Chapter 41: A Peasant At The Ball

• As Aldrich’s entourage led us in, an ocean of eyes washed over us in a tidal wave, and there was a roar of applause. Despite our concerns, I was glad Aldrich was receiving the recognition he deserved. He seemed to perk up at the positive reception, flashing his women melting smile. Emily, Elias, and Benjamin stood up, but seemingly reluctantly. They applauded with blank expressions. I accidentally met Emily’s gaze and she glared at me, her perfect lips curled in disgust. They looked hateful, but not menacing. I took a deep breath.
• The King and Queen sat upon their thrones, watching us with a smile. The love the Queen had for her son overpowered any loathing she had for me; she seemed genuinely happy.
• The ballroom was glorious, unlike anything I had ever seen before. The floors were of glossy marble, sparkling like the white grand piano playing revelry music along with the orchestra. The thick velvet drapes were folded on the sides of the French windows, letting in the dim moonlight, for the room was dark besides some fairylights and table candles. I looked up at the vaulted ceiling, where a giant tiered crystal chandelier hung, reflecting the moonlight and the warm candle light. Everyone was dressed in their most fancy attire, in ball gowns or elegant waistcoats, either seated at their tables or dancing on the gleaming dance floor before the thrones.