The ride to the palace was silent and it didn't provide me any comfort. My heartbeat thundered all around and I'm pretty sure the driver heard it.

I was nervous. Nervous for what? I don't know. I just know that I am.

As we passed the streets with new houses, some people wave goodbye to me. I appreciate their support but I didn't roll the window down to wave back.

I was wearing jeans and a tshirt under a gray sweatshirt. I clutched my bag to keep my hands from tapping my legs due to anxiousness.

I've been really nervous about going to the palace since I had that dream.

"Rebels!" A guard yelled.

People screamed all around. The guests were running to safety. Some got frozen in place and got pushed around by the fleeing guests.

I stared at the lifeless body in front of me. Her blue gown was now blood red. The tears fell uncontrollably.

I kneeled down infront of her and tried to shake her awake, "Mom! Please. Wake up!"

I cried as I kept shaking her. The guests paid me no mind. Then, another body fell. More tears fell.

"Dad!" I yelled, "No! Please wake up!"

Then, I felt a tug on my arm. I looked back to see him with tears as he pulled me away.

"No! Let me go!" I yelled, "Tony, please. Let's get them."

He shook his head and more tears fell down, "We have to get to safety." He said and his voice breaking.

I didn't know who died. All that I know is that the rebels killed them. I've been getting all these dreams and I don't know if they will happen. I hope they don't.

I willed myself to focus on the merry air around the palace.

Nothing's going to happen.

"We're here, Lady Haidee." The driver said.

A guard opened my door and I'm met by the gentle breeze that hugged me. I stepped outside the limo and welcomed the embrace.

"Haidee!"

I looked at the source of the voice and saw Claire with the brightest smile running towards me. I smiled at the sight. Behind her, Celestiana also came running with Mary and Julianne.

They all choked me in a hug. I laughed as I hugged them back.

"You're late!" Claire exclaimed.

"No, I'm not." I said as we broke out of the hug, "You just came early."

"Everyone else arrived in the morning, you know." Celestiana stated.

I smiled, "But I live near here. I can come here anytime I want."

Julianne took my arm and started pulling me inside, "Hurry up! We'll prepare for the ball together."

Mary took my other arm as Claire took my bag. Celestiana pushed me from the back.

We arrived in my room and as I opened the door, I'm squished by two bodies.

"Harriet! Christine!" I exclaimed as I hugged them back.

"You're finally back!" Harriet said.

I smiled, "Yes, I am."

When we broke out of the hug, I saw my maids watching us. I smiled and opened my arms. They came running to hug me.

"We missed you!" Hannah exclaimed.

"I missed you too." I stated.

Claire placed my bag on my bed, "This is touching and all, but we need to prepare for the ball."

"Where are we getting pampered?" I asked.

"The women's room." Mary answered.

"Are the other girls preparing there too?" I asked.

"No. They're preparing in their own rooms," Christine answered, "Diana is already preparing and so is Bloom."

"Alright. You girls go prepare and I'll prepare in my own room," Celestiana said, "I'll see you later."

"Bye!" We told her and waved.

"Let's go!" Harriet exclaimed.

We all went to the Women's room and sat on chairs. Our maids came rushing in and started doing our make-up.

"What does my dress look like?" I asked Georgia who was putting foundation on me.

I honestly hated foundation. It makes me feel like my face is thick.

Georgia smiled, "You'll see later."

"What color?" I asked.

"It's in the color that you don't know," Vivianne answered.

I sighed, "I'm not getting any answers, aren't I?"

They smiled. Hannah was styling my hair into an elaborate updo. Vivianne was putting french tips on my nails since I still refused to apply nail polish.

"Have you already seen your dress?" I asked Harriet who was getting pampered beside me.

She smiled, "I have. I think everyone has. Except you. You were late. All of us arrived either last night or this morning and our maids already showed us our dresses."

I pouted at my maids, "They know their dresses. Why can't I?"

"Because we don't want to," Hannah replied.

