Currently Ranked: #89 in The Mafia Queen as of 4/27/17
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Edited: 4/24/17
Editor: HelenDark1
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"Don't underestimate me, I know more than I say, think more than I speak, and notice more than you realize"
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( Picture: Queen Eliza's dress)
Chapter {7} The Masquerade Ball II
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Dedicated to HelenDark1
For being an amazing fan!! This one is for you
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If you you like to send any cover art for this story I will be holding a contest! Please submit using my email: [email protected]
And yes it's thebookworm23 I had a typo when creating the email!
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Lauren's P.O.V
The night of the ball

"For the hundredth time you look fine, now let's go!" Kieth yells as I try to fix the strays of hair that escaped my curls.
We arrived outside the place about ten minutes ago, but I was certain something was wrong with the dress, or my hair, or my face. At first the anxiety hadn't set in that I was heading for a royal ball at the queens palace and then when we pulled in through the golden gates and  I was like, holy crap I'm going inside the queens palace.

Butterflies swarmed throughout me as I fidgeted with my hands as Ingrid and Astrid made sure the layers of my dress weren't ruffled. Lights lit up the front of the palace making it seem unreal in the pitch darkness my eyes have grown accustomed to. You could hear the lovely orchestra playing background music for their guests.

  Taking a gulp I gently push away my ladies hands and nod at them once, letting them know I was ready to enter. With out a word Keith stands to my left loping are arms together as Vincent and Noah stand three steps behind me and walk with Astrid and Ingrid.
   As we approach the steps that can be easily counted as about 100 to the front door. I start to second guess if I should have just bailed and stayed with Ella, who has probably having a far more grand time than me.

" Lauren, calm down, your shaking." Keith whispers, trying not to alarm the ladies. I tighten my grip on Keith's arm afraid that if I let go, I might fall down the steps and meet my death.

" I'm cold." I reply, looking down at the goosebumps that appeared on my arms. " Partly nervous, I guess. I- maybe we should just go. Something doesn't feel right". And it didn't. I couldn't help the nerves bubbling.

" Laur? I promise you that everything is going to be fine. Look I-"  He rapidly whirls signaling the ladies to come forward. There delicate heels makes a satisfying click against the concrete as the make there way up to the top of the stairs. Keith tugs me towards the luminous doors that pour out the music of the violinist. " These people are just people, granted one of them rules the country, but who is she anyways? All you have to do is introduce yourself and I promise you can hide away at the table for the rest of the night. Okay?"

Astrid yelps sucking her teeth at Keith. Looking into Kieth's eyes I realized that he was serious. He knew I wasn't ready to be crowned a title in front of all these people and he made me feel comfortable by giving me the option to hide away. 

"Thank you," I whisper, giving him a small smile. He nods responding with a slight wink before knocking lightly against the doors and rushing back to my side taking his position again, right before the doors opened. How they opened to show the grand view inside had me awed, it was exquisite with such elegance.

I walked as quietly as possible. The clicking of my heels against the marble, the only sound to be heard throughout the ballroom. The vast crowd whispering amongst themselves, their eyes transfixed on me. The musicians, as well, in awe of what they are seeing.

A mafia Queen amongst them. Dangerous.

Keith releases my arm and replaces it with my hand. Guiding me down the enormous stair case, Carter would have the only fun with these, I think to myself remembering how much he loves stairs as a work out. Ingrid and Astride hold the train of my dress as I grab a handful of the front to make sure I don't trip and fall to my humiliating death.

" I can feel there eyes staring into my soul. Normal people don't stare this long!" I whisper to Keith through my half smile. He chuckles with a slight roll of his eyes.

" Aww! How gorgeous you are!" A voiced screams across the room. Some murmur in an agreement, still eyeing me down. Towards the bottom of the steps I'm greeted by the beautiful Queen of England. Her smile is as radiant as her bejeweled crown.

