He greets me with his usual sneer.
Surprised to find him behind me, I studied him tentatively. Eriol wore a simple dark suit with a pair of epaulets on his shoulder. A crest of Greenrun is seen by his chest and the emblem of his own House. I wonder who designed his emblem?
His hair seems a bit tousled but carefully tied from behind, an effort for keeping his long bangs away from his face, I assume. But it enabled his face to be seen clearly this time. That charming angel face that has a smile of a mischief.
"You look great, Eri" I told him
"You too, kiddo!" he replied wearing his usual sneer.
"Now if you excuse me so I can go hunt down that servant who wouldn't stop blasting us with this darn blinding lights!" Aeron marches away, stepping off from the light while Eriol does a quick side step to catch my eyes.
"So, I guess I should ask properly huh?" he began, he bows down courteously before me with a hand on his chest while a free hand reaches out to me, "May I have this dance, miss?"
I gladly took his hand and beamed at him, "It's actually 'lady' not miss. But, go ahead."
"I actually dislike saying those fancy stuff. Lord, Lady, Master —Bleh." He stuck his tongue out.
I caught a laugh inside my throat, it almost escaped from my lips, luckily I held it in before it bursted out.
"But I suppose you're right. I should address you as a Lady since you're growing up." He suddenly scoops a hand to my back and pulls me towards him in one quick move. "Well... not that old enough but I can make an exemption once in a while if you really want me to treat you as a woman." He winks
"I don't mean it like that!" I grumbled, I can feel my face flushing.
"Why not? The world of grown up can be just as fun" he says, as we began to move and waltz around.
"Yeah right, you're only sixteen. You're barely a man yourself, Eri!" I rolled my eyes.
"Now that sounds like a challenge! You'd be surprise what I know. Go ahead and ask away, try me!"
"I rather not..." I retorted, as he led me around with his subtle yet graceful movements.
"I'm more surprised you know how to dance!" I said as he made me twirl around then sets me back to step one and then resumes the dance.
"I had to learn it. I told you didn't I? Mercenaries are jack of all trade! We sometimes have to blend in with parties and balls like this to acquire the items our clients requested"
"You mean steal" I muttered, eyeing him deadpan.
He grins, "There's art in the process. So I rather not call it stealing. I prefer 'acquiring!'"
The deed is the same, I thought as suddenly— or rather 'finally!', the blasting spotlight turned off. The room was slowly filled with the soft golden lights from the three magnificent crystal chandeliers from the high ceilings instead. Luminous white sconces that is seen by the walls, one by one lit up as well.
"Seems like Aeron found the guy" Eriol says in a snicker, looking around.
Now with all the lights open, I was able to see all the faces of the guests around us, also how many are joining us, dancing. And how many girls are actually feasting their eyes on my dance partner.
Hm.
Eriol is a good-looking after all, it can't be helped if girls swoon over him and want him.
His deep purple eyes are the most salient feature he has next to his dimples. Both of which are conspicuous.
My gaze dropped.
This dance is will come to an end...
I wonder who will he dance next?
Someone taps at Eriol from the side, we both look at it and saw Levi. "May I?" He asks at Eriol.
We both stopped.
Eriol just nodded. He then turns to me and steps aback, "It has been fun. See you around, my Lady!" he bows down but leaves a wink after.
My eyes followed him as he made his way into the crowd. I can see Aeron talking with some guests in a distance and as expected, plenty of girls', be it a woman or younger, are looking at him. Obviously wanting to be noticed by the blue eyed- snow haired young Lord of the castle.
I turn my focus at Levi, who stood before me. He wore an elegant black and red suit with a cloth that I can undeniably tell it's expensive and high quality. One of those he got from across the seas from his business dealings, I'm guessing. His hair all carefully brushed aback, giving that glossy finish for his dark lux hair. No one can even tell he's from a commoner blood at this point for sure.
He wore several insignia carefully pinned by his coat near his shoulder, exposing his military rank and small stones that symbolizes all the cities under his empire. There's also a bigger crest for Osteell seen just beside the emblem of Morlock Household that he wore on the same side of his coat. He wears a black cape that drapes only by his other side of shoulder and a pair of black gloves that covered his hands. By the middle of his suit are several buttons paired in a row, lining down like one of those Drummer Boy costumes with small tiny chains to connect them and belts-like tags on his side. A rather peculiar outfit that leaves that military air sober around him just like what his Nation is known for. But with his good posture and demeanor, he suits an image of an emperor.
He looks too devastatingly attractive and intimidating at the same time. I suddenly felt conscious with how I look.
"May I have this dance?" He bows down and holds out a hand which I anxiously took. I can see his cufflinks that bore the crest of Osteell. Now that is what I call patriotic.
