👑CHAPTER THREE👑
•Home Sweet Albany•

Albany, New York🗽

6:30 p.m.

-Friday; evening-

-Jack-

The sun began taking its leave while the moon was standing by ready to clock-in for work. We made our way from Rochester all the way to Albany, New York. I could see the big, "Welcome to Albany" sign up ahead.

It was a long trip thanks to Simon having to make frequent pit stops; but I only grew more nervous as we got closer to our destination. We had already came all this way and there was no way of backing out of it now.

"How much longer until we arrive, Simon?"

"It shan't be much longer, sir?

Simon has been a part of the William's Royal family since I was in diapers. He's more than just some butler, he's a life-long friend, which whom I can always depend on. The man would literally take a bullet for me--no questions asked, no regrets.

He's a nice guy, but that doesn't mean he doesn't get himself and me into some pretty bizarre and awkward situations from time to time. They say: "With age comes wisdom", but I guess he never got the memo.

We soon pulled up to a street flooded with cars and a massive wave of paparazzi; we had arrived at Charming's magical mansion.

"Uh...Simon? What happened to it being just a little get together?"

"Oh, uh...oops. I guess he invited more people after I spoke with him on the phone."

I quickly pulled out my journal and began to write down positive thoughts.

"I can do this, I can do this." I wrote it repeatedly, until I finally got the message stuck inside my head.

It took him awhile but Simon eventually managed to get through the traffic and raging horde of guests. He pulled in past the gates and stopped in the courtyard.

"Finally." He said, with a sigh.

He exits the limo and quickly comes around the vehicle to open my door. I grabbed the mask from out of my seat and adjusted it on my face. Simon must have gotten the wrong size because I was having a hard time keeping it on my face.

I took a look through the rear view mirror. My mask was black with a navy-blue trim and it even had sapphires upon it; it was sure to grab more attention than I was hoping for, but at least I know I'll be hidden.

I smiled and whispered to myself. "Thank you, Simon."

I slowly got out of the limo and took a look around. The front of the Charming estate was crowded with guests, paparazzi, and other royalty. I spotted Rapunzel with her hair dragging behind her, Snow White arriving with her seven dwarfs, each dressed up in their mini-suits; Ariel even got rid of her aquatic tail and decided to check out the party.

"There's a lot of Tales out tonight."

"Yes, indeed, sir. But may I be the first to say you are looking exceptionally well tonight."

"Well, it is a little flashy. I wasn't hoping to draw that much attention. Just want to have a smooth night out."

"It was necessary. We have to make sure you stick out from the rest of these other guys. Plenty of fish out in the sea tonight; just be sure you're ready to reel them in."

He shoved my shoulder and shot me a wink. He was a old fool but I couldn't help but chuckle at his statement.

"Alright...I'll try my best."

"That's the spirit, sir. Remember, the night is young. Go bag yourself a royal fish."

He positioned himself like he was holding a fishing pole, working on his perfect cast.

"Come on, Jack. Do it with me."

"Uhm...maybe we shouldn't--"

"Come on, live a little."

Ariel passed by with a group of ladies, each of them giving us disgusted looks. I quickly tried hiding my face, forgetting that it was already hidden by the bedazzled mask.

"Uhm...maybe you shouldn't refer to them as fish."

"Eh, don't worry about them. King Triton, isn't so scary. He can't harm us while we're on land."

He crept closer and whispered.

"Don't tell him I said that." He laughed, "But enough about magical fish people; remember, tonight is all about you, Jack. Now, get in there and have some fun."

The men standing outside the home each pulled out a trumpet from behind their backs and began to play in perfect sync. They stopped when the front doors swung open, and the music from inside blasted into everyone's ears.

{Song: Trumpets by Jason Derulo}

The butler stood on the other side of the door with a line of Charming's royal servants. I followed behind the swarming crowd as they entered the mansion in a hurry.

The servants greeted us all as we entered, offering us fancy foods, and an assortment of aged wine. I didn't much care for Prince Charming but I have to admit, he sure knew how to throw a party.

Prince Charming stood atop his staircase with Cinderella at his side; they were both dressed in the finest attire.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome." Charming said, with a pearly, white smile. "My wife and I couldn't be any happier with your arrival. It's been years since the last time we all got together for an old-fashioned masquerade."

The room filled with an uproar of applause. I joined in, on the excitement and even felt a smile start to form onto my face. I've always been capable of smiling but it's been awhile since its felt this good. I was still skeptical, but for the moment I began to believe that I might actually have a good night out with no worries at all.

I took a sip of wine and pretended to have a ceremonial toast with myself. I raised my glass into the air and yelled, "Here's to recovery!"

"He's got the right idea."

Charming threw up his hands and waved them from side to side.

"DJ turn up the music and let's get this party started!"

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