A Night of Gold

The Kingdom Hall was decorated for a week, in preparation for the ball. Every detail from the outside was shimmering, gracing the hall with an ethereal glow.

"Aadi," started the Queen. "Look what they've done with the place!"

The exterior of the Kingdom Hall was beautiful. Fairy lights covered every inch, every acre. Every few seconds, the lights would change from a soft hue of white, to a warm golden glow.

Gold and white drapistry accentuated the whole building. Wrapped daintily around it as though it were something from a movie, it was a sight to behold.

"Mother, it's the same every year."

"Don't soil her mood, boy." grumbled the King in annoyance.

Aadi opened his mouth to bite back but decided not to waste his time. But he had to admit, it was beautiful, even if he wasn't going to say it out loud. When they got to their destination, the family driver, Johannsen, opened the doors.

Xoel went over to his wife's side to give her a long, full kiss on the mouth.

Aadi shuddered in disgust.

From there, the maids already at the hall rushed out to get the Queen's train properly fixed.

The King's maids however, knew not to go near the Queen's husband. Hell hath no fury than Queen Dale scorned.

When Aadi's crown was adjusted, the host bowed and then escorted them to the French marble doors of the grand hall.

"People of Ardenia, we are gathered here today as we do every year, for the celebration of Ardenia as one, Ardenia is a land of essence, conquering all, leaving none undefeated. The most noble kingdom and entity you'd ever see, come across. Every proceed from this ball's donation will go to the Internally Displaced People within the outskirts of Ardenia. Without further ado, royals, Lords of nearby Domains, Queens and Kings in attendance, I give you, your King, Xoel Lucianus Slade. Your Queen, Dalenia Ananaia Slade," Sir Morayo started, pausing for them to come through, into the grand hall.

The King and Queen came out first, looking every bit their title.

It was beautiful. The designers had really outdone themselves. Diamond chandeliers whirled down from the ceiling, casting a glow over the solid, glossy walls. It was a marvel to see, a floor so polished so thoroughly it resembled the clearest of pools. The men and women were dressed immaculately, their gowns and suits of different colors dancing in the warm light before all, their quiet conversation accentuating the calm evening.

A graceful smile painted the Queen's face, accentuating her already perfect features. Her smile of sparkling, pearly enamel glimmered under the lights. With a dainty smile, she looked across her subjects.

King Xoel gave his million dollar smile, stepping off to the side beside his wife.

"And your prince, Aadi Xaire Romanovs Slade I."

With a majestic stride, Aadi stepped into the large hall, shoulders square, sporting a smirk. His gaze swept across the room, drinking in anyone and everyone.

Jade eyes twinkling, he seemed to capture the gaze of everybody in the room. His mother smiled proudly, proud of her work. His father, however, wanted the night to be over and done with.

Aadi continued with his walk until he came to stand beside his father and mother, looking every bit the Prince of Ardenia.

No one dared take their eyes off him.

The fine band situated at the other side of the hall took a violin note as their intro, and they were off.

Cellos, pianos, flutes and more have the hall a gay feel as the King, Queen and Prince took to their thrones.

The marble steps leading to the three thrones that sat at the height of the room were adorned with the most vibrant red, silk carpet. Trimmed with pixie gold, they had a soft glow.

The red carpet was long, it had needed about 10 men to bring it to the hall, every day of the preparation. The royal family appreciated the effort.

Now the thrones, were something else. Gold. Everywhere.

The carnelian stone was held at the foot of each, the King's the biggest. Queen Dale had a more ladylike touch to hers, it was silver and gold, with rubies at the head. The thrones were broad with the finest blood red leather seats.

The plush thrones had arms made entirely of glass. Through them you could see jasper and aphrodite stones, hand picked by the Kingdom's jeweler.

King Xoel sat first, as custom. Then Aadi helped his mother into hers, then sat at the right hand of his father.

With a two-step clap from the King,

"Let the ball commence."

Aadi slumped back in his chair, already bored to death.

He decided to go on his phone, rolling his eyes at his mother's remark.

"Aadi? Put that away." said his mother.

"But mo-"

"I said put it away. Why're you so difficult?"

Aadi put it back into his suit pocket and held his breath. As the ballet dancers of the Ardenian Royal School of Arts and Music performed their presentation for the royal family, Aadi's mind wandered.

"Come love, let's go greet my sister."

