"Girls! Come down here I have important news!" Bastianna was in the parlor pacing.

Cami had never seen her smile so wide or look so excited.

"What is it mother?" Monique groaned as she and Genevieve descended down the stairs.

It was morning and they were still in their nightgowns. Bastianna flapped an envelope around, Cami saw it had the seal of the royal family.

"King Mikael has decided that it's time for Prince Elijah to pick a bride! He's invited every eligible maiden in the kingdom to a ball that will be held two weeks hence! The maiden that pleases Elijah the most shall be his bride!"

Monique and Genevieve jumped up and down at the news.

"I have a chance at marrying Elijah! I daresay he'll find me most pleasing." Monique said.

Cami held back a snort.

"Of course he will." Bastianna agreed. "He'll find both of you extremely attractive. How could he not? We'll have to work hard these next two weeks. You need to brush up on your studies."

"I'll try to remember what he favors. That way we can have something to connect with."

"Brilliant thinking Genevieve."

"What's his favorite past time?" Monique wondered. "How does he like a woman's hair?" she patted her own. "Dark and wavy?"

"Or bright and curly?" Genevieve said smirking.

Cami groaned. She wasn't looking forward to these next two weeks.

"Why should you care? You're still hung up on Klaus."

Genevieve blushed. She had been dizzy in the head since Prince Klaus won the tournament, bragging on him to anyone who listened as if she was his lady.

"I told you he was strong and valiant." She smugly told Monique when they first heard the news. "He beat your precious Kol who was clumsy enough to get himself injured on the second day."

Cami rolled her eyes. Right now she didn't care for Klaus or any of the princes the way Monique and Genevieve had been carrying on. Now there was news of a ball, Cami wouldn't be able to stomach all of the silliness.

"That doesn't mean I can't want Elijah too." Genevieve retorted.

"I'm sure he remembers you from our days at the castle." Her mother said. "That already gives us a head start. If you fail to connect to Elijah you could always reignite your old flame with Niklaus."

"Old flame?" Monique echoed. "That explains the obsession."

Genevieve ignored her. "Much time has passed between us leaving the castle. Everyone's grown up."

"And we've grown smarter." Bastianna said. "I want to know what Elijah's favorite color is, your dresses must be that color, I want you two to stand out among the rest. Camille, call for the dressmaker at once. I need to get you two fitted."

When Cami left they were still going on about the ball and what to expect.

Saturday at the coven meeting the ball was all anyone could talk about. In the kitchen Cami made a frustrated noise.

"You're not excited for the ball Cami?" Sabine asked.

"How can I be? It's what everyone's talking about. In square, in the streets, in the house, I can't escape it. Monique and Genevieve have changed their designs for their dresses at least twenty times each. Bastianna's trying spells that will make their skin softer and their voices like velvet. She might want to try something that replaces personality." Sabine laughed. "We went shopping for shoes and Monique broke the heels on a pair another lady bought because she got to them before Monique. It's madness, I can't wait for this stupid ball to be over."

"Pass me a potato."

Cami did and they started peeling. "Are you going?"

"I'm not eligible."

Cami furrowed her brow. "You're not married."

"I'm not a maiden either."

"Wha—oh." Cami blushed and Sabine chuckled. "I'm not sure Gen is either."

"If she isn't she won't be the only girl going in spite of that little detail."

"It's not little to the king." Cami finished one potato and grabbed another. "Sabine, when did you, um—"

"I was young, and in love. We were going to get married." Sabine paused. "He died in an accident."

"I'm so sorry."

"Don't be, I was able to experience true love. Not everyone can say that. Don't worry Cami one day you will too."

Cami rolled her eyes. "Yeah I'm sure, Prince Charming is going to swoop by take one look at me in these rags and whisk me away so we can live happily ever after." Sabine sighed. "Love can come later for me Sabine."

"You don't know what you're talking about." Sabine said in a sing song voice. "Is there no boy you're interested in?"

