The doors opened and Elyssa was surprised to see that there was, instead, a ball being held in which feasting would take place afterwards. Elyssa tried not to act surprised and succeeded, se elegantly stepped down the stairs to greet the readily awaiting Cedric. He looked quite handsome as Elyssa recalled his fair brown hair and dark eyes. Once she had arrived at the bottom of the staircase she glanced to see Mariana within a close radius of Adriel but trying to keep her distance. As it turns out Adriel was highly respected by the king and therefore his appearance that night. Elyssa had no more time to gaze around as the music had begun to play and Cedric had taken a hold of her and was sweeping her across the room. Gratefulness filled Elyssa once the half hour had ended for she was now quite dizzy and felt dreadful upon seeing Mariana. She headed over to Mariana who was just about to walk away but Elyssa held on to her arm.

‘Mariana please,’ she said quietly, whisking her away to a more private area.

‘I’m terribly sorry.’ Elyssa said apologetically, and then, seeing that it would take more than that for Mariana to forgive her, also said,

‘The only reason I said that was because I was being defensive and I didn’t mean to hurt you but the truth is…’ Elyssa sighed.

‘Yes…’ said Mariana, now slightly curious.

‘I don’t love Cedric and I disagree with fathers plans, I don’t want to be forced to marry.’

Mariana looked at her wide eyed.

‘Well I don’t love him,’ she said in a basic straightforward manner, ‘you know how I feel about being forced into things, but im going to try and make it work.’ Elyssa said wishing that it was all much easier than just saying it. ‘For now please spend some time wit Adriel.’

Mariana smiled, ‘I knew it, seriously Lyss I don’t know why you try and deny me these things…’ Mariana said jokingly.

‘How did you know?” Elyssa asked, but Mariana had already walked off. The music was about to play and people were taking up positions. Cedric came and asked Elyssa to join him. Although she felt disinclined she politely said yes anyway and tried to seem more cheerful. As they walked out Elyssa saw Mariana and beckoned her over. Mariana began to walk but shortly realised that she had no partner. There was a tap on her shoulder and Mariana turned sadly before seeing Adriel with his hand out offering to dance with Mariana, she smiled and they walked to where Elyssa had taken stance. The music played and the dance began. Elyssa had adjusted quickly and was now used to Cedric’s dancing and after a while quietly began to converse.

‘How are you enjoying the evening?’ she asked hoping Cedric wouldn’t realised the forced sense of politeness. Something about him was so dislikeable.

‘It’s better now that you are here, I do so love that dress however I feel the colour is too bold, as my princess I ask that you not try and outshine me. Don’t worry too much I will ensure that the maids are better informed next time.’

Elyssa had found more than one thing annoying about what he had just said, a next time? Dear god how she dreaded the thought of it, secondly, his princess, he talked as though she were a mere object that was rightly in his possession, and finally how dare he speak to her in such a way. She was about to retort in a way that would be sure to silence him as it did to her when she had first heard a cab driver shouting it. And still the words had formed in her mouth and were like a boiling pot, in mere seconds its contents would spill, the words would have escaped in a moment had it not been that she was spun to the next partner for the final half of the dance. This only annoyed her more and accidentally muttered one of the words she’d intended to Cedric.

Excuse me?’ said a politely surprised voice, it was familiar though. She looked up and found herself looking into the deeply mysterious eyes of Adriel. This was the first time Elyssa had seen him properly and she found that he was indeed extremely handsome. The words that had formed so prominently inside her now had begun to subside like snow melting in the warmth of summertime. Adriel was in fact also quite the gentleman proving to be far less selfish than prince Cedric, her thoughts travelled back to Cedric but were interrupted by Adriel,

‘That’s an amazing dress, as with your hair. You look very beautiful.’ he said, his fingers interlocking carefully amongst the few curls left at the front, he smiled and when he did Elyssa raised her eyebrows,

‘I do ever so hope that you are aware of my engagement’ she asked quizzically though it pained her to remind herself of it.

‘Of course, my lady, I was merely commenting on that which Cedric had failed to mention.’

Elyssa looked at him sceptically though taken aback by his words. However, the music ended and Cedric had come over alongside Mariana.

‘Cedric, would you mind riding with me to the forest?’ Elyssa asked sweetly, she needed time away from the castle where she could be solitary and at peace and, though it was a grave annoyance to Elyssa, this was the only way.

‘It’s going to be late by the time the feast finishes but I suppose so.’ Cedric replied while softly brushing her cheek. Elyssa felt glad to be getting out of the castle she was feeling rather hot after that last dance despite the cold weather. Cedric then turned to Mariana and Adriel,

‘Perhaps you two would care to accompany us?’ he asked.

Elyssa glared at Adriel for he was one of the people she wanted most to be away from. Adriel looked at her challengingly and said,

‘Of course my lord, it would give us great pleasure.’ he said looking at Mariana for consent.

‘Yes! I’d love to get out of here.’ She said excitedly.

Elyssa was anxious to be alone, to think.

‘But Cedric,’ she said stroking is arm in a soft voice, ‘Wouldn’t you rather it with just us… alone?’ she said the last word extremely quietly so that only he could hear but of course she knew the ride would be just riding horses with an attempt to somehow ditch Cedric and nothing more.

‘Nonsense Elyssa there is nothing wrong with a bit of company.

Either he is quite smart or just really dumb, she thought to herself, opting for the latter. She noticed everyone heading to the exit where the feast was being held in another room. Elyssa sat next to Cedric with Mariana and Adriel situated across from them, Adriel, sensing she was annoyed at him politely averted is eyes from her and began talking with Cedric. Elyssa sat back and ate her food in a reserved manner.