Aadi's and Dale both descended down the carpet with an escort each, and the Queen's younger sister, Niella rushed to meet them. She was clad in a blood red, v-necked dress, that had a dainty slit at the side. It accentuated her curves perfectly, giving the right balance between revealing and modest.

Grinning broadly, she greeted her sister with a... punch to the arm.

"What's up, whore?"

"Be hush, Ni!" although she was smiling. The two had a love-hate relationship and it was honestly a sight to behold, like any other set of siblings.

Unlike her older sister, Niella wanted absolutely nothing to do with royalty and denounced the throne, which garnered a lot of talk and whisper. She often ventured on month long travels and was currently on one. She wanted to enjoy her life, which she believed, at 22, was just starting.

Aadi admired her. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

"How you doin', short stack?" she said as she ruffled Aadi's perfect hair.

The Queen shrieked in dismay.

"I'm taller than you." he said, dismally.

"Oh, buzz off. Yes, Dale, did I tell you about my 'doctor's appointment' last week?"

Dragging her sister away, Niella winked at Aadi, who gave a brief shake of his head. His aunt was a little, wild.

Deciding to get some fresh air, Aadi went to step outside, until he felt a large hand on his right shoulder. Having a feeling it was his useless sperm donor, he turned around and couldn't help but scowl when his thoughts were confirmed.

There he was, all 6'4 stupor and glory. He was obviously more broad than his son, muscled and whatnot.

His hair was loose, and even at 43, the King still swept ladies off their feet.

He looked exactly like Aadi, when he was younger, so no doubt about that. King Xoel loved his people, he truly did. However, he made a very costly mistake. He held a secret. That only Aadi knew. Well, stumbled to know upon. See, actually.

Ah, the King. The man supreme over all Ardenia. Some king he is, thought Aadi.

"Aa-"

"Can I help you?" he asked with malice underlying his tone.

"Come on, Aadi."

"Father, please. Excuse me."

"We can resolve-"

"Never, I will never do that. Please, you're in the way."

The King, defeated, stepped out of his son's way.

He had given up, trying to get Aadi back to being his best bud would always be result less. Reaping no fruit.

Luckily for him, a kingdom business partner and a very good friend linked his arm with Xoel's, off to converse about more business strategies.

Aadi scoffed and briskly went towards the exit for only his family. Unfortunately, as he was in his power stride, he was bumped into by one of the ball's attendants.

He caught her by the wrist before she could topple over with her busy attire, and pulled her to him swiftly.

She blushed and stammered as he narrowed a dark eyebrow in question. Moving her dark hair in front of her, she gave a quick bow as her cheeks reddened even more.

"My Prince! I apologize! I didn't see you and I was going to get the caterer's and I-"

"It's whatever, just don't do that again. Now get out of my sight."

"Yes, my Prince. I apologize again." she scurried off again, with a mouse-like movement and Aadi groaned.

The evening was already terrible.

Upon reaching the balcony, Aadi sighed in relief. He took in a deep breath of fresh air, and sighed again. He was just eighteen, for goodness' sake. The throne this, the throne that. Sit up, sit straight. Don't be late to your etiquette class. Keep your phone away. You have one more year as a child.

Thinking back to a few hours ago, Aadi did enjoy the power he felt when he looked upon everyone watching him. It was surreal. He had never felt like a prince. Was the idea morbid? He didn't know. Maybe it was fact that his parents had let him grow up somewhat normal, quite some liberty.

Up until four years ago, anyways.

Gazing down at the splendid view, something, or someone, caught his eye. A girl.

Before Aadi could get a better look, he heard a very loud,

"Where is my son?"

Of course. He couldn't even have 5 minutes to breathe.

"I'm here, Mother." said Aadi, emerging from the wing at the back side of the hall.

"Stop disappearing, we're having the official dance."

"Dance? Oh no, mother, I don't do all that. Dance, I mean."

"It's just a simple waltz, stop being a baby, let's go."

Already fed up with the evening an hour in, Aadi made up an excuse.

"Mother, my feet hurt. Quite terribly. I believe I won't be able to dance, it would be unbearable if you forced me. You don't want your son to be in pain, do you?" The Queen eyed him, sorry, looked up at him warily, already knowing his antics.

"Alright, alright. Just don't let me look for you."

"You won't."

Upon his mother's scoffing and walking away, arms at his back, he surveyed the area. Everything seemed to be doing well. The people were jovial, especially his aunt. His father was speaking to his colleagues, and the feast was about to start. Nothing could possibly go wrong. Or so he thought.