Cami thought. There were men in town she thought were attractive but she never had a chance to talk to them. They never paid her notice in her rags. Sometimes she got hit on when she helped Marleen at Rousseau's but she didn't count that. Sean, Kieran, and Magni were the only men she ever truly connected with. The latter she never even laid eyes on.

Magni was nice to talk to and she valued his letters but what were the chances she'd get to see him? Clearly he was rich and several classes above her. If they ever met he'd probably reject her even if he praised her in his letters and sent her gifts. It didn't change the fact that she considered the seashell bracelet one of her most treasured possessions. Once Cami contemplated selling it to get some money to kick start her stash again but she found she couldn't part with it.

"Not really." She answered aloud. "Who needs men anyway?"

"You say that because you haven't been kissed yet." Sabine said slyly.

Cami elbowed her playfully. "I don't need love Sabine. I need freedom."

Suddenly the prophecy flashed across her mind.

Camilla the maiden: beautiful, selfless, and brave

The balance and blood she must save

The prince and bastard will set her free

Then she achieve true liberty

"Sabine!"

The witch looked at Cami with alarm. "What is it child?"

"The prince and bastard will set her free'! The prophecy, it could finally be coming true!"

"Are you sure?" Sabine said doubtfully.

Cami started pacing. "Soon after the prophecy Elijah was named Crown Prince, then the day I lost my money the men mentioned Elijah coming to town, now they're throwing a ball for Elijah?"

"That does make sense." Sabine agreed reluctantly.

Cami gripped her shoulders. "I have to go to that ball! It's Elijah, Sabine, he's the prince! He's going to help set me free!"

Klaus held his arms out as the royal tailor took his measurements.

"I'm really not in the mood for this shindig." Kol complained from a chair.

"I don't think anyone is, save father." Klaus replied.

"Hundreds of beautiful women flocking to the palace and it's all in vain. Elijah's heart left Orleans a week ago."

Ever since Hayley left Elijah was back at his father's side, ever dutiful. Anyone who didn't know better would think everything was as it was. Those close to Elijah could tell the difference, he was somber and quiet. He took long walks around the grounds. His siblings tried reaching out, even Finn, who returned to the castle with Sage. But Elijah remained detached.

He was in the next room, having tailors fuss over him. Naturally his attire would be the finest out of everyone there. It was a shame he didn't give a damn.

Elijah replayed his last encounter with Hayley before she left:

At the feast all eyes were on Niklaus, he couldn't even eat because someone would come over and congratulate him. Ladies swooned, men respected him, and Klaus was grinning ear to ear. Elijah was happy for him. His brother made himself quite the catch. Father was furious of course and Elijah rejoiced in it. Mikael trapped him, forcing him to choose someone to marry and this soon. He didn't want Elijah entertaining the notion of marrying Hayley for a second but it was too late. Elijah wanted her.

Hayley slipped out of the feast unnoticed and he followed her. She stood out on one of the balconies overlooking the courtyard.

"Today was exciting." She said.

"It was, although I was reluctant to part with my title as champion."

Hayley laughed. "I don't believe you. You're happy for your brother. I'm starting to think titles don't matter to you at all."

"They matter a little." Elijah admitted.

"Well, if it means anything I consider you the true champion."

Elijah studied her with his dark eyes. "It means everything."

"Your head wasn't in this tournament."

"No," he ran a hand through her long hair. "My mind was elsewhere. I don't want to let you go but I must."

"I want to stay Elijah, I do, but I need to go back to my people. The full moon's approaching and trust me I need to be with them when it hits."

Elijah looked at Hayley. It was hard for him to fathom that she'd turn into an actual wolf. She'd probably still look beautiful and graceful.

"Can you show me?" he asked.

"I can only turn on the full moon Elijah, that's how it works." She turned to face him, closing her eyes. When she opened them they glowed yellow, Elijah could see the beast inside. Hayley blinked and her eyes were once again hazel.

