Gauri's Dress

Ishani Dress

Asha'S dress

Mrunnal's Dress

Gauri's POV

I flooded into the ballroom , dressed in blue and black ball gown and decorated in diamond and silver accessories . The unfamiliar feel of the heels makes my body go rigid . I've never anything close to heels in my entire life . All of us , were brought up as poor yet our lifestyle was indeed comfortable. At least we have survived, we doesn't need wealth or money as we just needed each other . But now , my family is no more , I'm left utterly defenceless and alone . I'm an orphan now . Thrown a head first into a world that completely strange and different to me . I missed home .

With my luscious locks pulled back into a elegant braid in half , while the remaining was falling beautifully over my waist . I adjusted my silver mask and glance around , my amber eyes were exposed as I searched the room for something to do . Not wanting awkwardly stand there , I just followed Mrunaal and the girls ; letting them to take the lead .

The blue and black hem of my beautiful dress brushed along the marble floor as I began to walk , making me almost step on it and slip but thankfully I was able to remain my balance and straighten up , this time bu clutching some of the fabric with my gloved hand so it lifted off the floor and it wouldn't get in the way of my wheels . As I looked up from my heels , I realised that I've lost the sight of my new friends , tried to search for them but with no luck I waited beside the refreshments table and hoped for the best . There was nothing but girls in colourful dresses as far as I could see , the bright mixture of the colours almost hurts my eyes . There were just so many girls , colours and movement , made me feel dizzy .

Finally after a long one hour waiting , we were forced  to stand in a long line and await till King and Queen entered the spacious ball room .  I couldn't hide my nervousness as my hand began to sweat automatically. Soon all the chatter died when a beautiful woman entered the room .

It's the Queen .

The queens eyes spared a glance to other girls before landing on me and the girls (ishani,asha,mrunaal) as if we were the diamonds in rough . Her gaze traveled to us and then darkened with delight.  The look she gave me made my skin crawl,but I don't dare to stare back at her .  It's looks like she has been inspecting us for a long time before she finally looked away , much to my relief . Then , she went and stood beside the King who nodded to all girls in approval .

Suddenly with a snap of his fingers , four tall , extremely well built guys strolled into the room . All four were suited in black tux and black mask to hide their identity .

"Go ahead and choose your young slave , choose wisely" The king ordered his sons with simple gesture and command . The guards kept me in line , growling when I tried to look for Ishani and the others . So I kept my head lowered , my eyes were focused on the white marble floor. I was very scared.  I know I can't deny the fact that even with the masks , the princes were very attractive and suited bachelors but It couldn't hide the fact that they're actually natural born monsters , who is capable to kill anyone , anytime .

"Arijit , take your pick"

The queen spoke in a clear and smooth voice , ordering one of her son to choose first . The youngest of the four took a step forward. Arijit strolled down the line , his eyes were trailing over a few girls but it's seems he already know who he's going to pick as began to walk past all the girls ; Confidently , even refuse to spare a glance to any other girls as he pinned his gaze to a familiar petite figure . He adjusted his bow as he walked her way and stopped in right in front of her .

I didn't realise that it was Mrunaal until I hear her shout . Her cute petite figure come to view as I lifted my head to see who was causing the commotion. My eyes widened as I saw her being pushed forward by one of the guards . Arijit has chosen her , now her fate was consoled with him . He is now her Master , forever . The sight made my throat dry and my head feel light . There was a weird feeling rising in stomach making me feel anxious and sick .

Everyone waited as Arijit offered his hand to Mrunaal , her black iris were flickered in anger but she sucked it up and placed her hand in his when she heard his growl .  Never have I heard someone growl inhumanly before , it frightened me and the noise failed to bring my nerves to rest . It's made me more jumpy , all the four princes were very mysterious and intimidating. Each built like some Greek god , eyes that burned right into you . Those eyes were so intense and hid many secrets , I had no doubt about that considering their lock and dark history .

"Ranveer, choose your pick"

This time a slightly fair skinned man stepped forward to claim on the woman standing anxiously in line . He was slow and has more calculating look as he walk passed several girls ,  his eyes were dark and hooded . I hesitated when he paused in front of me , glowering before moving on only to pick no other than Ishani whose loud curses echoed across the ball room.  I noticed her voice immediately and frowned when she was grabbed by her wrist and practically yanked the room ,her stubbornness was clearly shown . Though I swear I had seen amusement flash across Ranveer's features but it disappeared quickly when the pair exited .

As i stood there silently , I wondered what happens after you're been picked and what happen when you're not . The thought itself made me feel tremble a bit more . Both scenarios seems scary .

"Rithvik, your turn"

The second to the last princes didn't hesitate to step forward , his demeanour calm as he walks down the line , his eyes gazing over few woman faces . His eyes seems to flicker with unsatisfactorily until he spotted a dark brown haired girl . He offered his hand to the girls , dark black eyes growing somehow warm ,unlike his other brothers gazes . A small smile was on his face when the girls shakily places her hand on his and was being led away from the shelter of many other girls . I noticed that girl is Asha when her eyes glanced at me as if it was pleading for help . "It will be okay" I mouthed , as it was the only thing I could do to assure her . I wasn't able to promise anything because I don't know what will happened to her and the others . I'm clueless as even I don't what will happen to me .

My body continued to shake as the last prince took a step forward , his blue eyes scanning over the girls . Those intense blue eyes ...seems so familiar to me . I couldn't remember when and I've seen those before but felt like I'd before .

"Omkara , you may choose now" the queen said and perked up a little , her eyes were gleaming with curiosity.  She probably wondering who he will be picking .

