Saturday afternoon arrived faster than Amara expected.
The entire week had passed in a blur of whispers, rumors, and curious stares.
Every student in the academy now knew she was attending the royal charity gala with Crown Prince Adrian.
Some people looked at her with curiosity.
Others with jealousy.
Vanessa… with pure hatred.
Amara tried not to think about it too much.
Right now, she stood outside her small home, nervously adjusting the sleeves of her simple outfit.
Her mother stood beside her, equally nervous but excited.
"Are you sure this is real?" her mother asked for the fifth time.
Amara laughed softly.
"I'm still asking myself that."
Just then, a sleek black luxury car slowly pulled up in front of their house.
Amara's heart started racing.
Two men in elegant black suits stepped out.
One of them walked toward her respectfully.
"Miss Daniels," he said politely. "We are here to escort you."
Amara nodded nervously.
Her mother looked both proud and shocked.
"Take care of my daughter," she said quickly.
"Of course," the man replied.
Amara hugged her mother quickly before stepping into the car.
The door closed softly behind her.
As the car began driving, Amara looked out the window, watching the familiar streets slowly disappear.
Her life felt like it was changing faster than she could understand.
About forty minutes later, the car passed through massive golden gates.
Amara's eyes widened.
The palace stood in front of her like something out of a movie—huge white buildings, elegant fountains, and perfectly trimmed gardens stretching across the grounds.
The car stopped in front of the grand entrance.
A woman wearing a professional uniform opened the door.
"Welcome, Miss Daniels," she said kindly.
Amara stepped out carefully, feeling small in front of the enormous palace.
"This way, please."
She was guided through beautiful marble hallways filled with paintings, chandeliers, and tall windows.
Everything felt elegant and quiet.
Eventually, they entered a large dressing room.
Several stylists stood waiting.
"Good afternoon," one of them said warmly.
"We will be preparing you for the gala."
Amara blinked.
"All of you?"
They laughed softly.
"Of course."
The next few hours felt like a dream.
They styled her hair.
They applied makeup carefully.
And finally…
They brought out the dress.
It was a breathtaking dark blue gown that shimmered softly under the lights.
Amara stared at it in disbelief.
"This is for me?"
"Yes."
After changing into the dress, Amara looked at herself in the mirror.
She barely recognized the girl staring back.
For the first time, she looked like she might belong at a royal gala.
Just then, the door opened.
A palace staff member stepped inside.
"Miss Daniels," he said respectfully.
"His Royal Highness is ready."
Amara's heart skipped.
She took a deep breath and followed him out of the room.
They walked down a long hallway before reaching a large pair of doors.
The doors slowly opened.
And there he was.
Adrian.
He stood at the bottom of a grand staircase wearing a perfectly tailored black suit.
His posture was straight, confident, and completely royal.
For a moment, Adrian simply looked at her.
His usually calm expression softened slightly.
"You clean up well," he said.
Amara rolled her eyes, though her cheeks warmed.
"You're not so bad yourself… Your Royal Highness."
Adrian offered his arm.
"Shall we?"
Amara hesitated only for a moment.
Then she placed her hand on his arm.
Together, they walked toward the waiting car that would take them to the royal charity gala.
Neither of them noticed…
A photographer hiding behind the palace gates had just taken their picture.