Chapter 7: The Massacre Ball

The ball room was grand, adorned with orchids and golden ornaments. The floor having gold accents gave a rich and graceful feeling to the room. On large oakwood tables were dishes with Turkey, Beef, Chicken, Salad, Soups and even traditional food like, Vis en skyfies (fish and chips), and Roospuree (Rose puree). The guests were adequately dressed; some guests were in masks and fancy hats. The music was sweet and calming. Just about everything was perfect. Almost too perfect.

Waltzing into the room, Oliver, along with Petunia and Junibieve, were met with a celebratory welcome dance taking place. The duchess was in the middle with four dancers around her. Moving in sinc, they started doing ritual like dances. Gracefully they moved across the ballroom floor. Petals showered them from the hanging chandeliers, making the dance almost hypnotic. As the dance came to an end, everyone started clapping and cheering. It really was festive. The livelyness of the kingdom gathered here in one place.

"Enjoying the celebration?" A voice spoke; footsteps gradually getting louder behind Oliver. Oliver turned around to be met with a familiar figure, Vernon. "S-sir Vernon! I-i wasn't expecting to see you again so soon..." Oliver said, reaching out his hand towards Vernon to greet him with a handshake. "Oh please, call me Vernon. It's an honor to see you here." Vernon responded while taking Oliver's hand. Oliver thought that Vernon would shake his hand but to his surprise, Vernon gently kissed it. Oliver felt a wave of warmth flood through his body causing him to sudder. "Maybe we can talk on the balcony if that's alright with you, Oliver"

The two men made their way through the crowd of people; Oliver received countless compliments on his attire. Once they reached the balcony, it was as if they were alone. It was quiet enough to believe there wasn't a celebration going on.

"The night is breathtaking, isn't it, Oliver? The stars are alined perfectly." Vernon stated, his eyes shining in admiration for the beautiful scenery displayed before them in the sky. "The sky is beautiful...they match your eyes" Oliver thought to himself before nodding in agreement to Vernon's statement.

"Vernon...may I...see your face," Oliver asked hesitantly, "I only can see your eyes, they're beautiful...but I'd like to see your entire face...i-if thats okay." Oliver smiled sheepishly. "Of course, my prince." Vernon responded with a hint of amusement in his voice. His hands reached up to remove his mask.

CRASH!

"AHHH!"

"AN AMBUSH! GUARDS!"

SCREAMING

"M-mother...?" Oliver questioned. He was about to open the entry to the balcony when he was stopped by Vernon, who had brought him into a hug and used his hands to cover the prince's ears. "It's not safe my prince... your mother will be fine..." Vernon whispered in a soothing tone; "Hopefully..." He thought.

SCREAMING INTENSIFIES

CRASH!

"PEOPLE OF LIMADIA PLEASE EVACUATED AND HIDE!"

A vibrant glow of light could be seen through the curtains blocking the view through the windows of the palace. Once the glowing ceased so did the screams of the people. Slowly withdrawing his hands, Vernon broke the contact he shared with Oliver. "Please remain here..." Vernon said. Oliver shook his head, his eyes were filled with worry. Sigh " I don't have a good feeling about this..."

Walking back into the ballroom, Vernon and Oliver were met with pools of blood and the lifeless bodies of the kingdom's population. Of course not every citizen was dead but they were bleeding out beyond control. Next to the throne area laid Oliver's mother. She was unconscious, barely breathing. There were 10 stab wounds in her back. "Mom! Mom please no!" Oliver rushed to his mother's side, cradling her now cold body against his.

This was Limadia's first incident like this...who caused this massacre?