Khione froze for only a moment, but the familiarity of the voice immediately drew a smile to her face. Turning around, she found herself face-to-face with none other than Princess Helena Astera. The princess was radiant as ever, her golden hair hanging just over her shoulders, framing a face that exuded charm and confidence. Her emerald-green gown, intricately embroidered with gold, was a testament to her royal status, yet her mischievous grin betrayed the graceful image she typically upheld.
"Happy birthday, Khione!" Helena said, stepping closer and clasping Khione's hands warmly. "It's been far too long."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Khione replied, curtsying slightly out of habit. "It's wonderful to see you again."
"Oh, don't start with the formalities," Helena said with a light laugh, waving her hand dismissively. "You know I hate that."
Khione chuckled softly. "Some things never change."
Helena tilted her head playfully. "And you, Lady Briston, have changed so much. You've grown even more beautiful. I almost didn't recognize you when you walked down the stairs. All those boys nearly tripping over themselves to speak to you—absolutely priceless!"
Khione blushed faintly but maintained her composure. "You're exaggerating, Your Highness."
"Am I?" Helena raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "Anyway, I wanted to tell you how jealous I am about your trip to the Isles of Azeroth. A whole new land, surrounded by the sea, with all those mysterious traditions. It sounds like such an adventure!"
Khione's expression softened. "It won't be as exciting as you think. I'm just accompanying Lady Wright for diplomatic purposes. It'll be all politics and formalities."
"That's why you need me," Helena said, her emerald eyes gleaming with mischief. "If I could go with you, we'd turn it into an adventure worth remembering! Who needs boring treaties and formalities when you can explore uncharted places and meet fascinating people? I'd even help you sneak out of meetings to see the hidden corners of the Isles."
Khione smiled, shaking her head. "That would only cause more trouble. You'd have every knight and diplomat in the empire chasing after us."
"Exactly!" Helena said with a laugh. "What's the fun in visiting a foreign land if there's no danger? It's too dull otherwise. By the time the Isles officially become allies, all the excitement will be gone."
Khione studied the princess for a moment, the warmth of nostalgia flooding through her. Helena hadn't changed at all since their first meeting years ago. Beneath the elegance and refinement expected of her royal station, she was still the same adventurous, carefree spirit who sought thrill and amusement wherever she went. Graceful yet untamed, Helena seemed to thrive on the freedom that others of her rank would never dare to grasp.
"You haven't changed a bit," Khione said softly, her tone filled with fondness.
"And I hope I never do," Helena replied confidently. "What's the point of growing up if it means giving up all the fun in life? Speaking of which—" she leaned in closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially, "—promise me that when you're in the Isles, you'll do something exciting. Something completely reckless and un-ladylike. If you don't, I'll never forgive you."
Khione laughed, unsure if the princess was joking or serious. "I'll consider it, but only if I survive the politics first."
"Surviving politics is easy," Helena said, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Smile, nod, and say something vaguely agreeable. Works every time."
Khione couldn't help but laugh again, the sound surprising even herself. It had been a while since she felt this lighthearted. "I'll keep that in mind, Your Highness."
Helena grinned, clearly pleased with herself. "Good. Oh, and one more thing—when you get back, you'll have to tell me everything. Don't leave out a single detail, no matter how small."
"I'll make sure to prepare a full report," Khione teased.
"You'd better," Helena said with a wink. "Now, come on, let's enjoy your ball. You can't let your birthday slip by without having some fun."
Helena took Khione's arm and led her toward the center of the ballroom, her infectious energy pulling Khione along.
Just seconds later, Helena's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in closer to Khione and Irene. "Let's play a game," she suggested, her voice hushed but brimming with excitement.
Irene raised an eyebrow. "What kind of game? We're at a ball, you know."
Helena smirked. "That's what makes it fun. Let's see who can get the most noblemen to trip while trying to impress them."
Khione blinked. "Trip?"
Helena nodded, grinning. "Yes. Whether it's because they get flustered, lose their balance, or outright stumble over their own feet—it all counts. The winner gets bragging rights."
Khione sighed. "I don't know if we should—"
"Oh, come on," Helena cut in. "What harm could it cause? It's not like we're casting spells or starting duels. Just a little harmless fun."
Irene crossed her arms, pretending to think. "I mean, watching pompous noblemen fall over themselves does sound entertaining." She turned to Khione. "What do you say?"
Khione hesitated but ultimately gave in with a sigh. "Fine. But if anyone gets mad, I'm blaming you two."
Helena clapped her hands. "Excellent! Now, let's split up and get to work."
Khione found her first opportunity when a young Viscount's son approached her with a nervous smile. She gave him a perfectly measured, polite nod and adjusted the hem of her gown as if fixing something. The boy's eyes flickered downward, distracted just enough that he didn't notice the uneven part of the floor. His foot caught, and he stumbled—not quite falling, but enough to make himself look foolish.
"One," Khione murmured under her breath.
Across the ballroom, Helena had a different approach. She playfully batted her lashes at a particularly arrogant Marquess's heir, who immediately tried to showcase his best manners. Unfortunately for him, he miscalculated his step while bowing and nearly face-planted into his own drink.
"Too easy," Helena whispered, stifling a laugh.
Irene, meanwhile, had taken a more subtle approach. Engaging in polite conversation with a group of young noblemen, she suddenly gasped and pointed to the side. "Oh my, is that the Crown Prince?"
Three of them turned too quickly, one stepping on another's foot, which led to a comical chain reaction where they all fumbled for balance. One actually tripped over a chair, landing with a surprised yelp.
Irene smiled in satisfaction.
The game continued for a while, the three girls exchanging amused glances whenever they saw each other's successful attempts. By the end of the night, they regrouped near the refreshments table.
"Well?" Helena asked, taking a sip of her wine. "What's everyone's final count?"
Khione sighed. "I got four."
Helena smirked. "Five for me."
Irene grinned triumphantly. "Seven."
Helena's jaw dropped. "Seven? How?"
Irene chuckled. "Let's just say nobles are very easy to distract."
Khione shook her head, but she couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, fine. You win, Irene."
Helena pouted. "I demand a rematch at the next ball."
Khione rolled her eyes, but for the first time in a while, she felt lighthearted. Maybe Helena's mischief wasn't so bad after all.