The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

The First Social Event of a Princess

"That's just what you don't understand, Tabatha." His voice had become dark. "Whatever atonement you may have in mind, I assure you it is not what he is thinking."

"What do you mean?" I asked. I happened to glance over and saw Isabelle gazing at us curiously.

"Are you truly that naive that you do not see it?" he demanded. "It would give him no greater pleasure if you and I married. That is the sort of atonement he has in mind." I sucked in my breath and my eyes went wide. How could he think I'd ever want to marry this pig-headed son of his?

"I... Miles I don't—"

"Don't worry your pretty little head about that," he sneered. "I've no desire to marry you whatsoever." The words struck me deeply, and I couldn't help but be hurt by the hatefulness with which he spoke to me. "Let's just agree to steer clear of each other for this time, shall we? It will be better for both of us in the end." I didn't have a chance to respond before he spurred his stallion forward and joined his father and Isabelle.

When we were all settled in, Braeden mentioned to me that he'd organized a ball for all of the Surdan lords. They would make the trek out to his estate and he would like very much if I would attend. I didn't see the harm, since my identity was relatively unknown amongst the Surdans. And besides, I'd never been to a ball before, so I agreed.

On the morning of the ball, I realized just how unprepared I was. Braeden had provided some items of clothing for me, but I had no idea what I was doing. There were gowns of all different shades and colors and fabrics, but I had no idea which would be appropriate. Rifling through the wardrobe, I picked up a black dress with a full skirt. The fabric on top was a soft linen, and the skirt was made of a rich blue silk. It seemed to be a fine gown but still, I was lost.

"Isabelle!" I cried helplessly from my enormous room. "Help!" She came rushing out of her room across the hall and bursting into mine.

"What's the matter!" she cried, looking around wildly. I turned from the wardrobe, holding up the dress to my neck.

"Is this appropriate for the ball? I really haven't got a clue what I'm doing." She stared at me in dumbstruck wonder for a moment, her mouth hanging slightly open.

"Really? That's what you're screaming about?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes! I've never been to a ball before," I complained. She rolled her eyes and stamped her foot lightly, coming over to me where I stood before the wardrobe.

"Well, first of all, this is a riding dress," she said, tugging at the linen dress so that I released it. "So no, that would not be appropriate for the ball." She hung the dress back up on the rack and then pushed some more dresses aside. "Aha! Here we go!" She produced a gown from the back of the wardrobe unlike any I had ever seen.

The fabric was satin and silk; blues and purples and silvers. Around the waist and neckline was a silver brocade in the pattern of vines and leaves. There were matching detached sleeves in the same blues with the silver brocade, that trailed to the ground in a tumble of chiffon. I inhaled sharply as Isabelle held it up, beaming from ear to ear.

"You'll be irresistible in this," she said, laying the gown on the bed. She found a necklace within the wardrobe in the shape of roses and leaves; the metal was slightly tarnished, but that only made it that much more beautiful. Then she produced a pair of silver slippers with white and silver beading all over and a delicate white lace covering. I couldn't imagine any raiment more beautiful.

"I can't believe this is actually happening," I whispered.

"Come on, let's get you ready." Isabelle was smiling widely as she bounded over to close the door. She then pulled out a corset and I groaned loudly.