
“Wow!” It was a set of vintages like blue and white diamond necklaces and earrings. “I can’t wear that. That’s too flashy.”
was advised to
did.” I turned around
carefully taking the necklace from the box. “There’s a history
don’t wanna know, and the price as well. I’ll die, reborn, die
your safety. You won’t go to the ball alone. You will be escorted,
“Are you serious?”
the value of the necklace,
eyes widened. “Am
“No, ma’am.”
a relief. You made me worry for
earpiece. I
when I got there. What I’d seen in the party I’d attended would be a different scene with this one. It was a royal charity ball in
hit me—this might be my
in my
you be a little more specific about which one I would be interviewing?
she just woke up. I forgot the
sorry to wake you up. I’m on my way. And I look like Cinderella right now in Jimmy Choo’s pearls shoes. When midnight strikes, I turn into an
Kennedy.
didn’t know you and Thayer are active in
him very
cryptic as the
“Have fun, dear.”
my phone back, the car
what basic rules and
legs, I straightened my back, raised my chin as I walked
anxiety twisted in the pit of my stomach. I kept in mind that I was doing this for Thayer.
tuxedo offered his arm. I
York.” Before I
What the hell?
fancy and royal if there was
Regal.
murmur. I recognized a royal family member from Spain, another
sea of rich and famous people. For the
grip an arm around. I wanted to pinch myself if I was really in the event. I suddenly felt a huge ball rolling in the pit of my stomach. I’d never been this nervous in my entire life—ever. But I couldn’t
arrival of His Royal Highness, Prince of Burkese, Duke
was in a sharp dress in a royal uniform with his medals of honor pinned on his chest with Royal Family
and Princess were about to pass by the isle. I was so drawn that I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her. Something about her
smile alone, it was so pure, contagious, and I couldn’t help
she smiled at me.
“Kennedy.”
Did she just call my name? How did
trying to make my brain work. No way I
of Guardion, Duke
That name.
cut through me like
shook it
No. It’s not him.
It was impossible.
when Prince of Guardion walked in with all his shocking grace, everything around us disappeared. He walked as if he belonged
froze in
My lips dried.
I shivered.
hit me so hard. What he said earlier came crashing down on me. I forgot
He’s a fucking prince.