Evening of the Ball:

  I groaned. “I really hate going to these things.”

  Alex chuckled. “You are royalty—you should be used to these kinds of things.”

  “I went to a few when I was younger, but then I started summoning my es to take my pce. It’s not just a nice dance, Alex. It’s all about politics, avoiding offense, and dealing with royal women throwing themselves at you because of my status.”

  “It’s all very imprudent.”

  Alex smirked. “Well… You’re n. But just focus on the people who matter, you know? The one’s who don’t have bad iions. I know you’ll do just fine.” He gave me a reassuring smile before heading bato the bathroom to finish getting dress.

  There was more I wao say but I kept it to myself.

  A royal ball is essentially a political battlefield, full of wolves in sheep’s clothing—people who will seduce, manipute, and use others to gain status. In my previous life, I had no knowledge of politics or how to navigate it. But in this one, my mother, Talia Ashford, drilled every lesson into my mind.

  Acc to her, the kingdom is split into two fas, and that division is slowly deg away showing the fws of this kingdom.

  Surely, they’ll try and recruit me. This is exactly why I didn’t want to expose my power. Why I wao avoid the Princess. But I’ve already made my decision…. I reap what I sow. I must deal with it.

  This is my responsibility now.

  “Hey, man, how do I look?” Alex called out, stepping out of the bathroom.

  His bd pink tuxedo fit snugly across his shoulders, his hair slick back slightly. He did a little spin. “So? How do I look?”

  I sat on the bed, expression dull, and zily gave him a thumbs—up.

  “Nice! You look as pink as ever,” I said, chug.

  He gred at me. “Whatever.”

  “Alright, you ready to head out?” He asked.

  I stood up adjusting my bd red tuxedo, which matched my family’s color scheme. “Sure, let’s go.”

  As we exited the dormitory, we were surprised to find a carriage waiting for us.

  We theered the carriage which was adorned in a royal yellow.

  “Where is Elnora and Lilli?” I asked Alex.

  “Oh! Supposedly, their carriage will be right behind us, so we’ll meet them there.”

  How odd I tried asking Elnora where she was, but she hadn’t replied. I thought

  “Ah, okay,” I replied.

  My mind suddenly wao what the girls’ dresses might look like. I had never really thought about things like this before. This is going to take some time getting used to…

  As our carriage rolled away through the streets of Idelia, we eventually arrived at the castle.

  The castle’s architecture was grand and imposing, demanding attention as it gleamed uhe setting sun. The moon slowly rose, taking its p the evening sky. Everywhere, the fg of the Kingdom of Idelia was dispyed—its yellow and bck design adorned with a and crossed swords, a proud lion standing in its ter.

  “Good evening, sirs. “A royal guard appeared, opening our carriage door as we came to stop.” “Please follow me, esteemed guests.”

  The man wore bd yellow armor, a rapier hanging from his hip. We followed him inside as he led us to the ballroom. It looked just as I remembered from my childhood—a grand, square room lined with t windows. A golden carpet stretched down the ter, leading up to two identical staircases that curved upward to a baly. From there, one could step outside and take in the view of the city.

  Back then, after dang, I would always slip away to the baly quiet escape from the endless chatter and watchful eyes.

  But tonight, I won’t be able to escape.

  The royal guard stepped forward and announced our arrival.

  “Sir Ryn Ashford has arrived!” He yelled.

  The room, once bustling with idle chatter, fell into sudden silenobles paused their drinking aing, their gazes fixed upon us.

  "Great. Here we go." I muttered under my breath.

  Alex snickered. “We got this,” he whispered.

  We walked into the ballroom as Princess a gracefully desded one of the twin staircases.

  I bowed slightly. “Good evening, Yhness.”

  “Good day, Sir Ashford. o bow!” a said warmly. “You saved my life, after all. I hold much gratitude toward you.”

  From behind her, I could hear the hushed whispers of her ente.

  “He’s actually kind of hot”

  “Ooh, look at the pink-haired ooo.”

  “Even after saving her, he still bows? Such humility.”

  a smiled, unfazed. “I am truly thankful the gods have finally awakened you. Please, enjoy this ball—it is not only to honor me but you as well.”

  She gave a slight curtsy, her yellow and silver gown shimmering with every movement. White gloves adorned her hands, and a delicate rested upon her curly golden hair.

  “I do hope today marks the beginning of our wonderful friendship between us.” With that, she turned and gracefully walked away.

  I sighed.

  “That sucked,” I whispered to Alex.

  He let out a chuckle. “Yeah, been awhile since I st bowed.”

  Before I could respond, another annou rang out.

  “Lady Lilli Kirkwood as arrived!”

  I turned my head toward the entrance.

  Elnora stepped, in an emerald, green dress and white gown, stealing the breath of everyone in the room. Beside her, Lilli wore a dazzling red, e, and white dress, a radiant neck her colrbohe way her gown shimmered, imbued like the very suhe entire ballroom speechless.

  “W-Who’s that girl with Lady Kirkwood?”

  “I’ve heard she’s Ryn’s assistant.”

  “No, she’s, his sve.”

  “I heard she’s, his lover.”

  The whispers spread in the ballroom.

  “Wow… look at Lady Kirkwood. That dress is breathtaking.”

  “I wish she were my wife,” someone murmured.

  As the two entered, both slightly blushi holding their elegant posure, Alex nudged me.

  “e o’s go.”

  I followed him toward the dies.

  Elnora hesitated upon seeing me, a soft blush dusting her cheeks. Then, regaining her posure, she bowed slightly lifting her dress. “Good evening, Ryn.”

  I returned my gesture, though I could feel my own face warming at the sight of her.

  It must be all the heat in the room.

  Nearby, Alex greeted Lilli with a courteous bow.

  Extending our hands to the pair we both asked. “May we?”

  They both hesitated to take our hands before taking it, their fingers lightly touched ours. Together, the four of us made our way toward a table den with refreshments and snacks.

  Lilli picked up a small treat from a gss tray, iing it with her spirits carefully. “It seems none of these foods or drinks are ced. I think we’ll be fine.”

  Just as she spoke, the soft ding of a gss rang out.

  Ding.

  A young man, likely around Aric’s age, stood at the far end of the ballroom.

  “Good evening, everyo’s a pleasure to see you all again,” he said smoothly.

  I leaoward Lilli as he spoke. “Who is that?”

  “That’s Prince Lucas, the kings first son,” she whispered. “He studied abroad for the past few years but returns home during the summer.”

  Oh… I thought

  I o stay clear from him.

  Lucas smiled as he tinued, “Before we begin, I would like to thank the gods for proteg my little sister. Moreover, I want to thank all of you, my subjects, for attending tonight. I am truly filled with joy. And, of course, I would like to personally thank our knight in shining armor—Sir Ryn Ashford.”

  His gaze met mine. “May the gods bless you.”

  Half the room erupted into appuse, while the other half remained silent.

  What an unimpressive speebsp;

  Then, music began to py.

  And so, the ball officially began.

  Chapter: Royal Ball pt.2