The Fall Ball
Chapter 48

(Rose)

I jump in surprise. Raymond took us all by surprise, he came out of nowhere. We all just stare at him while he pins Ashlee to the ground fangs out. She is whimpering and trying to get away, but he is holding her in place. She has no place to go.

“Um, Raymond I need you to calm down some. You can not harm her with in the castle walls. It would break laws that we both know are in place. And if that happens it can cause a war.” The King says from next to me. Raymond growls out as he stands up, still holing on to Ashlee.

“What law is it that would be broken?” I ask the King. He looks to me and to Raymond. “If a vampire kills a wolf-on-wolf property, it is means for the wolves to start war with the vampires. And if a wolf kills a vampire-on-vampire land, the vampires can start a war with us.” The king says to me.

“Well none of us would start a war over him killing Ashlee, so why does it matter?” I ask, confused as to why it would matter. When all the important people in the kingdom are here right now. And have no problem with it.

“As it is the law if anyone else was to find out, it would not be good. And would be reason for war from either side.” Raymond says through gritted teeth. Ashlee is still struggling to get away from him.

“Place her in the dungeon for now, I will deal with her later on.” I say to Raymond, who nods his head at me and takes her out of the room. Ash is looking at me as is everyone else in the room.

“You do not need to handle her punishment. That is something I can take care of for you.” Ash says while reaching for my hand and squeezing it. I smile at him, “No this is something that I have to do. She has tormented me long enough.” I say to him. He nods in understanding.

“Well with all that excitement over. I think it is time that we women go and get ready for tonight. We will meet out back before supper to have a meeting with all the pack members that are here.” Queen Mary says.

“Okay, well I think that we are gonna go and help with any of the last-minute preparations for tonight.” Ash says. He leans down and k****s my forehead. I blush instantly, and I hug him. I pull away from him and follow my mom up the stairs.

Craig and Alex follow us girls up the stairs. They are moaning and groaning about how bad it is to have to guard me, when there is other things that they could be doing. I start to feel bad. As I go to say something I am stopped by the Queen.

“Rose do not entertain them. They are young and do not fully understand their responsibility yet.” She says as she squeezes my shoulder. Then she turns and looks at the guys, who have no stopped and are frozen in place.

They both start to talk at the same time, trying to apologize for their behavior.

“You two do realize that she is the future queen? And that protecting her is top priority for everyone. There are people who would love to be in your position. So what that you cant go and help downstairs. You are working your post, which is whereervr Rose goes, you go. If anything is to happen to her and you two miss it, the king and prince will have your heads.” Queen Mary says as she turns back around and we head towards a door that I hadn’t opened yet.

She smiles at me as she opens the door. “This is the Queens private quarters. This is my area. And I have had it set up today so that we can get ready in one room together and we can all talk with one another. I have staff here to help us.” She says to us.

We all follow her into the large room. It looks beautiful, but I hear her say stop. And I turn to see her talking to Craig and Alex.

“You two will guard from outside the room. This is the only way in or out.” She says to them. They try to protest, but she gives them a look that has them shutting their mouths. She smiles at them and shuts the door. As it closes I can see both of them pouting.

I giggle and my mom watches me. “I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time. Even though you are going through a lot of changes right now, you have been able to find happiness.” She says to me as she hugs me.

I look around the room and smile as I catch sight of my dress. “I hope you don’t mind, I had Opal bring it in here.” The Queen says to me. “Oh no, that is fine.” I say with a smile.

“So we each have our own team to help us get ready for the night. There is a shower, I’m not sure if you need one or not. And then your team will do your hair, make up and nails. And then finally we will get you into your dress.” Queen Mary says.

I nod to her. “ I would like to shower first.” I say to them and they both nod at me. I make my way into the bathroom. I turn on the water to let it get warm while I take of my clothes.

I place my dirty clothes in a pile and step into the shower. I close my eyes and relax a little bit. I then wash my hair and the rest of my body. I finish my shower and shut the water off. I grab a towel and step out of the shower. I notice that there is a robe on the back of the door. I decide to put that on for now.

I head out of the bathroom, and my team of helpers rush up to me. They usher me over to a chair and start getting me ready. My mom and Queen are talking to one another next to me, while their own team of helpers get them ready.