Shelby POV
After I finally decided on a dress, there was a knock on my door.
"Who is it?" I called.
"It's Edmund. I was thinking you might want an escort. If you don't, I understand." I headed to the door when I heard the retreating footsteps. I swung open the door.
"Edmund, come back." He turned around and came back. "Come in and let me put on my shoes." He followed me into my room and sat down on the chair next to the provided bookshelf. I slipped on the shoes that matched my dress. "Could you help me with my hair bow?" I turned and asked him. He pointed at himself and I nodded in response. He came over and tied the bow delicately.
"There you go." He smiled. I turned and he offered me his arm. I linked my arm with his and we walked out of the room. We entered the ball room and everything went silent. The man at the door yelled our names.
"King Edmund the Just escorting," He asked Edmund my name. "escorting Shelby Polchov."
We walked down the stairs and onto the ballroom floor. We walked towards a handsome older man.
"Caspian," Edmund tapped the man's shoulder. "this is Shelby." The man smiled and kissed my hand.
"You are the one sent by Aslan." He smiled when I nodded. He kissed both my cheeks. "Dance and have fun, sweetheart. Edmund, why don't you have a dance with Ellendu?" I glanced at Edmund as he kissed my hand and let go. He walked over to another girl and bowed to her. They made their way over to the floor. "Drinks are over there and food is there." Caspian pointed at designated places in the room. I headed toward the drinks and poured myself some water.
"I could pour you something stronger if you'd like." Peter's voice said behind me. I jumped a little. "Didn't mean to startle you, love." He said putting his hand on my shoulder.
"No, High King, you're fine." I smiled. I took another sip of water.
"Don't give me that title." He took the glass out of my hand and set it on the table. "Care to dance?" I looked at Edmund. He was talking very little. "Yes, of course." I took his hand and he strode out to the floor. He put his hand right below my shoulder blade and took my free hand in his.
"You look very beautiful." He smiled.
"Thank you, Peter. You look very handsome as well." We both smiled. He pulled me a little closer as the waltz slowed. He grinned.
"What do you usually do in your free time?" I asked.
"Hunt mostly. You?"
"Oh, I like to read and paint." I looked at my feet.
"That sounds nice. Why don't you paint me something? Seeing as you'll be here for a long time."
"How long exactly?" I asked. "I have my mom. She's probably worried sick."
"Aslan will take care of making sure your mother is okay. I promise." He smiled. They next song started. "Let's take a break, huh? I'm needed to begin dinner." He bowed and kissed my hand. "Lovely to dance with you." He walked away. I started towards the drinks and filled a champagne glass up with the bubbly liquid. It was going to be a long night.