Kat POV

Back in the room we pulled my doll house into the middle of the room. Hitching up my dress I sat on the floor staring at it. I looked at the intricate details in each of the rooms. It was a simple, standard house, but I made it my kingdom. I made it my home.

'Does everyone understand what we need to do?' I asked looking up at everyone else, they nodded. 'Good, because we've only got one shot at this' I stood up. Simon handed us all a comms unit and we began to move into place.

Me, Hale, Gabby, Nick and Ben made our way back down the corridor towards the hall.

'Katherine!' A voice called

'Shit' I grumbled but spun around plastering a big smile on my face 'Hello Megan' I said to my grandmother's personal assistant

'Lady Bishop has requested to see you and Lord Benjamin Sarin' She nodded towards Ben

'Lord?' Hale muttered under his breath

'Of course' I smiled once more 'We will make our way there' I began to move away from her. I could hear her heels tapping along the ground as she caught up to me

'Lady Bishop also requested that your guests do not embarrass her any further'

'Don't worry' Hale smiled flashing her his signature grin 'We'll behave' Gabby elbowed him as we walked further away from her. When we turned the corner I slumped against the wall. Hale and Gabby continued to walk on for a moment but Ben was the only one that stopped. He too wore the same expression I was.

'What's holding you too up?' Gabby said spinning round on us. She studied my face 'Kitty, you've gone pale'

'She wouldn't would she?' Ben asked

'Who knows' I rested my head on the wall

'What's wrong?' Hale asked standing in front of me. I studied his eyes, his lips, his entire face, taking in everything as if I would never see it again.

'I might be getting engaged' I tried to laugh

'What?' He stepped back

'I'm home, Grandma has the perfect opportunity, the perfect person' I signalled to Ben 'And the perfect motive; make my dad jealous'

'Surely you don't have to' Gabby suggested 'And it might not be as bad as you think!'

'My grandmother has only requested to speak to me when she wants something' I pushed myself off the wall and straightened my dress 'Whatever happens, the plan will go ahead' I looked at Gabby and Hale (who was avoiding my eye contact) 'Shall we?' I asked Ben. He nodded and offered his arm. I gladly took it, and we glided through the hall and into the ballroom. My grandmother stood by where the band were positioned waiting for me.

'Ready?' Ben asked

'Nope' I shook it off and walked forward, with each stride my face grew tighter and tighter with a wider and wider smile.

'Katherine, Benjamin, it's so lovely to see you both together'

'Thank you Grandma'

'Now, since it's tradition, I would like you two to begin the first dance'

'Is that all?' I asked

'For now' My grandma turned to the band conductor and signalled for him to stop. I snuck a glance at Ben and he gave me a friendly wink.

'Ladies and Gentlemen' The conductor announced 'May I have your attention please. As tradition we shall now begin the formal dance. This year the privillage of the first dance will be bestowed on Lady Bishop's Granddaughter Katherine Bishop and her partner Lord Benjamin Sarin of Lausanne' There was a round of applause that followed. Ben released my arm before bowing to my Grandmother and then bowing to me. I followed suit with a curtsy. He then led me into the middle of the dance floor and the band began to play.

'You need to relax a little Katie' Ben whispered

'I'm not used to all these people staring'

'It'll be over soon'

'Agreed. Everyone in position?' I asked

'Almost Kat' Hamish said

'Any sign of Jamie?' Ben asked

'None that I can see' Simon informed 'Maybe he's not coming'

'He will' I said beginning to scan the area.

After the music had finished there was once again a round of applause, Ben and I bowed/curtseyed to one another and then at the band. He then led me off to one side whilst other dancers filled the floor.

'You move so elegantly, just like your mother' A man said as I moved past,

'Thank y-' Before I could finish (or even turn to see who complimented me) someone had pulled me away.

'That was marvelous my dear' my grandmother said pulling me into a limp hug 'It's a pity that you didn't take ballroom dancing lesson, you used to love dancing on your grandfather's toes'

'I remember' I smiled fondly, a rare happy memory that I had

'He would be so proud of Benjamin as a suitor for you'

'Grandmother, I am not intending to become Lady Bishop'

'You must!' She exclaimed 'Otherwise who else would' She pulled me further into the shadows 'I will not have this family name be made a mockery again! Your father chose his fate and I will not let you ruin yours'

'In position' Gabby whispered in my comms

'I have protected you Katherine, in more ways than you know'

'What do you mean?' I asked, ignoring the chatter though my comms

'I know what you do day to day Katerina' Her saying my name in this way made it seem like an insult 'I've been watching you' She kept her death grip on my arm 'I know all about the Henley, Monte Carlo and Hale Industries' She smiled wickedly 'I also know about all your little friends here. So if you would like them to leave without a police escort, I suggest you do as I say' I pressed my finger to my ear

'Call it off' I whispered 'Everyone go. Plan's over' I pulled out my earpiece and crushed it under my foot. From the corner of my eye I saw Ben and Nick wince from the increase of static.

'Very good' My grandmother said

'So what do you want me to do?' I asked

'You aren't going to leave' She said simply. 'I lost you once Katherine. I'm not making the same mistake twice'