I sighed, "Then I guess I'll wait."

"What did you guys do in your vacation?" Christine asked.

"Well, I never left my house. The guards won't let me." Julianne answered.

Claire scoffed, "Those guards can't handle me. I go wherever I want to go. I can do what I want."

I smiled. So typical of Claire.

"Well, I've been out of my house three times and I've been surrounded by the people who want my autograph and picture." Harriet replied.

"I didn't go out of my house, we spent Christmas there." Mary answered.

"I left my house once but I didn't go out again. It was such a hassle to go out of the house. I spent my Christmas with my family and friends in my house," I stated.

"I also didn't leave my house and I spent the night with my parents." Christine said.

"Whenever I left my house, boys all around the neighborhood asked for my number." Claire said, "Of course I didn't give it to them. Some even follow me around."

The stories continued. I told them about the party and nothing else. I didn't know if I should tell them about the dream I had or about the rebels. I needed someone to tell about the dream I had. What if it happens?

"Why are there even guards trailing us when we went home? It's not like someone will assassinate us or anything," Mary stated.

I nodded to seem like I didn't know anything, "You have a point, Mary. They could've atleast just sent one or two guards. Not eight each." I said.

"They're crazy!" Claire exclaimed.

"But they're just worrying about our safety. Maybe some crazed fan came kidnapping us or something." Julianne said.

"Done!" Georgia exclaimed as she finished my make-up.

"You look gorgeous, Haidee!" Christine complimented.

"You look amazing, too!" I told her.

Claire and Harriet were the only ones not finished with their make-up. Hannah was almost finished with my hair. Mary was already finished and was heading to a secluded part of the room to get her dress on.

When she walked out in her dress, she was met with compliments.

"You look beautiful!" I exclaimed.

She kept blushing and thanking us for the compliments. Julianne was already going to wear her dress and so was Christine. Harriet and Claire finished their make-ups and were now waiting for their hair to be finished like me.

"Alright. Let's go," Vivianne said and pulled me up to wear my dress.

The dress was fantastic. It was red and had white cotton-like material at the edge of the vest-like cloth that formed the sleeves that went up to my wrists. The top was beaded with silver gems that formed flowers.

I wore the necklace that Tony gave and some matching flower earrings. I slipped on the red heels that they gave and walked out to meet with the girls.

I gasped at the sight. Mary's dress was also red and was off-shoulder. It was designed with silver beads. Christine wore a green dress that was vintage style. It had a ribbon on the right side of her waist. It brought out her eyes. Julianne was wearing a red dress that had a sweetheart neckline. Her waist was declrates with beads. The dress hugged her curves and puffed out at her knees. Harriet wore a green dress that was long-sleeved. The top was white and was made of lace. Her green skirt was embroidered with white designs that made her look like royalty. And Claire . . . She looked the best out of all of us. She wore a white ball gown that faded into red at the bottom.  The sleeves were laced and the skirt was high-low. Showing off her white heels.

"You look amazing!" I exclaimed.

Claire smiled, "I know."

In all honesty, I looked the least dazzling but I don't care. I'm going to have fun despite the fact.

"Let's go!" I saidand started walking to the door.

"We can't," Julianne said.

I stopped in my tracks and looked at her, "What? Why?"

"We're going to be escorted there." Harriet answered.

"Who are our escorts?" I asked.

"They already assigned the partners. Mine's Twain." Claire answered.

"Mine's Aimo," Harriet answered.

"Abraham," Christine answered.

"Wait so your partners are the ones for Celestiana's wedding?" I asked.

They nodded.

"Who is Mary's?" I asked.

"Mine's Nicholas," She answered.

"So mine is Tony?" I asked.

They shook their heads. I contained my disappointment.

"The prince isn't supposed to escort anyone." Claire said.

"Then who's mine?" I asked.

"Me."

I looked back to see Beall with a smile. Behind him were Twain, Abraham, Nicholas, Earl, and Aimo.

