Chapter 3 MISHAP

Grover's Chateau.

The palace was a stunning sight to behold, its vast stairway had grand architectural features, making the entrance to the palace look grand and majestic.

The royal ball party is an exaggerated magnificence show of opulence and wealth for the royal family.

The radiant glow in the faces of the spoilt wives, adorned with luxury fabrics and dazzling jewelry shimmering in the light, accompanied by their husbands showing off their sleek expensive rides, added to the regal atmosphere of the event.

Edward's family's graceful appearance wasn't left out. Every move Hazel made exuded a dignified aura, showing off her expensive qualities.

All heads turned in her direction which made her lips curve up lightly, while some of the guests showered praises on her, others threw her a scornful and jealous look.

Hazel caught the sight of the Queen attending to her guests, she hurriedly went to meet her, and bowed lightly, "Your Majesty!"

Queen Catherine smiled warmly, inviting Hazel for a hug, "Hazel! How lovely to see you again. I hope you received our invitation?"

Hazel quickly cleared her throat, "We did your Highness! But I'd like to talk about a few things if you don't mind."

Catherine's lip thinned into a straight line, failing to hide her irritated look, "Sure! Let's add interrupting important conversations to your list of duties."

Hazel didn't expect the Queen to say that,she went silent for a moment before she finally found her voice. "Oh, then let me go try out some drinks."

With what she said, she scurried into the crowd with a flushed face, feeling embarrassed. Hopefully, she'll think twice before doing that again!

ーーー

Kayla carefully made her way to the space where the group of girls selected to sing at the ball stood, all dressed in white summer gowns anxiously getting ready for their performance.

Juniper stood out, as usual, her lips painted with a bright red lip gloss that screamed attention.

When she saw Marceline approach the girls she threw her a glare causing Kayla to squirm and discomfort. She didn't feel at ease amid all these elites, this wasn't her usual crowd. She fumbled with the fabric of her gown with her glove-clad hands.

She couldn't wait to leave here!

Vienna suddenly caught the moves Kayla made and decided to ask, "Don't tell me you feel intimidated by her?"

As the Prime Minister's daughter, Vienna was the figure everyone respected and she made it her duty to always care for people, with Marceline, her secret friend, being a part of it.

Taking a deep breath, Marceline responded," Can we leave her out of this, please!? Vienna rolled her eyes, feeling irritated by Juniper's attitude, "Sure, i'd like nothing better."

Thirty minutes into the Party, Coach Joan stepped onto the stage and announced that Marceline would be leading the Unique Academy Choirs, leaving her fellow students speechless.

Marceline was taken aback, her dreamy eyes widening in surprise. She never expected to be given such responsibility and opportunity, yet excitement surged through her.

She held her head high as the spotlight followed her every step, enhancing her presence with an aura of elegance and confidence.

Juniper coldly looked at Kayla as she walked upstage, a hint of hatred and anger flashed in her eyes. She truly looked forward to taking everything from Marceline when she finally got married to Prince Luther.

What's stopping her from starting now?

A cunning smile crept on her lips as she thought about ruining her chances, suddenly she spotted a red stain on Marceline's white dress.

A period stain!

A perfect chance to ruin her moment and embarrass her.

Juniper turned to Patricia, the loudest and lousy one among the girls, and whispered into her ears, "Oh! Would you just look at our elegant leader? She came here dressed prepared."

A loud laughter erupted from the crowd, turning every head to where the noise was coming from.

Marceline stood there, with a sweet smile on her face, calmly gazing at the guests in front of her. She noticed that her fellow students were staring, some tried to hide their amusement while the likes of Juniper and Patricia openly laughed.

Juniper moved closer to her, a sneer look on her face, "Did you sit on ketchup, sis? Marceline quickly glanced down at the stain of her dress, turning her body slightly to take a better look.

She broke out in a cold sweat as she tried to put on a brave face, aware that some gazes were still directed her way.

Juniper smirked, deciding not to give up since her plan seemed to be working, "Oh, look at you attempting greatness! I'll advise you not to set your standards too high and kindly hop off the stage."

Marceline's face went pale when she reached out to hold her sister's hand, but her sister pulled away with a look of disgust.

Her lips trembled like a leaf quivering in a stormy wind. Life doesn't have to treat her this way!

Her mind was in turmoil, she tried avoiding eye contact with everyone including Coach Travis's inquisitive eyes, as she lowered her eyes holding her feeble dress tightly.

She wanted the ground to open up and swallow her.

Marceline smiled weakly, she turned her head slightly about handing over the wireless microphone to Juniper when she caught deep cold blue eyes staring intensely at her.

Her breath shuddered, only her 'oohed' and 'aahed' breathing was heard as she felt everything coming to a halt. A profound silence!

The masculine figure stared at her misty eyes, feeling a strange sadness welling up his heart.

She felt an odd warmth embracing her insides, her eyes drawn towards him as if pulled by a magnetic force, unable to tear her gaze away.

A cold grip snatched her out of her reverie. Juniper's eyes held no warmth as she snatched the wireless microphone from her, "You're the perfect example of how nature experiments with errors. Get lost!"

Every tiny robe of bravery Marceline was trying to put on left her the moment she heard what Juniper said to her.

"I can't do this." With that, she ran out of the hall.

A pair of strong long legs followed suit.