They both stared out into the night, enjoying each other's presence.

"Thank you for helping me Elijah, and becoming my ally."

"Make nothing of it."

"How can you say that? You got your father to give us more land and give us food."

"And in exchange you'll spy and send reports to him about the neighboring kingdoms as well as be a line of defense for the eastern border. It's a fair deal." He put his hand on the balcony railing.

The moonlight lit Hayley's face enhancing her beauty even more. "I can never repay you for this you know. For helping my people and keeping my secrets." She put her hand over Elijah's and smiled at him.

Elijah refused to look at her. At that moment he decided not to tell her about his father's arrangement. He carried it like a weight and he didn't want to shift it to the queen beside him. Elijah wanted to plead for her to stay, or tell her how he really felt but it wouldn't do any good. If he told her it would make parting with her even harder than it was.

He impulsively grabbed her face and kissed her forehead. "I wish you a safe return to your people my queen. You won't be forgotten."

Elijah left her there. Hayley looked at his receding figure with confusion.

The next morning she left and the royal family saw her off. She poked her head out of the window to look back at Elijah one last time. He stayed there watching the carriage until it disappeared completely from his view.

Back in the other room Kol was still complaining. "If the ball is all about Elijah then why do we even have to go?"

"Someone's in a whiny mood." Marcel quipped as he helped the tailor take Kol's measurements.

"True." Klaus agreed. "Are you forgetting about the scores of beautiful women you could charm?"

"Only after they've seen Elijah. I don't do sloppy seconds."

"Since when?" Marcel and Klaus asked in unison.

"Shove off the both of you. I'll make a game out of it. Charming the ladies before they get to Elijah, let's see how much they want him after meeting me?"

"That's the Kol I know." Klaus said cheerily.

"You're just happy because your stock recently increased. Being the champion of Orleans and all. I'd watch it if I were you, you may be next on father's matchmaker schedule."

Klaus frowned. "Doubtful."

Mikael entered the room, hands clasped behind his back. "I need to speak to Niklaus alone."

Everyone immediately cleared the room. Marcel gave Klaus a worried glance as he left.

Mikael circled Klaus. Instead of shrinking like he normally would Klaus stood taller.

"You won't need to worry yourself with getting a new suit for the ball. You're not going." He said flatly.

"Why not?"

"Because I decree it." Mikael smirked. "You may have stolen the attention from your brother at the tournament but next Friday will be all about him."

"The people will want to see their champion alongside the crown prince."

"I know, it's a pity you'll be feeling ill that day." The smile disappeared from his face and he stepped closer to Klaus. "I'm not giving you a chance to ruin this night for Elijah."

"For you."

Mikael punched Klaus in the stomach causing him to double over. "I don't know what's gotten into you lately Niklaus. Whatever's caused this new string of unruly behavior I suggest you eradicate it before I do." Klaus looked up to see his father smiling. "There will be a guard placed at your door all through the night so don't think of sneaking down. If I catch you at that ball there will be hell to pay."

Already there. Klaus thought.

Mikael punched him one more time before leaving him alone. Klaus stood up, breathing heavy, his mind set.

Consequences be damned. He was going to that ball.

Cami paced back and forth in the hallway outside Bastianna's room. She never asked to go anywhere or to any event before. Understandably she was nervous. Cami tried to psych herself up. The worst thing Bastianna could say was no. Why should she? Cami worked her butt off working like a slave for the Trio every day and barely complained. There was no way Bastianna could turn her down.

Before she lost her nerve Cami knocked on her door.

"You may enter."

Bastianna sat in her bed, a grimoire in her lap. "Camille, what a surprise. What can I do for you?"

"I, um, was wondering—" Cami cleared her throat and set her shoulders. "I would like your permission to attend Prince Elijah's ball."

Bastianna burst into laughter. "And do what? Aid the palace servants?"

"No."