She wears an elegant white gown that has has a flower laced top that gently wrap around her lower arm in a thin strap. The rest of the dress is white silk that has a slit along the left side of her leg. She was beautiful. She rushes up the last remaining step. Up close I could see her hazel green eyes, and freckled skin. Her eye lashes were luminous that with every blink I thought the breeze would blow me away. She wasn't pale,slightly tanned, but simply stunning.

" You are so fucking gorgeous!" She exclaims causing the crowed to gasp at her french. I can't help but chuckle as she rolls her eyes and moves to my side whispering. " Being a young queen in a country full of politeness is rather dulling.Which I apologize for not introducing myself, I'm Eliza"

" Lauren." Eliza wraps and arm around my shoulder and raises her hand and instantly the murmurs resume and the music picks back up. All you had to do was flick a hand? I should be taking notes, I think to my self.

"Ah, Lauren a perfect name for a queen," She winks, her strong enchanting accent calms my nerves and welcomed a safeness. Keith, Ingrid, Astrid, along with with Vincent and Noah. Conversant with Eliza's personal team, a flash scene of the hunger games when the stylist literally want to kill you for your work.

We leave them be, walking off to god knows where, and I can't help but notice how elegant everything is. The people are dressed at there finest, one in particular in a ravishing red gown sprinkled with diamonds along the mesh. I focus my attention back to Queen Eliza when she I notice her plucking two champagne glasses from a nearby tray.

" One thing I've learned from these tremendous parties is that you'll only survive the voices if you can't comprehend them." With that being said she swings back her glass, fishing it with one sip, no gulp. My eyebrows
raise Carter said we weren't allowed to do that! Scolded me for it actually. Him and I were going to have a serious conversation when I got home.

Her elbow lightly connects to my rib and with wide eyes she shoves the glass towards me. "Drink up!". I eye it hesitantly, I'm only eighteen. Am I even drinking age here?

"I'm only eighteen." Nineteen in March.

" Oh my gawd, you Americans really are hilarious. You're a queen Lauren, no one is going to care if you have a drink or two. As far as their concerned you're an adult!" Her excitement gives me a thrill rush so intense that I bring the glass to my lips. Finally ready to endure what all this 'life' every one goes on about. The champagne breached my mouth, settled on my taste buds and I cringe

What in the bloody hells name is this!
That is not living life, that's ending if!

I forcefully swallow the drink and look around for the men with trays. Luckily one passes me and I quietly place it on there, making sure Eliza didn't notice. At the moment she was being greeted by some of her guest and wishing her thanks to them.

" That was the most obscure thing I've ever tasted in my life. I thought they said drinking was fun." I joke and we both laugh before rejoining our arms and continued to walk around the grand dance floor.

" How do you like it so far? I can't imagine what it might feel like to just- enter this world." I take a deep breath out. This would was nerve wracking, tiring, and too much for what it's worth.

" It's been so great! I get to try on all these dresses, and look at my shoes...wait-stop have you seen my fucking diamond in crusted tiara?" I ask very seriously. Our movements stop as Eliza gazes at me with a shock then doubles over in laughter.

" Jesus is it that bad? Now I know why my stylist  are alway angry at me. You know they wanted me to put me in this massive gown that would have covered the entire staircase as  I descended. I'm talking about a hugeee train, as if I were getting married." She exclaims and this time I laugh. Eliza, I think, would be someone I didn't have to act around. But she had to pass my test.

" Okay serious question before I entrust you.
Sweatpants, flip flops, pizza, with a side of Dameon from The Vampire Diaries? Or royal gowns, delicate lunches, with Stefan?" I hold my hand to my heart as I use the other to grab her own hand. And I wait. She looks at me dumfounded.

" Sweat pants and pizza any day.. but who may I ask are Dameon and Stefan?" My jaw drops as my mind races with millions of theories on how she doesn't know about the infamously hot duo.

" I-"

" Oh there they are!" Astrid exclaims as she rushed towards us with giddiness. " Queen Eliza," she bows then turns to me. " Guess what I found in the party favors? C'mon guess!" At a lost of words I merely shrug my shoulder looking at Keith who throws his hands up in exasperation. Ingrid rolls her eyes and plunged her toe index fingers in her ears.

