Staying still is hard. Especially if you're too anxious for what's to come. My maids dyed my hair back to blonde. I no longer wear the contacts which was a relief. Right now, my maids are fixing my make up for the ball. My hands were shaking but I held it tightly so it wouldn't show.

"Haidee, your knuckles are turning white." Hannah stated.

I smiled sheepishly and released my hands from each other, "Sorry. Just nervous."

Vivianne rolled her eyes, "You have nothing to be worried about."

"Well sorry, but unlike you, I don't have any idea what this is all about." I retorted.

"Girls," Georgia scolded, "Stop fighting. Now, Haidee. Stay still unless you want your whole eyebrow off."

I pursed my lips and stayed still but I still flashed a glare to Vivianne who smirked. The girls know how much I hate being too caked with make-up but they said I needed to look my best.

"We should hurry up if you still want to be on time." Hannah said.

"Why?" I asked, "What time is it?"

"4:47 pm." Hannah replied, "We have at most an hour and thirty minutes."

"Isn't a guard coming here to escort you there?" Vivianne asked.

Georgia nodded, "There is and Hannah, she doesn't need to follow the schedule. When the guard comes here, she should already be prepared."

Hannah nodded, "Right, sorry. That's for the Elite right?"

"Yup." Vivianne answered.

"Wait," I said, "What's with all these time things? Am I supposed to be laye because I'm not important."

The three of them shrugged.

"Pretty much." Vivianne stated.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes, "You're lying."

She shrugged, "What if I'm not?"

"Then I guess it's okay." I said, "At least my nervousness will lessen."

Nobody talked after that. I observed myself in the mirror as they worked on my make-up. My lips were still pale since they haven't applied lipstick on me yet. My face felt heavy with all the foundation, contours and other things they did to my face, but when I looked at the mirror, it still looked like me, only better.

"Maybe I should start doing her hair," Hannah suggested.

"Yes, of course." Georgia agreed, "And Vivianne, get the dress and the heels. Her make-up is almost done."

The girl followed and left the room. She was probably going to the dress-making room. Hannah stared at my hair and tried to put my hair up, then she looked at the mirror, shook her head then glanced at Georgia.

"What hairstyle should I do?" She asked.

Georgia paused from putting a rosy tint on my cheeks, "Put her hair up so she can dance without her hair bothering her. Make sure it holds on even if she makes extreme moves but it should still be elegant."

Hannah nodded and put my hair into a high ponytail. She started curling it and pinning it everywhere. It looked like a giant rose. She decorated it with white and gold flowers. Georgia applied the lipstick on me when she finished.

"Done." Georgia said.

At the same time, Vivianne entered holding the dress covered in a black covering. On her other hand, she held white heels decorated with golden flowers. I didn't see the purpose of decorating the heels because it would only be covered by the dress, but nontheless, it looked spectacular.

"You need to dress now, quickly. I was informed that the officer will be here in a minute." Vivianne said and rushed to us.

They worked quickly with the dress. About thirty seconds later, the dress was on me and I was slipping the heels on. I looked at the gigantic mirror and smiled at mu reflection.

"I look like a greek queen or princess." I commented.

Hnnah smiled, "You're not. You're a greek goddess."

I rolled my eyes but smiled at the girls warmly, "Thanks, guys."

I tried to pull them for a hug but they didn't want to because they insisted that they'd ruin my make-up or my dress. I only sighed and conceded. A few seconds later, there was a knock on my door.

I took a deep breath, "Here I go."

The three girls cheered and opened the door for me. The guard stared at me for a second then snapped out of his trance and offered his arm. I took it and he led me to the stairs.

"Where is the ball taking place?" I asked him.

"At the foot of the grand staircase, your highness." He replied.

I chuckled, "Who are you calling 'your highness'? I'm not a princess."

He smiled, "Right." Then he mumbled something I didn't hear.

When we reached the second floor, he bowed to me then left. There was an announcer placed there like the one in the Christmas Ball. He glanced at me then announced in a loud voice, "Lady Iole Haidee Eudora of Angeles!"

I looked at the people below me. They gasped and pointed. Some applauded. I saw Claire and Julianne over one side of the room. Their mouths were agape and if I'm correct, their eyes were glazing over. They looked wonderful. Julianne in an elegant red and gold ball gown and Claire in a fuschia pink and gold gown. Beside them, I saw Louise in a sky blue and gold gown. Her hair was stuled in curls and she looked wonderful. She smiled at me but I think there was a little sadness in her eyes.

I was about to go down but the announcer looked at me as if to tell me to stay put. So I did.

"Crown Prince Thornton Zeke Koskinen!" He announced.

I resisted myself from raising an eyebrow. When I looked at my right side, I saw him walking to me with a smile. I almost dropped my mouth. He looked amazing. I never knew he was so good looking in a white tuxedo. His hair was waxed and he stood with so much poise that I looked like a peasant beside him.

He offered me his arm and whispered faintly, "You look amazing."