Bastianna stopped laughing, the seriousness of the request hitting her. "I see. You'd like to go as a candidate for marriage."

That wasn't exactly true but Cami would rather walk on hot coals than tell her about the prophecy. Somehow she didn't picture her being set free going over well with the old witch.

"Why not? The letter says all eligible maidens in the kingdom are invited and I am."

Cool blue eyes studied the young woman before her. "Yes, I suppose you are. Camille I didn't know you wanted to go. You never expressed a desire to." Bastianna fell silent, as she thought. "If the house is in top shape and I find you above report this upcoming week you may go."

Cami bounced up and down. "You will, I swear it. Thank you Bastianna."

The next week Cami went above and beyond, doing every chore without being asked. She served the Trio with a smile on her face, determined to find favor with Bastianna.

In the evenings Sabine came over and helped Cami sew her dress. It was simple in design but it would have to do. Sabine promised Cami some jewelry to wear.

At midweek the dress was completed. Cami stood on a stool so Sabine could hem it.

"And what are you going to do with that lovely hair of yours?" she asked. "Do you want it up or down?"

"I have no idea. What would make a better impression on Elijah?"

Sabine grunted with a pin in her mouth. "There I'm done with the back. That doesn't mean you can move Cami! I have to go all the way around."

"Sorry." Cami grinned. "I've never had this done before."

"Have you thought about what you're going to say to Elijah?"

"No. I keep trying to come up with something but I can't. How do you tell someone you never met that they're your key to freedom?"

"That's not what the prophecy said." Sabine corrected. "The prince and the bastard would set you free."

"There are thousands of bastards in Orleans. How am I supposed to find the right one? It's easier to focus on the prince."

"Do you have a purse?"

"Bought a new one in town today, and matching hand gloves."

"It's a masquerade ball, did you buy a mask?"

"No I forgot! I'll get one soon."

Thanks to her side job at Rousseau's Cami had a little extra change. After the ball she'd go back to saving for her runaway stash.

"There, I'm done. Oh Cami you look beautiful."

The dress was a soft pink. Its sleeves fell off the shoulders and its bodice crisscrossed, at the waist was a simple design. The rest was plain and fell to the ground softly.

"I could find some glitter patterns and sew them on to give it some more glamour." Sabine offered.

"I'd like that." Cami said smiling. "I wish you'd be here to help me get ready."

"I do too, but Celeste is sending me and Tunde away to represent her to a sister coven. Take the dress off, I'll have it done by Friday."

"Thank you." Cami hugged her.

After she left a pigeon came, delivering a message from Magni. When she opened the letter a mini portrait fell out. It featured a beautiful woman with dark brown hair, deep blue eyes, and full pink lips. On the back was written: Hretha

Cami covered her mouth. Is that how Magni pictured her? She almost replied telling him about her plans to go to the ball but didn't. He was probably as sick of the talk of the ball as she was. For some reason she didn't want Magni thinking she was interested in Prince Elijah. The only reason she was going was because of the prophecy, but she hadn't told him about it. It was best if she didn't tell him at all.

Friday Cami was up helping the Trio prepare for the ball. She did their nails, skin treatments, facials, and brought their snacks. As time flew Cami wondered if she'd have enough time to get herself ready. They'd leave for the ball in a few hours.

"Camille," Bastianna called. "I need you to run to town, I need more moisturizer."

"I need more rouge." Genevieve added.

"I need more perfume."

Cami didn't complain, she still needed to get her mask.

When she got to the square she realized she was in trouble. The stores were packed with panicking mothers and daughters. It took longer than she expected. Not only that but the only mask she was able to find was plain white and only covered her eyes. It had elastic and would have to be pulled over her hair. Cami paid and made her way back to the house. She would have to rush to get ready.

She delivered the beauty products to the Trio and rushed down to the kitchen. When she got there her heart dropped.