" A new planner and pen! Now I can plain every single one of your daily activities for the rest of the year and the rest of your life!"

The idea of Astrid controlling my ever move makes me nervous. If I left up to her I would lose my self in pastry cakes and teas with unnecessary people.

" That's great Astrid.." I reply shakily. Eliza cringes and pats my shoulder when intermission lights go off.

" That will be my cue, have Keith take you to your table. I'll see you in a few minutes" and with that Queen Eliza was surrounded by six body guards, her stylist, her planner, and elderly woman who was fussing with Eliza's hair. A couple strands fell out of her up do.

Vincent and Noah take place behind me and I jump when I see them, forgetting that they, and the rest of them were here with me. Keith takes his place at my side while the girls cling to there escorts. We move to the right side of the ballroom where several elegant white tables  and matching chairs stood. Our table is smack dab in the middle of all tables. I go to take a seat, I hadn't realized how tight my high heels were pinching on my toes.

" Lauren, there's place settings, I believe you'll be siting at the head of the table." Kieth says and I mentally grown as I have to walk to more inches to get to destination. Kieth was seated boy the left of me with Ingrid next to him. Vincent, Noah,and Astrid go the right of me. There was an even amount of us yet there was seven chairs. We only needed six.

" Ingrid, can you pass me that place card. I think we have an extra guest with us." Ingrid looks at me before weirdly picking up the card, when Kieth grabs it from her, reads it then slips it into his tux pocket.

" Well I'm not going to pretend that wasn't rude. What was on it?" I ask lightly with a laugh to ease the tension at my table. Everyone seemed.. on edge.

" Are you guys okay, you all look," I glance between Ingrid and Astrid who were giving each other hidden messages in there eyes. "Nervous, I'm sorry am I missing something?"

Kieth clears his throat. " The card, it- it," he stammers on his words clearing his throat. "The card had Jessica's name on it.."

Oh god, I blink back a swelling tear. Her death, and Ella overwhelming me with sadness. "I'm sorry for your loss, I- I never said it to you guys." Keith places his hand on mine, a sad smile on his lips.

You are there new hope

Hendricks words kick into mine. How was I supposed to fill a void for there people. I could never replace the love they had for Jessica or try to be like her.
I'm just plain old Lauren Raine.

" Lauren this is your night, we can grieve Jessica, together, another day. Right now we're focused on the present, and that is you." Astrid speaks softly.

My heart flutters at her words. The lights signal again and the music stops. It remained quiet for five minutes and I took the opportunity to endure the place. My eyes wandered to the balcony. Two grand stair cases came from either side of the upper platform, curving midway to reach the begging of the ballroom floor. The rails were polished a deep rich wooden color with gold decor between the rail and the next step. The orchestra plays under a mini balcony, them being only slightly higher than the floor, due to the mini platform they played upon.

Eliza made her way up this platform, the elderly woman still standing closely to her, whispering in her ear. She gave an occasional nod, then proceeded with out the woman to the stand where the microphone is placed. Her two security guards took place a step behind here, the other two, off the platform, stood in front of her. Then last two stood on either side of the stage, to keep anyone from getting on or off.

" Lauren?" Keith whispers, eyebrows furrowed. I fully take my attention of Eliza and her preparation and eye Kieth curiously. "We were just saying that the Queen is going to introduce you formally, she brought you a welcoming gift."

I choke on my saliva. Did they really expect me to go walk this football field, get eye raped by every member here again, to get a welcoming gift. I didn't even know you can top a gift of a gift, which included the royal family throwing me this ball.

I will trip this time, for sure! And land in a huge cake that happens to be strolling by!
Breathe Lauren, breathe.
Cake is only decoration around here.

" You want me to back out there again. With the pigeon eyed people?" The fear in my voice causes Kieth to laugh rather loud.

" Did she just say pigeon eyed?"

Ingrid sucks her teeth at him with a glare then faces me with a smile. " Oh you'll be fine." But once she's said it out loud she bred her lip and looks at Keith helplessly, who at the moment couldn't muster his laughter.

