Unfortunately, Alexander didn't get back to me with information about his mother. In truth, I wasn't all too eager to meet her. I didn't even know what I would say? Would she like me? However, that was the least of my worries. All too soon the bidding event was upon us. As it turned out, I could hold Alexander's papers.
Violet coached me through the etiquette. While I wasn't going to talk, I did need to act like I belonged there. I had to make sure I was at an appropriate distance from Alexander and needed to know how to greet the different type of people I would come across.
When I arrived at the venue, I go cleared by security and had to wear a badge at all times. I spotted some reporters outside but didn't see any of them inside. Alexander had mentioned the results would be reported after the event. For the sake of privacy, there wouldn't be any reporters on the actual event. At most, there would be 100 to 200 guests. Small scale from the usual Royal event.
Alexander was already at the venue and I texted him once I was inside. Small stairs lead up to a marble hallway. There were double doors just across from me. That was probably the actual event hall.
"Miss Borek?"
I turned and saw a man with a light colored suit walking towards me.
"I'm Marco, the event manager. Let's get you all dolled-up. Lady Violet is getting ready."
We walked at a brisk paced and took the elevator up to the second floor. He took me to the last room at the end of the hall, knocked before entering.
The private room was small and was attached to another room. There was a clothes rack with various dresses, and a vanity set.
A large woman walked out of the second room. "You're here," she said. "I'm Jayla. I'll be your stylist today. Let's get you into your robe and get started."
Marco left me in her care. Everything took two or so hours for me to be ready. Granted I hadn't kept track of time. I was too nervous to do anything. Jayla did my make-up (natural for you, she told me) before working on my hair. She straightened my hair, curled it at the ends, and finished it off with hairspray.
After that, she helped me into my pencil dress and gave me jewelry to wear. I wouldn't wear the heels until I was ready to step out of the room.
In the other room, as I found out, Violet was occupying it. Jayla returned to her and I was left alone. Feeling cold, I wiped my hands on my robe. Almost half an hour later, Violet walked out with her golden gown. Her hair was pulled up with braids and I might have seen some beads in her hair. Three stylist walked behind her.
"You clean up well," she told me.
"Thanks. You look amazing."
She twirled. "I do, don't I?"
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door and Marco entered.
"Ten minutes," he announced.
"How are we looking?" Violet asked.
"We're all set up. Guests are moving to the main hall." He turned to me. "You'll be needed in fifteen."
"Time to shine," Violet said. "I'll need to meet with Anthony and Noah. If you'll excuse me."
When they departed, I took a deep breath. Relax, I told myself. I don't have to talk or do anything. All I had to do was walk with Alexander, give him his speech, and sit down. Of course, not fall was important too.
Fifteen minutes later, I stood with Alexander, a business folder in my hands. At least my heels weren't too tall. No chance in falling, hopefully. I focused on Alexander. He was in a dark suit. His hair was combed back, and he was the most handsome man in the entire place. I definitely needed a picture.
He glanced down at me and smiled. My heart throbbed. I smiled back at him. We were definitely sweating.
"You'll be great," I whispered.
"I've done this countless times," he said, "but I feel like I'm going to be sick."
I squeezed his arm. "You got this."
He leaned forward. "Remind me to take you to dinner when this is over."
"I'll hold you to that."
It been so long since we've spent time together. With this major event out of the picture, we could probably relax more. Alexander's condition hadn't improved so some wear and tear showed. Marco waved us forward. Shaking, I took a deep breath and followed behind Alexander. The stage lights were bright, blinding.
I walked carefully. The only person I paid attention to was Alexander. Once he was at the podium, I stepped forward, handed him the folder, and stepped away. Two of the attendants and myself, sat in one of the chairs further away from the podium.
Guards positioned themselves at the entrances and around the stage and Alexander. To help with my nerves, I memorized the script. It helped me time my cues.
As Alexander welcomed the guests. I couldn't help but look at the guests. They were all dressed up in gowns and suits. I might have seen some of them on television. At least there are no reporters, I told myself. No one here probably cared who I was or was or what my relationship with Alexander was.
My leg started jumping up and down. We were exposed on the stage. There was nowhere to hide. Calm down, I told myself and stilled my leg. I needed to remain composed. Carlos had mentioned there was a lot of talk about this event. But he hadn't been able to say anything more. All the talk had sudden died down. Maybe it had been nothing after all.
My body turned cold. I glanced around for any suspicious but no one seemed out of the ordinary. Sweating, I wiped my hands on my skirt.
A polite clap drew my attention back to the crowd. The speech was done. This was the part where Noah and Violet were coming in. I glanced to the door and saw Noah. There's our cue. The other attendants and myself stood and followed Alexander off the stage.
Once we were down, Marco announced Violet, Noah, and the auctioneer. There was another round of clapping.
Outside, Alexander dismissed the others. When they were out of view, Alexander pulled me into a hug and our bodies sagged against each other.
A nervous laugh made its way out of me. "It was so hard to stay still."
"I thought I was going to stumble over my words."
We sighed.
"How long is it going to take?" I asked.
He glanced at the hall. "Anthony is a good auctioneer. They'll let us know when it's dinner. Come on."
He grabbed my hand and lead me to the waiting areas. We ducked into his room. It was the size of a small apartment. In the living room area, there was sweets, tea, and juice. Alexander sat down in an armchair and pulled me onto his lap.
"My hair," I joked.
"They'll fix it before dinner. New outfit too."
"That's nice."
Sighing, I leaned back against his chest. We hadn't been out there long and I almost panicked. At least nothing had happened.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Hmm? Yeah. Nervous about the dinner."
"You'll be okay," he assured me. "We'll eat, mingle, then the closing ceremony."
I bit my lip. "That's a long schedule."
"Rin, what's wrong?"
This time I looked at him. "Carlos said there was a lot of talk on the forum about the event and not the good kind."
"Noah has kept me up to date," he said, "Security is trustworthy. My mom would hold all her events here because of it."
I stared, surprised. "This is a first," I said.
He shrugged. "We didn't end on good terms. She Slept before I did and Woke before I did. When I tried reaching out before but it never amounted to anything."
"Then I asked to meet her. Sorry I didn't know."
"It's fine. I never mentioned it. Guess I was scared of the questions. Not ready to talk about it."
"Yeah, I know the feeling." I took his hand in mine. "I don't have to meet your mom, you know."
He shook his head. "I've already sent a message. Just waiting for a reply."
We stayed like this in silence. To think Alexander had a falling out with his mom. Would she agree to meet me?
One step at a time, I told myself. I have to get through dinner first.
A/N
Sorry about the wait. My work schedule really kicked my butt these last two weeks on top of family troubles. Also, if anyone is interested in beta reading The Vampire Prince goes to High School, please let me know. I want to try to publish it traditionally and need feedback on the rewrite.
Thanks!
- Mama_Kas