Chapter 6: The Crimson Ball

I groan as Lily struggles to lace the intricate golden gown tightly around my waist. The bodice is a suffocating trap, and the heavy skirts weigh me down like a gilded cage. I miss the freedom of my usual assassin attire – the comfortable clothes that hugged my body like a second skin, allowing me to move with grace and stealth.

"Almost done, Your Highness," Lily says, giving one final tug on the ribbons before stepping back to admire her handiwork. The gown is a masterpiece; its shimmering golden fabric is adorned with delicate embroidery of silver thread and tiny pearls, forming intricate patterns that catch the light like a thousand stars.

"Thank you, Lily," I mutter, attempting a weak smile. Once fully dressed, I hesitantly approach the large ornate mirror that dominates one wall of my chamber. The woman staring back at me is a vision of royal elegance and beauty. My golden hair is swept up into an elaborate updo, adorned with tiny diamond-studded pins. My makeup is subtle yet flawless, accentuating the clear blue of my eyes and the natural curve of my lips.

This isn't the type of disguise I'm accustomed to wearing. But there's no denying that the gown accentuates my figure, making me appear... well, truly beautiful. As a princess, I'm supposed to be admired and adored, but as an assassin, I am meant to blend into the shadows, unnoticed.

"Who am I now?" I wonder silently. I just hope I can play my part at the ball.

***

Taking a deep breath, I step into the grand ballroom of the Asterian Palace. The scene before me is breathtaking – glittering chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished marble floor, and the soft hum of conversations fills the air. Lavish tapestries depicting past victories adorn the walls, while the crests of the Asterian Royal family, each bearing an Arcane Sigil, are displayed prominently throughout the room. In the background, a subtle orchestra melody sets a harmonious tone.

Tonight's celebration commemorates Asteria's victory in the War of the Crimson Sun – a brutal conflict that raged for years between our kingdom and Ironhold. It was a war won through bloodshed, sacrifice, and the cunning strategies of our mighty leaders. It was also the war that took everything away from me, that robbed me of my childhood. I sigh.

The opulence of the ballroom is unlike anything I've ever experienced. As Raven Shadowbane, I've infiltrated some lavish events, but never as a guest of honor. I can't help but feel both awestruck and out of place in my extravagant gown and jewels.

But I'm not here to have fun, I remind myself, shaking off the initial wonder. I mustn't get distracted. At the ball, I'm on high alert. Every conversation, every whispered secret, and every side glance might hold valuable intel about the man who killed me or offer insight as to why they targeted Seraphina's life. But how can I find the noble I'm looking for?

The approving glances and lingering stares from the guests make me feel uneasy. I'm used to blending into the shadows, not drawing attention. A lecherous old man with a crooked smile approaches me, his eyes raking over my body.

"Princess Seraphina, you are truly the most radiant beauty in all of Asteria," he says, reaching out to pinch my arm.

I grit my teeth, taking a deep breath to suppress my assassin instincts. "Thank you, sir," I reply coolly, stepping away from his grasp. "Please excuse me."

As I slip through the crowd, I remind myself that this is all part of my mission. To find the enemy hiding among these people, I must play the part of the princess – even if it means enduring unwanted attention.

"Ah, Your Highness!" the chamberlain calls out as he approaches me. "If you would be so kind as to greet some of our esteemed guests from the east gate."

I nod, steeling myself for the challenge ahead. As nobles line up to pay their respects, I can't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of foreign names and territories. Although I sat through classes at the Phantom Hand where our Impersonation teacher, Master Sirius, lectured us on geography and politics, there are still so many locations of which I'm not aware. I will confess I wasn't the most attentive student during his lectures.

Thankfully, guests stop arriving. Relieved of my duty, I sigh and turn towards the ballroom, taking in the sight of swirling couples on the dance floor. I've never been one for dancing. Yet there's something undeniably beautiful about the way they glide across the room, their laughter filling the air.

However, the whole thing feels daunting at the same time. The ballroom is a tempest of twirling gowns and music, and I stand on the fringe, feeling like a ship anchored too close to a storm. Just as I'm lost in thought, the storm edges towards me.

First one man, then another, and soon half a dozen of them crowd around, each one presenting himself more grandly than the last, eager for a dance. "Princess Seraphina, might I have the pleasure?" one asks, only to be shoved aside by another insisting, "No, allow me!" Elbows jab, and voices rise. Their bickering is overwhelming. Each refusal I offer is drowned out by another eager suitor's request.

Desperation fuels my retreat, and I step backward, trying to put some space between me and the insistent mob. I can't just knock them all out, much as I might like to. I'm a princess tonight, not an assassin. One more step back, and I bump into something solid.

The insistent calls cease immediately. The would-be suitors, their bravado from seconds ago now completely vanished, mutter apologies and scatter like leaves before a gust of wind.

I can't help the triumphant "Ha!" that escapes my lips. Pivoting, I'm met with a towering figure all in black, his muscular build evident even beneath the layers of fine cloth. His chiseled jaw is set in a slight scowl, but it's his eyes—amber, intense—that hold me captive. They smolder with a barely suppressed fury that's both terrifying and enthralling. The heat of a blush spreads across my cheeks, and I find myself momentarily lost for words.

