Chapter 10: chapter 10

The grand ballroom shimmered under the glow of a thousand candles. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, and the air buzzed with lively music and polite chatter. Amelia stood near the edge of the crowd, fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Her deep blue gown sparkled with every movement, but she felt far from the confident young lady her mother wanted her to be. She sighed, her gaze fixed on the polished floor as dancers moved in perfect rhythm.“Excuse me, miss,” a voice broke through her thoughts. Startled, she looked up to see a young man standing before her. His deep brown eyes sparkled with charm, and his smile revealed a confidence that made her shift uncomfortably. He gave a polite bow.“Would you do me the honor of a dance?” he asked, extending his hand toward her. “I’m Nicolas Gravel, the son of the Duke of Alden.”Amelia hesitated, her heart sinking. Why me? she thought, her gaze darting around the room in search of an escape. But her mother’s piercing stare left her no room to decline. Her lips tightened into a polite smile as she curtsied.“Of course, Lord Gravel,” she said softly, placing her hand in his.As they stepped onto the dance floor, the musicians struck up a lively waltz. Nicolas was an accomplished dancer, guiding her effortlessly through the steps, but Amelia’s mind wandered. He spoke of his family’s estate and their fine horses, but she only nodded politely, contributing little to the conversation. His words blurred together, drowned out by the chatter and laughter around them.After the waltz, Nicolas bowed again, thanking her for the dance. Before Amelia could return to her quiet corner, another young man approached her, then another. She found herself swept into one dance after another, exchanging polite introductions with lords and barons whose names she would never remember.By the fifth dance, her smile felt plastered, her feet ached, and her chest tightened with unease. She longed for silence, for a moment to breathe. Finally, as her latest partner bowed and walked away, Amelia seized her chance.She made her way to her mother, who was chatting with a group of noblewomen near the refreshments table. “Mama,” Amelia whispered, keeping her voice low to avoid drawing attention. “May I step outside for a moment? I need some air.”Her mother’s sharp eyes narrowed, and Amelia felt her shoulders tense. “Outside? And leave all these eligible young men waiting? Do you realize how many ladies would envy your position tonight?” she hissed under her breath.“Mama, please,” Amelia pleaded, her voice barely audible. “I won’t take long. I just—” she faltered, her words catching in her throat, “I feel a little faint.”Her mother’s expression softened slightly, though the disapproval lingered. “Very well,” she said after a pause, her tone clipped. “But don’t take too much time, and for heaven’s sake, don’t wander. This castle is enormous, and I don’t want you embarrassing us by getting lost.”“Thank you, Mama,” Amelia said quickly, curtsying before turning toward the doors leading out of the ballroom.As she stepped into the corridor, the music and chatter faded, replaced by the soft echo of her footsteps on the marble floor. Cool air greeted her, and she inhaled deeply, her chest loosening for the first time that evening. The hall stretched before her, its towering windows offering glimpses of the moonlit gardens outside. She walked slowly, her hand trailing along the cold stone wall, relishing the solitude.Finally, she reached a small balcony overlooking the courtyard. Leaning on the railing, she let the night air wash over her, the stars above twinkling like scattered diamonds. For the first time that evening, Amelia felt free. She closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to calm down. Then, a low voice whispered near her ear.“Why are you standing alone here?”Amelia’s heart jumped into her throat. She spun around, her breath catching. Before her stood a man with blonde hair that shimmered in the moonlight and piercing green eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. His face, strikingly handsome, carried an air of danger. She stepped back instinctively, but the railing stopped her retreat.“I—” she stammered, her words faltering under his intense gaze. “I was… looking for the way back to the ballroom. I got lost.”The man tilted his head slightly, a faint, almost mocking smile playing on his lips. “Lost, or trying to get lost?”“I… I am lost,” Amelia said hastily, her voice trembling.“Then you should be looking for your way back, not standing here, alone in the dark,” he said, his voice calm yet unsettling. “What are you doing here, really?”Amelia opened her mouth to answer but found herself unable to speak. His presence was suffocating, and her mind raced, searching for an excuse.He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “The castle is a dangerous place, you know. Wild beasts roam these halls, wearing human masks. A pretty girl like you shouldn’t wander alone. Beasts might bite you…” His eyes darkened, a cruel smile tugging at his lips. “Or worse, eat you.”A shiver ran down Amelia’s spine, and her legs turned weak. She could barely hold herself upright. “Then I should go back to the ballroom ,” she managed to say, her voice barely audible.But as she tried to step away, he moved swiftly, blocking her path. “What if I don’t let you go?” he said, his tone teasing yet menacing. His eyes gleamed with something unspoken, and his smile widened. “I’m feeling quite hungry right now.”Amelia’s breath quickened as he stepped closer, cornering her against the cold stone wall. She pressed herself back, her heart pounding in terror. He placed both hands on the wall, trapping her, and leaned in so close that she could feel his breath against her skin.