The blue eyed prince carefully observed each face , pondering for a moment as if he were sorting whether he wanted them or not . Though his lips said other things , the corners were slightly curled up into small and barely noticed smile which give the hint that he know exactly what he wanted and it's was very obvious that it was none of of the girls which he currently looking at . He seems to enjoy the fears in their eyes and continued down on the line , taking what every girl had offer . Yet his mysterious eyes were dark with mixed emotions when his gaze locked with mine  . I wanted to look away but somehow I can't . My eyes stared glued to his as my body warmed and stopped trembling.

Something ...something was so familiar about him but I couldn't decipher it . His blue eyes ... his blue eyes reminds me of the ocean that roared along  the edge of our town . It's made my blood freeze when he suddenly tore his beautiful blue eyes away from me , breaking the contact and stopped beside me . Not , in front of me .

I was slightly dazed and confused when I saw him drag a sobbing girl out of her spot beside me . I don't know why a wave disappointment was washing over me . I don't know why I'm being so ridiculous. I should be happy that he didn't picked me . I break my trances when I hear a loud sobbing beside me . I narrowed my eyes and decided I wouldn't let him take the poor girl but I won't lie , there's something inside me want him to take me instead . I don't know  , why .

Bitting my lower lips , I was stuck between two choices whether to stand still and do nothing or take the poor girl place .

Without thinking, I cleared my throat and eased my body in front of the girl , placing my hand on his hard chest . It was my weak attempt to stop him from grabbing the crying girl . Before I know what I was doing , the word escaped my lips .

"Take me , instead" somehow I managed to say it in demanding and firm tone. I have to admit the words come across more confidently than intended , making me frightened to the core . I just spoke to the direwolf crown prince  with a voice that screamed assertive , which I was very far from most of the time .

He raised his dark brow , scanning me to head and toe . A growl tore out of his throat while his eyes said otherwise . His posture went rigid and his demeanour came across as angry , but I don't know why I somehow felt he is pleased . With another second to waste , he grabbed my wrist by force and dragged me outside the ballroom .

"You risk your life for a complete stranger?" He asked in a sternly voice , his eyes were looking down at me as if I'm an idiot.  I cowered slightly under his gaze , which made me feel so small and weak but I  didn't care to answer him.  Quietly I lowered my gaze to my heels and clutched a fabric of my dress . "I would. She was scared and ..."

"So were you . You're more stupid than I thought" he hissed out , cutting me off before dragging me down the long corridor and finally stopped at two brown large doors . Fixing the sleeves his suits , he retrieved a key, unlocked the door and shoved me inside forcefully as if not taking into consideration that I could possibly trip . Which I did. I struggled to grab onto something on the way down as the sudden shove made my body jolt forward. Before I could react my end of heels caught into the fabric of my dress , sending me plummeting to the ground .
My eyes squeezed shut as a suprise cry left me , much to my embarrassment.

Then I felt something warm , or should I say someone .

The concern his eyes shocked me more than him catching me but just as quickly it had come , it had gone . His muscular arms wrapped themselves around my waist almost instinctively as he caught me and helped me onto my feet . His eyes darkened slightly in the process . We both fell silent before he let go of me and create a distance between us .

"If I know that you're this much oaf, I would have pick the another girl" he said .

I frowned.

"Well if I know you would be this much rude , I would gladly let you pick the other girl" I shot back , glaring up at him after I fixed my dress and stepped out of my heels so I wouldn't trip again . The sudden fire burning inside me surprised me . Normally I'm not like this . Just something about him , agitated me , maybe because being forced here and the fact that my family been killed .

"Is that so?"  He raises his eye brows again , dark strands of his hair hovering above the small creases on his forehead. His jaw clenched slightly when I dared to take a step forward towards him and nod "yes".

"I doubt that" he muttered while take a step closer to me .

I gulped, he was too close .

I even could smell his aftershave with a hint of mint and could exactly feel the warmth and power which was rolling off his body onto mine . Tilting my head back , I gaze up at him enable me to take in his features up close .

Whoah.

He is unbelievable hot and sexy.  He was gifted with sharp yet stubborn jawline . His stubble ,Kissable plumped lips , the scar between his forehead , closer to left brow which  I felt a weird urge to touch it . Paired with long raven hair , which been tied up into half pony which made him look more sexier . A straight nose and intense yet beautiful pair of blue eyes which take my heart away .

My eyes wandered along his handsome face and drifted lower to his Adam's apple and collar bone that exposed after he undid his tie and few buttons only a moment ago in the ballroom . He noticed my travelling gaze and growled slowly , his eyes were dark with emotions.  I gulped as i decided to break the tension , ignoring the electricity that was sparkling intensely between us .

"Doubt all you want . I want to ask something" I paused to think a question to distract us both from the fiery connection, I know we both felt it . It was obvious but if he didn't I would label him as an idiot but again ...what did I know about chemistry ? Other than unrealistic romance which I read in the novels before . I know nothing .

I was able to look away from his mesmerising blue eyes and took a step back to put a distance between us . "What will happen to the other girls who weren't chosen?"

He recognises my failing attempt to distract us both , I could see him rolled his eyes but still responded .

"Nothing will happen to them , they will become servants , do such thing as cooking , serving , cleaning and obey our every commands"

My heart skipped a beat as a thought entered my head , bravely I decided to ask him a dangerous question.

"Then how about me ? What I'll be doing for you?"

My breath hitched as his lips slowly formed a mischievous smirk . He took a single stride towards me and leaned closer enough to whisper the answer to my ears . My body tensing as his hot breath fanned my cheeks before he ran the tip of his nose along the length of my neck , inhaling my scent then reaching to my ears .

I could hear my heart pounding.

With his slow and husky voice , he said .

"Whatever I ask, you'll do , Gauri"

I felt my heart stopped for a second when I heard the last word.

My name ....he know my name .