Waltz into the Waves by Sarah Holman

Author:Sarah Holman [Holman, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sarah Holman
Published: 2015-01-17T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 4

I watched as my slippers reflected the torches when I was handed out of the carriage. When I looked up, I gasped. I had heard of the lovely palace of the king, but nothing had prepared me for the glittering jewel that was in front of me. The granite steps gleamed, and laughter drifted out of the many windows.

I had never seen so many candles, torches, and lanterns lit at once. It was almost like being out in the daytime.

“Stay behind me, and let me do the talking,” hissed my step-mother.

I smiled beneath my mask. I didn’t care if she left me on the steps. I was soaking in this beauty. Nothing would spoil my evening. My scar was hidden, so no one would stare at me, I was in a pretty gown of pink satin, was at my first ball, and I was finally wearing the silk slippers! I felt like I was walking on air.

Stepping into the ballroom took my breath away. I never could have imagined so many lovely dresses. Who could have dreamed up so many different ones? The dancing was lovey, though nothing like the waltz I had learned.

My step-mother and sister turned off to one side, but I kept walking towards the dance floor, only to be jerked back.

My step-mother’s eyes glared at me from behind her mask. “We have to be introduced to the king, queen, and prince. Remember, not a word.”

“I promise to be silent,” I whispered to emphasize the fact.

We were escorted up more stairs and into a room that overlooked the ballroom. In the center sat two people who had more jewels on them than I had ever seen in my life. Each wore a crown and no mask.

My mother and sister knelt and bowed their heads with practiced ease. I mimicked them awkwardly from my place behind them.

“I welcome you, my lady. And you are Amelia?”

I lifted my head to respond, and then clamped my mouth shut, remembering my place.

“I am Amelia, your servant.” My step-sister’s voice dripped with false humility.

“Amelia, it has been a long time.” The king came forward and helped my step-sister to her feet.

I cast a glance in my step-mother’s direction. She remained kneeling, and I followed her example.

The king surveyed my step-sister and smiled. “I still remember the sweet toddler that you were when your father and I planned this day. You have met my son?”

From a darkened corner, a masked prince emerged.

“No one ever could forget the magnificent Alexander.”

I wanted to gag at my step-sister’s obvious flattery. Had the girl never learned to speak with sincerity?

“I am honored to receive you today and that we will be able to finally announce our engagement to the world.”

I was glad I was kneeling, because if I hadn’t I would have fallen. That voice! That rich baritone could only belong to Alex. But that could not be. Alex and the prince could not be one and the same, could they?

“I too, have longed for this day when our secret would be revealed.

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