Chapter 10

"Eliza dear, you look wonderful," the king said as Eliza entered the room.

"Thank you, father," she replied, looking at the floor. She sighed to herself.

She didn't feel very beautiful. In fact, she felt completely the opposite.

She was dressed in a dark red ball gown. It was a pretty dress, and it was surprisingly comfortable, despite the tight corset that she had been made to wear.

Her mother had said that the colour was to represent love and desire. Her idea was that the colour of dress would distract Jackson away from Eliza's desperation to escape. Eliza thought this was ridiculous.

They began walking to the great room. Rachel and Eliza were walking side by side.

"I like your dress. Was it mother's idea?" she leant over and whispered.

"Of course. But I like to think that it shows my determination not to love him," Eliza smirked slightly, causing Rachel to giggle.

"I like that idea! But you have to at least give him a chance."

"Of course I will," she replied. "What do you think I am doing?"

"I suppose you are right," Rachel said, coming to a stop as they reached the doors.

The king took his wife's arm and led her out first. Andrew followed with Rachel, and Oliver and Sophia were next.

"Come on," Danny said, as he offered his arm. He smiled at her reassuringly and she sent a nervous grin back.

"What exactly do I need to do?" Eliza asked, her heart quickening with anxiety. The door seemed a lot larger than it was, and Eliza couldn't help but worry about what would be through them.

"He will come and ask for a dance. You just need to accept it." Danny replied, tugging Eliza along slightly. She finally gave in and followed his lead.

They slowly walked in, and Eliza was aware that everyone was staring. They still hadn't gotten used to her being back.

"May I have this dance?" Jackson asked her, bowing slightly.

Eliza nodded, "Yes.

He gently took her arm and led her to the centre of the floor. Eliza felt beyond uncomfortable. They were right in the middle of everyone.

Slowly, the dance started. Eliza managed to keep up at first, but before long she was lost. She didn't know all of the steps and was relying heavily on Jackson to lead the way.

When the dance had finished, Eliza sighed in relief.

"I think some dance lessons may be needed," Jackson teased her, laughing slightly. Eliza blushed heavily, looking around for a way out.

"Don't worry, dear," he said. "We have some wonderful teachers in Zari."

Eliza knew that she was supposed to feel relieved, but she couldn't help but be embarrassed. He had no right to say that!

Besides, why did he have to mention Zari? Eliza had been trying to put it out of her head ever since she had found out.

Jackson could sense that he had upset her.

"Perhaps we could get some refreshments?" he asked. She nodded in return and took his offered arm.

They made their way through the people and finally came to a stop in front of a table of drinks. There were a few men standing around the table, some of them in the company of beautiful women, who clung onto their arms.

There was so much laughter and happiness amongst the guests, but Eliza just couldn't seem to get into the spirit.

"You look very beautiful tonight," Jackson tried. Eliza nodded in thanks. She knew that she wasn't making this easy for him, but she couldn't help it.

"I am very lucky that you turned out to be so pretty. I could have been stuck with someone as ugly as a pig." He laughed. Eliza smiled with him but said nothing.

They stood in silence for a moment more.

"Arabella!" Jackson said, upon seeing a young woman approach them. She looked to be Eliza's age and was very pretty. Her blonde hair seemed to shine in the light, and her eyes were wide and beautiful. She walked so gracefully that even Eliza was jealous.

She turned around to see Jackson, and she dropped into a curtsey.

"Have you met Princes Elizabeth yet?" He asked her.

"No, your highness." She turned to Eliza. "It's a pleasure to meet you, princess."

"And you," she replied, smiling at the girl. She was grateful for the distraction of having someone else around.

"Arabella has also travelled from Zari," he told her.

"Price Jackson, I have something of importance that I must discuss with you," she said, sending an apologetic glance at Eliza. She looked shy and nervous. It was clear that she was oblivious to the many gentlemen who were watching her every move.

"Of course," he turned to his fiancé. "I hope you don't mind if I leave you for a moment?"

"Of course not," she replied, slightly relieved. It was almost as if she could feel the weights being lifted.

"Thank you, my dear." He then turned back to Arabella. "Perhaps we might talk whilst dancing?"

She nodded her head and took his arm. Arabella sent one last smile at Eliza, and they disappeared into the crowd.

Eliza walked over to her brothers and sisters.

"How is it going?" Danny asked.

"It is alright, I think," she responded, smiling at them. The smile wasn't real, but she just hoped that they wouldn't realise.

"Eliza, this is our cousin Joshua. He is visiting Grea with his other, our aunt Clarissa." Andrew introduced. Joshua took her hand and kissed it lightly.

"It is lovely to see you again, cousin." He said as he dropped her hand. Eliza smiled at him.

"It is nice to meet you," she replied.

"I hear that you are to marry Prince Jackson." He said. She nodded her head sadly.

"He is an interesting character, don't you think?"

"How so? Do you know him?"

"Yes, I have visited him in Zari before. My mother likes to travel around. It is very beautiful there. Slightly cold up in the North, but nevertheless it is stunning." He said.

"What makes you say that he is an interesting character?" she asked. She needed so desperately to gain some knowledge of him.

"He is kind to anybody of the same status to him, but for anyone of lesser importance, he acts completely the opposite. And he has no issue flirting with any young women that he sets his eyes on." Joshua said. "But I have spoken with him before and he has seemed to be completely different. I am not sure which personality is truly his."

Eliza looked at the ground. Perhaps Joshua had it wrong. He had seemed nice to Eliza.

"Are you sure?" Eliza asked, looking around at her apologetic siblings.

"That is just what I know of him." Joshua frowned when he noticed the expressions of the Mason children. "I apologise if I upset anyone. I was only speaking from what I know."

"I'm glad you said something," Eliza nodded at him, before noticing that he was no longer looking at her.

She followed his gaze until she saw Prince Jackson. He was quickly approaching.

"If you could keep what I sad to yourselves, I would be most grateful."

"Of course," Eliza said before they were joined by her fiancé.

"Joshua, what a pleasure," he greeted, shaking hands with his old friend.

"Now, if you don't mind, I would like to steal my fiancé away for a dance."

Eliza sighed but nodded nonetheless. She followed him to the dance floor sending a quick wave to her siblings and cousin. She could hardly believe that the night was still early. It seemed like it should be morning already.

A/N- I am SO SORRY for the big delay. This is the first time that I have not update more than twice a week! I have been so busy with exams and my birthday, that I have had such little time. Please forgive me!!

Also, please comment what you think because I am really struggling with my writing and I could use the encouragement/ any comments. It really helps when I know that people are enjoying it.

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