Chapter 22 Chapter 22
Thalina’s POV
I stared at green ball gown hanging on my closet. Amelia gave it to me this morning. It wasn’t my style but the idea of complaining doesn’t sound right. I am sure Princess Atasha spend fortune for this gown and the least thing I could do was to grateful. It was a royal party after all. Of course everyone might be wearing a ball gown.
Amelia informed me that the party will start in an hour so I huried to get ready. I applied a light make up on my face and wear the green ball gown that almost the same weight as mine.
It was way too heavy and it feels like I would fall over everytime I take a step.
I checked myself on the mirror. The green ball gown doesn’t compliment my skin. It made me look pale and like a kid. It was an off shoulder ball gown that has way too many ruffles. It feels like I was eaten by the cloth. I wonder if it was intentionally designed this way.
I took a deep breath and caressed the gown with my palm. “It will be fine. You look…you look okay, Thalina,” I assured myself.
When I gathered enough courage I finally stepped out of my room and made my way to the ballroom where Princess Atasha’s party was being held.
I lifted the skirt of my gown a bit as I climbed down stairs. I fell like I would roll down any minute. I couldn’t see my step.
The moment my feet landed on the last step a sigh of relief escape my lips.
“What is she wearing?”
“Did she picked that gown?”
I turned to the helpers who was gossiping about me. I wonder if they are unaware that I can hear every words or they intentionally making me hear it.
The moment our gazes met they immediately look away and pretended to be doing something.
Hearing their comments I can’t help but looked at the gown I am wearing. Should I go to that party?
“Thalina!”
I lifted my head when I heard Amelia’s voice. She was walking towards me wearing the same annoyed expression that he got from Princess Atasha.
“The party will be starting in a few minutes. Why are you still here?”
She didn’t give me a chance to respond. She just grabbed my arms and started dragging me towards the ballroom. She didn’t care if I will fall or not.
After a few minutes of walking we stood in front of the huge wooden door of the ballroom.
Two palace guard pushed it open and the moment they did I was welcomed by bright light and gentle music but it suddenly vanished the moment the light was directed on me.
The light was too bright making it hard for me to see their faces but I heard laughters. I heard murmurs.
“What is she wearing?”
“Is she really, King Thaddeus’ mate?”
I froze in place. I couldn’t even take a step.
What is this again? Did Princess Atasha pulled another tricks again?
I was pulled out from my hundred of questions when I felt a familiar soft hand held my arm.
“I am glad you came, Thalina,” there she is the woman who send me this gown. She wasn’t wearing a ball gown covered in ruffles. She was wearing a bold red gown with plunging neckline that hugs her curve perfectly. Did she intentionally send me this gown to embarrass me?
“Come with me. I invited someone you surely love to see,”
I couldn’t even utter even a single word. My mind was busy making sense out of everything. Did I fall into Princess Atasha’s tricks? Did I let myself become a fool again?
I thought her vicious plan with end with the green ball gown but I was wrong. We went to a table where Selene was sitting.
“T-Thalina?” Selene scanned me from head to tie. She bit her lower lip as she try to hold her laughter. “You didn’t change at all. You still have the same taste,”
The woman beside her giggle. Their gaze was filled with insult. I felt my stomach twisted. A lump suddenly formed on my throat. I thought I am getting better but why am I back to the weakest state again? Why did I make myself look like a fool again?
I clenched my fist tightly and took a deep breath to calm myself. No. I am better than this. They can’t bring me down with their pity tricks.
I paused for a few seconds and flashed my sweetest smile. “Princess Atasha sent me this gown. I never thought her taste was this bad,”
Princess Atasha’s eyes flew open. She looked at me in disbelief. Why? Does she think I will keep my mouth shut and keep her pity tricks a secret.
“I thought you would like it, Thalina. They said tacky clothes are to your liking. I am sorry, Thalina,” she looked at me apologetically. If I don’t have any idea how cunning he can I would probably believe her. The way she acts was way too convincing.
Even though I am itchy to slap her face I stopped myself and just smiled at her. “It’s fine. I appreciate the effort, Princess Atasha. Anyway, happy birthday,” I leaned forward kissing her on the cheeks but before letting go I whispered on her ear. “If you think I will ranaway crying you are wrong, Princess Atasha. I will stay until the end of your party wearing this tacky gown. I won’t let petty plan work the way you wanted,” I pulled my head back and looked at her straight in the eyes. “Pull all the tricks you have under your sleeves. You can’t bring me down just like what you wanted,”