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  When I woke the next morning, I found that the sun was high in the sky and that I had not risen early enough to complete my chores. I scrambled out of bed and flew down the stairs.

  Robert glanced up from a book he was reading by the fireplace and laughed. “What happened to your hair, sweetheart?”

  “I—I woke up late,” I stammered. “I came down to do my chores and have Aunt Betsy fix it.”

  Why did they let me sleep so late?

  “Oh, she went out—said she had a few more errands to run before tonight. She also said you needed to rest, so she did your chores this morning.”

  “Oh!” That was a surprise. Betsy was usually a stickler when it came to chores.

  “She said you needed your beauty sleep but with hair looking like that, I think you could have used more,” he said with a wink.

  “Uncle Robert!” I exclaimed, running to the nearest mirror. I began to frantically pull out the wooden spools and rags from my hair.

  “Layla!” Betsy called from the door, startling me. “Don’t pull them like that!” She put down the bag she was carrying, and rushed over to me. “You have to unravel the hair slowly so you don’t pull the curls out.”

  Robert chuckled.

  Betsy rolled her eyes. “Wait here, Layla.”

  “It’s your fault,” I chided him.

  “My fault! I was just joking, darling,” he planted a kiss on my forehead. “I have some work in town today, so I am afraid I must get going. But don’t worry, I’ll be here to see you off.”

  “Good,” I said as he headed out.

  Betsy came down the stairs with my hairbrush and pulled a chair up for me to sit. From the bag she left by the door, she pulled out a small silver box and placed it in my hands. “Open it.”

  My fingers popped the lid open, and inside sat the most beautiful barrette I had ever seen. It was silver with two butterflies made from what looked like diamonds.

  “Is this real?” I gasped

  “Yes.”

  I turned to her in astonishment. “You didn’t have to buy something like this for me. I know we cannot afford it.”

  “I didn’t. I took it to town to get it polished. It was your mother’s.”

  I blinked back at her in surprise. “My mother’s,” I repeated, tasting the words and staring down into the box. My fingers caressed the smooth silver of the barrette. “I didn’t know you had anything else of hers.”

  “I know. Robert and I felt that you were too young to give you something of such value, but agreed it would be very special for you to wear it to the ball.”

  Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring the barrette into a shimmering star. I looked up at the mirror and saw Betsy wiping her eyes.

  “Now, you’ve got me crying too,” she said, trying to force a laugh.

  “Thank you,” I said, hot tears rolling down my cheeks.

  “You’re welcome, but stop crying or your eyes will be red for the rest of the day,” she responded, taking a glass bottle from the same bag. “This is something the nobles’ wives use to keep the curls in their hair. It came highly recommended. It wasn’t cheap, but I wanted to try it.”

  I watched her in the mirror as she unraveled the remainder of my hair from the spools. She brushed them carefully and used the barrette to clip the top of my hair back. With steady hands, she gently loosened the front so a long bang curved over my left eye and tucked it neatly behind my ear. She rubbed the liquid in her hands and ran them through my hair humming softly. By the time Betsy finished, half an hour had flown by and my stomach was growling.

  “All done,” she said quietly.

  “I love it!” I exclaimed, reaching up and touching the curls that had begun to harden.

  She smiled. “It’s your job to keep it that way for the rest of the day.”

  “Of course,” I laughed.

  As the hours slowly crept by, I grew increasingly anxious for the night to begin. At last, by five o’clock, Betsy told me it was time to get ready. She pulled at the laces of the corset, tightening them until it closed, and then helped me step into the emerald gown. I tried to turn to look at myself in the full-length mirror but she stopped me.

  “Not yet. Wait until you’re completely ready.”

  She fixed any stubborn hairs that stuck out of place as I put on my earrings.

  “I forgot your slippers!” she exclaimed. She disappeared quickly down the hall. I was about to sneak a peek at the mirror when Betsy’s voice rang down the hall. “Don’t even think about it, Layla!”