My cheeks heated, "You too."

I took his arm and together, we walked down the stairs into the crowd. He led me to a table. In that table were Celestiana and William, Julianne, Claire, Louise, Beall, Fidel, Earl, Eldora, and some other dude that I recognized as New Asia's prince. The second in line for the throne, Prince Yuta Nanase.

I practically ran to them. Celestiana, Julianne, and Claire met me mid-way. We hugged each other tightly. Celestiana's belly had a little bump now. Julianne's hair grew longer and she looked more beautiful. Claire looked the same the last time I met her.

"Oh my god!" Claire exclaimed, "You're here!"

I nodded, "I am."

"It's been so long since I've seen you!" Celestiana said.

"They said you disappeared." Julianne stated, "We were worried you know? Where have you been?"

"About that," I started, "Well--"

"Excuse me, ladies." Tony said behind me, "I need to take her away."

Julianne and Claire smiled and nodded. The three of them gave me knowing looks but I rolled my eyes and let him grad me away.

"You saved me there." I told him, "They were asking where I've been."

He smiled, "So I'm your savior now?"

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever you say, Tony."

"The dance is going to be after three announcements." He said, "We're going to eat while it's being announced."

"Three announcements?" I asked incredulously, "I thought there was only one announcement!"

"Surprise," He said with a smirk.

"What is the announcement?" I asked.

"You'll know later. Now let's go back to the table, I'm hungry." He said and pulled me back.

I had no choice but to let myself be dragged to our table. He made me sit down on the seat beside Julianne and Claire and I was thankful for that. Louise was in front of me and beside her was Eldora who looked as intimidating as ever. She made it clear that she was above the Elite. Though she showed me a smirk. Eldora sat down beside Claire who was beside me. On Louise's other side was Celestiana who was beside William. Even if I didn't see, I knew they were holding hands beneath the table. Beside William was Tony, then Beall, Fidel, Yuta, and lastly Earl who was beside Julianne.

I didn't know what was going on between Julianne and Earl but I think they got closer. Although they still glared at each other from time to time.

"I think you shoukd start now," William told Tony.

He cleared his throat and straightened his suit after he stood, "It is my greatest pleasure to have all of you in here on this special occasion." Tony started and smiled at each table, "To my relatives, I thank you for making time for this and coming here despite the previous . . . disaster." He paused, "To the selected families in here, please relax. We won't eat you." Some chuckled at this statement, even I did. "To the former selected, I do hope you agree on my decision and you enjoy this night. For tonight, we celebrate. Let us forget the tragedy that happened from the past days and enjoy ourselves. But let us make my father and mother, my cousins, and everyone who has passed away, the guards, the maids, everyone who has suffered the wrath of the rebels, stay in our hearts. We may forget them but our hearts will never." He took his glass of wine and raised it, "Let us toast, for Illéa's future!"

Even I raised my glass of wine. We cheered and they drank their wines. I took a dai ty sip on the liquid but put it down after. I don't want to get drunk tonight. It would be embarrassing and considering I've never drank alcoholic beverages before, it would be a whole lot worse.

I smiled at Tony as he sat back down. He sighed in relief when he slumped back in his seat. He gave me a small wink first before talking to his brother. Applaud filled the room and it was obvious that everyone was feeling festive.

Maids and butlers filled the room holding trays of food. They did their job quickly so no guest would get hungry while waiting. Our food was the first one to arrive which was no surprise. Our table was filled with royals, it was only natural to serve them first.

"So, I heard Haidee went missing," Beall said and glanced at me, "Is this true?"

I pursed my lips and glanced at Tony who nodded. I took a deep breath, "Well, yes, I think. You wouldn't find me anywhere."

"Then where were you?" Julianne asked.

"At the palace." I replied.

"What?!" Claire exclaimed with a bewildered look on her face. Even Louise stared at me in confusion

"Were you pretending to be a maid?" Louise asked.

"No, honey," Eldora butted in, "She was pretending to be me."

Another series of 'what's. Only Eldora, Fidel, Tony, Celestiana, William was unfazed, but poor Prince Yuta was confused as to what we were talking about.

"Please explain, I am so confused right now." Claire said.

I looked at Tony pleadingly. I didn't want to tell the story of how I found my family . . . sleeping in the living room. He got the message, thankfully, and talked.

"The day she was at a batch reunion," Tony said.

"You mean the one we arranged?" Julianne asked.

I nodded, "Yes."

"I went there and took her away," He continued, "The thing is . . ." He glanced at me worriedly, "Her family was murdered by Gabriel's followers."

All eyes turned to me and I sipped my juice in silence. Claire put her arm around me and whispered, "I'm sorry about your family."

Julianne followed what she did and pulled us into a hug, "They're in a better place now."

I nodded and gave them a smile, "I know."

"So I took her here." He said, "I made her pretend to be Eldora on a visiting trip."

"So you mean those days when we thought we were with Princess Eldora, we were with Haidee?" Louise asked.

"Precisely." Tony agreed.

"And now we're here with a big reveal that Haidee Eudora was with us all along." Louise continued.

I nodded, "Basically."

"Wow," She said and leaned back on her chair.

I turned to Beall and Earl, "No offense, but why are you guys here? I mean of course it's nice to see you again but you get what I mean."

Beall smiled, "That's about to be revealed."

William glanced at his watch, "Which is right now."

Tony immediately rose from his seat and approached the center. William left his wife at the table and went to the musicians. He told them something and the song changed. He went back to his seat and whispered in Celestiana's ear. She giggled.

Tony took a microphone so he wouldn't have to shout like what he did earlier, "Everyone, you all must know my bestfriend, a marquess, or a count if you like that term, Earl Grey. Come in front, Earl."

Earl straightened his suit and went to the middle. Was this the announcement? Is he going to say that he's marrying Earl?

"My dear friend would like to say something," Tony said and handed the mic to Earl.

Earl took a deep breath and stared the the crowd, then his eyes met my seatmate's, "Lady Julianne Evans, of Clermont, please join me in front."

I stared at Julianne in confusion. She didn't look at me and kept her eyes on Earl. She took a deep breath then made her way in front. He held out his hand for my best friend to take. Surprisingly, she did.

"Illéa, I would like your blessing for our marriage." Earl stated.

My jaw dropped, my eyes widened and I almost dropped my glass of juice. I sensed that Claire had the same reaction. The others at our table smiled and applauded. The other guests followed.

"What? How?" I said, "I thought she hated him!"

"That's what I thought!" Claire exclaimed.

Celestiana chuckled, "Have you ever heard of the saying, 'The more you hate the more you love'?"

William smiled, "You should've seen this coming, Haidee. You were the person who kept on bugging Earl that he liked your bestfriend."

"But that was Earl!" I countered, "I thought she meant what she said."

"Julianne can hide her feelings well," Celestiana said.

The engaged couple was beaming and holding hands while they walked back to our table. Julianne looked so happy and her happinness was twice Earl's.

"You never told us!" Claire told Julianne.

She blushed, "Well it would be embarrassing to take back what I said about him."

"We would've supported you!" Claire exclaimed,

Julianne smiled, "Sorry, but if you guys want, I want you as my bridesmaids."

"That's only natural." Claire said, "Even if you don't want us as bridesmaids I would've pestered you everyday to make us one."

"It's a good thing I think in advance." Julianne said and laughed.

Earl slung his arm around her and kissed her cheek, "I love your laugh."

She blushed so much that her face almost matched her gown. I smiled at their sweetness. It's a weird and nice change. I was so used to them fighting each other that I almost thought it wasn't possible for them to end up together.

"Will Eldora and Yuta come in front please?" Tony said through the microphone.

Eldora beamed and held Yuta's hand and walked to the front. She took the microphone from Tony and said, "I'm also getting married!"

Yuta had a smile as he stared at his fiance. The applauds grew louder. What's with all these couples getting engaged?

How ironic, I was the one dressed in white but I wasn't getting married.

Eldora and Yuta went back to our table with smiles. Tony held the microphone again, "There you have it, people of Illéa. Two couples getting married. How about me? Shouldn't I get married too?"

There were screams of 'yes's. Their eyes travelled to Claire and Louise who had wide eyes.

I knew it. He was going to choose his bride now.

Tony smiled at our table, "To all the single people at my table, please come and join me at the front."

I rolled my eyes at his label of us. Though it was the truth, it was still a hard slap on the face. Claire, Louise and I rose from our seats and went in front along with Fidel and Beall.

Fidel and Beall stood on either side of Tony as I stood on Louise's right and Claire was on her left.

"Lady Haidee, kindly go back to your seat please." Tony said with a smile.

I rolled my eyes and there was laughter. I went back to my seat with my arms crossed over my chest.

Celestiana chuckled, "Hey, don't worry about it, Haidee."

Eldora nodded with a smirk, "Yeah, don't. Just think about the dance."

I sighed and nodded. Even though they told me not to worry and just think about the dance, I couldn't. I saw the former selected either giving me smug smiles or glancing at me with eyes full of pity. I caught Beatrice's eyes and she was taunting me. I already knew what that triumphant smirk meant.

"Lady Claire and Lady Louise," Tony said with a smile, "It has been a great journey with the two of you, but like any journey, it must end."

The cameras were shooting this scene. My heart ached but I plastered a smile on my face for the others to see. Louise and Claire held hands while they waited for his answer.

Tony approached the two of them and looked at them in the eye. He smiled at the both of them. I wanted to get out of here. I looked at the doors leading to the great hall but there were people there and they'd be curious as to why I was there. I sighed and watched the scene unfold.

Tony stared back and forth between the two of them. He took a deep breath then took Claire's hand. I forced the tears back down. Claire looked surprised and Louise looked close to tears but she showed my friend a smile.

The crowd cheered.