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."

her mate to be here with me. I hadn't meant for that to happen, but I didn't feel like

matter how much my brother pissed him off, I could

back, Trixie...

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

before we're later than we already are," Sansa replied, causing me to look at the clock on the way to see

the time," I muttered as I moved towards the door, with Trixie and Sansa

but time had kind of slipped my mind. Being on time for anything in my life wasn't something I was really capable

getting closer. I wasn't sure what it was about this whole thing that alarmed me, but the closer I

as I stopped just outside the grand golden and white double doors, fear undoubtedly hiding beneath the depths of my eyes as Trixie and Sansa both came

doing breathly regiments to get me to follow. ‘In through your nose and out through your mouth.

feet obeying as I followed the two women into the grand ballroom.

once again, I felt breathless in the

guys I had seen around campus, obviously having decided to participate in the games. While others I took note of

my way towards his throne, prepared to do the proper thing-like Trixie told me-and greet

in respect only to take the seat next to him as he offered for me to do. Sansa and Trixie took two smaller seats next to me that had been

join us, Cassie. I

mouth, I looked at him speechless as I tried to formulate a reason for me being late. "It took a bit longer for

to do with the fact I didn't want to come and did more complaining while Trixie and Sansa were trying to get me ready

my reasoning as his eyes gazed over me with a smile on his face. "Your friends did

and as I glanced to 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 all looked to

with everyone on the dance floor, who all stopped to stare at him with interest. "Thank you all for being here tonight. I know some of you traveled a very long way to be present. As you all know, my granddaughter and heir apparent, Castor, or Cassie as she likes to be called,

the event will be the one who takes place at her