27

  “Are you sure about this? It seems a little impulsive.”

  Maeve’s eyes darted to her brother who had her arm locked. The two descended down the spiral staircase where the entire ballroom of the castle seemed to now be made of gold. The golden ball, a traditional event for every transitioning season of the year. A ball created to warm the spirits of Edindale, with the forever winter. The impending doom of man now in the fray of things, gave it a little more meaning.

  Omar tightened his grip around his sister's arm, fixing his elegant robes. “Unless your solution is to let the King and the Specters take over Edindale, I say not.”

  Omar shunned his suit, fixing the uncomfortable tight design of it. An elegant three-piece midnight blue suit, with gray lining around the buttons, suffocated his body. Omar opened his tight stripped tie as he lied inside mummy wrap. Sweat slowly came down his face in waves. “Why do they make clothes like this…?” Omar annoyingly played with his collar until his teeth grinned aggravated.

  Maeve smacked his hand from his collar. “Will you stop making it seem like were animals.” She nervously laughed as some of the guests glanced at the siblings.

  “Wow. She’s gorgeous.” A guest peered. “Like a raven out of the wild.”

  The guest lost sight staring at Maeve. For her sleeveless gown, made out of black feathers cut off at her shoulders, did not cause as much issues. The dress clenched tightly around her waist, allowing people to see her disciplined physique. The dress furrowed out under her waist, covering her black heels. Maeve smiled to a man, “thank you.” Blushing embarrassed, Omar poked her shoulder out of fun.

  “Oh no.” Omar sarcastically joked. “My sister is being hit on, finally…” he frowned a smile.

  Maeve shook her head smiling. Her face flushed seeing Omar able to smile for the first time in what felt like decades. “Those contacts are working wonders for you.” She pointed to his ocean blue lenses that reflected the old endless wonder his eyes once were. They passed a mirror and Omar peaked at what use to be. He huffed a sigh.

  “Back when things were normal.” He laughed. “But. We have a ceremony to attend.” Omar waved his hand forward and the siblings ascended to the ballroom.

  The entrance into the ballroom inside King Phizer’s castle surprisingly shocked the siblings. Unlike his inappropriate and misguided personality, the ballroom was inviting and designed to capitative its guests behind the King’s true nature. Impressed a general world used at the event. Tall, golden double doors opened, their intricate carvings of golden lotus flowers and swirling daises caught the soft glow of crystal sconces mounted on both walls. Above the doorway arched a glass window to the capital reflecting a Glowstone light engraved in the window, in the shape of a dragon painting.

  The warm marble beneath the feet of the guests lit up with Glowstone traces all around the ballroom. The entire room was golden, even allowing the glow to reflect off many guests. Many guests entered the ballroom with their partner, all wearing golden and black colors. Golden banners flew down above their heads holding a crown with a ball inside of it. The eight chandeliers that filled the room, allowed its wide nest to show how expanded the room itself was. Thousands of guests filled in.

  A soft hum of music played with a gentle murmur of conversations flowing like a grand ocean. The elegant atmosphere held a great anticipation. The invite only ballroom filled leaving little room to wiggle around.

  “Let me in, please. I know Knight Joffrey!” A lowly looking man wearing snow white robes tried to push his way in.

  Leonidas stood at the entrance way with his golden armor set, grabbing the man by his collar. “Didn’t I say no mongrel.” He lifted him high in the air. Omar and Maeve watched behind the line of people. “No invitation, no entry! Leave!” he tossed the man into a table, shattering the glass on top of it. The man looked in fear, as Leonidas’s hazel contact lenses blinked in and out of his onyx eyes at the man.

  The man shivered rushing away. “No invitation, no entry.”

  Slowly the ballroom filled up, with many esteemed guests entering the glorious hall’s tradition. Men and women collaborated and joyfully talked up a bliss storm.

  Maeve tucked her hand behind her brother’s ear. “So, Leonidas is a Diborn too?” She questioned. “Even though, you killed him…”

  “Careful. He can hear even the faintest whisper.” Omar warned. “But yes, and he killed me.” Omar frowned. Leonidas turned his attention to the siblings who were a couple people behind the front. He embraced their arrival with a sinister grin.

  Omar met his glance with an unapologetic one. “He lives to torment. Natasha dug up the Shardbearers history. Two souls live inside him. But it also manipulates his feelings to nothing but hatred and vengeance.”

  The two sat before Leonidas now. Omar looked the golden knight up and down, knowing what true evil lied inside of him. “Which brings us here. To this moment. A specter trying to invade Edindale.” He barked at Leonidas, handing he and Maeve’s invitation.

  Leonidas chirped at the comment, carving open the two invitations. He handed them back two tickets inside the envelope. His gaze froze upon his bitter rival Omar. “Surprised you managed after being stabbed in the heart and back.” He whispered. “All this pain to fail. Keep failing, its what your good at.”

  Leonidas turned to Maeve. “Hello, Omar’s sister.” He winked.

