Unlocking Adeline (Skeleton Key) by J.D. Hollyfield, Skeleton Key

looked forward to seeing me at dinner.
    Stepping foot inside, I started toward the bed where I planned on face planting, but Ellie, hopping on one foot and anxious to get me dressed, had other plans. She stressed that we were lacking in time to prepare for the big Welcoming Ball, which was set to begin in less than three hours. Three hours? What in the hell did we need to do that took three hours?

    I bang my head into the bathroom wall. “Ouch.” I rub at my now sore forehead. Not only did that hurt, which means this is not a dream, it hurt bad, meaning that wall is real wood and not cheap drywall they use for houses nowadays.
    I can’t go down to that dinner. I need to find a way out of here. Wherever I am. How could my dad do this to me? Lie to me my whole life I mean, seriously! How can you be from a magical realm, a time traveler and told that your daughter will be the next princess and keep it all that to yourself!? The hurt sinks in. I thought he loved me. He promised to always take care of me. To keep me safe. But he’s been lying to me this whole time. And to allow Locke to just take me. Is he going to come for me? Was that the last time I will ever see my family? I hope they’re okay.
    When I enter back into the bedroom, a dress has been laid out on the bed. More like a poof ball. “Who in God’s name is wearing that?” I gawk at the obnoxious dress that has to be like a million years old.
    “Miss, this is for ye. Sir Locke picked it out.”
    “Well, tell Sir Locke I want my Converse back for starters, and I am NOT wearing this. Is this a joke?”
    “No ma’am that is actually a mighty fine dress. It was personally handcrafted by the best seamstress in all of Wren.”
    I turn to Ellie. “Ellie, answer me one thing. I know I’m not in Kansas anymore, as we like to say, but where the heck am I really?”
    “Ye are in Wren, Miss.”
    “Great. But that means nothing to me. Like is it a small town in Iowa? Mexico? What sort of cult are you people with, and can I please speak to your leader?’” Because I seriously want to go home. I want to go home and take a good solid swing at my dad.
    “Miss, this is Wren and ye are not in Kansas. I’m not so sure I know what a Kansas is.”
    I stopped letting Ellie speak after that. She seemed sweet. Strange when she tried to dress me, which I freaked out at and told her to get out, but sweet. I then quickly asked her to come back in when I had no idea how to put the damn thing on.
    Three layers later, I was dressed in an ice blue evening gown. It wouldn’t have been so bad if it wasn’t layered with a corset, bustle, stockings, and Jesus, I can go on forever! Ellie had curled and pinned my hair, and while I looked in the stand-alone mirror, it freaked me out because I kind of looked like a princess.
    “My Miss, I must say, ye look stunning. Sir Locke will be much pleased with ye.”
    “Sir Locke can—”
    “Sir Locke can what?” We both turn to see Locke standing in the doorway. His fight gear gone, now dressed in black slacks and a white button up shirt that nicely hugs his muscled chest. His broad shoulders rest under a blazer, while his hands are tucked away in his pockets. I bring my eyes slowly up his body to his tanned neck, next to his now shaved chin. Once our eyes connect, I witness the noticeable fire in his eyes.
    “See something ye like?” he purrs, calling me out. My foggy mind quickly clears and my anger sets in.
    “No, more curious why we’re both dressed so funny. Why am I in this? Where are the rest of my clothes and shoes?”
    “Gone. Ye won’t be needing those anymore.” I turn to pick up the brush, ready to fling it at him, but that look in his eyes is warning enough. I huff and release my grip. “Are ye ready for dinner? My family and brother are ready to meet ye.”
    What in God’s name is wrong with this man? His family? His brother ? Does he really think he is going to kidnap me, bring me to a strange warp zone, and