“You smell nice,” he whispered, his voice a low murmur in her ear.Amelia froze. Every muscle in her body locked in fear as her legs began to shake uncontrollably. Her throat felt dry, and no words would come. She was completely at his mercy.Then, suddenly, a voice rang out from behind them. “My lord, His Majesty is looking for you.”The man turned his head sharply, his hands dropping to his sides. Amelia seized the opportunity. Summoning all her strength, she pushed past him and fled, her heart racing. She didn’t dare look back. Her feet flew down the dimly lit corridors, the sounds of her heels echoing against the stone walls. She didn’t stop until the bright light of the ballroom doors came into view.Bursting through the doors, Amelia collapsed onto the ground, clutching her chest as she gasped for air. Her heart pounded wildly, and her whole body trembled.The music in the ballroom played on, oblivious to the terror she had just endured. After a moment, she steadied herself and rose to her feet. Smoothing her gown, she forced herself to regain composure and stepped into the crowd.King Magnus rose from his gilded throne, his deep, authoritative voice commanding the attention of every guest in the grand ballroom. instantly as all eyes turned to their ruler. Dressed in a regal blue robe trimmed with gold, the king exuded an air of dignity and warmth, his sharp gaze scanning the room with a reassuring smile."Ladies and gentlemen, loyal people of Oslo," he began, his voice resonating across the hall, "I bring you a message from my son, Prince Caspian. He regrets that he cannot be with us tonight, as duty calls him to attend an urgent matter far from here."A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd, but the king raised a hand to quiet them, his expression remaining calm and composed. "Rest assured, it is a matter of importance, one that requires his immediate attention. However, he sends his heartfelt greetings and wishes for a joyous celebration in his absence."King Magnus stepped forward slightly, his arms outstretched in a gesture of welcome. "So, my dear friends, do not let this news dampen the spirit of the evening. The ball is for all of you, a celebration of our unity, our prosperity, and our shared joy. Enjoy the music, the splendid food, and the fine wine prepared for this occasion. Dance, laugh, and make merry, for this night belongs to Oslo."The crowd erupted into polite applause, their initial disappointment replaced with admiration for the king's reassuring words. Amelia’s breath hitched.Her pale complexion, however, did not go unnoticed. Her mother, Alexis, approached her, concern etched on her face. “Amelia, what happened? You don’t look well. Are you feeling all right?”“I’m fine, Mama,” Amelia said quickly, forcing a weak smile. “Just tired. Can we go home?”Alexis frowned but nodded. Turning to her husband, she said, “Let’s leave. Amelia isn’t feeling well.”Her father glanced at his daughter and sighed. “Very well,” he said.In one corner of the grand hall, Amelia's gaze fell upon Lucy, who stood gracefully beside her father and mother. The family exuded a warmth that contrasted sharply with the festivity swirling around them. Lucy caught Amelia's eye and offered a bright smile, stepping forward slightly."You look beautiful, Amy," Lucy said, her tone as cheerful as ever, her emerald gown shimmering under the soft glow of the chandeliers.Amelia forced a faint smile in return, but before she could muster a response, her mother stepped in with a calm, reassuring tone. "Lucy, Amelia isn't feeling well," she explained, her voice smooth yet firm. "So we’re heading back home shortly."Lucy’s cheerful expression shifted to one of concern as she took a step closer. "What happened to her? Is she alright?" she asked, her gaze flickering between Amelia and her mother.Alexis, ever composed, offered a gentle smile. "It’s nothing, my dear," she replied with practiced ease. "She’s just a bit tired and needs some rest. These gatherings can be a bit overwhelming at times, you know."Lucy nodded slowly, her concern softening but not completely fading. "I see, take care amy" she said thoughtfully, her voice laced with sincerity.Amelia gave a barely perceptible nod, grateful for her mother’s intervention yet eager to leave the probing questions behind. Her mother placed a guiding hand on her shoulder, steering her gently toward the exit as the music and laughter of the ball swirled on behind them.As the family made their way to the entrance, the coachman greeted them. “Leaving early, sir?”“Yes,” her father replied. “My daughter isn’t feeling well.”The coachman’s brow furrowed. “Is she okay sir?”“She’s fine,” her father said firmly. “Just a bit tired.”The coachman nodded and helped the family into the carriage. As they rode away from the castle, Amelia leaned against the window, her mind racing. The man’s voice echoed in her head, his words haunting her. She shivered, clutching her arms tightly.