The Crown: A Blood King’s Ball

"Oh my God, why out of all the women in the kingdom?" My mother said pacing, examining the letter for probably the fifteenth time. I stared at the red wax seal on the opened envelope. Everyone regrets having to open a letter containing that seal. I mentally sighed and sat down on our old couch as my mother continued to worry. The room was messy and filled with unwashed dishes.

"My poor daughter's only 20. She can't die like this," she said. I shuffled on the couch, making the springs creak and dig into my skin. Some of the piled papers fell onto the floor with a soft rustle.

"C'mon, Mom. You don't know that I'm going to die," I said, trying to cheer her up. She had been doing this for the past hour, and it wasn't helping the outlook of the situation. The more time passed, the more messy the area around my mother became.

"You expect to be chosen for Queen then?!" She almost yelled, tossing the letter on the coffee table in front of me. She had her arms on her hips, and strands of messy hair stuck to her face.

"Well... Not exactly. But maybe he'll have a change of heart from the last ball," I tried again, hoping to put a positive spin on things. I grabbed the letter from the table and skimmed the elegant printing.

NOTICE:

To Eleana Allenvere,

You have been chosen to participate in our beloved King's ball. You are to prepare yourself by the third of May, where you will be transported to the palace promptly. No luggage is needed as everything you will need will be prepared at the palace itself. We ask for complete compliance during this procedure, and any other form of action will be punished as ordered by the King.

With regards,

The Palace

I only had a week left before the due date.

"He's the Blood-King, Eleana, the Blood-King. What about that name do you not understand?!" she exasperated, obviously not liking my positive attitude. She paced and gave me a pointed look.

"Well, it's not my fault we couldn't pay the fee this year," I said looking away and mumbling.

"Oh, now your going to blame this on me?!" She questioned. Her voice was raised and her wrinkles creased.

I dropped the paper onto the table and stood up, "Y'know what? You're not even the one going. Can we just stop talking about it?" I snapped.

"I'll be in my room," I said, getting up from the table and making my way around the corner. I walked down the small, rundown hallway before opening the door to my room and walking in. Looking around at the crowded floor, I mentally scolded myself for never cleaning it but figured it would be a waste to do it now. I made my way over to the frame hanging on the wall and looked at my fathers face, smiling even though he had gone through so much. I carefully opened the back, taking it out of its frame, and gently held the paper in my hands. Keeping the picture with me, I moved towards my book shelf and grabbed one, placing the picture inside.

I should probably pack.

I sighed, already rueing the ball that was to come. It was more like a vacation, really. We had to stay at the palace for however long it takes the king to make a decision, if he makes any at all. It could take a day; it could take a month. But if you weren't chosen, you were sentenced to death. At least, that's how all the other balls had went.

I fell back on my bed, feeling it sink under my weight, and held the book close. I heard the doorbell ring, curious to who it was, but not enough to move from my spot. My mom's voice echoed through the house softly, muffled by the walls of my room. Footsteps had made their way to my door before it swung open, surprising me. Immediately, I sat up and slightly glared at the two intruders.

"Well a knock would've been nice," I mumbled. Standing before me were two guards, giving me a stern look.

"The date has been pushed up. Let's go," they ordered. I got up from the bed and grabbed my purse on the way out, shoving the book into its already full contents. They led the way out of the house, and I waved to my mother as she watched me go. She seemed to be in too much shock to really do anything. They put me inside a carriage that had surprisingly new seats. One of the guards stepped inside as well, holding an intimidating and threatening aura. The ride was silent, and I could feel the cold air make my skin rise. I wanted the trip to be over as soon as I got in, but I ended up having to sit through 2 hours of it before the palace came into view. In comparison to most of the girls that would be coming, I had lived relatively close.

"Get out," they ordered simply. My hands clung to my bag as I stepped out of the car. I looked around at the palace that seemed to reach the sky. The sun reflected off of the polished marble, making me squint. I would've taken time to admire it if the guards hadn't shoved me into walking faster. The paved road was smooth under my feet as the gates were opened. There were guards stationed all along the side of the palace. As soon as we got in, the men guided me through the highly decorated halls and led me to the throne room.

I wasnt going to meet him now, was I?!

