Lilly’s POV

The girl staring back at me in the mirror looked so different, yet so familiar. The only thing I recognized was my eyes—the rest of me looked like a long-lost princess stepping out of a fairy tale.

The soft chiffon ballgown hugged my figure perfectly, showing just enough skin while remaining stylish and elegant.

I turned from side to side, examining myself in the borrowed full-length mirror. The fabric swirled around me, creating the illusion of yellow flames that danced at my every movement.

My gaze shifted to my golden hair. I had styled it in a simple updo, with soft curls framing my gently made-up face.

I looked… beautiful. Even my parents, if they were alive, would be proud of me now. It was still so much to process. I was sure this must be a dream. How else could I explain it?

I shook my head in denial. This can’t be real.

Was I really wearing this? Was I really seeing myself draped in expensive fabric? Was I really going to the ball?

This can’t be me. I’m usually pale and invisible—a wallflower, not a colorful butterfly…

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts, and I reluctantly dragged my attention toward the door.

“Come in,” I said, trying not to glance back at my reflection.

James peeked his head around the door, his eyes scanning my small room before landing on me. He let out a soft gasp.

“You look absolutely stunning, Lilly,” he said.

My face grew warm, and I dropped my gaze to my hands. No one had ever told me I looked stunning before.

“The car’s here,” he continued, stepping inside. “Are you ready?”

Ready? No, I was anything but ready. Nerves tied my stomach in knots and made my heart race.

James noticed my worry and tilted his head.

“Is everything okay?” he asked. “I promise—Jacob and I will take good care of you.”

“It’s not that,” I muttered, finding my voice.

James closed the door gently.

I’d never allowed him inside before; my living conditions weren’t perfect. I only had the bare basics.

The changes in the past two weeks were overwhelming, and they scared me.

What if all this was just a dream? Would I survive if it ended?

I couldn’t let myself get my hopes up—circumstances could change in an instant.

A breath escaped my lips.

“What’s the matter?” James pressed gently.

“I’m not sure I can dance,” I admitted, my face heating up. “I’ve only ever danced in my dreams.”

James was quiet for a moment.

“I think you’ll do just fine,” he said at last. “I’ve seen you sway to the music when you work…”

He held out his hand. “If all else fails, I’ll personally be held accountable.”

I placed my hand in his, and he spun me around with ease. A soft giggle escaped me as he dipped me back.

“See?” he smiled. “You already know the moves. Now you just need to own it!”

James had a knack for making me laugh and putting me at ease. His easygoing, happy-go-lucky attitude was infectious. I couldn’t help but trust him; he felt like the brother I never had—always looking out for me.

He’d earned my trust. He’d not only freed me from Angelica’s endless chores, but also put her firmly in her place.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when James’s eyes glazed over earlier. I knew he was mind-linking someone, but who?

When his eyes cleared, he grabbed the mop and bucket and handed them to Angelica.

“What is this?” she sneered. “I’m not the help…”

“Punishment,” he replied evenly, pinning her with his gaze.

Angelica huffed, flipping her hair, and started toward the exit.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Jacob stopped her before she could leave.

She turned slowly to face him.

“As punishment for disobeying orders, Beta Zack hereby commands you, Angelica Black, to do all the domestic work for a month.”

“You’ll start with the list you wrote,” Jacob added.

“This is outrageous!” she shouted.

“Is it?” James asked. “You have the choice to resist…”

“But then we’ll have to lock you up for at least three months pending trial,” Jacob said calmly.

Angelica had never expected the brothers to shift all the domestic duties onto her.

James winked at me, and I nearly burst out laughing.

The way her face twisted with anger would stay with me forever—it was priceless.

I had to hand it to them; they had skills—no wonder they were part of King Alpha Alexander’s elite warriors.

“Now,” James said, snapping me out of my memory. “Let’s not keep the Prince and Beta waiting. We have a long drive ahead, and they’re expecting you.”

I nodded, and James offered his arm.

As we descended the stairs, I overheard Sade and Jacob arguing.

“You can’t do this to me!” she yelled furiously. “How am I supposed to get there?”

“What’s going on?” James asked, releasing my arm and stepping forward.

Sade’s head whipped around at his voice. She glared at me, hissing in anger.

I glanced at her. She wore a yellow dress—completely out of character for her. Sade usually preferred bold colors like pink, purple, and red.

“He,” Sade hissed, pointing accusingly at Jacob, “refuses to let me get in the limo and go with you!”

James tilted his head, eyebrows raised, regarding her as if she’d lost her mind.

“But he’s right,” James replied, serious. “The car isn’t meant for you—it’s for Lilly.”

“What!” Sade shrieked. “You can’t do that to me!”

The hairs on the back of my neck prickled—I sensed someone watching me. I knew who it was, but couldn’t bring myself to turn around.

“Can’t you gentlemen make an exception?” Angelica asked, her voice low and suddenly sweet—desperate to win them over.

I turned just enough to catch a glimpse of her from the corner of my eye.

Angelica hesitated to come outside; she was terrified the neighbors might spot her in a maid’s outfit.

Jacob had given her an old apron and gloves from the kitchen drawer, insisting she wear them. She still hadn’t finished the list of chores she’d once burdened me with.

“We’ve been very accommodating toward you and the Royal House,” Angelica continued. “The least you can do is drive my daughter to the ball tonight. It’s not as if it’s out of your way…”

Jacob and James exchanged a look, then glanced at me. I could feel the weight of their gaze, amplifying the pressure I already felt from Angelica’s demands…