Audrey 

So, it was today, the ball of my engagement. I got ready for the day in a plain dress. In the evening mother will bring me my gown that she has selected. But for right now, I was wearing a plain dress in lemon color. The bright sun made me anxious, thinking that it is only a few hours away. It was a plan that could save me. What if it all failed? No, no. No self doubt is acceptable in this house.

"Earth to Audrey!" Sidney said, bringing me out of my own mind. "What is going on?" I asked them both, forgetting what we were talking about. "Are we to give keys to two different men?" Camilla asked me, almost whispering. "Yes, to two men. Because I do not want to go into a room and find nobody there." I explained. "Very reasonable." Sidney agreed with us.

"When is he arriving?" Camilla asked me. I thought about what she had said about him. "He will be coming late. His kingdom is south west from ours and is quite far. It would take two days for him to arrive." I replied. "Good to know about it." Sidney added.

The day went by quickly. From the evening to the ball preparations.

I was in my chambers, sitting on the dressing table, waiting for mother to come and deliver my dresses to me. "Come, Addie? I have selected five dresses for you." Mother came in gesturing them to put the dresses down. She came to me and looked at me in the mirror. She then touched my blonde hair, combing them and straightening them. They were not long but reached mid back. I usually had them loose but today, mother is helping me get ready. "I have selected them for you. Pick one for tonight." She said and left my hair, making her way to the maids holding a hanger with dresses on it.

"Let the show begin." She said, and maids helped me get into the first selected dress for tonight. A classic bright yellow dress which had puffy sleeves. She shook her head in disapproval. Then, I changed into a green dress. It had a print on it. The skirt was printed in leaves and the bodice was in flowers. It was sleeveless. "Too much print!" She shook her head and I changed into a violet dress. Which was shimmery and had silver bling overall. It had thick straps holding it in place and was backless.

"Oh! This is the one. The shimmer, it's perfect." She then clapped for them to take the dresses away. Was I happy with it? No! Because it showed more than I wanted. But I was not going to let my energy be wasted on these things. I must save it for tonight.

"For the hair, I think you can go with a bun and two braids going in it. Oh I am so happy for tonight's announcement!" She came to me and quickly kissed my forehead. "I am proud of you." Well, I don't think that she will be saying this to me once she sees my plan in its glory.

***

I was with my friends in the ball. Every one was mingling and the dance floor was filled with couples. Camilla wore a light green gown. Sidney wore a maroon gown. It looked well on her. Camilla looked distraught. "Is something bothering you?" I asked Camilla. She shook her head. "Just, was thinking about father." She admitted. I put a hand on her shoulder. "Time will heal it all. You have memories. Cherish them." She nodded and took a sip from her glass. Sidney asked, "Where are the keys?" I searched my pocket for keys. I pocketed five of them. I gave them one key. "Make sure you give this key to anyone and once it is done. Come to me. Let me know, okay?" They both nodded and went in different directions.

I hope that they find someone. Anyone will do, as I must leave this marriage. I saw a man, Prince Dane, looking at me closely. I quickly looked away. I must see if everything is going as planned. I left the ball room. In my room I quickly searched for my nightdress. I must have it prepared as he can arrive at any time.

When I reached the ball room. Everything was going smoothly. I saw Sidney and Camilla engaging with princes. That was good. Perhaps they were near to handing keys off to them. I smirked at my plan and took a long sip. After all, this can go perfectly now.

I saw my mother making her way to me. A glass in hand. She came close to my ear to whisper, "Your father informed me that he has arrived at the ball. Good luck my dear." My heart skipped a beat. So soon?