And Then There Were Four (Lilith Carrie)

Chapter 182: The Solstice Ball

Cassie.

A few days had passed since I had spoken with the girls in the living room with Freya. I couldn't believe what Freya had told me. I was going to have to go to another ball and on top of that, Thor's son-my cousin-actually thought he stood the chance of being able to possibly win my hand in marriage.

The discussion of that crap was completely unsettling. I got it. They may have thought once upon a time that was a pure way to keep bloodlines and so on and so forth. But there was no way in hell my 21 st-century ass was ever going to subject myself to some kind of bullshit like that.

But instead of continuing to cause a ruckus, I made myself presentable and dressed in an entire floor-length gown I was unprepared to actually go venture out. It was not the most comfortable attire I would have chosen.

The floor-length ball gown was white with a golden sheer overlay, and a corset with gold and diamond jewels on it that were enough to put royalty to shame. Of course, this type of attire was normal here in a godly realm, but it didn't stop me from staring in the mirror with a look of unease as I tried to mentally prepare myself for the shit I was about to go through.

'Come on, Cassie, Jesus Christ, woman," Sansa yelled from the living room as I stared at my reflection, not recognizing the woman staring back at me. The smokey eyes Trixie had mixed with the pale pink lipstick gave me more of an innocent look that contrasted my bright pink hair.

I wasn't sure what it was about my appearance of myself that made me think of my mother, but thinking about her longer than I desired caused an emotion to build inside me I quickly had to blink back in order to make sure my eye makeup didn't run.

With a heavy sigh of defeat, I walked towards the living room, letting my friends finally take in the completed look they both so desperately work hard to achieve, and by the smiles on their faces, I knew they approved.

'Damn, you look good," Sansa said with a low whistle that made me smile. 'Trixie, I think we should start doing this shit professionally.'

Trixie turned from the mirror she was looking in to give me an approving smile. She herself was dressed up as well as Sansa for the nightly event. However, she settled for a more floral dress of white, pinks, and light shades of purple. Her hair piled halfway upon her head as it fell down in ringlets over her shoulders.

She honestly looked like a fairy princess, and with Sansa decorated in a black beaded formal trimmed in silver—the three of us were prizes to be sought after.

'You look beautiful," Trixie said softly. "I wish Lux could be here right now to see you."

me, knowing Trixie had to spend so much time away from her mate to be here with me. I hadn't meant for that

pissed him off, I could tell she

can head back, Trixie...

me, taking my hand in hers. "And leave Sansa to do all of this alone? No way. I can always travel back and forth between things. Plus, it's not like this is forever. It’s just until the games are

this. Now come on and let's go before we're later than we already are," Sansa replied, causing me to look at the clock

time," I muttered as I moved towards the

how important the event tonight was, but time had kind of slipped my mind. Being on time for anything in my life wasn't something

building, the sound of music chimed in the distance, signaling we were getting closer. I wasn't sure what

do this,' I whispered breathlessly as I stopped just outside the grand golden and white double doors, fear undoubtedly hiding beneath the depths of my eyes as

to get me to follow. ‘In through your nose

she gently pulled me forward, my feet obeying as I followed the two

them both chuckle as the sight of hundreds of people filled my sight, and once again, I felt breathless in the moment. I hadn't expected this many people to be present, and the moment I entered, they all

seen around campus, obviously having decided to participate in the games. While

bellowed with a smile on his face as I made my way towards his throne, prepared to do the proper thing-like Trixie

me to do. Sansa and Trixie took two smaller seats next to me that had been presented as if Odin knew

join us, Cassie. I was

tried to formulate a reason for me being late. "It took a bit longer for me to get ready then I expect... girl has

more to do with the fact I didn't want to come and did more

to believe my reasoning as his eyes gazed over me with a smile on his face. "Your friends did a very good job in preparing you. There are very important people that you will be meeting

my friends-who were in quit conversation with each other-1 didn't miss the way the eyes of so many people out on the dance floor

tonight. I know some of you traveled a very long way to be present. As you all know, my granddaughter and heir apparent,

will be the one who takes place