An orange hue was in the sky as the sun slowly set. A calm chilly breeze flew through Misty’s hair as she sat on the fountain’s ledge, looking at the flowers in the palace garden. There were Tulips, Lilies, Roses, and Irises, all planted by Maggie and the other maids. Misty let out a long sigh as she rested her head in her hands. She looked into the forest ahead of her, seeing the light slowly fade into the darkness.


    An eerie echo emerged from the depths of the woods. It was hard to understand; it sounded like they were talking behind a closed door. It was soft and muffled. Misty looked towards the tall trees, using her hands to push herself off the ledge, and took small steps toward the woods.


    “Hello? Who’s there?” Misty paused, “you know this is royal ground. You can’t be here,” she said softly


    The whispering continued as Misty took one step after another. The voice guided each step, which moved her closer to the garden''s edge. The voice echoed her name, and every other sound faded away. All Misty heard was the voice. She couldn’t hear the steps approaching her from behind.


    “Misty?” A soft voice said. She felt a light tugging on her dress as she slowly looked away from the voice. She looked down at her little sister Lolo.


    “Lolo? Why are you out here? It’s cold, you could get sick!” Misty said, kneeling to meet her eyes.


    “I wanted to see if you could play with me and Lilly… What were you staring at?” She asked, her voice just above a whisper.


    “I was just…” she paused, looking back at the woods, “it’s nothing. Yeah, I’ll come and play with you two!” She smiled, standing back up. Lolo grabbed Misty’s hand and lightly pulled her along.


    “So, what are we playing?”


    Shuffling feet echoed through the palace hall as people rushed to get things ready for the annual ball. The sound of Misty''s heels clacking against the floor along with the clanking of Isa’s armor rang through the hall. Misty spoke up.


    “Isa? What time is the ball tonight?” She questioned.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    “6 pm, but you have to be ready by 5:00,” Isa answered, looking over at her.


    They continued walking down the hall towards the ballroom. The hall walls were tall and white, they had gold trims and blue fabric hanging from the ceiling. The baby blue carpet on the floor was soft and silky to the touch, it was like touching the back of a Jumping Lou. (Jumping Lous are like a spider pom pom, their fur is soft and fluffy) Misty and Isa reached the ballroom as the tall white door towered over them. With a loud creak, the door opened and revealed a big room with walls that had baby blue patterns on it, and big silver chandeliers hung from the ceiling. On each side were doors that led to eating areas. In the back were about 10 thrones, each with different colors for the royal family. As Misty''s heels clicked on the hard floor, she heard her mom and stepfather talk.


    “How many of the Kingdoms are coming?” Janet asked,


    “6 Kingdoms are coming. Akimien, Terraqin, Novka, Bayulen, Floreaki, and Solanai.” Elijah paused, looking up at the queen, “Eirajae said they couldn’t attend because their boats couldn’t get past the ice.”


    “What? They should know how to get past it. Their whole thing is ICE!” She yelled, slamming her fist on the arms of her throne.


    “Sweetheart, please. It’s alright,” The king said, rubbing her arm lightly.


    “Valencia said they couldn’t come for unknown reasons. Lollyen said they had too many ‘concerts’ to perform. And lastly, Dakui said they won''t come because Akimien is attending” Elijah said.


    “That''s just great,” She sighed, putting her head in her palm.


    “It’s okay love, most of them are coming. That’s good,” Seth said, trying his best to calm her.


    “Yes, but we need all of them to discuss important matters,”


    Misty and Isa walked up behind Elijah. Seth was the first to notice them.


    “Oh, Misty. Is there something you need?” He asked, looking at her with a small smile.


    “Oh um, I just wanted to know what I’m doing today. You know for the party,” She said looking at both of them. Elijah stepped aside, letting Misty stand in front of them.


    “Ah. Yes, you will have to say at least one thing,” her mother replied.


    “Do I have to?” Misty asked.


    “Yes, you do-” She started before Seth interrupted.


    “No, you don’t. Not if you don''t want to,” He said looking Janet in her eyes. Janet stared at him sternly. “Love, we can’t force her if she doesn’t want to. We need to respect her wishes,” He said, looking at her and then to Misty. Misty mouthed the words ‘Thank you’ as she bowed leaving the room, Isa following close behind.


    “Ugh, can you believe her?!” She said angrily, looking over at Isa.


    “Misty. You''re going to have to learn to speak in front of crowds.” Isa paused, “You''re going to be Queen one day. You know, if everything works out with Aiden…” She said looking ahead of her, with a small grin. Misty’s face went red with embarrassment.


    “So…” she looked at Misty with a smirk. “Are you excited to see him, Princess?” she asked, raising her eyebrow.


    Misty sighed “Of course I am…” Misty avoided eye contact with her as they continued to walk down the long brightly lit hallway.