Page 48 of Heir of the Beast

It might be a little harder than I initially thought to get close to Laura’s glass. I bite my lip as I watch Mort take off her cloak and toss it to the side.

She is in a dark blue gown resembling a peacock with feathers everywhere. It isn’t horrible, and it isn’t great either. Very neutral, like always.

“Game face,” Mort says, urging me to get going with her raised brows.

“I will go around the side to see if I can get a clear view of Laura. Destiny stated that she is very careful to not let any of her DNA be left around, probably guessing that we desperately want it.

“I will hold up my fist when I can get a clear view of her, which means you need to keep me in your eyesight and vice versa.”

“Very German soldier of you,” I say, and take a calming breath. Tonight, I am not myself. I am a woman who is seeking revenge.

Nobody likes a blonde, stuck-up bully.

I slowly take off my cloak, exposing the stunning gown of glistening yellow and black onyx. My skin looks like perfect ivory, contrasting with my stark black locks.

I’m wearing so many black and white striped petticoats, I doubt I will be able to find my own legs, and the corset is so tight it leaves little to the imagination.

My breasts look glorious.They really do. Perfect ivory globes, if I were to compare them to something. I’m proud of the girls, and I’m allowed to be without any judging.

Charming did a fantastic job, and I can see why he is Zora’s right-hand man. Using the ladies’ room will be a challenge, though, so I need to keep my champagne intake to one glass.

I lower my black lace veil and whip out my yellow fan.

Eyes narrowed, we make our way to the grand entrance, which is magnificent in height. The silver doors must be two stories high, their splendor something I have never seen before.

Masses of people swarm everywhere in all different vibrant shades and styles, taking my breath away. I have never been permitted to go into the royal ballroom, and the sheer size of it would be a world wonder on Earth.

The lighting is low and exotic, the many chandeliers emitting a sensuous glow that makes a shiver slide down my spine.

Deep sapphire and silver adorn the elaborate decor, and the dark marble floor sparkles and glistens in the dim lighting.

When you first enter, an enormous staircase leads you down into the ballroom floor. A grand entrance is an understatement here.

The most exquisite sapphire velvet is draped down the center of the stairs, completing the masterpiece. As my eyes scan the majesty of the ballroom, I almost have to pinch myself.

It is incredible. Intoxicating.

The music seems to weave its way around your soul, transforming you into someone else entirely.

It’s the manifestation of something seemingly sinful that tantalizes and tickles your senses, whether you’re ready for it or not. The vibrations are mysterious and romantic, all at the same time.

I stand now at the top of the staircase, gazing down at the fantasy, a world that I never thought existed.

I suddenly smile, feeling a surge of adrenaline.

I pick up my glittering gown and begin my descent to the main level. A server runs into a pillar to my left, the crash of glass lost in the buzz of the ballroom.

~Maybe the yellow of my gown blinded him~, I think, with a nervous smile. This is thrilling—a body high I have never experienced.

I glance to my left and see men in dark masks gawking at me, so I lift my lace veil and wink at them. One of their mouths drops open as I pass, feeling spirited.

It’s like you take me out of my slave attire, and I am a wild woman. I think I’m experiencing cabin fever being a slave, for now I feel free.

Even if it’s just for tonight.

I ignore people’s stares and whispers and grab a champagne glass from a passing server, and search for Mort. I down the contents, needing all the help I can get, and dispose of it on another passing tray.

I spy Mort and she shakes her head at me, then I lose her as groups of people block my view. It’s rather hard to see, but I spot the throne seating down on the far end of the ballroom.

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