He stood back up and smiled, dispelling the coldness in his aura; with his thick lashes and sharp looking amber eyes regarding me warmly. "I brought a dress for you to change into later. It's has Osteell fashion, of course. My people will be proud to see you wear it, if you could?"
"Red and black dress?" I asked as a confirmation rather than bland curiosity.
He nods, "It matches mine actually. It also helps tell people your my fiancée." he reaches at my face and draws a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "That way we can avoid misunderstandings with other Lords here that you're available."
Since when did Levi become so possessive?
Or has he always been one and I just wasn't paying enough attention?
Well he already went to the trouble in getting me one so...
"Okay, Levi. I'll change into it"
He smiles and guides me in place.
We were about to begin dancing when all of a suddenly a royal entry was announced.
Everyone halted.
Including us.
Ah.
Now that I think about it, I don't see uncle nor auntie anywhere.
The noble court herald announces in proud tone the arrival of the representative of the High throne,
I look up and saw a boy with curly red wine hair that is brushed to one side. His green eyes resembles that of a pureblood of an Ergus descendant but I know very well he's not. He just really have a pair of olive colored eyes. A feature in him that is often misleading.
I can't believe it though, he grown up so fast!
"Prince Kain!"
I can see the delight on his face when Aeron himself walked up to him to greet him. The innocence in Prince Kain's downturned eyes never seem to change despite growing older, he still have the natural imploring look.
Wait.
He's supposed to be ten years old now but surprisingly, he stands almost at the same height as my brother.
Has growth spurt always been that early for some guys?
"Let's join them" Levi suggests to me with a smile.
Ah.
But the dance... it would be rude if I stepped away now.
"It's fine. We can dance after greeting them. I can see you want to greet your cousin too."
"T-thanks, Levi."
"Let's go greet them together and then return here later on, okay?"
I nodded as we both went towards them.
Eriol has already joined them.
"Prince Kain, good evening!" I said as we approached them.
Prince Kain turned to me and hurried to my side, "You look stunning, Aerra!"
"Thank you, your Highness!" I answered and curtsied to properly greet his presence. He is after all the second Prince.
I stood back up as he hold on to both my hands, "No need to be so formal to me if it's you, Aerra." He says with such a cheerful tone.
Wow. He's just on the same eye level as me.
Prince Kain really has grown taller than expected. But he was so short the last time I saw him, almost like a toddler.
"What's wrong?" he asks, his natural imploring look kicks in.
"It's nothing!" I beamed at him.
"I have gifts for you!" He says almost in a singsong. "And you, Aeron!" he turns to Aeron.
"And you too, Stray!" he added
"Nice!" Eriol pumps a fist.
Ah.
I noticed Kain still uses Eriol's old name but he doesn't seem to mind though...
"Hey, thanks! By the way, if you don't mind me asking. Did you came here alone?" Aeron asks.
Kain drops my hands and just stood close to me, turning to face Aeron as Kain latched onto my arm. "The high King has to handle some important affairs regarding the Northwestern war. He took my brother along so I came here to represent the High throne instead. I hope you don't mind"
War?
"Of course not!" Aeron replied, "We're more than happy to see you come here actually!"
Kain beams profoundly, "Thank you!"
"Ah! I don't think you met Levi yet!" Aeron gestures at Levi as he bows courteously at him. "Prince Kain, this is Levi. He is—!"
"Yes, I know of him." Kain answered curtly. The tone of his voice seemed different. "Anyway, I brought a dress you can use tonight, Aerra!" He digresses, his usual pitch returned. "You're still part of the royal line so you must wear it, yes? I assured only the best tailor in the Seven Kingdoms created it!"
I guess I'll be changing into a lot of dress tonight, I thought to myself.
"Thank you, Kain. I will."
Unexpectedly, our parents arrived and exchanged greetings with Kain.
"Aeron, go ahead and get ready." Papa says at Aeron as he nodded and excused himself. Papa followed after him.
"Where's he going?" Kain whispered at me,
"He's suppose to show off his powers for the guests' entertainment." I answered.
"Won't you join him?"
I shook my head, "I haven't... awakened mine yet."
Kain smiled, "Okay."
What's with that reply?
"Aerra, go ahead and have your final dance. We'll begin with Aeron's soon after." Mama says as she smiled and nudge at me.
It's rather common sense than customary to have at least one dance with the guy you're engaged with so I turned to face Levi. Also, I did agreed to return to the dance with him.
Although we do have still a lot more chances to dance later but...
Levi smiled and reached a hand at me. "Let's go?" he asks. I nodded and reached a hand to take his.
Kain grabs my hand all of a sudden and pulls me away, dragging me towards the middle of the room. "Kain wait—" I tagged at him and pulled my hands off.
