Eliza’s POV
The day of the ball came around way too soon, and I pushed aside any anxiety that kept threatening to consume me.
“You look so amazing. I'm so excited for everyone to meet you.” Abbie clapped her hands together and jumped up with excitement.
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I gazed at my reflection in the mirror. Abbie had worked her magic, transforming me into a vision of loveliness.
"Thank you, Abbie," I said, admiring the elegant gown she had chosen for me. The silk fabric shimmered in the light, and the delicate embroidery seemed to dance across the bodice. I felt like a princess, truly.
Abbie beamed with pride. "You're welcome, Princess. I knew you would look perfect in this dress. You're a natural beauty, after all."
I chuckled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Abbie. She had been a godsend since I arrived at the palace, helping me to navigate the complex world of royal protocol and etiquette. And, of course, she was a master of her craft when styling my hair and makeup.
Abbie handed me a small bouquet. "For your hair," she explained. "It's a family tradition for the princess to wear flowers on her hair at the ball."
I smiled, feeling like I was becoming a part of this royal family. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the night ahead. It was going to be a long and memorable one, that was for sure.
Standing before the grand stairwell, I could feel my heart racing with anticipation. The night of the ball had finally arrived, and I was about to make my debut as the long-lost daughter of the King. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves, but it was useless. My palms were sweaty, and my legs felt like jelly.
“I can't do this.” I turned back to Abbie, and she shook her head. “No. You can do this will, and you will. Did I waste my whole day getting you ready for nothing?” she raised an eyebrow at me, and I couldn't help but giggle.
I nodded, trying to focus on her words. She was right. But my eyes drifted back to the grand staircase, wondering what lay ahead.
My brother, Prince Alex, suddenly appeared beside me, his strong hand grasping mine. "Alright, little sis? You look magnificent. Let's get this show on the road," he whispered, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
“I'm not sure if I'm ready,” I mumbled and turned back to Abbie, but she had already disappeared, and I was alone with my brother.
“Eliza, you can do this. Don't sweat it.” I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked up at Alex's reassuring face. He was always calm and collected, and I wished I could be more like him. But as I gazed out at the sea of faces below, my anxiety threatened to overwhelm me.
"What if I mess up?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. "What if I say something wrong or do something embarrassing?"
Alex chuckled and squeezed my hand. "You're going to be fine, Eliza. You're the princess. You're supposed to shine. And trust me, you're going to knock their socks off."
I smiled weakly, trying to take his words of encouragement to heart. But my mind was racing with all the things that could go wrong. What if I tripped on the stairs? What if I forgot the royal etiquette? What if it all went wrong?
Together, we began our descent down the grand stairwell. The music and laughter from the ballroom grew louder, and I could feel the weight of all eyes on me. I felt like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, unsure of what lay ahead but determined to spread my wings.
“Remember to smile and breathe.” my brother whispered to me with an amused smile on his handsome face.
As we reached the bottom of the stairs, I was struck by how stunning I looked in my silver gown. The delicate lace overlay sparkled in the light, and the flowing train behind me seemed to shimmer like a cloud. My hair was styled in loose curls, and my makeup was subtle yet elegant.
The room was filled with people from all corners of the kingdom - nobles, courtiers, and guards. The air was thick with the scent of perfume and candle wax, and the sound of laughter and music filled my ears.
“Are you ready, my sweet?” My father held his hand to me, and I nodded, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. My brother stood back, tall and proud, as he handed me to our Father.
The king led me to the centre of the room, where wolves were gathered around him. He cleared his throat, and a hush fell over the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice booming. "I present to you my daughter, the lost Princess Eliza!”
The room erupted into applause, and I felt a wave of heat wash over me as every wolf turned to look at me. I curtsied, trying to keep my head bowed as I felt their eyes upon me.
“She is beautiful. Just like her mother.”
“Wow.”
“I wonder who she will be mated to.”
I smiled to myself at the excited chatter around me.
“My daughter, I would like to introduce you to a dear friend, son.” my father led me to a corner of the room.
I looked up, my heart racing with excitement and a hint of nervousness. A tall, handsome male with piercing blue eyes stood before me with a charming smile. He was dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, his broad shoulders and chiselled features making him look like a true alpha.
"Ah, yes, of course," I said, sounding calm and composed. "I'm Princess Eliza. It's nice to meet you."
The male's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze never leaving mine. "I'm Ryder, the son of the Earl of Ravenswood. It's an honour to meet you finally, Princess."
I felt a flutter in my chest as our eyes met, and for a moment, I forgot about the sea of faces around us. It was just us, standing there, connected by some unseen thread.
"Please, call me Eliza," I said, sounding casual. "I'm not used to being addressed as Princess always."
Ryder’s smile grew wider, and he nodded. "Eliza, it is then. May I have the pleasure of this dance?"
He held out his hand, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. I felt a surge of excitement mixed with nerves as I hesitated momentarily, glancing at my father, who gave me a slight nod, before placing my hand in Ryder’s.
As we glided across the dance floor, I felt a shiver run down my spine as our bodies moved together in perfect sync, the music and laughter around us fading into the background.
For a moment, it was just us, lost in the magic of the night. But as I looked up, I saw one face that stood out from the rest, and our eyes locked.
Rylan.