Twain approached Claire with a smile and placed a kiss on her hand. Christine and Abraham met halfway and gave each other a hug. Nicholas introduced himself to Mary. Aimo high fived with Harriet. Earl, however, was stuck to his place and just stared at Julianne.

I smirked, "Come on, Earl. I thought Julianne is the bane of your existance. Why are you stuck in place and staring at her wide eyed and mouth agape?"

He snapped out of his trance with my words and glared at me, "I was not staring."

I scoffed, "Tell that to yourself."

He rolled his eyes and made his way to Julianne. They looked so awkward but it was cute.

Beall approached me and kissed my knuckles, "It's a pleasure to escort you, Lady Haidee."

"Just Haidee, sir. And the pleasure is all mine." I replied with a smile.

He offered me his arm and I gladly took it. We lead the other couples to the first floor which was where they were holding the party. The guests were at the end of the stairs. There was a man in the first stair and announced everyone's names.

Abraham pulled Christine to the front and the man took a glance at them and announced, "Lady Christine Ramirez of Lakedon and Baronet Abraham Lincoln!"

"Lady Mary Harrington of Carolina and Baron Nicholas Alexander!"

Earl led Julianne to the front. The man spoke again, "Lady Julianne Evans of Clermont and Marquess Earl Grey!"

I gasped when I saw Diana in a stunning white ball gown. She was with some unknown guy that I have yet to know.

"Maybe we should go next." I told him.

He shook his head, "We're going before my aunt uncle and cousins."

"What? Why?" I asked.

"I'm the prince and heir of France, remember? And they announce the names by rank." He replied.

"So they don't just put 'Lord' in their names? You mean they're the sons of a duke?" I asked.

He nodded, "Obviously."

"Lady Diana Carps of Paloma and Marquess Russel Klaufmann."

I heard some gasps as they saw Diana. She was breathtaking.

"We'll go next!" Claire exclaimed.

They stormed off to the front. The man spoke in a startingly loud voice, "Lady Claire Venice of Bonita and Lord Twain Koskinen!"

I scanned the room and saw Aino with who I think was her father. Celestiana was also here with William. Grace was with her brother I think. Abigail was with who I think was her cousin. Adalene was with some guy I don't know.

Harriet and Aimo wanted to go next so we let them.

"Lady Harriet Wilsons of Carolina and Lord Aimo Koskinen!"

Bloom was already down there with another unknown guy. Grace and her brother (?) went infront of us.

"You look amazing!" I complimented.

She smiled, "You do too. Now I have to get down there."

I laughed, "Go wow them."

She winked at me before she approached the man.

"Lady Grace Singer and Lord Kyle Singer!"

Abigail was in front of us and I talked to her a little before she needed to go down.

"Lady Abigail Singer and Lord Adrian Singer!"

"Are we next?" I asked.

He shook his head, "My siblings are going first."

Then I saw his cute sibling walk to the man with bright smiles.

"Princess Chantelle Schreave and Prince Chantrel Schreave of France!"

I heard a lot of 'aww's at the cute twins. The skipped down the staircase happily.

"Princess Adalene Schreave of France and Lord Hans Zimmer!"

"Now?" I asked him.

He shook his head.

"Queen Camille and Prince Consort Ahren Shreave of France!"

"Why are you after your parents?" I asked.

He shrugged, "I guess it's because I'm the heir. Alright, now we go."

He escorted me to the man. I could see everyone's attention on us. I took a deep breath and flashed them a smile.

"Lady Haidee Eudora of Angeles and Crown prince Beall Schreace of France!"

"By the way, you look amazing." He whispered.

I blushed as we walked fown the stairs, "Thanks. You look amazing as well."

When we reached the end of the staircase, he led me to a table. When we settled, we looked up to see William and Celestiana being announced.

"Princess Celestiana de Luca of Italy and Prince William Koskinen!"

They look in loveㅡlike always.

"Queen Eadlyn and Prince Consort Eikko Koskinen!"

