Chapter 2

                                    

                                          
The murmurs in the ballroom died.
Morgana's stomach roiled as if she'd drank curdled milk. 
"Her Majesty, Queen Larania of Golah Court!" announced the gnome. 
Queen Larania glided through the doors as gracefully as a swan, head held high. A smattering of applause followed, and Morgana's mouth ran dry as she looked at the ceiling. 
All too shortly Damon was announced, then Aelys. 
Morgana's heart thundered as she stepped up to the doors, a loud ringing in her ears.
"Lady Morgana of Golah Court!" the gnome's voice echoed, as if he was shouting from down a deep well. 
She stepped through the doorway, and the smell of intoxicating flowers and fruit wrapped around her in a delicious ribbon. The ceiling of the ballroom dripped wisteria and fireflies waltzed between the petals. Under her shoes the ground was carpeted with a mosaic of different petals. Up the white quartz pillars climbed roses, orchids, and lilies. Small trees dotted the floor and next to them were tables overflowing with sugared berries, peaches, and apples. There were glasses of sparkling champagne and ruby wine, ready to be taken. 
"Move," hissed the gnome.
 Morgana hadn't realized she'd frozen in the entryway. Face heating, she hurried down the red carpet and took a sharp turn to where a crowd of aristocratic and wealthy fae stood. They were resplendent in gowns and suits in all colors. Morgana's blood pounded, as beautiful, elegant fae turned to her like wolves scenting a rabbit. Lips smirked and noses wrinkled. Morgana's eyes went to the floor. She tried not to search for her bullies. 
She knew they were there. 
She could feel it.
The red carpet went through the crowd to a dais, where her family sat on thrones made of gold and gemstones. An empty chair for Morgana was on the dais below Aelys. In the middle was King Erik on the most opulent throne in the middle. He wore a suit made of dark velvet with a gold crown on his long platinum hair. He gazed at Morgana with a stony expression. 
Lined up below the dais were two female fae debuting that spring. They wore sparkling white gowns like Morgana's gown, a symbol of their debutante status.
However, Morgana felt as if her dress symbolized her as chum for the sharks. She glanced at Damon who was staring at her wide-eyed. He jerked his head as if to say, move. Morgana blinked and forced her numb feet to walk through the sea of sneering aristocrats. Her stomach churned as she curtseyed to her mother. Morgana lined up next to Octavia, a former classmate who had pale skin, pink hair, and smelled of petunias.
Larania's gown rustled as she stood up. "My esteemed members of Golah Court. I'm proud to present to you Lady Scilla, Lady Octavia, and Lady Morgana as our new debutantes this spring!"
Applause followed. 
"These ladies are exceptional members of our community and whoever shall take them as wives will be a lucky fae indeed." Larania grinned. "Lady Scilla is especially talented at dance, loves to read, and is one of our best fire users." Larania gestured to a beautiful fae with lavender hair and dark skin.
 "Lady Octavia has a flair for cooking and has used her earth magic to help build homes in Golah Village." 
Murmurs of appreciation rippled through the crowd as various ladies and lords looked at Octavia with interest.
"Lady Morgana is a member of the Golah household, who loves to garden and sew." 
Morgana blinked. She'd never planted a thing in her life, and she hated sewing.