Chapter 5 - Make an Exception

Lilly's POV

The girl staring back at me in the mirror looked so different, yet so familiar. The only thing I recognized was my eyes—the rest of me looked like I was a long-lost princess stepping out of a fairy tale.

The soft chiffon ballgown hugged my body perfectly, showing just enough skin while keeping it stylish and fashionable.

I turned my body side to side, looking at myself through a long borrowed mirror. The fabric moved around me, leaving an illusion of yellow flames moving around me.

My gaze shifted to my golden hair. I had styled it in a simple updo, and soft curls framed my soft make-up face.

I looked... beautiful. Even my dead parents would be so proud if they saw me now. This was still a lot to process. I was sure this must be a dream. How else do I explain this?

I shook my head in denial. This can't be real.

Was I really wearing this? Was I really seeing myself draped in expensive fabric? Was I really going to the ball?

This can't be me? I'm usually pale. A wallflower—not a colorful butterfly...

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts, and I unwillingly dragged my attention towards the door.

"Come in," I replied, trying hard not to look back at my reflection.

James peeked his head around the door, his gaze traveling over my small room, drinking in the interior. He let out a small gasp when his eyes landed on me.

"You look absolutely stunning, Lilly," he said.

My face heated up, and I shifted my gaze to my hands. No one has ever told me I looked stunning before.

"The car has arrived," he continued, stepping inside. "Are you ready?"

Ready? No, I was everything but ready. I was nervous, and my stomach had decided to move in with my throat.

James saw the concern in my eyes and shifted his head to the side.

"Is everything okay?" he asked. "I promise—Jacob and I will take good care of you."

"It's not that," I muttered, finding my voice.

James closed the door.

I never allowed him inside before; my living conditions weren't perfect. I only had the bare basics.

The changes in the past two weeks were overwhelming, and they made me feel scared.

What if all this was just a dream? Will I be able to survive when it ends?

I couldn't get my hopes up—circumstances can change in a matter of seconds.

A breath escaped my lips.

"What is the matter?" James pushed, his voice low.

"I'm not sure I can dance," I said, my face heating up. "I've only ever danced in my dreams."

James stayed silent for a moment.

"I think you'll do just fine," he said. "I've been watching you sway to the music when you work..."

James held out his hand to me. "If all else fails," he said. "I'll personally be held accountable."

I placed my hand in his, and he suddenly pulled me close, spinning me around with ease. A soft giggle slipped from my lips as he dipped me back.

"See," he said, smiling. "You already know the moves... now you just need to own it!"

James had a knack for making me laugh and putting me at ease. His easygoing, happy-go-lucky attitude was infectious. I couldn’t help but trust him; he felt like the brother I never had—always looking out for me.

I had every reason to trust him. He had not only freed me from Angelica's list of duties but also firmly put her in her place.

I wasn't sure what to expect when James's eyes glazed over earlier. I knew he was mind-linked to someone, but who?

When his eyes returned to his natural color, he grabbed the mop and bucket and handed it to Angelica.

"What is this?" she sneered. "I'm not the help...."

"Punishment," he replied, pinning her gaze.

Angelica huffed, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and started towards the exit.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Jacob stopped her before she left.

She slowly turned to face him.

"As punishment for disobeying his orders, Beta Zack hereby orders you, Angelica Black, to do all the domestic work for a month."

"You will be starting with the list you compiled," Jacob added.

"This is outrageous!" She yelled.

"Is it?" James asked. "You have a choice to resist...."

"But then we will have to lock you up for at least three months, pending trial," Jacob said, keeping his face calm.

Angelica never thought that the two brothers would shift all the domestic duties onto her.

James winked at me, and I almost burst out laughing.

The way her face twisted in anger would stay by me for the rest of my life—it was priceless.

I had to give it to them; they had skills—no wonder they were part of the elite group of warriors in King Alpha Alexander's army.

"Now," James said, forcing the memory from earlier out of my mind. "Let's not have the Prince and Beta waiting. We still have a long drive ahead, and the two of them are expecting your arrival."

I nodded, and James held out his arm to me.

As we descended the stairs, I overheard Sade and Jacob arguing.

"You can't do this to me!" she yelled furiously. "How do you expect me to get there?"

"What is the meaning of this?" James asked, letting go of my arm and stepping forward.

Sade's head turned sharply at the sound of James's voice. She glared at me, hissing in anger.

My gaze swept over her. She wore a yellow dress that was completely out of character for her. Sade typically favored vibrant colors like pinks, purples, and reds that made bold fashion statements.

"He," Sade hissed angrily as she wildly pointed her finger at Jacob. "Refuse that I get in the limo and go with you!"

James tilted his head and furrowed his brows, regarding her as if she were out of her mind.

"But he's right," James replied, his expression serious. "The car isn't meant for you—it's for Lilly."

"What!" Sade roared, horrified. "You can't do that to me!"

The hairs on the back of my neck began to stand up as I sensed someone watching me. I knew who was behind me, but I couldn't bring myself to turn around.

"Can't you gentlemen make an exception?" Angelica asked. She kept her voice low and friendly—desperate for the warrior to agree.

I turned my head slightly to catch a glimpse of her from the corner of my eye.

Angelica hesitated to meet them outside; she feared the neighbors might spot her in her maid's outfit...

Jacob had given her an old apron and gloves he found in the kitchen drawer, insisting that she wear them. Additionally, she still had not finished the list of household tasks she had written down for me.

"We have been very accommodating towards you and the Royal House," Angelica continued. "The least you can do is drive my daughter to the ball tonight. It's not as if it is out of your way..."

Jacob and James looked at one another, then back at me. I could feel the weight of their gaze, amplifying the pressure I already felt from Angelica's demands…

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