The Opening Ball was Short... Just How I Like Them

When I entered the hall, I had to pause for a moment. Glittering lights filled my eyes.

The golden white light shimmered from a thousand jewels draped around the necks of elegant females. It skittered off of soft satin and silk gowns, and danced in the crystals of the chandeliers. The vibrant hues of the dresses made them seem alive and bore a sharp contrast to the austere military uniforms and black suits of the males. As I stood in the doorway, the heavy, thick scent of perfume and cologne nearly overpowered me.

"Come on." Lord Glade said from beside me. He pulled me forward to the waiting royal family. The King looked regal and stern while the queen looked beautiful in a dress of navy blue silk.

My gaze fell on the two princes. They were both a little taller than average but had large muscular builds. The younger prince, Prince Pharon had shining, dark blond hair. It was short and artfully tousled about his head. His hair coupled with his dark eyes, made him look dangerous and secretive. Prince Blaize was his foil. His face and angelic looks gave one the impression of innocence and openness.

The Princes gazed at me with contempt for a brief second before turning to look at Lady Brook with admiration.

I smiled to myself. I may not know much magic because of never having been taught or receiving a system, but I was adept at some small enchantments, such as the illusions and anti-glamour magic on my jewelry.

Systems weren't necessary to do magic and learned skills, but hey made it easier, like training wheels on a bike.

Systems were expensive though, and my uncle did not see the need to purchase one for a half-breed. I knew I'd be unique in not having a system here. Every that could afford to bought systems for their children.

I would have purchased one for myself, but if I had mysteriously gotten a system, my uncle and aunt would know that I had my own money, and they would have stripped me of it for safekeeping.

As I was thinking of these things, High Lord Volanti introduced us, and we made our bows. He then had a servant, who'd followed us in, present "our" gifts to the princes.

The elder prince, Prince Blaize, received an elven-made, steelwood bow. Steelwood was a type of wood that grow deep in the forests of Volantis, the elven homeland. The wood was light and flexible but strong as steel and was extremely valuable.

The younger prince, Prince Pharon, received a sensing ring. The ring would allow him to sense other's emotional intentions when it was worn.

Both gifts were grand and extremely useful. The princes and their majesties looked quite pleased, although I did catch Prince Pharon shooting a sidelong glance at Prince Blaize's bow.

After we had given our gifts, I followed High Lord Volanti to the left side of the room and the four of us joined the other guests and participants lining the wall of the hall.

My eyes, unbidden, found Kane as he stood with the other Vicerian participants. He watched me with a troubled expression. As soon as our eyes met his cheeks flushed and he looked away.

Once all of the participants had been introduced, the King stood and proclaimed the mating season opening ball begun. Taking his beautiful, dark-haired queen's hand, he led her to the ballroom. The musicians started playing a waltz and the King and Queen began dancing.

As people crowded forward to watch the graceful couple, I allowed myself to be edged to the back of the group.

Much to my surprise, I found myself standing with my cousin.

"You lying little snake, I know you had no part in those gifts you took credit for!" She hissed. "Just wait until I tell th-" My cousin cut off as I placed my fingertip on her back and swiftly sent a memory modifying enchantment into her mind.

"I told you that High Lord Volanti had asked Papa if I wanted to share in his gift giving. Papa agreed and contributed to the gifts. The gifts Uncle sent you with were for you to give to curry favor." I said. The words I spoke overwrote my cousin's memory as I said them.

"Oh yes, of course." Miss Goldleaf said dazedly. "I forgot. How silly of me."

I smiled at her and lowered my hand.

Stepping backward, I allowed myself to fade into the background, hidden in the shadows cast by those dizzying lights.

Eventually, I slipped out of the room and away.

Unbeknown to me, at that time, my actions with my cousin did not go unnoticed.

Prince Pharon and Prince Blaize also stood in the shadows.

"Brother," Prince Blaize said as I lowered her hand. "Did that female just use magic?"

Prince Pharon's eyebrows contracted as his lips pursed in a frown.

"I believe she did." Pharon said slowly.

Blaize turned to him, "She is not on the list of the females who have magic systems."

"Yes, I know. Is it possible for her to use magic without a system?" Pharon replied. His expression was dark.

Blaize snorted, "Only masters and geniuses can do that. She obviously lied about not having a system."

Pharon's face darkened farther. Blaize looked at him and laughed, "Do you want to expose her?"

"Why not? She's just a lying cow." Pharon snarled.

Blaize smiled, "Then I will help you, Brother."