9

I curtsied quickly, cursing myself internally for forgetting. It didn't change the fact that I strongly disliked him. I didn't forget the words he'd said to me 7 years ago. 

"Why are you here Lady Madeline?" He asked. "I'm sure you know this is the royal wing of the palace- and it is off bounds to Ladies." 

I nodded quickly. Even 7 years later he hadn't changed from the cold-hearted boy he was. 

"I was lost and someone was coming so I quickly darted into the first room I could find, you see," I rambled. "I'm so sorry." 

"If you were just 'lost' as you claim, then you wouldn't be attempting to read," Prince Carlos raised an eyebrow, motioning to the book in my hands. 

I didn't know how I could manage to explain to Prince Carlos the power books had over me. 

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Prince Carlos' green eyes had a malicious spark in them. 

"No," I folded my arms across my chest. Along with being a horrible example of a lady, my temper wasn't too good as well. "You're just not making it easy for me to explain myself." 

"And how am I doing that, Lady Madeline?" Prince Carlos rolled his eyes. 

"Seriously?" My eyes widened. Did he not know the effect he had on people? 

"Do I look like a person that jokes?" Prince Carlos raised an eyebrow. He didn't look like a person that had the ability to crack a smile.  

"You're just being incredibly...mean and insensitive," I blurt, my eyes narrowing. 

"That's no way to talk to a Prince," Prince Carlos shook his head, in a condescending manner. 

"And this is no way to talk to a Lady," I retorted quickly. Prince Carlos stared at me like I was some sort of mythical creature from a different dimension. "Once again, I'm extremely sorry. I will take my leave now." 

*** 

"You look like you've just seen a ghost, Lady Madeline," Imogen gasped, as I rushed into the room. My heart was pounding in a chest but I was relieved that I had made it back without being caught. 

"That wouldn't be too far off," I panted. 

"Where have you been Lady Madeline?" Lucy folded her arms across her chest, her scrutinous eyes raking every part of my body in an attempt to find a clue about my whereabouts. 

"I might have gotten a bit lost," I winced. "But it's all good now. I had my very own tour of the palace." 

"Lady Madeline, things like this could really get you in trouble," Imogen shook her head, before unraveling my hair from its lousy bun. 

"I couldn't help it," I sighed. "I'll try my best to steer clear from the royal wing next time." I had unfortunately, let the cat out of the bag. 

"You went to the royal wing?" Lucy asked, incredulously. "What if you'd been seen?!" 

Well...

"You weren't seen...were you?" Imogen arched an eyebrow. 

I shook my head quickly in a poorly planned lie. 

"What's happening tonight?" I asked, in an attempt to change the topic.  

"Dinner with the royal family," Lucy replied, holding up a teal coloured dress to my frame. 

"Another dinner?" I groaned. I was definitely dreading the dinner mostly because I was almost certain Prince Carlos was going to be there this time. I wouldn't be surprised if he sent me home there and then because of the way I freely addressed him. 

*** 

Lining up at the top of the spiraling staircase was just like the first night at the palace. A buzz of excitement ran through the girls. 

"Just remember to smile and breathe," Fiona whispered. 

The only reason I was remotely nervous was the fact that I would most likely see the Prince again- and from the way I spoke to him, I was certain I would be going home. 

"I can't wait to see the Prince," A girl squealed and the other Ladies voiced their agreement. 

Despite the happenings the day before, I had to admit- the Prince was extremely good looking. If you took away the permanent scowl that resided on his face, he looked like a perfect rendition of a fairy tale Prince. 

But, I still couldn't help but think about Lord Amancio- the perfect gentleman. If he was such close friends with Prince Carlos, how could he be so kind and Prince Carlos so...heartless. 

As the line shortened, my heart beat faster and my palms got sweatier. I tried to take deep breaths, which only resulted in me feeling like I was going to puke. 

"Lady Madeline Prowess," The herald announced and I put on what could be the fakest smile ever as I walked down the spiraling staircase. 

I tried hard, extremely hard not to focus on the people seated at the table but at the details of the dining hall. I tried- and failed. 

Instantly, my eyes connected with Prince Carlos'. His face was expressionless, yet stern and his eyes watched my every move. I looked away quickly, letting out a shaky breath as I eventually got to the last step. 

"What happened to you? You looked petrified," Fiona whispered. 

Just as I was about to whisper a reply back to Fiona, my eyes connected with Prince Carlos' once again. This time, his eyebrows were raised. I couldn't refrain from rolling my eyes. 

"Nothing," I muttered quickly. 

Dinner was horrible. The girls drove me crazy with their obnoxious giggles and bragging in attempts to 'woo' the Prince. I could feel his eyes on me occasionally and I wanted nothing more than to walk up to him and give him a stern scolding, which was sure to change his ways. 

Though, I didn't know why I thought a few harsh words from me were bound to turn Prince Carlos from a devil to a saint. No matter how many times my mother nagged and bored me with her constant scolding, I still wasn't a Lady.

When dinner was over, I was full and irritated so I retreated to my room and clambered into bed, my eyes closing instantly. However, I didn't sleep immediately as the events of the day replayed over and over in my head.