Her beautiful dress, that Sabine delivered the night before, was ruined. There was soot covering it, the designs Sabine added were carelessly tossed off, and it looked like someone took a pair of scissors and cut random holes in it. The purse and gloves she bought looked like they had been dragged through the mud. There was no way she would be able to use any of them.

Cami stormed into the parlor. The Trio slowly descended the stairs, completely dressed and ready. Angry tears fell from Cami's eyes.

"Ooh," Monique said. "Someone looks angry."

"I can't imagine why." Genevieve said with a sly smile.

They walked around Cami and stood by the door. Finally Bastianna stood before Cami.

"Is there a problem?" she asked calmly.

"What did you do? My dress, my purse, everything is ruined!"

Bastianna looked into the kitchen to see the carnage. "Oh my, you might want to get that cleaned up."

"Why?" Cami asked quietly not trusting herself to speak. "You told me I could go. I cleaned every inch of the house like you said!"

"And yet I didn't find you above report! You forgot that little detail."

"I've done nothing wrong!"

"No? So you didn't try to run away last month which included trying to break the contract between our families?"

Cami's mouth was wide with shock.

"Oh I knew all about your little escape attempt. You're paying for it right now. Don't look so heartbroken Camille. I'm doing you a favor. Elijah would have never picked you for his bride and that dress was abominable." She walked around Cami slowly. "Pick up that mess in the kitchen, and clean up upstairs. I believe the girls got carried away while they were getting dressed. You'll need to clean it all again."

Genevieve and Monique giggled before going out of the door to the carriage.

"Goodbye Camille." Bastianna said smiling. "Enjoy your evening."

When the door shut Cami ran into the garden, tears streaming. She put her head on a stone bench and sobbed. It was cruel of Bastianna to punish her this way. She never had any intention of letting her go to the ball yet she strung Cami along, watched her work tirelessly through the week, raising her hopes only to crush them in the end. Bastianna let her sew her dress and go shopping for accessories knowing she would let Genevieve and Monique tear them apart. All of her hard work gone, again. Every time Cami tried to escape she was put down in the cruelest fashion. Never again.

Cami rubbed her nose. She was leaving then and there and never looking back. If only she could stop crying. Cami cried like she hadn't in a long time. She cried over her torn dress and accessories. She cried because of her misery and loneliness. She cried because Sabine wasn't there to comfort her. She cried for her parents, and Kieran, and Sean.

She probably would have stayed there the whole night if she didn't hear someone clear their throat behind her. Cami turned around.

Before her was a pretty young girl in a crème dress. Cami recognized the dark hair and blue eyes.

"You're the witch they tried to put in a cage." She said, her voice hoarse.

The girl nodded. "My name is Davina."

Cami didn't bother responding. Her eyes were red and probably swollen, the last thing she wanted to see was this girl.

"I'm sorry I didn't stick around to thank you. I was distraught, I ran back to my uncle's house to tell him what happened."

Cami nodded her head. "I'm glad to see you're alright. I'm Cami."

Davina didn't question Cami's appearance. She sat on the bench. "Cami, you saved my life weeks ago through your selflessness and bravery. I came to repay you for it."

"How?"

"I can give you anything you want. My magic is at an all-time high tonight."

"Why?"

"My coven just completed the harvest ritual. It grants me extraordinary power, but only for one night. I wanted to use it to repay my debt to you."

"That's how you found me, and how you appeared in the garden."

Davina nodded. "Consider me your own personal witch. Anything you want, I'll grant you if it's in my power."

Cami looked at the castle in the distance. She could see the lights from there. The ball was well underway.

"Do you want to go to the ball?" Davina asked.

"More than anything."

"Okay then." Davina stood. Four mice scurried across the ground. "Perfect." She said.

As they ran across the drive way Davina chanted some words. Cami made a face.

"What?" Davina rolled her eyes at Cami. "What were you expecting me to say? Bippity bobbity boo?" She concentrated and began chanting again.

The mice grew into four beautiful brown horses.

Cami's mouth dropped open. "Wha—did you just—?"