"What's wrong, Aerra? Auntie said we should dance before Aeron's turn to perform out."
Ah.
But—!
I turned to look at Levi as he just stood there wearing his usual placid facial expression, nods once at me and steps back with composure.
Kain turns to look at where I was looking at.
"Oh. Sorry, I didn't mean to interfere or anything!" He is referring this to Levi, blatantly. "You don't mind, don't you? After all, I'm here to represent the high crown; to dance with the celebrant is expected from me." Kain's voice somehow sounds mature if he levels his tone flat like this, I thought.
I can see Levi wants to say something but held himself not too. Kain's volume has been too loud enough that many guests ended up turning to watch what was transpiring, pushing Levi to a corner where he has to agree with this set up.
At that point, it's impossible any of us to deny Kain, especially now that we got the attention of almost all of the guests in that hall.
I rather feel bad for Levi.
It seems rude though— what Kain had done.
He's unexpectedly cunning
...like his father.
"Let's go, Aerra" he says again with his usual sweet smile and high pitched tone.
I just nodded and followed after him.
Soon, we began to dance.
"It's alright, Aerra. Levi doesn't seem to mind!"
Says Kain as we dance through the slow waltz.
"You didn't had to be that loud though..." I replied, looking at Levi as few guests had began chatting with him. At least he's preoccupied now, I thought.
"I'll be more careful next time then." Kain replied. "But this won't do. You need to keep your eyes straight, Aerra. Or else you might trip and fall. Dancing is more dangerous than you think!"
I turned my focus at Kain
he just beamed at me.
What an ambiguous warning.
Did he just indirectly threaten me?
I wonder.
It's hard to tell if he's trying to insinuate anything with that or not because he masks his tone with a cheerful voice and a sweet and innocent smile.
"How are you, Kain?" I decided to make small talks instead.
"I'm doing better now. I really missed you!" he answered. "You should come visit sometime soon. I'm sure the high king and queen will be just as delighted to see you!"
He pouts, "Oh but big brother has a fiancée now. She often visits too!"
I managed to smile back at him.
Somehow, he seem to act normal if I talk with him like this.
"So do you like her? She's going to be your big sister when they get married"
Kain shook his head, "She seems too fragile. I don't like breakable stuff. It's no fun"
Wha—
"I mean, she's seems ill with her pale complexion. My big brother doesn't seem to mind though. I seriously think she needs more sunlight!"
Oh.
"Did you know, they even had their engagement party done twice just to accommodate the schedule of all the Seven Kingdom's noble Houses and their Kings! I think they plan to make a third one but just for family members this time. You'll be invited on the third one for sure!"
"Wow, that's grand"
Kain nods, "That's how engagements are if you're part of the Seven Kingdoms, especially for castellans and royalties. They're obligated to host a party so that their betrothal would be acknowledged! Otherwise it will be viewed as frivolous."
"I didn't know that." I murmured as Kain spun me around. "Hey, Aerra. Isn't House Morlock part of the Seven Kingdoms?"
Huh?
and then he sets me back to waltz again, leading me 'round through the dance floor.
An engagement party to make a betrothal official? I never knew anything about that but surely Papa has. He made it clear that he wants to tie a bond between Greenrun and Osteell so why—?
Does this mean Levi is just a candidate after all? Or is it the other way around?
I watched Kain in silence as he gave out his usual sweet smile.
Whatever he was scheming, he sure seems to be contented at the result.
He made me brood over this.
The music stops.
"This dance has been fun, Aerra" he slightly bows down before me.
I curtsied in response.
"I want to see how Aeron would do! Tonight sure is exciting!" he says as we began to walk back to where Mama stood.
••▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅••
As we went back to join Mama, Aeron walks out wearing a different garment. The same ones he uses when he's on training.
The people clapped as Papa introduces him.
The middle of the room was cleared and Aeron stood alone in it. Soldiers went marching in, spreading wide into a circle formation with my brother in the middle.
I can see all the guests have their eyes peeled open to watch them.
And then the soldiers made a brief salute before going into stance. They pulled all their swords out from its sheath, gripping at it and pointing it towards Aeron.
I suddenly felt nervous seeing there were at most seven soldiers that surrounds him.
I clasp a hand by my chest,
—I hope he goes easy on them.
A spark emitted at one of Aeron side,
at that display, one of the soldier began to charge at him. With a battle cry filling the room, other soldiers followed after him. And they all went charging towards one opponent, that is my brother.
Aeron stood there motionless as they went closing in on him.
One of the soldiers' sword sways at him,
Aeron snaps, opens one fist from his side
a blue light appears in a form of a sword,
He grabs it and quickly parries against one soldier.
But there were more attacks in coming.
