The fact that the rulers of Olderea were merely a few feet before me did not help my nerves. I stole a glance at them as I rose. King Maximus had a balding head and was swathed in golden finery. His bleary gaze and stony expression seemed like he was already bored with the festivities. In contrast, Queen Cordelia gave me the smallest of smiles. It made her eyes glimmer. I let go of a breath, returned her smile, and joined Genevieve on the side of the ballroom.
It felt like ages when they finished announcing everyone, including the illustrious courtiers and gold-ribboned young men. Silver bells jingled as the debutantes shifted about, restless from standing. When I thought they would finally let us go, a fanfare sounded from the top of the stairs.
“Announcing His Highness, Crown Prince Bennett Median of Olderea!”
Squeals and whispers erupted from around me. I peeked over the shoulders of my fellow debutantes to catch a glimpse of the crown prince. He was tall and stately in a deep maroon coat, his crown gleaming from atop his chestnut hair. He looked very much like the king, if the king weren’t paunchy and balding. With a curt bow before his parents, the crown prince mounted the dais and took his seat beside his father. His face was stoic as he stared ahead.
“Who put dirt in his tea?” I muttered to Genevieve. She giggled.
Another fanfare sounded. “His Highness Prince Ash Median of Olderea!”
A familiar figure came down the steps.
Except this time, there was a crown nestled in his dark hair.
6
As the ballroom eruptedinto applause, someone clamped my wrist.
“Is that who I think it is?” Samantha whispered, smelling like she took a bath in her grandmother’s perfume. I tugged my arm out of her clammy fingers.
The other debutantes seemed to have similar reactions. Genevieve looked perplexed. I could only feel horror and embarrassment creeping over me as I recalled what I had done mere minutes ago.
“Why in the blazing fires was the second prince of the kingdom disguised as a waiter?” Tori emerged from behind us in her magnificent sapphire blue gown. “Do you think he might be a pervert?”
Samantha shot her a glare. “His Highness is entitled to do whatever he wishes.”
“Really? I wonder why you had such a fit when His Highness spilled water on your gown, then,” Tori said, tilting her head.
Samantha bristled and glared but said no more.
When the cheers died down and Prince Ash took his seat next to the queen, the orchestra at the balcony began playing a light air. The guests gravitated toward the dance floor, and several debutantes were whisked away by the boldest of the gold-ribboned young men.
A hook-nosed matron I recognized as Lady Thornbush, one of Lydia’s friends, approached Genevieve.
“Enchanted to see you, my dear girl! You look as lovely as ever. Have I introduced you to my son, Edward?” Lady Thornbrush said fluttering a feathered fan beneath her nose. I wondered how she didn’t sneeze.
