It was the time when Mr. Brown sent her the dress. The twin was enthusiastic to see it. They brought the box to her room. It was wrapped in a silver box and silver ribbon. Helena opened it with a grin
but was disappointed at the dress's colour.
"Black? I am going to a ball, not a funeral!"
"Wait." Violet opened the curtain. "I think it's not black."
It was dark blue, as deep as the midnight sky. The dress sparkled upon touching the light. The scattered crystal shone bright like stars. Silver butterflies adorned the dress as they flew in the dusk. A mysterious vibe shrouded the dress as it wrapped in nightfall.
Helena was amazed by Mr Brown's ability. He really nailed his assignment.
On the night of the ball, Helena let down half of her hair while wearing a butterfly clip on her dress. The ball gown had a strapless, sweetheart neckline and a basque waistline. She wore a bridal diamond necklace and stud earrings. The maids and her mother were mesmerized. She touched her face and looked into the mirror. Even Helena could not believe how gorgeous she was.
"Helena, my daughter. You look so pretty!"
"Thank you, Mother. I will be going now. Where is Ethel?"
Her mother sighed. "She insisted on going alone with a different carriage and went first. I know that kid did not like us, but..."
Helena winked at the older woman. "It's fine, mother. What matters is that I will attend the palace ball, right?"
Her mother only replied with a small smile. Sometimes she felt awful about her daughter. Their life improved after she remarried her new husband, but it came with disadvantages. Helena must pay attention to her surroundings and bow down to her step-sister. Most of Ethel's action was considered out of line, yet they could do nothing.
Helena went to the palace with a less grandeur carriage but did not mind. After all, she would attend the most famous ball in the kingdom. When she arrived, Helena noticed three banners with different symbols and colours. The most right one was the eagle on a blue banner, followed by the lion on a red banner and the deer on a yellow banner. Each banner represented the Princes of the kingdom. The blue colour belonged to First Prince, the red colour belonged to Second Prince, and the yellow colour belonged to the last Prince.
After arriving, she saw a long line of nobles waiting for their turn outside the castle. This was a common occurrence to prevent uninvited guests came to the ball. Before she joined the line, a footman from the palace greeted her. "Pardon me, are you Lady Helena from the Blackmoore family? I am receiving an order from Duchess Vermillion to let you enter the palace without waiting in line."
Helena was speechless. Only a high-ranked noble could pass without searching. Helena accepted the offer since refusing noble was considered rude. She passed the long queue and went to the ballroom.
The moment she stepped in, the excitement swallowed her up. White marble floor, the hanging grandeur chandeliers, the fancy red carpet and vases of flowers decorated the place. Music filled the room as guests danced, following the rhyme. Beautiful people wrapped in gorgeous dresses and jewellery spoke and listened to their friend's stories. Helena always loved the ball since she found joy in dancing, conversing with others or eating dessert made of great pastry. Before Helena grabbed a chocolate, a familiar voice called her name.
"Sister Helena!"
The fake sweet tone gave her a headache. Ethel shouted on purpose to gather everyone's attention to them. Helena wanted to strangle her. The ball did not start, yet Ethel had prepared to humiliate her. At least let Helena eat cake first.
Helena forced herself to smile. "What is it, Ethel?"
"Lady Wisteria is wondering how you get the invitation. I hope you don't mind giving her an answer."
Helena was sure Ethel disclosed Rowena the wrong idea about her. The Marquises' lady glared at her. Helena could tell the truth. Duchess Vermillion gave her the invitation because she fulfilled her task. However, it was related to Paradise Star. She was forbidden to state anything about it. Helena exhaled a long breath. She must make another fake excuse.
"Maybe because of my charity in orphanage and church. I am a pretty famous person in Angles Street."
Rowena Wisteria went from cold to surprise. "Are you the Saint of Angles Street?"
Helena was as surprised at her. Her cheek was flushed from embarrassment. "Wait, how do you know that title?"
"Are you kidding me? Saint of Angles Street was a popular tale among commoners and nobles. I thought it was only a story, but it is real." She leaned toward her face. "How did you do it? Was there a problem during your visit to the street? How do you maintain the relationship with the commoners?"
Helena was puzzled by her sudden interest. "My friend used to live there and helped me reach out to church and orphanage. The rest happens naturally."
