I let out a gloomy sigh as we approached the Palace. My insides were on fire, the thought of being there as the novel unfolds left me in a state of dilemma. On one hand, I was glad to actually be there—to watch the entire scenario play out while on the other hand, I was terrified to be there, which felt kind of odd 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 really don't want to attend the Royal ball!” I spoke 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 gatherings of the high society!”

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 be bothered about anything.

“I would really love that!” I replied.

Edward clapped his hands together in agreement, “Then it 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 of a past King, water projected from the sceptre he held into the air.

Before us were a line of carriages belonging to the different noble families. They trooped out of them, exuding an aura full of elegance and nobility. The carriage halted in front of the entrance. The coachman 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 strolled towards 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.

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“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 angry at you. . .” I sighed “. . . but I will do you a favor by never leaving your side 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 truly are the best family a girl could ask for!’ I thought wryly.

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

I set off to leave, making my way through the dense ballroom avoiding bumping into the guests.

I was a few feet from the door when 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, I noticed how identical our gowns were, it seemed that we may have purchased them from the same place.

Our eyes met! Mine widened as I observed her distinct red eyes which mirrored the same color of eyes of ‘The Villainess’, Lady Eleonora Ravenscroft. Her hair was darker than ebony and her eyes red as velvet. She was the one many people in the novel feared with a heart that was colder than ice. She was blessed with magical powers that transcended all except the Royal family. She took everything and anything she wanted but she could not have the hearts of the male leads.

Her eyes trailed down my gown with contempt.

“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 can not believe someone like her bought that gown. Such a waste.!” One of the ladies said, her tone screamed of disgust.

“To think she is wearing the gown, what a waste of good fabric!” 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 constipated hyenas. I couldn’t let them see me falter; not now, not ever.

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. Tendrils of flames slowly left my finger tips. I felt like punching a hole in one of their faces at least if I did that the others will back off.

“Don't let them get to you Emilia!” I said to myself, calming down. Not heeding to my burning anger.

“Do not listen to the words they say. They are just jealous of you!” A soft, sweet, angel-like 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.