●4●

The ballroom had been transformed, silk was draped across the ceiling, mingling with elegant chandeliers. I stood at the top of the stairs, watching as girls dressed in pristine gowns with huge hair displays mingled in the room. Tables were scattered around the room, holding flutes of champagne, dipped strawberries and assorted canapés. Staff stalked through the room, holding trays of other drinks and different snacks also.

I turned to Riley who's eyes were wide with glee, she looked back at me before whispering excitedly "it's so beautiful... imagine this being your home...!"

"it's abit overwhelming" I confessed.

"don't worry" she said calmly "stay with me and we will just raid the food stations" she laughed

We made our way down the stairs, trying not to slip on my dress. The room was buzzing, musicians played joyful tunes and watched as some girls began dancing.

The night was simple, me and Riley stayed by the food and drink, happily eating away as we people watched. Towards the middle of the evening the Queen and King made a brief appearance, they sat on a table watching the girls as they interacted. I wondered where their sons were... This wasn't an event for them, but part of me was curious about them, I wanted to meet them...

The room suddenly went silent as the doors at the top of the stairs shot open. Three men emerged, bickering between them.

"Princes Greyson, Ezra and Theodore" the announcer said. All of the girls looked on in excitement, some began rummaging through their small evening bags for lip stick, perfumes and hair products. Some downed their champagne confidently before standing up straight, pushing out their chests. Some of the girls stood nervously, unsure what to do with themselves.

The 3 men stopped arguing and turned to the busy room. All were dressed in impeccable suits, with medals hanging on their lapels. Theo waved sheepishly, making some girls swoon. Ezra winked to the crowed, causing some girls to fan themselves. The third stood stoic... that must be Grey. He was older than the other 2, but the most handsome. His rugged features highlighted his ice blue eyes. He scanned the crowed, his mouth not forming a smile the whole time. The three men descended the stairs, before walking through the parted crowed to their parents.

"good evening" the king announced, standing from his chair "we know you didn't expect us all tonight but that's the fun of it all..."

The queen stood, straightening her skirt. She wore an ice blue ball gown, with intricate lace sleeves. A silver crown sat atop of her perfectly curled hair. She smiled before placing her hand on Theodore's shoulder "over the next few weeks, our boys will each choose a wife... we have planned things so you can all spend some 1:1 time with each of them. They will ultimately choose who they want to marry, but we hope we can help guide them"

"yes, my love." the king added "we know alot of you have never found your mates, or have rejected or been rejected. Mates are a wonderful thing, but me and my queen were not mates. But love happened anyway. The mate bond can be started through true love."

The girls looked around bewildered. I thought the mate bond was set. There was one person and that was it. it was instant.

"I know it's confusing" the queen spoke "but it's true. the mate bond can be ignited through mutual love... a love so strong the bond becomes infallible. Now let's enjoy the night... mingle and have fun"

The crowed began talking again, the music playing. The prince's stood watching the gaggle of girls. I focused on Grey, his face remained still as he scanned next to me. His eyes met mine, a slight jolt shooting through me. The corner of his lips curled into a cheeky grin. He continued staring at me before talking to his brothers, his eyes set on mine.

"I'm just going to go to the toilet..." I spoke before quickly pushing through the crowed.

The toilets were quiet, apart from a girl who stood applying makeup. I pushed into the cubical before sitting down on the loo. He was so intimidating, yet so engaging at the same time.

I quickly flushed, before washing my hands. Opening the bathroom door, the dimly lit corridoor was a quiet place to stand for a moment. As soon as I sighed, I was pushed against the wall, two large hands appearing on either side.

"hi" he spoke, his voice deep and husky.

I stopped, before briefly curtsying "your majesty..."

He stopped me from fully curtsying, "don't... you don't have to curtsy to me..."

Ahead of me Grey stood, his face inches from mine. He was even better looking from close up, his hair was perfectly placed, the sides shaved. He smelled like a forest just after a rain storm. "what's your name?" he spoke

"Amelia" I gulped, trying not to melt in his presence.

"Amelia...that's a pretty name for a beautiful girl..." he smiled before pushing himself off the wall "it was nice lovely to meet you Amelia... I think getting to know you is going to very interesting..."

He strode off down the corridoor before turning back into the bustling ballroom.

I quickly made my way back to Riley, she instantly knew something was up "what happened?"

"just had a... moment with Grey" I spoke flustered.

"oooo lucky you! he is apparently going to be the hardest to woo..." she chuckled.

I scanned the room, trying to find him in the crowed. He was back with his brothers, they laughed playfully.

If that was him, I wonder what it would be like meeting his brothers...