Surviving His Royal Highnass, Prince Ashton

Chapter Fourteen: The Coronation Ball

    Evelyn's POV    

         Lively music notes riveted throughout the ballroom as couples waltzed in the center. I anxiously peeked down from the window of the private dressing room as Adele added finishing touches to my hair, which sat in a braided updo circled by a wreath of flowers. Soon, Ash and I will descend the stairs, into the ballroom, after having our official titles announced for the first time.

            "Ev, I can't finish this if you're positioned that way!" Adele complained while yanking me back and shutting the curtain.

            "Ow!" I yelped as she sat me in front of the mirror.

            "Evelyn, you look beautiful!" My now mother-in-law and former queen gasped as soon as she entered the room.

            "I can do wonders!" Adele joked, standing back to appreciate her work.

            I couldn't help but stare at my reflection. Light curls framed my heart shaped face, accentuating my delicate features. The minimal rouge she used made me look pure and innocent, with rosy cheeks that accented my pale pink lips. My deep brown eyes looked bright and playful against the shimmery, nude eye color. My lashes have always been on the longer side, adding a flirtatious overtone to my gaze. I'm not vain, but I admittedly looked stunning in my champagne colored gown. I couldn't wait to see Ash's reaction!

            "It's almost time for you and Ashton to enter, dear, so I'll see you out there in a bit!" Aunt Claire bid before taking her leave.

            Shortly after, I heard her name announced, with her new title as the queen mother. 

            I took one last look before approaching the door.

            "Remember our plan!" Adele teased before opening the door for me.

            She gave me a light push into the grand foyer, and across the hall stood Ashton in all six feet of his glory. He wore light grey attire, complementing the delicate color of my dress to make a royal combination. I studied his stare as it lingered on my form a few seconds too long. He was very obviously impressed. We met in the middle and he held his arm out for me. I hesitantly looped mine with his as we neared the stairs.

            "You look stunning." He complimented in a husky tone.

            The sound of his voice sent shivers down my spine, but I delighted in the feeling. I suppose he forgot that whole court fiasco from earlier. I wasn't going to remind him now, though.

            Adele's words rang in my mind, "This night, it's all about you two. Not the kingdom, not the court, not even the crowns, even if this is the coronation ball."

            Precisely. It's about us, me wooing Ashton into my train of thought. I'm not going to call this seduction. I couldn't let my pride acknowledge that. However, I absolutely can't butcher this.

            "You look dapper yourself." I answered, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

            He can't know that I was fazed by his compliment.

            "Merely 'dapper'"? He asked, leaning in so his deep blue eyes bore into mine.

            I looked away, trying my best to stay composed.

            "Yes."

            He let out a low chuckle before straightening up. We approached the herald, who gave us the cue to enter.