The third night of the ball was more crowded than ever. This was going to be the most spectacular night with fireworks and everything. Even people who weren't hoping to woo and marry a millionaire attended. The gowns and suits were exquisite. Furs and feathers. Silks and satins. Deep blues and greens and red and purples. Even black and gold and silver. It was specular.
All night Emmerett wondered where Cinny was and why she hadn't shown up. He worried whether it was because one of her glass slippers had fallen off during their romantic encounter. Surely she had other pairs of shoes she could wear.
He marinated on the memories of her lips on his. The curves of her body. He liked that she was so sweet and soft spoken, but could be aggressively passionate, too. He inhaled deeply at just the recollection of the smell of her hair.
He decided that she must not have returned that night because she was afraid they wouldn't be able to contain their lust for each other. He could tell she was a good girl, mostly likely with a curfew. She probably wanted to wait until she was married before being with a man.
"Hello Rhett." An intentionally sultry voice said. He was pulled out of his cloud of memory.
"Amber, you're here."
"Anastasia. You naughty boy." She said teasingly and tugged on his tie. "You'll need to remember my name and not just how well I kiss if you want to make any special announcements later."
"Ah-hah, yes." He smoothed his tie. "I'll make a point of it. Please, do excuse me-" he hurried away.
Later that night he did make an announcement. At exactly 11:30 PM he stood at the top of the stairs in the ballroom.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am very pleased and honored you have chosen to favor me with your presence. You have helped me celebrate my birthday in a most marvelous way! As promised, I have chosen my bride, and I am ready to announce who my heart has chosen.
A hush fell over the crowd followed by high-pitched, giddy squeals of hope and excitement. Emmerett pulled the glass slipper from his pocket and held it up.
While it was a pleasure meeting each of you lovely young ladies, the owner of this glass slipper is my chosen bride.
At the very moment he made this announcement Anastasia vomited and collapsed, knocking over the elderly woman next to her. Madam hurried to her. Daniel Stewart came to her aid as well, and carried her to the car where Drisella was already waiting. She, too was pale and sick.
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