He kicks at that soldier's torso squarely,
Turns to his side and clashes at the other swords
He clasps a fist on mid air, only for another formless sword to appear on his other hand,
Using two swords now, he blocks one attack
Dodges another,
Side steps,
Parries from both sides
Then slides down and swings his leg around in a semicircular motion, sweeping at all the soldiers cornering Aeron, as they all fell butt first to the floor, losing balance.
Aeron stood back up.
But two soldier sneaks up behind him and swings one at him.
He abruptly turns, parried the blow by crossing both swords,
turning it around, till his opponent's sword touches the floor
He stomps a foot on that soldier's swords,
Leaps on to step at the shoulder of the soldier behind him
Kicked
then jumps over head.
High on midair
flips backward,
Opens both his hands
Several blue formless swords suddenly appears around him.
Sways a hand,
All the formless swords spreads out
Stabs at the ground, surrounding the soldiers that gathered at one spot, like a fence
And as Aeron lands on his feet, lightning emits out directly from where all the swords are, striking every single one of the soldiers inside the walled area and zapping them all like flies.
They all dropped to the floor in an ashen color.
The room was filled with utter silence.
It all happened in a span of a minute.
All seven soldiers— defeated.
Aeron manage to showcase both his physical and magical prowess.
And I've never felt so proud of him in my entire life.
Slowly, the deafening silence blows up into thundering claps from all the people inside the halls, both from the guests and servant alike.
'To the future Duke of Greenrun!'
they cheered. "Long may He live!"
Aeron turns and looks at me.
My back straightens at his glance.
He flashes a smile at me but his eyes had a different spark in them.
Not just confidence or valor,
he also has that look that seems full of resolve.
As if he's thinking of a goal that he knows well to himself that he will make it happen.
And for that fleeting second,
A vision flashed before my eyes.
—Of a tall young man who stood in a middle of a chasm, surrounded by dead bodies of ghoulish monsters by his feet and in a pile behind him. He wore a shiny white cuirass and a blue torned cape behind him.
He held one black sword on his right hand but one white shield on the other with several swords hovers around him in a warm glowing light.
His white hair stained with tar and soot, so is his face, but his crystalline blue eyes were clear as they were vivid; brimming with resolve though it held a steady and petrifying glare. But as he looked back at me, there was a sense of desperation in them. A sentiment that he seemed to have sealed deep inside him but leaks to show, unknowingly.
And then his lips move, I couldn't hear it but it read as
"I'll kill you, I promise."
I gasped.
Blinking several times.
I snapped back to reality as the overwhelming noise of clapping and cheer echoing around the room, covered my senses.
No, there's no way that would be my brother...
No way...
Aeron walks towards us, "How'd I do?" he asks with a sheepish smile.
"Amaaaaziiiing!" Kain roared, jumping up and down as he welcomed Aeron back.
I showed him two thumbs up and beamed at him.
He rubs at his nape but grins widely back at me.
I watch Papa and Mama embrace and commend him as Levi and Eriol soon went to tease him. They all laughed as slowly some of the other guests went to surround them, covering my view of them till they were out of sight.
"Time to change, Aerra." Mama walks up to me.
"After you change, we san start greeting all the guests one by one."
I pouted, sounds like an ardous task. "Do I really have to?"
"Yes, my darling. Your guests need to meet the young Lady of this House too!" she kisses my forehead then brushes my hair with her fingers. I understand her point, I wasn't able to do something like Aeron did because my powers hasn't awaken yet.
"Now go. Should I sent some servants to help you?"
"No need, Mama. I can dress myself"
She nods. "Very well. Both Lord Levi and Prince Kain seemed to have sent a dress. You might want to change into one of them. I had them sent to the waiting room upstairs. Go fetch them before going into one of the fitting rooms."
"Okay, I better go!" I replied as I walk off.
Walking across the room.
I still feel eyes watching me.
I wanted to just look down and keep from making any eye contact with anyone but as the Lady of this Halls, I need to walk with confidence and grace.
I held my head up, looking straight.
But I can't help but to notice people from my peripheral vision.
One of them suddenly stood out as I notice something very otherworldly about him, I took a side long glance at him.
He has an eye catching vermillion colored eyes. They shine like ruby against the golden gleam of the lights from the chandeliers.
He was standing way back across the room, near one of the high windows that leads to the gardens, just beside the wall fountains. He held a wine glass on his one hand while his other hand folded across his body. He held a steady stare at me. They were spine chilling and razor sharp almost as if he doesn't plan to blink.
I abruptly looked away.
It's rude to stare, I want to scowl at him. But there's this primal instinct inside me that tells me to avoid looking at him or deliberately keep away from him.
Such an odd experience.
I guess they really do have assorted types of people you can find in a banquet.
••▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅••