When I looked at myself in the mirror, I hardly recognized the girl staring back. My hair was intricately curled in streaming swirls down my back. I wore a deep blue dress that made my eyes stand out perfectly. Instead of being floor length, it came a little above the knee. It had a sweetheart neckline and a glittery shimmer all over the fabric. My feet were snug in a pair of black, strappy heels and they were already being to hurt.

“You look beautiful, Miss Flynn,” Winnie beamed. She was standing behind me, admiring my appearance in the mirror.

I did look beautiful. I felt beautiful.

I gave my maid a smile, looking down at her. The heels easily made me a few feet taller than her. “All thanks to you.”

Her cheeks flushed a light pink. “You’re too sweet, Miss Flynn.”

Earlier, I had asked her to call me Ellie, but she refused. She had said that it was against Prince Harry’s orders. I replied with an annoyed eye roll.

“Well-“ I started to say, raising a finger, but I was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Startled, my eyes shot to the clock hanging on the wall. It was seven forty-five. Harry was right on time.

At least he’s punctual. I thought, as Winnie went to answer the door. But he’s still arrogant. I still stood in front of the mirror so that I could not be seen by anyone.

“Prince Harry,” Winnie greeted him with a curtsy. “Miss Flynn is all ready.”

“Thank you Winnie. You are dismissed,” he said, voice booming with pride.

Winnie curtsied one last time and scurried out the door. To be honest, I wished she had stayed. I didn’t want to be left alone with Harry.

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. I immediately ran behind the changing screen to avoid any eye contact. I didn’t know why though, my actions would end up being futile.

“Ellie, sweetheart,” Harry intoned sweetly. “Are you hiding from me?” His voice was sticky sweet, making me feel sick. I didn’t reply, peering out from the opposite side. I saw that Harry was stepping closer and he would soon be behind the screen me.

“Come on, baby,” he coaxed. I wanted to run. “You can’t hide from me. I’m the prince. I can find you no matter where you go.”

I knew his words were true. I would never be able to escape and I would end up marrying the prince unwillingly. My life would be ruined. And there was nothing I could do about it.

Before he found me, I stepped into the open, revealing myself to him. His eyes wandered my body hungrily and he licked his lips. Again, I wanted to slap him. “Stop looking at me like that,” I scolded, clenching my fists.

His smirk grew wider. “Sorry, but that dress is amazing. You look so…” he paused, finding the right word. “…sexy.”

My cheeks flamed red, so I looked at the marbled flooring. Then, I took notice of what Harry was wearing. He looked almost model worthy, dressed in a black tuxedo with a blue flower atop his kerchief pocket to match my dress.

I decided to give him a compliment, but less sensual. “Well, you look rather handsome.”

He looked surprised by my comment, but shrugged it off.

“Are we leaving now?” I asked, eager to get this night over with.

Harry shook his head, his curls swaying with each movement. “No. There are a few things we need to go over first.”

I sighed, feeling degraded. It was like I was a child again, being told the rules of a game. However, I didn’t protest and waited for him to tell me what I needed to know. “What are they?”

Harry folded his hands behind his back, looking please with his self. “If you’re asked about our relationship by anyone, simply tell them that we’ve been dating for a year, but we’ve been keeping it a secret from the public.”

“And if I don’t?” I raised an eyebrow.

Harry’s expression hardened. “Why do you continue to question me?” His voice was laced with anger. “If you don’t do as I say, there will be consequences,” Harry stepped forward. Even though I had heels on, he still towered over me. “Do you understand?”

I nodded shakily, swallowing the lump in my throat. My body was stiff under his.

“Good. Now, I need to tell you one more thing before we leave.” His smirk was back and he stepped away from me.

“When I ask you to marry me and you say yes,” he eyed me, a glint in his green orbs. “You will act completely and totally shocked and then you’ll kiss me.”

Kiss him? Really? I had barely known Harry for a day and he wanted me to kiss him. “No way in hell,” I blatantly said, shaking my head.

“I believe you don’t have a say in the matter.”

I knew he was right. I was afraid that if I didn’t do as he said, that I would be punished severely. And I didn’t want that.

“Now come on. It’s about to be the best night of your life.”

Harry stuck out his arm for me to take and I did so. Inside, I felt defeated, but I didn’t let him see. And with that, he led me out the door and we began our trek to the ballroom I presumed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Harry’s expression. It was serious and concentrated, like he was thinking about something rather heavily.

But I decided not to question it. Instead, I thought of something else. “Harry,” I said, turning to look at him.

“Yes, love?” He caught my gaze, grinning slyly.

Now was my time to plead with him. Now was my time to beg him not to make me do this. “Please, Harry,” I breathed. “Please don’t make me do this. There are tons of prettier and skinnier girls out there who are better suited for you than me. And I’m sure any of those girls would be willing to marry a handsome prince like yourself.”

I tried giving him the saddest eyes I could muster. But he looked unfazed. “Ellie,” he said sternly. “I can’t let you go. I chose you. I don’t want any of those other girls. You’re the one that I want.” His green eyes were swirling with darkness.

“But-“ I started again, only to be interrupted.

“No buts. You’re marrying me and that’s final. You can whine all you want to about it. Nothing is going to change my mind.”

I stared at the floor the whole way to the ballroom. The only sound I heard was the tap of my shoes against the shining floor. But a red rug, lined with golden silk, soon covered the hard marble.

We reached the top of a set of stairs and I looked down. There were hundreds of people gathered in one room, laughing, conversing, as if nothing illegal was taking place.

“Look happy to be here,” Harry demanded in a forced whisper.

A white light shined on the both of us, blinding me temporarily. I smiled reflexively, looking straight ahead. Harry squeezed my arm a little tighter. “Remember what we talked about,” he whispered, but I could still hear the warning in his tone.

I continued to look out at the crowd, when a booming voice echoed through the room.

“Announcing,” the voice said, “Price Harry and his lovely girlfriend, Ellie.”

I heard the whoosh of everyone turning to look at Harry and I. We were now the center of attention and I couldn’t be any more nervous. My heart was beating erratically.

Harry started down the steps and I followed suit. He was waving as everyone clapped and cheered. He seemed genuinely happy.

But it was all an act. Just like the rest of this night would be.

Notes

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