YEAR 20
MAE'S POV:
I was in the library, reading. Something I'd grown to love over the years; it provided an escape from my life. Why wouldn't I love it?
A hand lightly pushing my book down caused me to pause my reading and glance up. Seeing a pair of blue eyes made me instantly recognize whose hands those were.
"Rafael, what are you doing here?"
Rafael was a friend of mine, we had met when he visited the palace for the first time with his father.
"I came to visit you. One of the maids said you were here, so here I am."
He tilted his head as if the answer was obvious.
"come on let's go out"
I paused at the words.
"I can't, I'm grounded"
I lifted my book once again and continued to read.
"Oh come on, I'll have you back before anyone notices."
he pushed the book down again, this time taking it from my hands. I let out a huff.
"as much as I'd like to go it'd just make my punishment-"
"Please?"
I looked up, and our eyes locked. Any remaining resistance that I had crumbled. How'd he always convince me into this kind of stuff? Maybe it was the slight pleading in his eyes or maybe the fact that I wanted to go, but I found myself accepting his request...
YEAR 25
INIZIO'S POV:
A few weeks had passed since the night that me and Mae toured the city. I'd say we were getting nicely acquainted, She had lost some of that defensive gaze, though I still caught sight of that distant unfocused look she often had worn.
Tonight was the annual Snowflake Ball, a well-known event here in Ceria's where the royals would gather to celebrate the end of a year. I had never been too fond of it, the air stuffy and filled with fake smiles and laughter, however, I did enjoy the decorations it was always such a gorgeous sightseeing the palace all dolled up.
I sat in my office trying to focus and work but my thoughts wouldn't stop running. I let out a sigh and leaned my head back against my chair, now gazing at the ceiling. I tapped my pen against the desk thinking of what I was going to wear. Perhaps I should ask Mae what she was wearing so I could wear something that corresponded with her attire. I dropped my pen onto the desk and stood up, giving up on getting any work done at the moment. I gazed outside at the sight of snow against the bed of flowers a beautiful one.
I pryed my gaze away from the scenery, finally deciding to go ready.
MAE'S POV:
Tonight was going to be my first time attending a proper ball. I surprisingly found myself looking forward to it; I had my outfit picked and everything. The dress I'm going to be wearing is a deep purple floor-length strapless gown with the top part having embroidered crystals on it, one of the maids picked it for me saying it complimented me, I wasn't too sure how true it was but I couldn't deny that the dress was gorgeous.
I put it on, the fit was snug, fitting just right. I gazed in the mirror, seeing myself in such a dress looked wrong but I suppose it was to be expected considering I didn't own such extravagant clothing but I liked the extraness of the gown I could see why people liked to dress lavishly for such events.
I heard a small knock at the door, assuming it was the maid I went over to open it. Much to my surprise, it was Prince.
"Good evening, apologies if you were busy..."
He paused, his words dying out on his tongue as he gazed down.
"You're not interrupting anything, I was just getting ready for the ball"
"I see. Well, I originally came to ask what you were wearing but I guess there's no need for that. May I say that dress looks stunning on you."
I knew that I was pretty, and I'd gotten compliments before but something about hearing them from him made my heart beat a little faster. It was amazing what one compliment could do to me... Perhaps It would do me well to raise my standards.
"Thank you... What are you wearing?"
I questioned, trying to ignore the small smile that crept onto my face.
"I came here to see what you were wearing so I could decide on my outfit... Though I'll be wearing something in alignment with your gown."
Our eyes locked for a moment before I spoke up.
"Very well, I suppose you'll be getting dressed now?"
He tilted his head
"Hm? Oh right, yes I'll be getting dressed now. I'll come get you once it's time to leave."
With that, he bowed his head and left.
I returned to getting prepared for tonight, now putting on my accessories. I put on some black heels and a matching set of gloves. I decided to wear a pair of amethyst earrings and a necklace that I had found, which paired well with the gown. Soon after, a maid came to assist me with my hair. She put it into a bun tied with a black ribbon, leaving two strands out and curling them.
***
The ball was enjoyable so far. The guests were all dressed nicely and the decoration was nothing short of gorgeous.
I was now at the snack bar getting myself some of the appetizers, they had a plethora of selections. I just decided to indulge in some of the chicken bites and cubed cheese for now.
As I was making my plate a woman came and stood beside me assumably getting herself some food as well. I paid it no mind, nearly done making my plate.
"So, I hear that you're the woman Zizi settled down with."
I glanced over at the snide comment, was she talking to me?
"Hm?"
"I said I've been hearing that you're the woman Zizi settled down with, I just wanted to come and introduce myself and also see if it was true."
I gave her a blank stare. I was confused as to why she felt the need to introduce herself... I was also confused about who Zizi was.
"No. I don't even know a Zizi, so perhaps you've heard wrong."
She let out a chuckle and waved her hand.
"Oh do forgive me, the nickname has become a force of habit for me. I was referring to Inizio. Zizi is just a name I gave him during our time engaged."
Now that caught my attention, engaged? Interesting...
"Oh is that so? In that case then yes, we are married."
I didn't want to have a conversation right now when I was trying to eat, but I suppose some entertainment with my meal wouldn't be all that unamusing.
"Ah, I see. So my sources were correct, It seems he committed this time."
"Well, it was arranged so."
I commented as I took a bite out of my food. It was quite delicious, and the fruit was ripened too.
"So was ours but he still backed out... But that's quite alright, it's in the past now. Besides, I married Prince Elias and he spoils me just as a girl of my reputation should be. Speaking of, there goes my husband now. Enjoy your food, doll..."
She turned to walk away before glancing over her shoulder.
"I'm Jessica by the way, pleasure making my acquaintance I'm sure."
With that, she disappeared into the crowd.