"I'm sorry," I stammer, looking up at him. "I didn't mean to—"

He interrupts, the storm in his eyes fading to gentle amusement. "It's quite alright, Princess."

I move to stand beside him, grateful for the respite. With a deep breath, I comment, half to myself, "I detest balls."

A low chuckle emanates from him. "You and me both."

I risk a glance up at him, curious. "Really? Why are you here then?"

He smirks. "Duty, and a bit of pride. And you?"

"I'm on a secret mission," I say jokingly.

"Is that so?" he asks, intrigued, a glint of playfulness in his eyes. "What kind of mission is it?"

"If I told you, then it wouldn't be a secret mission, now would it?" I reply.

His laughter is rich and genuine.

I turn my attention back to the dance floor, wondering if Lily's lessons did any good when I feel a big, heavy hand on my bare shoulder.

"Princess Seraphina," the deep, seductive voice sends a shiver down my spine. I glance sideways to find the tall, dark-haired stranger standing very close to me, his piercing amber eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart race. Now that I look at him up close, there's something familiar about him, but I can't quite place it.

"Would you do me the honor of sharing a dance? Even if you hate balls" he asks, extending his hand towards me with practiced grace.

"I suppose one dance couldn't hurt," I reply without thinking, my curiosity getting the best of me. As our hands touch, a chill courses through me, and I wonder whether accepting his invitation was wise. But there's no turning back now.

As we make our way to the center of the dance floor, I hear whispers surrounding us. My instincts scream at me to be cautious, yet the allure of this mysterious man is undeniable. We assume the position for a waltz, and I can't help but notice the taut muscles beneath the fabric of his clothes. A blush creeps up my cheeks as I imagine what he might look like without the layers hiding his impressive physique.

"Shall we?" he asks, playfully raising an eyebrow. His serious expression belies the hint of mischief lurking behind his amber eyes.

"Let's," I agree, my heart pounding against my ribcage.

He takes my hand in his, and I'm suddenly filled with a strange sense of security. All too soon, the music begins to play and I feel like everything Lily taught me has been for nothing. Although I step on his feet more times than I care to admit, he never complains. Despite my clumsiness, he adjusts his steps to match mine, and the dance begins to feel almost effortless. The world around us blurs into a kaleidoscope of colors – the flickering chandeliers casting a warm glow over the swirling gowns and tailored suits.

"Forgive me for stepping on your toes," I chuckle nervously, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "I'm not much of a dancer."

"Did you step on me?" he says with a grin, his amber eyes sparkling with amusement. "I didn't notice."

I can't help but laugh at his unexpected remark, and as we glide across the polished floor, I find myself drawn to him even more. My heart races in my chest, and I wonder what's wrong with me. I probably shouldn't be dancing with a man I don't know, but his presence is intoxicating, making it difficult to think clearly. And yet I have this nagging sensation that I've met him before.

"Oops," I whisper, stepping on his foot once again. He merely chuckles, and without missing a beat, allows me to take the lead. The dance becomes smooth once again, and gratitude washes over me.

"Thank you for letting me lead," I say, unable to contain my laughter. His smile widens, and I melt under the warmth of his gaze.

"Princess Seraphina," he says, his voice smooth as silk, "I should be the one thanking you for giving me the pleasure of this dance. I didn't think you would accept an invitation from me."

My curiosity gets the better of me, and I ask, "Why would you say that?"

He looks genuinely surprised by my question. "Well, because I'm Alexander Hartley, the Prince of the Ironhold kingdom."

The words hit me like a physical blow, and my heart drops into my stomach. The enemy prince – the very man I've been sworn to destroy – is standing right in front of me, holding me in his arms.

How could I not have recognized him sooner? The monster who burned my village, killed my parents, and ultimately led to my own death! I suddenly come to a halt and step away from him. I can't do this. I can't dance with him... but I can't afford to let him know what I'm thinking, either.

"Is everything all right, Princess Seraphina?" Alexander's voice is barely above a whisper, filled with concern.

Every pair of eyes in the ballroom is on me, my heart pounding like a wild drum as I stand, frozen. I can feel the weight of their gazes crushing me, threatening to shatter the facade I've so carefully crafted.

"Princess Seraphina?" Alexander's voice is a soft murmur, filled with worry and confusion. "Are you feeling okay?"

My jaw clenches at his words – how dare he pretend to care?

"I..." My voice breaks, barely audible. I swallow hard, trying to maintain my composure. It would be so easy to end it all, right here, right now. Just one quick motion, using the lace from my bodice to choke the life out of him...

I shiver at the thought, my fists clenching at my sides. The whispers grow louder around us, swirling like a maelstrom that threatens to consume me whole. Is this where my cover shatters? Where my need for revenge will outweigh everything else? How can I possibly continue this charade when the man I've sworn to kill stands so close, yet so far out of reach?

Just one misstep could bring it all crashing down around me.