The Ball (1)

The week went by in a flash, and it was time to head to the ball.

Cas, Liz, and I were in a carriage heading to the ball.

"I don't understand." Liz began, "Why don't you try to disprove the rumors? Your father's reputation should make it easier to improve your image."

It took a few moments to respond to her, but I was trying to figure out how to explain to her without revealing that I believed we were inside a game, and this was the destined route.

"Liz," I began, "House Maxamus, for the past 250 years, has been seen as the villains by the crown. We refuse to bow to the king or queen and only care about the kingdom." I paused to let that sink in. "So, do you honestly think one event where we save a town would erase 250 years of bad blood?" I finished as I looked at her

Watching her face as she tried to think of something was very cute and started to distract me. Slowly shaking my head to rid myself of these thoughts, I saw Liz's eyes as she realized nothing was to be done.

"Honestly, Liz, if there were a way to make me seem like a hero, I would have already done it. That would make my life so much easier, but this is the hand I have been dealt, so deal with it I will." I said as I looked at her

The more I thought about the ball, the more I felt that there could somehow be an ulterior plan to hurt our house. The king hated my father, so why would he throw a ball to honor him? It didn't make sense.

The only thing that made sense was that the king was trying to prop up my father on a pedestal, so it would make it much easier to make him fall. The only thing I couldn't figure out was how they would accomplish this.

"I see." She said with a defeated look, "So, everyone at this ball will think you abuse me, and nothing we do will change this."

"It's not too late to leave me, Liz." I joked with her

The change in her eyes was immediately noticeable. If before they had a defeated look, then now, if looks could kill, I would already be dead.

"I won't let Cassie have you, as you are mine." She said through clenched teeth

It seems that in the two months after the events that night in the inn, the two have gotten closer.

"Cassie?" I couldn't help but chuckle but immediately stopped when I felt a murderous intent next to me.

"Say that again, I dare you," Cas said with a scary smile as she looked at me.

"Say what, Cas?"

"Good"

It took us another hour before we reached the ball's location, and as I got out to offer my hand to Liz. I couldn't help but notice that all eyes were on me. So that is what the plan was, I realized.

There were expecting me to be the chink in my father's armor, and they were hoping I would make a fool of myself or do something to Liz so they could blame it on my father. No wonder the rumors about me abusing her started circulating faster and became more colorful in their description.

After Liz got out, I again held my hand to allow Cas to take it. Was that proper etiquette? Nope, but I wanted to combat the rumors in my way, and what better way than the young lord offering his hand to his aide?

After they both exited, I offered my arm to Liz, and she took it. With Cas behind us, we made our way into the ball.

I had been to plenty of parties in the past, but this was something that I couldn't even prepare myself for.

Nearly 100 people gathered in the central area ranging from barons to marquis, and off to the sides of the rooms were all their aides and servers just standing by.

There was slight upbeat music playing, encouraging people to dance, and everyone was dressed elegantly.

When I entered the ballroom, all eyes turned toward me, and ignoring them all, I looked to Cas and motioned her to wait off to the side as I walked down with Liz in my arm.

As we walked toward a table, I could hear murmurs all around me, directed at me.

"That's the one who beats his fiancé?"

"What a despicable boy."

"A good thing his mother died, so she didn't have to see how he turned out."

"A shame his father had given up on him."

Trying to ignore all those comments and keep a straight face was very hard, as I wanted to beat all of them senselessly.

The only thing that calmed me down was the slight pressure I felt when Liz barely squeezed my arm. Looking at her, the only thing I could do was give a little smile.

Making our way to the table, we were suddenly stopped by the one person; I was hoping not to see.

He was standing nearly a head taller than me, with his golden blond hair and green eyes. He looked like your everyday protagonist.

"Leonardo Whitguard." I paused as I had to prepare myself. "To what do I owe the honor of your company."

With the most holier-than-thou attitude I had ever seen, he looked at me for a moment as if he was looking at a pile of shit before turning toward Liz.

"Lady Elizabeth." He began in a princely tone, "I had heard of the rumors saying that he has been most unkind to you." He paused as he looked Liz in the eyes. "If it's true, let me know, and as your friend, I will challenge him to a duel to regain your honor." He finished with what seemed like a slight glow surrounding him

I was trying to keep my eyes from rolling due to the extreme amount of cringe I saw. The only thought on my mind currently was what a protagonist.