Davina winked. "I told you, extraordinary power. Let's see, horses as magnificent deserve an equally magnificent carriage."

She eyed a plump pumpkin in the garden. It was Bastianna's prize, she was going to enter it in the town's pumpkin competition. Davina spoke more ancient words and it rolled over to the horses, growing as it moved. It became a beautiful white carriage.

"Someone pinch me." Cami muttered.

"And a carriage must have footmen and a driver." The young witch decided. She looked at three more mice. "You know Cami, this garden has a mouse infestation. You should try to fix it."

She waved a hand and the mice transformed into men, complete with an official uniform. Cami couldn't believe her eyes.

"This can't be real."

"Now." Davina cracked her knuckles. "The last thing, which needs the most work: you."

"Thanks." Cami said sarcastically.

"You know it's true. You can't go to the ball dressed like that. Turn around slowly in a circle, this will take more concentration." Cami did as she said. "That's good Cami, keep turning. Don't stop until I tell you."

Davina closed her eyes and focused, letting the ancient words take over. As Cami turned her servant's clothes began to change. Her shoes transformed into ornate heels. Her clothes into a beautiful green gown, the same shade as her eyes. The bottom was an intricate lace design with glitter sprinkled throughout. As she looked further up there was a reprieve so she could admire the fine fabric. Then more intricate designs started all around again up to the bodice, which shimmered with sparkles all over. There was a V that tastefully hinted at off at Cami's breasts. The sleeves were also shimmering and hung off her shoulders.

Davina kept chanting and Cami's hair came off her shoulders and up into an elegant design, riddled with shining bobby pins that shined when the light hit. A two loose tendrils hung in curls on her face. All signs of crying were washed away from Cami's face. Cami's skin glowed as if it got a better treatment than the ones the Trio used, and Cami's hands were covered with white gloves. Elegant dangling earrings appeared on her ear, and a pretty silver bracelet appeared on her left wrist. It held jade stones that matched her dress. Her lips were and elegant dark pink, and makeup magically appeared. Her blush was done to perfection, and dark eyeliner and mascara surrounded her green eyes making them pop.

"There." Davina said.

Cami looked down at her body with shock. "Davina what did you do? I look beautiful!"

Davina shook her head and held up her hands. "The magic only enhances what's already there."

"This is incredible." She hugged Davina. "Thank you." Cami looked in a window, peering at her face. "Bastianna will recognize me."

"You need a mask."

"I already bought one, its inside."

Davina opened her hand and the mask appeared in it. She frowned. "It doesn't exactly match."

She snapped her fingers and intricate designs that were on the dress grew on the plain mask. Davina murmured a few words.

"There, I spelled it. No one who normally would recognize you will."

Cami put the mask on. It covered everything just under her eyebrows and stopped before her nostrils.

"Elijah would have to be blind to not notice you." Davina said.

Cami hesitated before getting into the carriage.

"What now?"

"There's a mess inside I'm supposed to be cleaning up."

Davina snapped her fingers. "It's taken care of."

Cami scrunched her nose. "Just like that?"

"Stop stalling and go to the ball Cami. Nothings stopping you but you now."

"I suppose I'm afraid."

Davina's navy blue eyes met hers. She smiled with encouragement. "Don't be. The rest of the night is whatever you make it."

Cami hugged the little witch. "Thank you."

"No Cami thank you. I don't know what would have happened if those witch hunters would have captured me, actually I think I do know."

Cami gathered her dress and in the carriage.

"There is one thing Cami. The harvest is over tomorrow. At midnight the spells will be over so you need to leave before the clock strikes twelve."

"A magical curfew, who knew?"

As the carriage rode away Cami blew Davina a kiss. She waved and was gone in the next moment.

Cami relaxed and breathed. She never imagined any of this happening. She couldn't stop staring at her dress. Looks weren't everything but they gave Cami confidence.

Elijah wouldn't know what hit him.