Time passed quickly, and soon the most important day of the year arrived—the day when everyone searched for their mate at the Royal Ball.
Those who already had a mate were forbidden to attend, and since all the maids had found theirs except me, I was chosen to accompany Emily.
"Elizabeth, I am so happy that you're coming with me!" Emily said excitedly.
"Yes, my lady. I'm happy to come with you as well," I replied with a smile.
"Let's put on our dresses now," she said.
"Alright, let's do it."
I slipped into a dress I hadn't worn in a long time—one of the most beautiful dresses I had ever seen. It was ocean blue, decorated with delicate pearls, and my white heels matched it perfectly. I had to admit, my blonde hair suited it flawlessly.
Of course, I didn't have to worry about finding my mate.
I had already lost him.
Ugh. Old memories threatened to ruin my mood, but today wasn't about me. Today, I had to be happy for Emily.
I was sure she would find her mate and that everything would be perfect. She would be wearing her red dress, which matched her black hair beautifully. I couldn't wait to see her fully ready.
Since I finished early, I went to help Emily get dressed.
"Wow, my lady—you look stunning," I said honestly.
"Thank you, Elizabeth," she smiled, "but tonight, you are the most beautiful one."
Once she was ready, we went downstairs to leave for the ball. Her brother was attending as well, so we had to go with him.
I really hated him.
"You look good tonight," Ian said suddenly.
"Thank you," I replied, surprised.
What was wrong with him tonight?
No insults. No cold remarks. He even complimented me.
Emily's brother stared at me the entire way there, making everything incredibly awkward.
"Look, Elizabeth," Emily said excitedly. "That's the palace. Isn't it beautiful?"
"It truly is," I answered.
The palace was breathtaking—everything covered in snow, glowing under the lights like something out of a dream.
When we entered, all eyes turned toward us. Ian walked in first, and we followed close behind him. The royal family hadn't arrived yet, so everyone wandered around, searching for their mate.
I stayed in a corner, bored—though at least the food was good.
After some time, Emily rushed back to me, glowing with happiness.
"Elizabeth, look! This is my mate, Jason. I finally found him!"
"Congratulations, my lady," I said warmly. "I'm so happy for you."
"Hello," Jason said politely. "My name is Jason. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine," I replied.
"We're going to the balcony," Emily told me.
"Of course. I'll stay here."
I truly was happy for her. She had found someone strong—someone who could protect her and make her happy.
Not long after, the royal family finally entered.
The King and Queen were breathtaking, followed by the royal princess and the Crown Prince. Each of them carried a powerful aura—one look was enough to know they were high-ranked alphas.
They were all extraordinary.
Yet… my eyes kept returning to the Crown Prince.
I didn't understand it, but something about him stirred something deep inside me. A pull. A connection.
Like he was my mate.
But my mate was already dead.
My family had killed him.
So how could I feel this way?
What was happening to me?