I took a deep breath before the door opened announcing my entrance. I could feel the eyes of almost everyone in the room. It was natural, of course, since the ball was supposed to be in celebration of Snow White's and my birthday, but oh do I dread it. And since I was a little late, Snow White had already made her appearance and she was sitting right next to the queen, our stepmother right on the throne. The queen was wearing a purple gown, her signature color, with black jewels adorning her. Snow White had on a red gown, one that matched her red lips. Her gown was also accented with pearls. It was almost like a matching set to mine but in different colors, almost showcasing how similar we are, but fundamentally different.

I walked down the stairs and made my way to the throne.

"Greetings to the current moon of the kingdom," I greeted the queen as I curtsied, with my head low and my eyes to the ground.

I could see the ends of her gown shift before a voice proclaimed, "Thank you all for attending my beautiful daughters' lovely birthday celebration. It is a great honor to spend this celebration with you all and as your hosts. Please enjoy to your heart's content." Cheers erupted. I tried my best to not roll my eyes. The only reason why she was able to sit on the throne was because she had married my father, and that he had passed away.

I finally straightened up, and noticed that Snow White had been staring at some other place. I followed her gaze, only to see it had settled on a taller, older man. One with black hair, but that was the only normal feature of him. He was dressed in full black, but that wasn't the most striking feature despite everyone around him being dressed in lighter colors. It was the giant scar that ran across his face, from his left side in the middle of his jaw up across his nose.

I nudged Snow White. "You know it's rude to stare."

"Sshhhh." I glanced back at the man. Was it the scar that was interesting Snow White? If you had ignored the scarring, one could say that he was handsome. Or maybe one can say that the scar added to his mystery and enhanced his own beauty. I glanced back at Snow White but she had moved on. She was now looking at another man that was the exact opposite of the man we were just staring at. This one was much older, with gray streaks in his chestnut hair, and fine lines had started to etch into his face. I stared back at Snow White, showing a confused look, but to my surprise, she had moved on again. This time to a much more vibrantly dressed man. He had red hair and golden eyes. Everything on him screamed extravagant. It had only deepened my own confusion, but before I could ask her about this odd curiosity, Snow White sprinted away.

I tried to go after her, but was met with disappointment instead.

"Celina! I would like you to meet Baron Morris," my stepmother said, popping in front of me, with a shorter, smaller man behind her.

"It is an honor to meet you, your highness," he bowed, taking one of my hands into his to place a fat, sloppy kiss on it. I wanted to gag, but I was very grateful that I was wearing gloves. I only blinked slowly with my lips struggling to lift up in a fake smile.

"The honor is mine, Baron Moron," I finally responded.

"Morris," my stepmother corrects.

"Ah, my mistake," I responded, glancing at her.

"Baron Morris here shared with me some praises that he had for you. Said that you look more and more beautiful each day. He also finds your nature and care for the commoners endearing. I was thinking that since Baron's late wife had passed in a freak accident, he needs more company to fight loneliness. He also manages a territory in the West, where you can learn from, while enjoying the wilderness there. Lately, I've noticed you spent more and more time outside, instead of doing the duties inside the castle. I think this is a great opportunity."

"Your majesty. You flatter me. My territory is but a small territory, but I can promise that it is lively, a plate that I think her highness, Princess Celina would deeply enjoy."

I looked at them in shock. I took a closer look at Baron Morris. This man was twice my age, and not to mention that it was known that he had quite a bit of bastard children. And there were rumors that the freak accident was no accident. My own suspicions were that a mistress wanted a piece of his fortune. Baron Morris turned to look at me, flashing a smile that sent a shiver down my spine.

"I am sure your territory is lovely, but I don't wish to offend your late-wife. Her body is still warm."

"Don't be ridiculous, Celina, how long can a man wait?" The queen said, before continuing, "but this is a learning opportunity, so why don't I leave the two of you to spend some time getting to know each other, before Celina goes to the territory?"

I whipped my head to look at her again. I didn't think that my stepmother was going to be quick to get rid of me. If she was this quick to get rid of me, I whipped my head to try and find Snow White, seeing if she was dealt this same blow. As I was searching, the queen had walked away, and Baron Morris had taken me to the dance floor. Normally I would hate this, but I used the time to glance everywhere to find Snow White.

"There are rumors that you are much more shy about dancing, but I am glad to see that is not the case, your highness," Baron Morris started.

"Unfortunately, it seems I have forgotten my other left foot," I smiled as I slammed my left foot on his foot.

"Oh my, it seems like you had jinxed me, Baron," I said, smiling genuinely as I saw his jaw clench, while a bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face. I continued to smile, and used the dance to glance everywhere for Snow White, not forgetting to throw out my left foot every now and then. I think I got carried away with myself, because I did manage to kick his shin one time, making his hand let go of mine for some glorious seconds. After the dance had ended, he had excused himself to the men's room. I waved him off, before grabbing a glass to drink, and glaring to scare off more suitors that had a glimmer of hope of dancing with me.

I sighed. I have no intention of my stepmother marrying or shipping me off to another smaller territory, just so she can have the throne for a longer period of time. My plan was to stay here in the castle, hindering her in the diplomatic and nobility meetings until she rots. But it seems to have a more opposite effect, because she looks like she hasn't aged at all.

"It looks like she feasts on the blood of young people," I mutter under my breath, thinking back to all the meetings where she had made policies taking more and more food out of the mouths of the non-nobility. I rubbed my eyes, I didn't know how to deal with this. "Maybe I should just kill her," I think to myself.

My head started to hurt, thinking about how she wanted me out of the capital. I decided that some cool air would help me, and started making my way towards one of the balconies. As I was about to pull the curtain back on one of them, I could hear Baron Morris' voice.

"That girl doesn't have any redeeming qualities. Sure she can be a beauty to look at, but no elegance at all. Honestly, Snow White has so much more charm. That cursed witch of a queen should have sent Snow White my way. It would be more fun to toy with her." He started to share some of his disgusting fantasies, and I couldn't take it anymore. As a servant passed by, I grabbed the towel on his arm. I did a quick look around, and noticed that no one was looking my way. I yanked the curtain back, splashing my drink on his face, distracting him so he doesn't get a good look at anything. I took the towel and wrapped it around his head quickly before pushing him off the balcony. He would still be alive because my stepmother had a fondness for bushes under the balconies.

Once I was done, I clapped my hands together like a job well done, and turned around. I came face to face with one of Snow White's previous curiosities. The man with the red hair and golden eyes, and his eyes had a glimmer of something that I couldn't quite place.