Thankfully, it was empty and I was led to the center of the room before they told me to stay. To my surprise, they left, and I began to wonder what I was supposed to do. I looked around at my expensive surroundings. There wasn't a single object that didn't have gold or some kind of rare jewel in it. I looked at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling in wonder. The diamonds and crystals shimmered in the light, flickering from the candles and small windows near the ceiling. I was too scared to move or touch anything in fear of breaking it somehow. My legs were tired, but for some reason, sitting on the floor didn't seem to be an option, so instead I busied myself by looking through my purse until I saw some yarn and a crochet hook.

I really need to empty out my purse sometime.

I thought for a moment before moving my hands to make a simple flower. I didn't have anything in mind to make, and I was sure the guards would be back soon with instructions. But then again, my positivity can only get me so far. I waited about 2 hours before three people had walked in the room. I heard a guard curse under his breath as he saw me.

"Who's this?" A man spoke, his tone cold and stern. His cape dragged behind him as his royal uniform clung to his body. Surprisingly, he wasn't as sparkly as the room around him. Apart from the cape and crown that adorned his head, the clothes he wore were normal. The usual amount of jewelry you'd expect was missing from his outfit, but his sword hung at his waist, along with a few daggers. His shirt seemed to be more durable and thin compared to the frivolous and exuberant tailors of regular nobles. A few pieces of metal showed through here and there, and though his crown was gold with jeweled accents, it did nothing to flatten or dull the wispy black strands or the deep brown of his eyes. He held a dangerous aura about him, his face holding almost no emotion whatsoever.

"One of the candidates, Your Majesty," a soldier said, his armor clattering slightly.

"Why is she here so early?" He asked, raising an eyebrow in question. His eyes held a cold look.

"We were coming back from an inspection, and we noticed that one of the candidates was on the way back and decided to save a trip," one explained. He seemed slightly nervous that his reason would tigger his execution.

"We were in a meeting for the past three hours. You mean to tell me she's been standing here the entire time?" He said. Oh, I guess it was 3 hours— oops.

The men were silent.

"When are the other candidates due to arrive?" He interrogated.

"In about 4 hours, sir," they said. I had to stand here for another 4 hours? I didn't even want to stand for another minute!

"Idiots," he mumbled. He turned around and looked straight at me. I felt my stomach squeeze in fear as his gaze locked with mine. I immediately looked away and curtsied in panic.

What am I supposed to even do in his presence?!

"You just stayed here? For three hours and stood there? Are you an idiot too?" He asked, obviously slightly frustrated.

"I crocheted," I offered, trying to keep some dignity.

Yes, Eleana, you'll die knowing that at least you crocheted a flower chain.

"What?"he asked at the unexpected answer.

"Crocheted, Your Majesty. I crocheted," I spoke clearer. I grabbed my flower-chain out of the bag and showed him slightly. He was silent and in slight disbelief at what my first word of defense was.

"So you stood here and crocheted for three hours. Not suspecting anything? Didn't even look for anyone?" He said, still making me seem like an idiot.

"They did tell me to stay here," I mumbled loud enough for him to hear. The king looked to the guards and they nodded. The king shook his head once more.

"Go," he said. I thought he was talking to me and made a few steps forward to leave before he stopped me.

"Not you- the guards." He clarified. The guards made their way out the door, clanging in their armor.

"You," he ordered in a cold tone. He had already moved to the top of the stairs leading to the throne, in which, he sat exuding confidence and arrogance.

"Y-yes?" I answered.

"Stand over here," he vaguely pronounced, lazily gesturing to the right side of the bottom of the stairs.

"Here?" I clarified as I moved over and stood as requested.

He nodded before announcing, "As you were dumb enough to stand here for three hours, you can stand there for another four. Until all the candidates arrive, you are to stay and reflect on your stupidity."

My mouth hung. I was speechless. It was obvious that my first impression had already sentenced me to a cruel beginning. I turned so that I was horizontal, not facing him directly, but not turning my back to him. The time passed, maybe ten minutes in, and I could already tell that I probably wouldn't be able to handle my time (if any) here at the palace. I tried to busy my self with examining every inch of the throne room, but three times over was enough to make me dizzy. My legs were tired, but not to the point of needing rest. I didn't expect it to last, and I would be thankful for this moment if it wasn't for the fact I was bored out of my mind. I didn't know whether 'standing here' meant I could crochet or at least read, but I wasn't too keen on asking. His royal rudeness seemed to be taking a nap, and I contemplated drawing a mustache on him with the pen in my bag, but figured that I should try to stay alive for at least one day.

Not a moment later, the doors burst opened and a frantic man rushed in the room.

