The Ball; Edward Yves El Khador
We settled behind the crowd, near a corner. I noticed the elegant paintings hung on the wall, the golden frames on each pillar, the clean marble floor, the giant windows, the fancy curtains, the giant chandeliers all across the room… Everything screamed 'filthy rich'. I didn't bother looking around earlier, I was too nervous about the public.
The main entrance opened… Again. There were four figures that could be seen entering. Heh, show stoppers, showing up at the last minute. Shall I say, fashionably late?
Is it just me or this door has gone through tough times? Just how many times has it unlocked? I wonder if it'll jam someday.. I pity you, door-sama…
Anyways, it's not time to pay attention to an object! I turned and fixed my sight on the four men. One of them had a knight outfit, the other a butler, they must be their escort. My targets are in between them : the Khador's princes. I came a little closer, crushed up a little by the curious audience, and hid behind a pillar. I popped a head out and stared. The two had distinctive red colored hair, an imposing aura, their clothes were not 'proper' to this country. Here, the nobles would dress up nicely and prosperously, they would flaunt their money: laces, gold tassels, over the top coats, big silky bow ties… And here they are dressing like knights in a ball. Their shirts were not buttoned up all the way, their hair were not suitably groomed, swords that should've been left at the carriage, ect.. If you ask the others, they'll surely name a list for you.
The Crystal's kingdom is the most traditionalist of the four countries; we are reluctant to change. Traditions and events are kept the same, a monarch only passed down through the royal bloodline, women condemned of working in a bureau….
The Natal's kingdom (the east) and us (the west) are polar opposites -due to the cultural differences- we do not interact much. To get from one to another, we need to circle our way through the south (the north is bitter cold, why pass through there?). One rule is to NEVER step foot in the Holy kingdom, to avoid unnecessary trouble. In short, the people of Natal's kingdom did not come in a large number, so did the south.
The south declined our invitations, saying they were in grief for their late princess' death. At least they try to cover their sneers, unlike this king who celebrates and brings in a new consort just after she died. I think the south is actually debating whether to cut down the alliance or not. I really hope they don't, the south is our only 'friend'... To tell you the truth, this foolish king did not want to have a neutral relationship with the other countries…
"Announcing the arrival of the Khador's princes, Emmanuel Noah El Khador and Edward Yves El Khador."
They walked down the red carpet and stood in front of the podium. I spotted a small discussion/whisperings between the butler and the tallest red haired guy. It seems that he was asking for help from his servant... Don't tell me he didn't know the name of the king?!
"Greetings, King Johannes, from the Khador's kingdom." The older one, whose name was Edward, lifted from his 15 degrees bow. Sacrilegious! A 15 degree or lower bow was considered as paying almost no respect to the other!
The king, which thank god was still in his right mind, noticed the act. "Uhm.. Yes. Thank you. -I guess it's cultural differences.. Thank you for attending this party, please have a great time."
The carpet was rolled up, leaving space for a dance floor. The ladies were escorted by their partners to the center. The music started playing, a beautiful piece led the flawless movements of the participants. It was a mesmerizing sight : The chandelier diffused its light upon the dancers, the multi layers of the gowns opening up and re-closing, the hair of the women bouncing with the turns, the coordinated steps exchanged… Queen Ece, in the middle of the spotlight...
It was a scene that belonged in the fairytales, where previous me could only dream of attending. Yet, here I am, at the same palace as them. Still, I feel far away, just watching at the sidelines. Even though I can't be part of the fairytale, I can at least view it, not imagining it. It's enough… Or is it? Am I too greedy? Can I really become like them, now?
I've been told, to get a prince charming, you need to be a lady from a prominent family, so that you'll be able to dance with him. To be able to stand near him, to be equal. They changed the original story, to make it more realistic. We all know life is unfair.
I hear a small grumble sound coming out of my stomach. "I wonder when dinner will be served~" The reason why they dance before eating was really to preserve their image. Who would want to have a compagnon smelling like beef during the dance? I was seriously tempted to steal another cake.
"Good evening my lady, may I ask why are you standing here alone?" A voice, with a playful yet cold, rung behind me. It sent panic to my brain cells, and a terrifying danger sign to my heart. I turned around and witnessed a frightening boy. The person in question held a pair of black eyes, as if they were hollowed out from an eternal abyss of darkness. I saw no reflection of light in these, it was as if they were sucked in. I noticed his fair skin covered with scars, his chapped lips, some of his baby fat stuck on his cheeks, his disheveled red hair...Wait a min-
"G-greetings Prince...Yves Edward El Khador." I quickly stuttered. I nearly messed up! I hope I said his name right, or was his name Emmanuel? I made a mistake! Right right?
"That's right, I'm glad you didn't mistook me with my brother… And you are?" He directly questioned my honorific.
"Ah- I'm Moonlight Crystal." I feel awkward, my name was simple, while his was super long.. I'm relieved to hear that I didn't mess his title up. "To answer your question, I.. I'm quite tired….Er. I'm having, a hEadAche…" I made an excuse. "-But it's not very serious...Just.. YEah.." I looked at the floor, to avoid eye contact. I'm really bad at lying.. "I think it lessened already.. Haha…" Why am I making more excuses and stuttering!
"Then.. Would you like to have a dance with me?" He handed his arm towards me. He held a devilish smile.. Why is it so..Familiar….