  I sighed. She always knew when I was going to disobey her.

  She returned with a pair of black slippers with an inch and a half heel. They were simple but went perfectly with the gown.

  “Nobody will be able to really see them, but it’s the latest fashion,” she said, leaning over and helping me slide my feet into them.

  I put my hand on her back for balance when I almost toppled over.

  "Can I look now?” I asked once they were on.

  “No, you need makeup.” She powdered my face, brushed blush onto my cheeks and applied a reddish lipstick to my lips. “Now you can turn around.”

  I slowly turned and looked at myself in the long mirror. The young woman I had become stared back at me in disbelief. Behind me, Betsy’s face was glowing as she took in my expression. I turned slowly and watched the pin on the bodice glisten. The green fabric felt soft underneath my fingertips as I ran them over the skirt. I felt like royalty.

  “Stunning,” Robert said from the doorway. “Now I’m gonna have to sharpen that old sword of mine to keep boys away from this house.” He winked, and Betsy rolled her eyes.

  I felt my cheeks turn red with the compliment.

  “I believe you need to get going if you want to be on time,” he said, smiling at my reflection in the mirror.

  “How am I supposed to get there?” I gasped.

  How had I missed such an important detail? The way you arrived at a ball was everything. I could not go in Robert’s old wagon.

  “Why don’t you go outside and look?” he said slyly, stepping back to let me through the doorway.

  I gathered up my skirt and hurried down the staircase trying not to trip with the new slippers that pressed into my toes. When I got to the window, I looked out at the elegant black carriage with two white horses. It was better than anything I could have expected. “You—you got me a carriage?”

  “Well, the other choice was taking you to Eagle’s Nest so you could catch one of the carriages the palace provides, but Elizabeth and I felt having your own would be special.”

  “Thank you, but I didn’t expect this. It’s so expensive.”

  “Nonsense. Elizabeth knew some folks that had one to spare. You know, all of those rich folks she makes clothing for.”

  I laughed and looked back to see Betsy shaking her head.

  “Well, my dear,” Robert continued, kissing my forehead, “it’s about time you get going. It will take a little over an hour to get to the palace and you don’t want to be late.”

  I hugged them both tightly and then ran, well tried to in those awful shoes, to the carriage.

  The driver stood by the door and opened it. The man bowed and gingerly took my hand to help me into the carriage.

  I sunk down into the soft red velvet seat and waved to Betsy and Robert through the small window. As the carriage started down the road with a jolt, I took a deep breath. It was really happening—I was going to the ball.

  Chapter 4

  I ARRIVED AT THE palace at a quarter to eight. When it came into view, my jaw dropped. A stone wall ran high along the property’s perimeter, with a large iron gate, and guard towers on each corner. Through the carriage’s window, I saw the silhouettes of guards pacing back and forth on the top of it. The carriage rolled underneath the raised gate into a lighted square. Lanterns on ten-foot poles lined the cobblestone path that led straight to the palace’s grand entrance.

  The palace was breathtaking. It w
as made of white stone that rose into turrets. The roof of it stood black against the night sky and the twenty-foot windows glowed orange from the lights inside. I watched guests enter through the large doors as a servant came to open the door of my carriage. He offered me his hand and I took it graciously as he helped me out.

  “Welcome, milady,” he said. “Your invitation please?”

  I handed it to him.

  “Welcome, Miss Fallon,” he said after reading it. “Do enjoy yourself.”

  “Thank you,” I replied, picking up my skirt.

  I ascended the stone stairs to the open doorway flooded with light. The entrance led me to a balcony that overlooked the marvelous ballroom. The marble floor glittered under the light of crystal chandeliers. The guests below spoke in loud voices, competing with one another, creating a roar of liveliness. To my left and right, grand staircases led to the marble floor.

  As I glanced around the room, I spotted the king and queen’s extravagant golden thrones sparkling in the center. From the balcony, to the left, there were long tables where guests sat eating and drinking. In the center of them sat buffet tables laden with all sorts of delicacies.