  Omar snatched the tickets away, getting a suspenseful awe from the waiting guests. He turned to them with a smile. “We. Are. Done.” Omar took his sister and walked passed Leonidas.

  “Enjoy the ball. I heard it will be one to die for.” Leonidas laughed, exciting the crowd.

  Omar understood the meaning behind it. So did, Maeve. He truly is serious when he said that. “If they are aligned with King Phizer, we need to somehow convince the King to see reason. This will end poorly for our realm if the Specters take it.” Maeve ran her mouth, shouting a little too loud for wandering guest. Omar shushed her.

  “Maeve. I told you of Halluburg.” He seized, pushing her to one of the walls. The ballroom became more active. “They killed a… god.” He warned her. “All bets are off. The wards have to rise or the Pale will become extinct.” Maeve nodded, slightly. Her shoulders dragged a bit, picking herself back up by fixing her face. “For now, let’s find the others, so we may intervene.” Her brother nodded and they were off.

  The air carried a radiance of positivity, smelling of fresh flowers, the maids arrangement of lotus flower vases around every cloth white table ingenious, keeping the room smelling wonderful. The tall windows draped in golden silk and black brocade stretched to the ceiling allowing the moonlight to bounce off the golden light to turn into pure gold itself.

  The guests moved further inside, their eyes drawn near to the center of the ballroom. A raised dais similar to King Phizers throne room, only this adorned with a magnificent lotus flower arch flanked by numerous throne chairs for the royal family. Beside the King, he held two chairs to his own. The dais served as the focal establishment where the musicians played the requested music of the royal family. An effortless weaving craft of music, played into the conversations and laughter in air.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  The music struck gold, as a piano and violins orchestrated a calming music piercing the thousands of guests, established inside the ball. The golden lights and stained windows illusioned the endless grandeur and spectacle of this ball. Soft cushioned chairs around each elegant white round table, leaving the center of the room open for dancing.

  The guests gathered around tables; their movements affected their attire. Swirling gowns, tailored suits, glittering jewelry, had become part of the ball’s living Taibu. Looking like the most expensive individual in the room. An endless celebration for the successful. The atmosphere is alive with promise to the unknown future. And the night itself held endless possibilities awaiting those who enter.

  “Took you long enough Omar,” Magnus rose his golden goblet.

  Natasha pushed his goblet down before he could sip a drink, rolling her eyes. “You do understand, getting drunk is not the priority here.” Natasha’s striking figure understated. Her hair cascaded in soft waves down her back, catching the warm light. The deep chocolate tones of her locks shimmered like satin, framing a delicate feature.

  Her gown, a rich golden silk that complemented her figure. The neckline of her dress was made of the finest white emeralds a man could find. All around her arms and shoulders those emeralds shined in the golden light. She adorned these kinds of events. Flutes began to chime in to the music as she poured a glass of water for Magnus.

  “I am trying… to look the part.” Magnus rose his brow.

  Omar, Natasha, and Maeve all looked at him like he is a madman. His clothes did not represent someone trying to stay the part.

  A sleeveless wonder, who stood apart from the glittering crowd. Most of the guests refused to stand close to him, as he rugged strength from them, from the refined ballroom. Magnus carried on his shoulders a fur coat made of bear pelt. His suit made from a bear, with dark leather patched thin to appear as a suit. He still looked like a madman as always, compared to the crowd.

  Magnus wore a cloak under the bear on his shoulder. A dark gray cloak with a navy symbol for his clan. He honored them no matter where he went as he was that. He kept his bear and hair in ponytail’s taking the glass of water.

  “Right.” Maeve laughed. “Where is the princess?”

  Natasha shunned her face from Omar. He quickly picked up on it and noticed the sheer terror from her face. “What?”

  “She joined her father, without speaking a word to us.” She leaned in the table.

  “Her father? Why in the devils would she do that!?” Omar snapped, searching for Luna.

  All he could see searching for her was Amy, joined by her classmate Calum by the dais. Her brother, Damian was joined by a royal woman atop the dais as well, leaving seats emptied. Omar rolled his eyes with a sigh.

  “I told you we shouldn’t have brought her here.” Magnus drunk the water bitter. “She is a little too rash for my liking. But so are you.” He pointed to Omar. “Makes the two of you ideal.”

  “She’s also extremely gorgeous…” Maeve sat with her mouth open.

  Omar nodded. “Yeah. Yeah she is.” He smiled embarrassed, but Maeve swung his head to the opposite side of the ballroom.

  The grand golden doors to the residence side of Phizer castle swung open to the ballroom, behind the dais. On top of a grand spiral arched staircase with a gentle touch, every eye turned toward the figure amongst the top of the stairs. The princess stepped inside the ballroom, her presence commanded the room with her effortless otherworldly grace.

  Her gown, even from those who went over the top to picking an outfit was a masterpiece. Every fabric string and thread weaved itself into place with masterful craftsmanship. Luna rested her hands on the rail of the staircase, as she unleashed a starlight glow from her golden diamond gown.

