Jump

I always hated ball gowns. They were always really tight and just had too much fabric. Not to mention the corset underneath that feels like it's crushing my organs. But today I have to suck it up, play nice, and always keep a smile.

It wasn't my choice to get married to prince Reece of melanian, but it is my duty. To become queen I would do anything and won't let anyone get in my way. 'Only those who have power have dignity', the words of my father that I grew up on reminding myself of that every day.

I walk down the stairs trying not to trip and fall, just then I could hear footsteps behind me.

"Miss Lillian don't forget this"

I turn around to see Elena holding my ballroom mask; it's a tradition for the king to not see the bride's face before the wedding day. I personally don't like this tradition but have to follow it anyway.

Walking towards the gate, I take one glance behind followed by a deep breath. My first time outside the palace gates and into an unknown world, well unknown world might be an exaggeration but never mind.

One step.

I took one step outside the gate and relaxed, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I walk towards the carriage that looked round and beautiful with silver coatings. I got on it and then it almost immediately went towards a direction, which I assume melanian is.

The ball looked wonderful. Nothing like I have ever seen, it had bright red curtains on all four walls matching my red ball gown and mask. The queen and king sitting on their thrown which was wonderful might I add. It took a while for me to adjust. But I started observing the dancing and enjoyed seeing people stumble and regain their posture, for the first time in a long time I felt content.

A tap on my shoulder made me look to see who dare to touch me. My eyes met gorgeous light brown eyes and I couldn't speak.

"May I have this dance?" I smiled involuntarily

"Sure Sir...?"

"Sir Reece at your service" I couldn't help but think to marry him might not be so bad after all. But I snapped myself from my unnecessary thoughts. You marry for power and not love, that's how I learned what marriage was.

"Madam Lillian at your service" His smile was so wide I could see all his teeth shinning

Before I could say anything, he swiftly guided me towards the center of the ballroom and we started dancing. Slow and steady.

"Ahh, so you're the bride-to-be?" His question came out as a chuckle

"Yes, I suppose so" I smile.

"This wedding might not be so bad after all." He says so with a smile and I couldn't help but smile myself.

The rest of the night went by smoothly with him introducing me to other future family members. Not going to lie, I am quite excited to marry him. I shouldn't be, right?

I don't know what happened after the ball but suddenly I didn't feel so well. I had this...this gut feeling that something's wrong. I quickly remind myself that it's just me and step inside my carriage and it took off.

After about 20 minutes the carriage suddenly stopped.

"Miss Lillian there is some problem with the wheels if you could kindly step out for a moment" The guard who was ridding this carriage told me. The funny thing is I don't remember seeing this man. Ever and I know each and every one of guards. Must be a new one?

I cautiously step out of the carriage and see the man check something inside the carriage.

"If there is a problem with the wheels why are you checking inside?" I'm getting a little frightened right now.

"You're smart I'll give you that Miss Black crown" I hear his devilish voice

"E-Excuse me?" He turns around slowly and takes a knife from his pocket. I try to run but before I could he catches me by the arm.

"Don't you know the rumors princess? You have a black crown on your head. Your pure evil. Your father banished me from the kingdom without going to the royal court, seeing him bleed was one of the best moments of my life"

"I-It was you! You killed my parents!" I could taste the saltiness from my tears

"Oh yes. Well, guess what? It's your turn! You're just like them and for two years I had to wait! You were protected by numerous guards and I couldn't get you but today you finally come out!"

Punching his face, I escape from his grip and start running. The heels and dress slowed me down so I took them off while running. I had a corset and removed that too. So I was only left with a plain white gown.

I ran until I came to the edge of a Clift.

"Your times run out princess" I turn around and think. If I jump I could die but if I stay I WILL die.

So I jump.