Chapter 7:
(Skyler POV)
I made my way to the carriage and saw Jane waiting inside. Onyx soon followed and began this fake apology that I wasn't interested in hearing. I just kept looking to the side trying to focus on something else. When we got back to the castle I hopped out of the carriage and quickly made my way up to my room. This was too much, today was just too much. Besides everything that was going on with Onyx I kissed the one friend that I had made at that school. I could just see the look on Hermione's face and I knew that it was a mistake. Besides she was a princess I was a cobbler in prince's clothing. I couldn't forget that.
I picked up the knapsack that I had and began putting in some clothes, the items I still had from Mom, and a few of the jewels the castle had given me to sell later. I stashed it under my bed and decided that during the Ball when everyone was distracted I was going to leave. Besides the dance I was going to have with Queen Rosella everyone, would be too busy to notice if I disappeared.
I heard a knock on my door and saw Bailey coming in. I kicked my bag further under the bed as I straightened out the blanket. "Prince Skyler, it is time for you to get ready. The guest will be arriving in an hour." I nodded my head, "Alright, thank you." She went to walk away but turned back, "I know that palace life is different then what you are used to, but I promise you that it does get better here. Just give it a chance." I didn't plan on staying there long but still I gave a small smile, "I'll try." As the door closed I looked down at the bag. I shook my head and kept it under my bed. I wasn't sure what I was going to do but, I wanted my escape option ready.
I went into the closet and got dressed in the suit was laid out for me. I put on the dark purple vest and black jacket. I had a lighter purple ascot that I quickly tied. I sat down in front of the mirror and took a look at myself. I untucked the rings from my shirt and thought about leaving them out, but I put them back soon after. I didn't want to head down at all and thought about just staying in here all night to see if anyone would notice.
(Jane POV)
The maids were helping me finish getting ready in a crimson red dress as I stood in front of my vanity. I heard a knock on the door and I saw Onyx come in, "Well you will definitely be the belle of the ball tonight." He said, but I didn't respond. "Hello Jane," He said waving a hand in front of my face. I sighed, "I'm really disappointed in you Onyx." "What? Why?" I shook my head as I looked at him, "You really don't get it, do you?" I looked at the maids and smiled, "Thank you. I got it from here." They nodded their heads and left the room.
I walked over to my jewelry table and began putting in my earrings. He followed me, "Jane." I turned to face him, "I'm sorry Prince Onyx but, you went too far. I don't know how you knew that Skye needed those dance lessons but, he did and you sabotaged them. You promised me that you would try and you didn't, so I'm done." I walked to move away but he grabbed my wrist, "What do you mean done?" I went to the door and opened it, "I would like you to leave my room please Prince Onyx." "Jane..." he started but I shook my head, "I hope you figure this out soon enough before you drive everyone that ever loved you away. Until you do please leave me alone." I waited until he stepped out and slammed the door shut. I hated this, I hated it so much, but Onyx needed to figure this out and I hoped losing me would be enough to do it.
(Hermione POV)
I walked into the ballroom and kept looking down at my feet. I knew what was expected of me and what I had to do, but it didn't feel right anymore. I looked over at my sister Alexandra, Alex, as she stood next to me, "Come on baby sister, put a smile on your face already. You are going to see your fiancé soon enough." I nodded my head, "Yeah, my fiancé." She wrapped her arm around me, "I know you aren't a fan of this arrangement, but it will all be alright in the end." I nodded my head, "Yeah it will be fine." She looked me over, "You know you do have a choice now. You are engaged to a prince of Enchancia, but there are two now." I shook my head, "Alex, please don't."
She was looking at me when all of the sudden the horns began to blare as it was time to announce the Royal Family of Enchancia. The King and Queen came down first, followed by Jane and then Onyx. It was time for Skye to make his entrance. The curtains separated but, Skye wasn't there. Murmurs were heard across the ballroom as everyone looked around to see if he was already here. I looked over at Jane who was angrily talking to Onyx and him looking defensive. "Excuse me," I told Alex as I made my way out of the ballroom and deeper into the castle.
Jane had told me that Skyler was staying in Onyx's old room from when we were kids and I was trying to remember where it was. We used to play a lot together when we were little. I opened a door and I saw their was still light in the room. "Skye?" I looked around but, no one was there, "Skye?" Did he leave already? I knew that he mentioned leaving the castle, but it wasn't supposed to be for two years. Maybe he changed his mind.
I looked down at my necklace and pulled out the engagement ring that was given to me when I turned 16. Onyx wasn't even the one who gave it to me, it was presented to me at my birthday party after I was told about the arranged marriage. Looking at it now I thought about the necklace that Skyler wore. It was funny how the two necklaces were so similar but, had such different meanings for the both of us. I sat down on the ground and I saw something under the bed. I pulled it out and there was a bag down there. I opened it up and saw Skyler's stuff: clothes, jewels, a picture of his Mom. He wouldn't leave without this. I gulped the lump in my throat. If he didn't run away then where was he?