Chapter 7

Cassandra's Pov

I turned around only to see my mom and dad staring at me.I tried to blink back my tears.I was about to rush to hug them especially my dad when it hit me like a truck that they abandoned me back at home only for them to come here and act as if they were wonderful parents.

I put on a blank face and looked up at Xavier who's arm was still wrapped around my waist.I let out a curtesy as court protocols demanded.

"Who are these people prince Xavier",i asked putting on a polite tone."Meet Mr and Mrs Emiliano",Xavier said looking surprised.

"It is nice to meet you Mr and Mrs Emiliano".They looked really Confused and hurt but i didn't really give two spoons.I hurriedly left and ran right into....Thompson. "W..What are you doing here",i stammered.

"I was invited",he replied with a blank tone.I just gave him a smile and turned when he said,"i guess i should congratulate you now,you are one of them now".

"By this time tomorrow you might become queen and our lives are going to go in different directions".

"Thompson even if i am queen,i would still be me.The girl who would wrestle with you over food,Watch horror movies just to see you squirm",i said with a smile."Looking at you right now it's hard to believe.This place has a way of changing people so be careful" he said before turning away from me.I grab a champagne from a waiter and lightly sip at it.

Today is the Masquerade ball.This is when all the competitors are presented to Xavier.Costumes are to be worn and i think it would be exciting. I knew tonight was important for me.It was my chance to make a great impression on the kingdom and the council.

I knew i needed to make a great impression especially since i was not royalty like them.There wasa break where all the Competitors were to change into their Costumes.We had just one hour.I hurried to my room and quickly put on a snow white gown with a Matching mask.I didnt even spend up to 20mins.I was going back to the hall when i saw Antonia.

"Hello Antonia you look really gorgeous",i said politely while smiling." Thanks Cassandra you look rather heavenly yourself.I am sure the prince wont be able to look away",I just smiled politely. As we were about to go in,i noticed that she was tense and so i did what i would have done to Amber.I linked our hands and smiled at her.We walked into the hall and separated. I walked towards Amber and tapped her on the shoulder. She gave me a weird look and mumbled,"is this how royals act here at the court". I tapped her shoulder again and wiggled my eyebrows while trying not to laugh.She furrowed her brows and gasped loudly ,)Cass.I nodded while smiling. Drake walked over and i smiled at him.

He just gave me a glare and i saw Amber snicker. "Drake meet Cassandra",she said biting a smile back.

"o...oh Cassandra it's you,I didnt recognise you".

"Oh....do i look that bad" ,i put on a sad face.N...no what of course not you look heavenly. I let out a laugh at seeing the ever always in control Drake stammer.I was conversing with Amber and Drake when i was dragged away by a strange woman.I couldn't recognise her due to the mask she had on.

"I make it a point of duty to know my competitors but when the herald announced your name i didn't recognise you.I just came to give you a piece of advice,When you are introduced kiss the prince's shoe"

I knew that was wrong from the courtly classes i had attended at a young age instead i just nodded and smiled.

I saw Xavier standing next to his father,king Lucifer of Caledonia.I guess sexy names run through the family,i thought with a grin.I went back to Amber and Drake. Okay,it seems like they are ready for you guys.I was about to go when i hesitated and turned back."Do you think Xavier's dad will like me",i asked feeling nervous."I wish i could reassure you but there's only one way of finding out",she said with a sigh.I let out a large breath and Maxwell linked our arms together.

Because he is my sponsor he has to present me to the king and i was counting on making a good impression on the king.

I saw Maxwell stiffen his shoulder and i was suddenly in awe.When i got to the king and i had been introduced i let out a curtesy while smiling. i join the other ladies at the line tointroduce myself. When i got to Xavier he let out a full blown smile and my first thought was our children were really going to be cute.I smile at him and we talk for a while.I feel thirsty and ask Xavier to accompany me to get a glass of champagne but he shakes his head and says,"i cant my love" The entire event is set up to give me time with each and everyone of my Competitors despite the fact that i want to only spend time with you.I have to put my princely duties first and give the front of a fair prince to the people" and i just smiled before moving away.

He tried to reach for me but i just continued moving and heard him sigh.I sit at the bar and just look around wondering how i would fit in with all this.

" You look like you might need a drink",a voice whispered in my ear and i looked up to see a man dressed in a dashing white suit.He had blonde hair,deep blue eyes and a set of plump lips.His jaw was angled to perfection but his nose was a bit crooked.

He sat down next to me and we became engrossed in a conversation.He made me laugh a lot and i found out he was a duke. I was listening to him say something when i felt an intense gaze on me.

I dont know how i recognised the owner of the gaze on me but i just knew it was Xavier. It sent ripples of heat through me and i looked over to see him glaring at Harrison beside me.I tried hard to ignore him and did until Harrison kept his hand on my waist and i looked up to see Xavier making his way to us.

He looked so furious and immediately he came he grabbed me from Harrison and linked our arms together. What he did next shocked me.He stormed towards Harrison and...