The next queen (3)

Hazel and Linda exited the room and joined the other ladies walking with their maids toward the ballroom. 

Leaving early to arrive at the ball, they would get the chance to speak with their families if they were to also arrive early. The queen had already permitted them to do so as the rule to not speak with relatives was now over. 

Nothing could be done to change the outcome of today right now. 

Hazel looked around as she walked, trying to find her mother or father. There was much she had to tell them about her time in the palace and she wanted to stop any worrying they had about how she was fairing here. 

As they entered the ballroom, the other young ladies spotted their families and walked away from the group to greet them.

"Oh, my family is there. Do you want to join me while you wait for your family to arrive?" Linda asked as they could all stand together when the Wallace's came.