Unbalanced

They had been at the academy for two days since the attack, guards remained on high alert, and the rest of the students wanted all of the details.

Kieren was sitting on a bench in a beautiful courtyard, spring was upon them and the trees were showcasing their splendor. He was, as always surrounded, at least nine girls, and two boys sat nearby. They were basking in his beauty, two of the girls kept sighing dramatically eyes locked onto his stunning features. Kieren who usually used this time to practice his 'king grace' was distracted. Kuznet had rewarded their return with a vicious one-on-one, no holds barred, no abilities match royal. The match wasn't the issue of concern for Kieren, he was baffled because something extremely uncharacteristic had occurred. Violet had lost her match, he frowned, perhaps she was still injured or spent and she should be resting. He felt worried and slightly anxious, he brought both of his hands together, thinking of how small her hand had been in his. Since she had lost she had been forced to stay behind for punishment, would she be alright? Perhaps he should check on her.

"Lord Kieren?"

All eyes were on him and he realized that he was frowning. He smiled, the snake-charmer facade appearing instantly, "I seem to be lost in though ever since California. There is much to think about."

"Ohhh, but of course," a pretty red-head replied breathlessly, "you were so brave, we are so thankful you were there."

Joey, blushing profusely, smiled at Kieren, "you should rest, we... I.. can't even fathom the weight that rests on your shoulders." The young man looked to Kieren helplessly, Kieren smiled softly, "Thank you, I will take a minute, it was a pleasure."

A chorus of love-struck goodbyes followed him as he headed towards Foxglove's classroom.

He quickened his pace once out of their sight, he got about half way there when raised voices caught his attention. It was Ted and Tom, they were arguing in a secluded hallway,

Kieren approached, curiosity drawing him in, the twins hardly ever fought.

"You cannot!! Please tell me you are not as stupid as you look," it was Tom, he was shaking his hands exasperated.

"We look identical moron! Why shouldn't I? Violet had no real chance with Kieren, nobody will ever give her a chance."

Kieren froze, dumbstruck "look," Ted continued, "I'm not saying I'm going to do anything stupid, but once Kieren realizes it will never work out between them. I can make Violet happy, she will have a much better life with someone from the upper community-"

Tom stopped him, "you are my brother! What do you think Kieren would say if he heard you! I need you alive, use your head! Stay away from Violet, I have never even seen her look at you that way!"

Ted shouted back, "because she always has to worry about covering her back, everybody here looks down on her. I hate it! I won't allow her to always feel trapped." It sounded like Tom had broken something, "you have no chance! Let it go, before Kieren finds out."

Kieren walked away attempting to control the rage coursing through his veins. What did any of the half-wits in his circle know. They had no idea what he would do if anybody even tried to take Violet from him. His mind still lost in anger carried him in autopilot, he turned the corner to their classroom only to be caught off-guard by another strange conversation. It was Kuznet and Violet, they were strolling leisurely to the door. Kuznet called out to Violet shaking his head with laughter, "You must really think you're the shit now Violet, healing all those rich kids." Violet tossed her springlike curls behind her shoulder, meeting Kieren's eyes, "I've always known I'm the shit Ken."

They reached the door, Kuznet looked surprised to see Kieren standing there, lost in confusion. "Zordyk? What are you doing here? You didn't lose your match."

"I was looking for," he turned to Violet.

Kuznet nodded, "five am sharp, lose another fight Zaraa, I'll make sure you cry yourself to sleep." Violet scoffed but turned to walk away with Kieren. "Yes sir."

She walked up to Kieren and stopped smiling at the anger she recognized in his eyes, "Did something happen?" A mixture of emotions clashed on his face, "Kuznet's name is Ken?"

Violet blinked, "Huh? Actually it's Kenny? You don't like the name?"

"Do you guys know each other?"

Violet looked at him frowning, "what do you mean? We all know him. He's our version of Satan?"

Kieren scratched his head looking unbalanced, Violet smiled wickedly, "Jealous of Kuznet are we?" Kieren gasped uncertainty in his gaze, "No! I just didn't expect for him to be so casual, especially with you." A tinge of pink formed on his face despite his protests. He suddenly looked upset again, Violet dropped her act. "What's the issue Kieren?"

He pulled her into his arms catching her by surprise, he tightened his grip. "I won't allow it, I can't allow it."

"Whaaa, what are you talking about?" Violet pushed both hands into his chest.

He let go, grabbing her face in between his two hands, he touched their foreheads, eyes gleaming attractively. "Violet, should I have said something when the counselors were talking to you?"

Violet gasped, hands still sinking into muscle, "Are you insane? Kieren what? No! There is no way they would have taken a statement like yours easily."

He groaned, his eyes on her lips, "who cares! They-" Violet interrupted him, reaching a hand out to grab his hand on her face. "Kieren, you have a huge responsibility to the world, don't go throwing it away for a girl."

He looked so constricted, he pulled away only to keep her hand in his, he brought her hand up to his lips, brushing them against her skin. He mumbled something into her hand before depositing a feather like kiss onto her knuckles, "I need to work out, I'll see you tomorrow Violet." He left Violet standing there gazing into her hand.

She sat on the floor, what had he whispered? She shook her head, something had clearly happened. After several minutes she returned to her dorm passing Zen and the twins who looked glad that she was alone. Violet waved goodnight without stopping to talk, she was altogether too flustered by Kieren's actions.

After a cold shower she lay in bed, it was good that they would get tomorrow off, she had always wanted to visit Egypt.

Violet headed into town a frown on her face, stupid Ken, he had agreed to give them the day off. The information he had neglected to provide was the real reason for their day off. They had gathered in the classroom at five only to be told that they had the day to do as they pleased. Violet had turned to leave when Kuznet had called out, "The reason for this rare day is as follows; the school will be holding the Star Ball. Every three years we host one with our neighboring school, dates are required to enter and all of you are required, no date? You spend the evening cleaning the hallways with me. Our sister school, 'The Crimson Hydrangea', are in town, you are allowed to ask one of them to dance as well." Violet's mouth fell open, Kuznet continued eyes glancing towards Violet not bothering to hide his glee at her shock.

"The Star Ball is a once in a lifetime event, it will occur two weeks from now and many parents, as well as important Ruenen folks attend. It is an opportunity to make grace while networking, and of course, you must dance. You are given the day to find a date, it's obvious that while many of you can fight, you have no balls. Good luck."

Violet had fled the classroom at record speed not daring to look behind her.