  I made my way down the stairs hoping that on my way to the tables I would see a familiar face. I walked through the mass of people, smiling at the women in their gorgeous gowns of all colors and the men in their best doublets. An older woman with a kind face approached me and I was grateful. By her manner, I could tell she was of royalty so I curtsied bowing my head.

  “What a beautiful young lady you are,” she said kindly. “So polite. What is your name?”

  “Layla Fallon, milady,” I replied shyly.

  “What a lovely name. I am Lady Diana, Queen Alyssa’s mother,” she said proudly. “I do not believe we have ever met. Is this your first ball, my dear?”

  “Yes and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  She laughed. “It’s quite impressive isn’t it? Did you come alone?”

  I nodded, blushing.

  She laughed again. “Don’t worry, you will make friends. Young ladies come unattended all the time. Here, let me introduce you to my granddaughter. She is Prince Richard’s cousin.”

  She took me by the hand and led me over to a gorgeous blonde with chocolate brown eyes. She was older than I and took all of me in with one glance as we neared her.

  “Emily, I would like you to meet this young lady, Layla. Layla, Lady Emily.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said curtsying.

  “A pleasure,” replied Emily.

  “It’s her first ball and she is alone. I thought you could introduce her to some of your friends,” said Lady Diana.

  I suddenly felt like an imposition.

  “Of course,” said Emily, smiling at me. “I would love to.”

  While her smile seemed to radiate with kindness, there was iciness behind her stare.

  “Well, have fun, dears,” Lady Diana said. She turned and disappeared into the crowd.

  I looked back at Emily who seemed to be sizing me up with her big eyes. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a neat bun with perfect curls that grazed her neck. She wore a pale golden gown that shimmered as she moved. The low neckline was provocative but still managed to be decent. The skirt of her gown did not flair as much as mine did, but fell in glimmering folds around her feet. Her jewelry was exquisite and her makeup was flawless. There was a slight hint of gold on her eyelids that caught the gold flecks in her brown eyes.

  “So Layla, where are you from?” she asked sweetly.

  “Maplewood Forest, in the outskirts of Eagle’s Nest,” I replied

  “Ah, Eagle’s Nest. I am surprised it’s still called that. Do you live in an estate there?”

  “No,” I said, feeling rather embarrassed. “My aunt and uncle own a farm.”

  “I see. And where did you get your gown?”

  “My aunt made it for me.”

  “Well it’s nice, for a homemade gown.”

  I tried to ignore the jab since at this moment she and her grandmother were the only people I knew.

  As I watched her eyes scanning the room, she seemed to forget I was there.

  I was about to ask her what she meant by being surprised the town was still called Eagle’s Nest when she said, “I’m starved, would you like to join me? I am alone at the moment since it seems my fiancé has disappeared.”

  “Yes, I would,” I replied, grateful for the invitation.

  Together we made our way to the end of the line by the buffet table. She was quiet as she filled her plate with small portions. I assumed it was a lady-like thing to do, but as soon as my eye caught the plates of food, I piled my silver platter with all it could carry. There were freshly roasted pigs, herb and flower salads, breads of all textures and shades of browns, bowls of colorful fruits both familiar and unfamiliar, puddings, cobblers, and cakes. There was so much I wanted to try. This was the way kings and queens feasted and for one night, I was going to enjoy it.

  “My, you eat a lot,” Emily commented as she served herself some of the herb and flower salad.

  I blushed. “There is just so much I want to try.”

  “Oh yes, of course. I forgot you are from the country. My meals are always like this . . . it gets rather boring at times.”

  How food like this could get boring, I had no idea.

  We found two empty seats that faced the ballroom, where people mingled and watched the musicians play beneath the balcony I had entered on. As I went to eat, I realized I did not have any utensils, a napkin, or a drink. I turned to ask Emily when a pair of gloved hands placed a silver fork, knife, and spoon beside my plate and then was asked if I wanted white or red wine. The question took me off guard since Betsy never let me drink wine.

