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Nine - The Prince And The Party
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APOVOnce all of the maidens left the palace, I went to an empty table in the ballroom and practically swallowed a glass of red wine. The bitter liquid raced down my throat, lightly stirring my stomach, bringing me a familiar and comforting burn. I could hear my mother, Queen Daniella, coming up to me, her heeled shoes clicking against the marble floor."Adrian, what's wrong?" she questioned, placing her manicured hand on the shoulder of my suit jacket. Her forest-green eyes were swimming with worry as they penetrated me. I sighed loudly, setting the wine glass down, internally wishing that I could just continue drowning myself in alcohol without any disruptions.I turned around to face her. "I'm stressed, Mother. How am I going to choose a bride in a month when there were countless maidens that came here tonight?" I demanded, running a hand through my stylishly messy, brown hair. She nodded in sympathy, moving closer to embrace me. I was too uneased to return the gesture, but I appre
Happily Ever After Eleven - A Whole New World
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Happily Ever After Twelve - Not All Changes Are Bad
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Happily Ever After Thirteen - When Broken Things Mend
RPOV"How was the outing?" Lissa wondered, coming over to stand beside me. She wore a flowing, pale blue gown that emphasized her porcelain skin and had long, lacy sleeves. Her slender waist was smaller due to a corset, and white gloves covered her delicate hands. Straight, platinum-blond hair fell down her back like a waterfall. As always, Lissa was angelically beautiful.Yet, it countered her expectant stare, her desire to know my answer. My heart was palpitating underneath my ribcage—its beat filled my ears as sweat gathered on my forehead and in my shirt. How could I possibly tell her that Cesarevich Dimitri taught me swordsmanship? She wouldn't approve. It was against everything we were taught..."Rose." I looked up from my hands, meeting Lissa's curious and concerned jade-green gaze. "What's the matter? Why can't you just answer my question?" A soft laugh escaped her, but it quickly ceased, for she fell serious. Lissa drew closer to me. Her voice was barely a whisper. "You didn'
Happily Ever After Fourteen - Defying Tradition
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Happily Ever After Fifteen - The Sunday Bunch
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Happily Ever After Sixteen - With Love Comes Misery
RPOVTense silence hung between us, poisoning the atmosphere as if it were a toxic chemical. Tasha led me down an abandoned hallway, her silver gown gliding against the marble floor in the softest fashion. As my eyes stared at her dark haired head, I couldn't help but gulp. What on earth did she want to discuss with me?"So, Rosemarie," Christian's aunt slowly began. "I've been noticing your behavior around Cesarevich Dimitri and vice versa." Instantly, my body grew cold, and my heartbeat seemed to slow. Tasha stopped walking and turned to me once we reached the end of the hallway. Her ice-blue eyes pierced mine knowingly…I was certain a hint of jealously was present.I couldn't find my voice for several moments. All the while, she simply stared with the most penetrating gaze. "What are you suggesting, Lady Ozera?" I squeaked out, knowing her answer all too well. I glanced down at my hands as time progressed; they were pale.Tasha pretended to wonder, closing the distance that separat
Happily Ever After Seventeen - Pursuits Of Happiness
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