"Lady Wisteria!"
Ethel yelled at her. Rowena Wisteria realized she had been rude. She returned to her own poise as a noble lady. "Pardon me. I want to try charity, but I have no idea where to start. The commoner can be prejudiced to us noble."
Helena smiled at her. "I understand your sentiment. I would be glad to help you if you need any help."
Ethel realized her plan had backfired. "Lady Wisteria. I think this is enough. We should-"
"Ethel Blackmoore."
Now that cold gaze was directed toward Ethel. "You told me previously that your sister was a cheap woman. I would swallow your lies if I did not meet Lady Helena at my party." She glared at Ethel with her sharp eyes. "Adopted child of a noble should be respected like the rest of their family. It is the law of this country. If you cannot wrap that with your head, you are a failure as a noble lady."
Ethel's face was red from embarrassment. Helena nodded her head and agreed with Rowena's words. What Ethel did was dumb. She just tried to slander her own sister, who had the same last name as her. No wonder Helena could take her down in her second life without struggle. Ethel had nothing but luck to be supported by her noble bloodline.
"Thank you for your aid, Lady Wisteria."
"Don't mention it, Lady Blackmoore. If anything, I am the one who should state my gratitude."
Her word was confusing for Helena. She did not remember helping Rowena Wisteria. Yet Rowena Wisteria smiled at her and left with her followers. Helena finally ate her cake in peace. After she finished the small snack, Helena saw Duchess Vermillion enter the hall. She walked through the sea of humans to greet her benefactor. It was harder than how it looked. Helena must slip between the crowd to meet the Duchess.
"Greeting to Your Grace."
Duchess Vermillion looked grand as usual. She wore a brown satin ball gown with golden thread. Of course, she never forgot to carry her fan. Next to her side was Duke Vermillion. He was ten years older than his wife and currently in his forty. Strangely enough, the First Prince's Dog looked friendlier than his wife. He was a man with a square and warm face. His deep blue eyes filled with liveliness as he was a child. The wrinkle around his eyes could not contain his excitement.
Duke Vermillion was happy to meet her. He shook her hand with full strength. "Nice to meet you, young lady! You are as my wife described!"
Helena was a bit startled by the revelation. Duke Vermillion was the opposite of his wife. If Duchess Vermillion was a block of ice, Duke Vermillion was a blaze of fireball. The Duchess only took a deep breath over her husband's behaviour. He could be an embarrassment sometimes.
"Honey, I've seen your hunting friend over there. Why don't you go talk with them?"
The Duke was pouting. "You just want me to go away, but fine."
He gave his wife a surprised kiss on the cheek. Duchess Vermillion's eyes widened. Helena almost squealed when she watched it. The Duke walked away while waving his hand. "I hope you enjoy the party, Lady Blackmoore!"
The jolly man left both of them. Helena was speechless. She guessed the story about how Duke Vermillion kept sparring with Duchess Vermillion until she accepted his marriage proposal was true.
"You're not the only person who was surprised." She opened her fan and covered her flushed cheeks. "No one expected us to get married."
"Thank you for the invitation, My Lady. I never thought I could attend the royalty ball."
The Duchess was pleased by her gratitude. "It was not a big deal. Besides, I'm not the only person who wants you to attend this party."
Before Helena could ask more, their conversation was disrupted by the loud sounds of the trumpet. They announce the arrival of the royal family.
All people in the hall bowed down when King Opal and Queen Patricia entered the ballroom. Helena took a quick glance at them. Holding his hand was his second wife. The first Queen passed away after giving birth to the First Prince. The King married a Duke's daughter three years after that. She was a beautiful woman, looking wise for her age. Helena wondered how such a kind-looking woman gave birth to the greedy Second Prince.
The announcement continued with the arrival of Prince. The invited ladies got excited. They were finally able to see the face of the Crown Prince. Helena was curious about him as well. She had met the Second and the Third Prince. The First Prince was a mystery most of all. He holed up inside the palace and was busy governing the kingdom. Everyone finally could confirm his looks.
The King gave his sign. The rest of the nobles were allowed to raise their head. Cold sweat broke from her skin when she saw the figure. Helena's heart was beating fast from the shock. He was a gallant man with short honey-blonde hair and ocean-blue eyes.
The First Prince was Yale.
Helena screamed inside her mind.