" She's not going to freak out, she'll be fine" He manages to get out between breaths. I roll my eyes playfully. Vincent and Noah laughing along with him as well.

" I don't think she'll freak-" Astrid begins but I cut her off. Grate full that someone has some type of faith in me.

" Thank you for always having my back-" this time she cuts me off pointing her finger at me,

" You didn't let me finish, I don't think you'll freak, I think you'll faint." She says with a chuckle and sips her champagne. Vincent and Noah exchange at bewildered look at each other.

Well so much for faith.

" That's- not like in protocol to catch her.. is it?" Noah asks shakily. Keith, Astrid, and Ingrid, throw daggers at them and go into a heated discussion about my safety. This causes a few heads to turn looking at us like wild animals. I offer a smile to try and compensate for there loudness.

My hand collides with enough force on the table that our poured glasses of water rattle. "Okay my little children, lest you not forget we are in a public, royal place, and I know I'm new to this and all, but I'm pretty sure arguing in a royal party isn't exactly looked upon highly."

They mumble an apology. Keith the only one to smirk at me and give me a thumbs off.

My nerves return in my stomach. Why couldn't they be redirected towards your butt, that way you squash them away.

Really Lauren..

I clear my mind and hope that Eliza hasn't invited a team of strips to welcome me, because it would seem like something she would do. That and is was always strippers.

Always strippers.

" Good evening," Eliza begins and the crowd immediately interrupts all repeating 'good even Queen Eliza I'. I try and mumble what they say but I was three seconds behind. Crater didn't mention, he has a lot of exposing to do. " Thank  you for attending today's welcoming ball in honor of our new guest, who has made France her home. She is truly a magnificent woman, who is nothing but true beauty and has become my new profound best queen. Will you all please rise and welcome the newly mafia queen, Lauren K- Raine." On cue a bright spotlight lands on top of my face. " Well my god don't keep it in her face she can't see, dim it down a little, come join me on stage love." Keith stands up pushing my chair out, giving me room to stand.

" Good luck." He whispers in my ear and I thank him, and carefully make my way across the ballroom. That right there is my work out for the rest of the week. The floor was never ending. My heels were the only sound to be heard along with two pairs of footsteps, my body guards.

" Aw there she is," Eliza says into the mic reaching for my hand. " How about a round of applause on how marvelous our Queen looks." The crowds claps, a couple whistles to be heard, and I know right away that they are from my table. " Now Lauren, we have arranged this ball to properly give you your welcoming gift and I hate to brags but I must say I think I nailed it." She winks and the crowded murmurs in excitement trying to figure out my gift. Eliza passes the mic to me and gestures for me to say something.

I clear my throat and out on a dazzling smile. "Queen Eliza you shouldn't have, I don't need a gift. Your hospitality has been enough."

Please don't be strippers

" I think you're going to love it. Okay here we go. Drum rolls please." And to my surprise they actually play.

" Lauren Raine I would like to introduce you to the one and only-" the drum rolls pick up faster. My heart matching it's pace. This is a person, one person. Strippers don't come in one right? Right?

" Jay King!"

My breath hitches and my eyes lock with deep blue ones.

                               Holy royal shit
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      BET YOU DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING!!!

I swear to you that was my face writing this whole thing and also this one

Wow! So thoughts, I mean that just happened and I was just like should I bring him in now or later but then I was like why not now? Seems reasonable enough😅

Also I've decided on whose going to play Lauren and Eliza.

Daniella Cambelle will play Lauren Raine❤️

Sarah Hyland will play Eliza❤️

Lysndsy Fonesca played Jessica King ( Ella's mom). Isn't she so beautiful! I love her 😍

Hayden Panettiere will play Astrid❤️ ( Also love her)

Emma stone will play Ingrid❤️ ( she's my female god, in love with her)

Okay so let me know what you guys think and I hope you've all enjoy. Please vote and comment I love hearing from you guys!!!

Also make sure to follow me that way you guys can get updates on the Mafia Princess, can we get to 1k followers. We're currently at 656!

       ~ Kayla🌸