{The Ball}

                                    

                                          
Time had passed quickly and it was time to get ready for the ball. Aurora tried to be excited. She didn't want one of her favorite things to be ruined just because of the sudden news. Yes, it was bad news but Aurora thought it was best to just forget about it for now.
"Your Highness, it is time to get ready." Mary knocked on Aurora's door before entering. Mary walked in with wide eyes as she spotted the happy princess that sat in front of the vanity. "I love seeing you happy." Mary says as she makes her way towards the excited princess.
"I decided that I'm finished being miserable. I'm going to enjoy this ball until my engagement is announced!" Aurora puts up a fist, showing her determination. Mary laughs and nods in agreement, "I'm glad."
Mary spent the rest of the time doing Aurora's hair and makeup. Aurora loved when it was just Mary working with her. Mary brought this peace. Mary was like another mother to Aurora. Of course, she loved her mother but Mary took care of her for most of her life. Aurora was glad that she was surrounded by people that loved her so much.
"Okay, what do you think?" Mary says as she rests Aurora's hair on her back. Aurora felt great, "You did wonderful. You make me feel so pretty." Aurora thanks Mary. Mary laughs and shakes Aurora's arm. "We must get you dressed. We don't want you to be late." Mary says as she leaves the room to go find Aurora's dress for the night.
Mary quickly comes back and shows Aurora the pink dress. Lucky for Aurora, it seemed like there weren't too many layers for this dress. She loved light dresses, it was convenient for her especially for dances.
Aurora quickly got dressed with the help of Mary. After putting the dress on, Aurora swayed around with it to feel the lightness of it. "It's perfect for moving." She said as she patted a few wrinkles down. "Yes, I know. I chose it," Mary chuckles as she poofs up the dress. Aurora playfully rolls her eyes.
"Now, let's not forget the most important piece." Mary says and she snaps her fingers, signaling for a servant to come in with a pillow. The pillow held Aurora's tiara, which she always wore for such occasions. 
Mary grabbed the tiara with soft hands, knowing she had to be careful with it. Aurora titled her head down, waiting for the crown to be placed on her head. Mary gently placed it on her head and sighed in relief.
"Beautiful."
➳༻❀✿❀༺➳
Aurora walked into the ballroom and felt instant relief. She could smell all the delicious food from the kitchen. She enjoyed hearing everyone chat. She loved seeing the couples on the dance floor. 
She saw her parents and immediately went towards them. Though, she didn't forget to greet the people she walked past. "Hello father. Mother." She bowed, in which they returned. "Where's Alexander?" Aurora asked, not seeing her brother anywhere. Her father pointed up at the balcony, "He's up there with his fiancé. They're getting ready to announce their engagement." 
Aurora looked at the happy pair and smiled. She was glad that her brother was able to find love in his arrangement. Love usually came years later in marriages, or sometimes never, for most arranged couples.
Aurora continues to converse with her parents until a couple came up to them. Aurora had never seen these people before so she greeted them with a smile. "King Gabriel, this is a wonderful ball." The unknown man says, with barely a smile. "Thank you Alan! It's a pleasure to have you here." Your father responds with more enthusiasm than Alan. Aurora's heart sinks once she hears the name of the man.
King Alan and Queen Isabel, rulers of Vaughan.
"This is my daughter, Aurora." Her father puts a hand out and she takes it as she bows. They bow in return and barely give her a smile. "You have a gorgeous daughter." Queen Isabel says to Aurora's mother.
Aurora tried to not let her smile falter but she's sure everyone could see right through her. She was beyond nervous. So far, The Vaughan's seemed to be just as serious as the rumors said. That's not what scared her though, what scared her is the idea of them being cruel. She hoped that rumor wasn't true.
"I'm sorry. We wanted to introduce our son but he suddenly disappeared." King Alan said. Aurora scanned the ballroom for the prince but gave up. She didn't even know how he looked like.  "There's no rush. I'm sure he just wants to enjoy the party first," Aurora's father laughs. 
Aurora felt the pressure, that she has been feeling the past couple of days, come back. She wanted to take a break even if she just arrived at the party. Aurora excused herself from the conversation and left the room. It looks like she left unnoticed because everyone was busy in their social affairs.
Aurora decided to go somewhere quiet and the library was the perfect place for that. She only wanted to go for a little while. She didn't want to miss her brothers announcement.