"Your Maj-" he started. He seemed to stop as he saw the king resting in his chair. His voice got low.

"Oh no. What do I do? I can't wake him up, but I have to give these to him! If I don't wake him up then my mentor will kill me, but if I do then he'll kill me. I'll die either way! Why did I choose this jo-"

"Is something wrong?" I asked, stopping his rant. His head whipped in my direction as he noticed my presence. His features relaxed as if I just saved him from the guillotine. He basically ran over and shoved all of his materials into my hand as he blurted, "Give these to His Majesty when he wakes up. Don't let them touch the ground or I'll be killed, understand?" He said.

I barely got an answer out before he dashed out the room and down the hallway. I looked down at the pile of papers that I could barely see over and looked at the king still sleeping soundly in his chair, showing no signs of waking up any time soon.

I have... really bad luck.

I held onto the papers with an ever-losing grip that I knew would slip up any second. I tried to reposition the papers but my fingers felt like they would fall off. I chanted in my head for the king to wake up, but for some reason the universe wasn't in my favor. I stood for about and hour and a half holding the papers, screaming internally to not drop them. I heard a slight shuffle in the chair and almost let go in relief as the king sat up and observed his surroundings. His eyes scrunched up as he looked at me, but then he looked relaxed as he remembered my punishment. It wasn't too long before confusion returned and he examined the papers in my hands.

"Why are you holding papers?" He asked coldly.

"A man came in here and told me to hold them and give them to you once you wake up," I said barely loud enough to reach him.

"Oh, really? And did this person say why?" He asked.

"No.... Your Highness. Just that I wasn't to let them to touch the ground or he would be killed," I answered. He hummed and looked at me a moment.

"I'll have a guard bring them to my study once your punishment is over." He said.

"What do you want me to do with them until then?" I asked confused at the delay.

"Hold them," he said simply. My stomach cringed at his words.

Hold... Them? I bit my lips from spewing cries and complaints against his orders. Why did I have to hold them? I already did. And for and hour and a half! I didn't want to hold them!

I silently sighed and waited for the other girls to come. Chairs were brought in from the staff and the king was kept busy by the present situations and talks of the castle staff. He ordered and commanded the people without mercy. The chairs were labeled and reserved for each one of the participants, and I could see mine in the second row, third chair in. I was excited. Not because of the ball starting, but my punishment coming to an end. My legs were almost jello and my fingers were about to fall off, but the candidates were about to arrive... Or so I thought.

An hour had already passed from the time the ball was supposed to start and not a single girl had arrived yet. My legs were visibly shaking at this point and I could see a few worried glances sent my way by the help. I wanted to move my feet to relieve some of the pressure, but they were so tired and numb that they wouldn't move. And my hands and arms were about to give up on obeying orders and just drop the papers. It didn't take long for the king to take notice and even spare a look my way.

"Where are they?!" He barked, growing impatient.

"We're trying to find out, sir." One guard said. Another walked into the room a moment later, going up to the steps kneeling before the king.

"Sir, apparently there has been a communication error between the guards and none of the soldiers appointed to retrieve the candidates knew that the date was pushed to today. They left late to get them, Your Majesty."

"And how much longer till they all get here?" The King asked.

"About 2 hours, sir," He said. The king looked to me as I put my head down trying to swallow my emotions.

"They have 1. Or they die...Spread the word," He said in a cold tone. He sounded furious at the fact that everyone was late to his event. He turned his attention to me.

"Sit. Your insistent shaking is annoying me," He said, eyeing my legs. A guard had swiftly come over and took the papers from my hands. I tried to move but ended up falling over and losing balance. I tried to use my hands stop my fall and balance myself but they ended up crumbling into the floor as well, tired from holding the papers. A guard moved my way and helped me get to my chair. I sat down and slouched as my back could barely support my weight.

"You may do whatever you want until the rest of the contestants come," The king said. I thought about what to do and even moved to open my bag to get the crochet hook, but my hands didn't have the strength to move the zipper, so I just sat back and let my hands rest on my lap.

"You're just going to sit there?" he voiced across the area that separated us.

"My hands are moving too much when I try to use them... I can't seem open my purse, Your Majesty," I spoke.

He was silent as he looked in my direction, my hands were blocked from his sight because of the chairs in the row in front of me.

"..."

Silence had overtaken them and thankfully someone had barged into the room. People had started to come in. Surprisingly, the guards were able to bring everyone within the hour the king had allowed.

And so, the ball began.