Spring killed winter with the softest kiss. The days had quickly rushed to pass.
"Are you even listening to me?!" I look up to see Darya, holding up two plain-looking dresses.
"Of course, you're not!" she says annoyingly "you have to look your best tonight so that Rosaline won't say you were an embarrassment again."
Darya was Abigail's daughter and my best friend. She was one of the few people in my life which I could seek comfort from.
I knew she was right; the royal ball was tomorrow and I had done nothing useful in the past months. Takara had been preparing for this ball, probably all of her life and I've only been walking around like a goon, worrying.
"Tell me what's wrong. Another dream?" she sighed
There were only four people, who believed my ability. Father, Abigail, Darya and the last person had long turned into dust.
I gave her a weak smile.
"Darya, what would you do, if you knew someone was about to die?" I ask, I could feel hot tears building up in my eyes, but I refused to let them go. I didn't ask the rest of my question, was there really a point in burdening her?
Darya looked at me and curiously replied "I can't answer your question, because you would know the answer if the question was so simple"
I gave her a smile; she saw right through me as always.
For the ball we agree on a cream colored dress which had small butterflies lining the puffed gown. The waist was covered with lines of lace and silks. Despite the dress being worn-out I still looked presentable and in Darya's words "pretty".
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Sonoma palace was more luxurious than any building standing in Ardhalis, saving its vintage style but embracing itself with modernism, with the grand marble staircases, glass doors and towers lined with streaks of gold. But it was the small details which made the palace beautiful. The stain glasses which orchestrated the bloodline of the royal family, that covered the walls leading up to summer-hill ballroom. The bouquets of flowers buoyant in the jade vases and the golden chandeliers which were lined with black lines and a mixture of flying cupid's that made an aw-staring sight.
Despite the extravagance, I hated Sonoma palace because every inch was surveyed by cameras, hiding in plain sight, I felt choked by the surveillance.
As we walked into the ballroom, music fluttered to my ears. I could begin to feel the stares following me, and the voice of gossips reaching my ears.
I was the mute girl of the High House of Marchand and yet I had the pleasure of living like a shadowdweller.
Takara and Rosaline pretended to ignore everything, but I knew I was going to hear an ear-full of scolding tonight for being a disgrace. Father was always ignorant towards their complains about me, yet he never showed his support for me either.
Father moved towards the other generals to discuss the bomb attacks of Ardhalis on East-Haven.
Takara, shimmering in her pink dress elegantly walks away to find Prince Talon to congratulate him on his birthday.
Rosaline usually keeps me on radar during social-gatherings but tonight I shift away slowly. Keeping my distance quite father away than what we had arranged.
I slowly make my way to a corner trying to avoid the stares. I find my spot next to one of the large marble pillars.
"You look beautiful tonight." I hear a deep-toned voice whisper against my ear, making me jump. I turn to see Talon bursting out with laughter. I scowl at him. He looks more handsome than ever, and as I look at him I can see his similarities with King Rowan and Jiwon. With ink black hair, a tall and athletic build and sharp features. However, where King Rowan and Jiwon have silver eyes, Talon's eyes are fiery gold.
"I think Takara was looking for you your highness" I say politely "Which is precisely why I'm here right next to you, to avoid her and drive her crazy" he says mockingly. Everyone knew Takara tailed the prince like a puppy dog hoping to be picked in the future as his wife and Talon hated it.
"What? your my saint" he replies with a grin "come on Isleen, it's my 16th birthday."
Me and Talon have known each other since childhood. Our friendship was a secret and I liked to keep the one person who I trusted most safe from Rosaline's grasp.
"Fine, I heard of your... brother" I say trying to tip-toe my way to get answers from Talon.
"Who hasn't heard of the poor boy, mother was furious but she doesn't go on his nerves. Apparently his a dark-conjurer." He replies non-nonchalantly.
Dark-conjurers were rare and now the puzzle pieces fitted together as to why King Rowan was so invested in his new found son. With Jiwon, King Rowan had a lethal weapon. A person who could conjure darkness, pain and misery. Just the weapon which King Rowan needed to win the war.
I could feel myself chocking up for Jiwon and his ill-fate but for now my concern was more for Talon. Even though he was trying to hide his emotions I could see right through his mask. As if realizing my growing tension, he gives me a charming smile.
"Don't worry Isleen, I'm fine and we get along quite well. I have to go I'm scared if I stay next to you any longer Takara will tear you up to shreds" he says with a smile.
"I would bet on that" I say but for some reason I feel Talon is hiding something from me which is weighing heavily on him.
I see him elegantly pace towards the thrones. Sitting next to his parents. The king and queen sit at the far end of the corner on thrones embroidered with emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Their crowns a black shadow of sharp knives on their heads.
The king is in an extravagant suite lined with lines of gold, a black cloak is attached to the shoulders and the queen is in a tight mermaid dress that is laced with swirling patterns of gold. King Rowan and Queen Ravenna, known to be wicked, vicious and dark.
They've allowed the mutes to perish under the treatments of shadowdwellers, for them the mutes mean nothing, I am no exception. I am only tolerated in this court because of my father. The King stands up, his black hair sleeked back: "I am glad you could all come tonight to celebrate prince Talon's birthday."
All the guests break into applause and the smaller prince smiles.
"I would like for us to also celebrate the return of my eldest son, Prince William." The court transfigures into low hushed voices, no one is surprised for the rumors had already spread.
The king gestures to one of the guards and he disappears but returns empty handed, whispering words into the king's ears.
His expression darkens and Queen Ravenna's mouth slowly tilts upwards into a wicked smile.
"Please continue the celebration, William will arrive shortly" he respond but the embarrassment is present in his voice and the guests already know no William will arrive. Suddenly the glasses shiver against the rumbles of the sky. The lightening flashing against the stained glasses.
"I didn't know it would rain today." I hear the general next to me purr out, I look at him and horror crosses my face. His face is the one from my dream, the general who checked Jiwon's body.
I realize, my dream is happening.
It's tonight.