  “Red, please,” I said, assuming it would be much more flavorful.

  “And I will have white,” Emily said to him.

  “Yes, milady,” he replied and walked away to a table behind us where a server poured the wine into crystal clear wine glasses.

  “Have you ever had wine?” Emily asked.

  I shook my head.

  “Then make sure you only have one glass. Trust me. And for the future, you should get white because sometimes the red will stain your lips and that is not too easy to wash off. Frankly, it’s quite embarrassing.”

  I nodded and thanked her for the advice.

  I started with the herb and flower salad and sipped the wine little by little. It had a strange bitter taste and after Emily’s remark, I was very careful on how much touched my lips. On the other hand, the food was phenomenal. The pork was tender, and the fruits were juicy and delicious. When I got to the pudding and cobbler, I was afraid I would not have any room in my stomach for the slice of cake topped with icing and fresh strawberries. I ended up having to leave half of it in order to keep my corset from snapping.

  As Emily finished her meal I asked her, “Why does it surprise you that Eagle’s Nest hasn’t changed its name?”

  “Oh, I thought you knew what I meant,” she replied after wiping her mouth with the embroidered napkin. “The old kingdom’s seal was an eagle. That is what it was named after. It was where King Hector’s men made their last stand—not to mention the closest town to the old castle of Asteria. Tell me, is it still there?”

  Something warned me to lie, but I ignored it. “Yes.”

  “Have you seen it?”

  This time I lied. “Only once. It is in bad shape, but still holding. I mean it hasn’t been cared for in many years.”

  “True,” she agreed. “So Layla, why are you here at the Autumn Ball? Have you come to celebrate the harvest or see if you could win my cousin’s heart?”

  Her question caught me off guard. “I just came so I could experience a royal ball.”

  While the Autumn Ball was meant to celebrate this year’s harvest, it was rumored King Luther had his own agenda—to get his son, Prince Richard, married off to a young woman, preferably one with high stature. Ho
wever, the prince was the farthest thing from my mind.

  “Is your version of a good time eating?” she asked, critically, as she eyed my plate with all the leftovers.

  “Well no, I hope to dance when the waltzes begin.”

  “Dancing is quite fun, but you need a partner. Who will you dance with?”

  My heart sunk as I saw the amusement in Emily’s eyes at my discomfort. She was just using me to sit with until her fiancé came back. To her, I was a commoner her grandmother asked her to entertain.

  A young man suddenly came up behind us and covered her eyes before I could answer her.

  “Rupert!” she exclaimed, pushing his hands away. “You will ruin my makeup!”

  “You worry too much,” he laughed, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

  “Where have you been?” Emily asked, turning to look at him.

  He did not seem much older than her and his carrot colored hair stood out brightly. Freckles littered his cheeks below his bright blue eyes.

  “Sorry, milady. King Luther needed to talk to all the nobles.”

  “And since when are you a noble?” Emily asked, laughing.

  “It was a special invitation by Prince Richard.”

  “Anything I should know about it?”

  “Just some rebel trouble, but nothing important,” he said, smiling to reassure her.

  “Rebels?” I exclaimed.

  A few heads turned as Rupert noticed me for the first time. He raised an eyebrow at my eavesdropping.

  “Rupert, this is Layla—it’s her first Autumn Ball,” said Emily with a nonchalant wave of her hand.

  He shook my hand politely. “It isn’t exactly information for a young girl like you,” he said with a wink.

  “I’m terribly sorry,” I apologized, blushing.

  “It’s not a problem. But as I said, it is nothing serious. All the king said was that he believes they are living on the Malanese border and staying out of trouble.”

  Suddenly, trumpets sounded and all the people around me rose to their feet as a voice rang out. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you King Luther, Queen Alyssa, and Prince Richard.”