The hired soldier dropped us into the corridor directly connected to the ballroom. Where I should have entered as a princess if things had gone well. If my brother wanted me too. That cursed title would already be mine. Only in the scenario where I was wanted, being captured did not seem an end, but a beginning.

  In this reality it was a doom looming over my future. Who would ever conjure the idea that his idiotic insults and game of power would lead to my possible salvation.

  Now there was another pressing issue, could he shut his mouth about me? A tiara was never mine to begin with. It shall rest forever inside that room, reflecting the light of the artificial chandelier. Gathering dust in it’s the impeccable velvet pillow.

  Standing neatly in a line with multiple noble ladies, there was nothing in my person different. After all, being a Belleaux is just a meaningless mark.

  Delicate ladies barely held on the wall. As the man asked for their identity. His gaze still, focused solely on following orders, unlike the previous mercenary.

  “Miss, your family name.” He ruthlessly approached and, without waiting for an answer, he grabbed my wrist forcefully shoving me to the floor. Laughing soundly he directed his gaze at my trembling legs. The floor was gelatinous, as if an earthquake was happening. Still, grappling the walls resembling any of the ladies by my side I stood tall before him. Adrenaline rushing as I spoke “Adelaide Tinnatus.”

  “The fiancée?” The man glanced at me from head to foot and smirked. “That crazy golddigger? You really do look the part.”

  “How dare you.” I scoffed, losing my reason momentarily. If only they had taught me martial arts instead of Palace Tea Etiquette, there was a rage inside, boiling in my stomach. Incontrolable, if I screamed they would imprison me, label me insane, if I fought back they would hit me. Yet, the itch- Mielle held my hand down, speaking over me.

  “Mielle Cartwright.” She held my arm firmly. The soldier continued on his task.

  “Dearie. Tell me, are you insane?” Mielle whispered.

  “Did you hear what he said?” I whispered back.

  “Your first instinct was right, we mustn't fight.” She chided, on a higher tone than usual.

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “You-you guys, just be quiet.” Someone remarked beside us, her voice merely a hoarse, matching the red nose and eyes. She was short, brown haired, and probably barely of age by her looks. Braids undone, blood poured from a cut to her leg. A perfectly ordinary child, tainted by the greed of adults.

  Mielle looked closely at her for a second, widening her eyes “Cecilia! I forgot. I am a horrible human being. Are you alright? Is Sabrina here?”

  “She has been taken to the ballroom. All the ladies with auburn adjacent hair have.” A defiant look sprouted in the young lady’s face. “Maybe it is her, she does not resemble you at all.”

  “Cecilia. You are acquainted with my sister, even if against my will. So you are aware my mother is not of this world, and Sabrina is my stepmother's child. That does not mean she is less of a Cartwright. Do you wish to cause her harm by claiming such blasphemous things?” Mielle stepped out of the line. A member of the mercenary guild rushed over, occupying the space, and she was forced to step back into place.

  “Stay put.” He growled the words. Continuing walking in the corridor.

  The man on the speaker spoke with a monotonous voice, resembling a classic villain in fairytales.

  “You have a sister?” I blurted out. “From what I heard the Cartwrights have only twins… So you have a brother the same age. A younger sister I-”

  “It is complicated. Don't dwell on it. I need to get to her, somehow. I won’t be taken there though…” Her dainty finger touching her chin, forming a thinking pose worthy of a statue. Then she showed that expression again, that she had realized something, her eyes stopped, burning through my hair strands “You should go, Adelaide.”

  The speakers continued.

  “I think I'd rather stay.” Illegitimate or not, she loved her sister. If I could help the child find her family it would be worth it.

  “I would never ask you to put yourself in danger. Stef- I mean that man is not to be trusted, and you know that. Even so I want to stay here, whatever happens to him and Sabrina.” Mielle said softly, a weird feeling passed through me. Her words were too melodic, too cheerful for the content.

  The speakers blasted.

  “Auntie. I'm sorry. She won’t die right? I promise to never say anything bad to Sabrina.” The young lady became red on the face, and tears poured out of her eyes. As the heavy makeup applied in her delicate skin ran, her features resembled the child she still was. Immature and irresponsible, something I never was allowed to be. Precious young ladies, who had a family to come back to. So I did the right thing. “Ahhhhhhhhh.” I shouted with all my force. Stepping out of the line.

  The soldier who had passed previously came back rushing over. “Is the lady crazy or does she want death?” He pushed me back into place, taking a look at me. “The CHIEF will like your hair. Come.” He called over a few more men with dark semblances.