Page 67 of Scars and Burns

I let out one last stress relieving sigh, before saying, “Yes.”

Aemond’s eyes are still on me. Lingering there for a moment. He looks forward, “Very well, Your Grace. Let’s get ready for this Welcome Masquerade Ball.”

* * *

The Welcome Masquerade Ball is of course meant to welcome the other rulers and noble families in attendance. But it also represents the unveiling of one’s soul. The unknown souls of Princess Saphrina and Prince Proteus coming together.

Much like how Princess Saphrina and Prince Proteus know next to nothing of one another. You are meant to find someone you also know little about.

Spend the evening getting to know one another. Interlacing the realms. Princess Saphrina and Prince Proteus are supposed to spend the entirety of the evening together. No one is to disturb their conversation unless instructed to do so by one of their parents. They shall only dance with each other. Making the most of their first interactions.

Other than the two guests of honor. No one is supposed to know who the other is. That is the point of the masks. A rather ridiculous point if you ask me. Everyone from a realm is easily distinguishable. Celestial with their porcelain skin, silver to white hair, and range of blue eyes. The Middle Kingdom with ivory to tan skin, blonde hair, and eyes vibrant shades of green. The Shadowlands and their copper caramel skin, brown eyes, and hair black as night.

The only ones to forgo this status quo are the mixed blood. Never nobles and never rulers. Aside from myself with my sapphire eyes. Though no one has ever questioned my lineage. Most likely from fearing my Father and then myself.

Then there is Lady Dinalia. Her skin and hair color would suggest she is from the Shadowlands but her eyes. Never before seen purple eyes. She will be the one to look for.

We all await the grand entrance of the royal families of the Middle Kingdom and Celestial Realm. I’ve even heard that King Elio is allowing Lady Dinalia to have an entrance announcement.

He’s never taken a slightest interest or care in her before. He has barely claimed and represented her as his ward over the years. I wonder why now.

Given my station, I am seated at a table relatively close to the guest of honors. Their table is long. Facing the dance floor while the rest of us are scattered about in round tables surrounding the space. Princess Saphrina and Prince Proteus will sit in the middle with both of their respected family members off to their sides. Prince Proteus’s being his Father and Mother, King Charon and Queen Ayla. Princess Saphrina will be accompanied by her Father, King Elio, and Lady Dinalia next to him.

I have a clear view of the high table. Able to see the interactions between Saphrina and Proteus. Just to see how much work I might have cut out for me.

“You look quite dashing.” Aemond says, to my right.

I am wearing all black, per my usual attire. But this formal suit jacket however took weeks to make. Embroidered with silver and silk embellishments. Intricate designs on the panels. My collar and cuffs details took days alone. Fitted to my body measurements exactly. It is flattering fit but still tight enough to show off my muscular form. Hugging my broad shoulders just right as it loosens and complimentsmy long lean torso. The collar is high but with my long neck it shows off the sharpness of my jawline even more. My hair is still shaggy but structured with product. My crystal sapphire eyes are complimented by a silver mask. The same intricate details of my suit jacket.

“Anyone you are trying to impress?” Aemond eggs me on even further.

“No one in particular. But if I happen to catch Princess Saphrina’s eye all the better.”

“Mhhhmmm, right and Lady Dinalia in clear view won’t be a problem?”

“She does not matter. She will be nothing. Not even a mere distraction. Purely all fun and games in order to rile up King Elio.”

“Remember, My King, do not fight fate, your will, will not overcome our Goddess’s.” Aemond says softly.

“Been communicating with your wife?”

“Well, yes of course. But perhaps there is another way to go about things that won’t defy the Goddess.”

“How do you know this is defying our Goddess? We have no way of knowing if Dinalia and myself are mates. The last recorded mating bond in our history was over 300 years ago. This could just be a lustful want.”

Aemond opens his mouth to say more but before he can a horn is blown.

In an instant, we stand and turn our heads to the double doors. That familiar pull of my heart and the now welcomed burn of my Goddess mark, is my sign that she is near.

I’d like to say I was paying attention to those announced ahead of her but I can’t. She is all I can think about. All my heart and soul long for.

I crane my neck in an attempt to see past people. Since the entrance is at the back of the room and we are seated in the front. My eyesbegin darting past those entering. Searching for her. Needing her. To meet her eyes.

Then I find her.

She’s wearing the same sapphire blue gown as before now joined with a silver mask. Her hair is pinned back in a fashion I’ve never seen on her. Her lips glossed and shining like the stars. She would be the brightest star to ever light the night sky.

She has no escort. King Elio couldn’t have been bothered with that.

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