The walked down regally like the royals they were. Then, I saw him at the top of the staircase looking dazzling. My breath was taken away. This must be the effect of not seeing him for a long time.

"Crown Prince Thornton Koskinen!"

He made his walk down the stairs. He scanned the room, probably looking for someone. He saw Diana and he looked amazed. I pursed my lips at that. Anylne would say she looks amazing. Then he saw Claire and he had the same expression. Claire and Diana had satisfied expressions on. His eyes never met mine. I looked away.

"I welcome you all to this ball!" He exclaimed, "May you have a splendid time!"

"Royals, please take your dance partners for the first dance," The man announced.

Looks like I won't be his first dance this time.

I looked at Tony looking for a partner. I sighed. Beall took me to the dance floor. The royal families of Illèa aand France were in the middle. Except for Chantelle and Chantrel.

Tony was with Diana. I took a deep breath and looked away.

"What's wrong?" Beall asked.

I shook my head, "It's nothing."

"I know it's not nothing Haidee."

The dance hasn't started yet but the royals were already here with their partners.

"Beall,"

I gulped as I recognized the voice. I didn't dare look back.

"Zeke," Beall acknowledged.

"Would it be okay to take Lady Haidee?" Tony asked.

My heart beated rapidly. Beall smirked, "Alright. Then I guess ny partner will be the girl in white?"

Tony nodded, "Her name is Diana."

Beall kissed my knuckles, "Reserve me dance later, Haidee."

I nodded and let Tony take my hand.

"You look beautiful," He said.

I blushed, "Diana and Claire certainly look more stunning than I am."

"It's just their dresses," Tony replied.

The dance started and I struggled to keep myself from smiling.

"They wanted to stand out," He said, "But I think you stand out more."

I couldn't help it. I smiled, "No, I don't."

He winked, "To my heart that is."

I blushed and looked away. Bad decision. I saw Diana glaring at me. I turned back to Tony, "How are you?"

"Stressed."

I frowned, "Is it really getting worse?"

He nodded grimly, "They tried to attack the palace two days after you left."

"Shouldn't we already tell the public about them?" I asked.

"We're planning to tell the public after William's wedding."

I nodded, "What else happened when I was gone?"

"Nothing of importance but I'm planning to eliminate two girls after the party. I'm afraid that they'll attack the palace again. I'm trying to speed up the selection without the other elite being suspicious."

I nodded. I'm saying goodbye to two girls today. I was saddened at the thought but that's life. People come and go.

"Do you think we'll ever get rid of the rebels?" He asked.

I nodded, "Nothing is impossible, Tony. We just have to believe."

He smiled, "You're right. I'm glad you're here."

I smiled back, "I'm glad I'm here too."

We were a little bit too close to each other than what was considered appropriate for the dance. Louise looked at us with sad eyes and then I remebered that she said he kissed her. Should I ask him?

"You look like you want to ask me something," He commented.

"Um," I muttered. How should I ask without seeming jealous? "Have you really kissed anyone? In that one report you said you already did but none of us confessed."

He slightly blushed, "It's complicated."

"Come on, you know you can tell me anything." I said.

"I don't want to." He said.

I pouted, "Then at least tell me how many of us have you kissed."

"Two," He replied.

I pursed my lips. Then he really did kiss Louise. I smiled at him to cover my disappointment, "Tell me who the lucky girls are."

"Why should I?" He asked.

I shrugged, "Because I said so?"

He chuckled, "One of them were Louise."

"And the other one was?"

He stuck his tongue out at me, "I won't fall for your question."

I pouted, "Why can't you just tell me who the lucky girl who got the first kiss is?"

"I told you, it's complicated."

It's complicated because you kissed me when you thought I was asleep!

"Is she still here?" I asked.

He nodded, "Yes."

"I'll hunt her down," I joked.

He laughed, "Do what you want, Dee. I'm sure you won't find her though."

I smirked, "Oh trust me, I will."