xi

"Is the mask really necessary?" Ophelia looked at the ram skull shaped mask. "I hope this isn't an actual ram's skull." Caspian released a laugh and shook his head.

"No, it's not a real ram's skull." Anaieese clarified for her as she finished lacing up the dark green gown.

Caspian had brought the mask in a few minutes before, stopping in his tracks when he saw Ophelia step out in the dress. It complimented her complexion perfectly, her hair framing her face softly.

She looked like a goddess.

Caspian leaned down and grabbed the black and silver heels set out for Ophelia to wear. "Here, let me help you." Ophelia looked down and noticed the shoes in his hands, nodding and walking to sit on the chair.

Caspian moved the skirt and held each foot up while he slipped the shoes onto it, tying the silk black ribbons around her ankles. "There you go."

Caspian set Ophelia's foot down and stood up, holding out a hand to help her up, which she took. Ophelia stumbled a little, for the shoes were a little taller than what she was used to. Caspian gripped both of her wrists and stood in front of her, making sure that she was steady.

"Caspian," Ophelia said, after a few minutes of silence. She had walked to make sure everything was appropriate for the large party that her father had sprung on her a week ago. "Why is dad having a party all of a sudden?"

Ophelia turned and looked at Caspian, cocking her head to the side. Caspian shrugged, grabbing the mask and walking forward. Anaieese was gathering the clothes that were discarded to go wash.

"Maybe he wanted to have a get-together. Maybe it's to announce our engagement. Who knows, other than your father?" Caspian smiled down to her. "Now, I need to go finish getting ready for this party."

Ophelia knit her eyebrows together before grabbing his black cape. "I like this look. It's fierce, yet elegant at the same time," Ophelia flattened some invisible creases on his chest. "Wear this."

Caspian chuckled and grabbed both of her hands into his and squeezed lovingly. "Anything for you, My Love." Caspian smiled and tried to look into Ophelia's eyes, but she kept dodging his gaze, a blush rising up her neck.

A sharp knock sounded through the room before Caspian could do anything more.

"I think that's our cue to leave." Caspian released a laugh before grabbing the mask and tying it around her head before leading her to the door and opening it.

"His majesty sent me to bring you both to the ballroom."

One of the maids bowed her head. Dirty blonde baby hairs were sticking up around her head, indicating that she had been rushing around before coming to get them. "Thank you..?" Ophelia trailed off, waiting for the girl to give her name.

"Oh! My name's Flavia, my lady." The girl bowed her head before standing straight. Flavia faced them both, seeing Caspian and eyes going wide. "I-I'm sorry to keep you." Ophelia reassured her that she was okay and bid her a farewell.

She and Caspian walked off, turning around corners and walked down a flight of stairs before stepping into the ballroom. It was packed with people.

"When did he invite this many people?" Ophelia asked, eyes wide as she looked up at Caspian. "Your father knows many people." Caspian shrugged. "Clearly." Ophelia responded, moving through the sea of moving bodies.

Many people moved out of their way once they saw Caspian. Abraxas looked up and saw Ophelia and stood up.

"My daughter, you look lovely!"

Ophelia smiled, looking at some of the women holding up their laced masks, glaring at her. Ophelia, tired of being looked down upon by people who don't even know her, turned her nose up and straightened her back, walking the rest of the way.

"Thank you, Dad." Ophelia smiled, curtsying and moving to sit beside Abraxas. Caspian moved to stand behind Ophelia when Abraxas cleared his throat and motioned to the empty seat beside her.

"I'm sorry, my King." Caspian bowed his head, moving to sit on the chair.

Ophelia smiled at him, reaching over and grabbing Caspian's hand. People closest to them noticed and stared, whispering among themselves.

Abraxas noticed and smiled to himself, turning and talking with the man beside him.

"People are noticing, Darling." Caspian murmured, eyes darting from face to face. "Let them. I'm pretty sure Dad's going to announce it tonight, anyways." Ophelia smiled widely, noticing how Caspian seemed tense.

"It's fine." Ophelia rubbed his hand with her thumb.

"I don't like being in front of everybody. I like staying in the shadows." Caspian replied, finally looking Ophelia in the eye. "It's hard for you to hide in the shadows."

Ophelia's smile dropped from her face as she watched how Caspian reacted to her comment. He smiled and shook his head.

Ophelia went to say something when a melodious voice caught their attention. "Look at little miss Princess." Caspian and Ophelia turned and faced the lady in a revealing golden dress sashayed up the stairs.

"Doesn't someone look dashing." Yuki looked at Caspian and batted her eyes. Ophelia knit her eyebrows together, sitting up. "Oh don't worry. I like someone else."

"Why're you here? You're wanted for escaping." Ophelia said, glaring at the woman, who waved her hand in response. "That's the fun of it, Ophelia.".

Ophelia stood up and walked down the steps to stand in front of Yuki. "If that's the fun of it, why don't you take off your mask?" Ophelia crossed her arms, tilting her head to the right and cocked her hip.

Abraxas looked towards Ophelia, noticing that she had gotten up. "I'm sorry, give me a moment." He got up and walked to his daughter, resting a hand on her shoulder.

"What's wrong-" Abraxas stopped his sentence when he noticed that it was Yuki. She forced a smile and waved a little. "Hello, Abraxas."

"Where's your boss, Yuki?" Abraxas asked. It was the wrong thing to say because the temperature started to drop. "He is not my boss!" Yuki growled out. "Anyways, I have no idea where he is." She smirked and arched her eyebrow.

"Are you going to stay for the announcement I have to make? Surely Perseus would want to know everything." Abraxas smiled, walking to stand in front of Ophelia.

Caspian stood up and tugged her back, making her sit down. "He's here somewhere," Caspian whispered to her. "Perseus would never let Yuki go by herself." Ophelia shook his head. "He'd want it done right. She seems to want to party."

"She finds it fun. Have fun while doing the mission, it'll get done more effectively." Caspian was watching the crowds more while Abraxas clapped to get everyone's attention.

"I have some news to share with you all, as you know from the letters I have sent." Abraxas looked at everyone's face, noticing an unfamiliar mask in the back. "The line of this kingdom will not be shifting to anyone else at this time."

People began muttering to one another. Abraxas clapped his hands once more, causing the room to fall silent. "My daughter, Ophelia," Abraxas stepped to the side and gestured to Ophelia. "Is engaged to my right hand man, Caspian."

The whole room seemed to release a breath and an applause broke out. So did an iron-handled dagger that flew towards Abraxas' face.