  Soft fabric embroidered with threats of gold falling from her shoulders, casted a net of fluid waves that moved on their own as she descended the staircase. Her golden tiara, made of only diamonds and emeralds founded from the rarest minerals on the Pale mountains, rested lightly on her head. A perfect compliment to her glowing complexion.

  “She is a goddess.” The men all around the ballroom were in awe. She captured their hearts from her sight alone. Omar no different. He gazed upon her from the table, gulping at her mesmerizing sight. He forgot the great evil he faced for a second, because the warmth in his heart returned. Luna fixed her braided hair, loosened into some loose curls to the side.

  “She’s perfect.” Omar smiled. Magnus shoulder bumped into him with a wink.

  Luna reached the bottom of the staircase, pausing to the soft rhythm of conversation around to renovate the silence. Her gaze swept across the room finding what she came for. Her warm and welcoming smile, reflected right from Omar’s as they found themselves lost upon one another.

  Men fell to their knees between them, offering their hands in unison. She looked down upon them and walked through them all. Omar, in a trance, left the table to greet her. Time had stopped and their eyes were on one another. No one else moved or cared to look away.

  The orchestra on cue struck a warm slow melody. The flutes and violins carried a soft hum for each step they took towards one another. The murmurs of the guest resumed, tingled with curiosity, as the princess wrapped her arms around the broad shoulders of a commoner. Her radiance dimmed in their eyes, but glew brighter by Omar’s arms slung around her.

  “Well…” Omar smiled stunned, as he backed away. “You look. Well.”

  “I look like what?” Luna grinned with her teeth out, chuckling to his reaction. “You can slay monsters. But forget how to talk.” She rubbed his shoulder, her voice warm like fire in the winter.

  “Feelings. Are complicated. But you look amazing. Beautiful. Goddess like?” Omar confused himself, to the point they both dropped their heads in laughter. The embarrassment filled him, but the comfort around each other lifted the fumbling of words.

  “Thank you. You look well yourself.” She smiled.

  “I look well, don’t I?” Omar winked sarcastically. “Just well?”

  Luna giggled, as he pulled her closer, within a hair away from each other. Both their eyes narrowed lost in the moment. Luna playfully smacked his shoulder. “You know what I meant.” She rolled her eyes jokingly, “see your way of words spreads like a disease.” She took his hand.

  “And your rashness spreads.” Omar turned his expression to a cold serious tone. “Why are you leaving to meet with your father?” His face widened with anticipation and concern.

  Luna sighed. She shook her head, while guests crowded the area, they were lost in the crowd of conversations going on. Omar studied her, trying to figure out her plan. She was bothered, unable to meet his gaze for once. Her shoulders shrugged as she turned to the dais and saw the King.

  “You. Maeve. Magnus. None of you can get to him. Let me try.” Both their gazes met the King, who wore all white robes, filling his wine glass to the brim, then downing it. The sight irritated Luna. Her vision coherence and pretended she didn’t want to see him that way.

  The King raised his glass towards them. His stare cold and calculated, as if he knew the reason they came. Luna shakily left her elegant posture. Omar noticed the balcony doors opened by the knights, as guests made their way outside. He took Luna’s hand looking right at the King.

  “Come here for a minute.” Omar didn’t hesitate, almost dragging Luna from the room to the balcony, where crickets chirped.

  Only a few esteemed guests were outside, but still across the balcony from Omar and Luna. He sat them down on a stone bench staring at the night sky. Omar moved his body turning to her direction. He took her hand slowly, rubbing his fingers briskly across it.

  “You don’t have to do this, if you don’t want to.” Omar muttered. His voice low and soft.

  Luna annoyingly laughed. “Don’t do that.” She demanded.

  Omar confusingly looked up at her. “What?” She quickly answered. “Acting as if I cannot stand on my own two feet. I never, and I mean never tell you that. I never say you don’t have to do that. And it’s because I believe you can do anything you put your mind to.”

  Hesitation drew closer. The winds flew behind his back, as Omar let a small grin slip out. Her words set in. The upmost confidence of another swaying on his conscious now. His chest buckled and flew out. “I didn’t mean it like that. You know that.” His other hand collapsed her soft touch.

  Luna collapsed his two hands with both of hers. She peered down at their touch and sighed. “I know, and I’m not mad, just show you believe in me, the way I believe in you. Because for us to be successful, we need trust in each other. Not in whatever we are to this point but freeing our home. I need you to believe without question, I can walk up to my father and do what needs to be done.”

  Omar nodded. He coughed out a nod, fully embracing what it was she wanted to say. “I believe you can.” He brought his arm around her for a hug. Her head tilted on his chest, with a smile. “Thank you for believing.”

  Luna laughed. “Without me, your story is just a tragedy. Without you, my story is just a mystery.” She rubbed the top of his scalp.

  “Together and always.” Omar kissed her forehead. “Do what needs to be done then.”