Ifanthien's parents went through the massive doors and disappeared in the bright enveloping lights of the ballroom. As they were going down the golden steps covered in a velvet red carpet, Ifan took a deep breath and straightened his posture as the herald now announced him. “Crown Prince Ifanthien Lurandin, future ruler and protector of the Soveryn’s Kingdom.”

The Elf Prince suddenly felt a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to see Athelan giving him a warm smile that meant “you can do it”. Ifan gently smiled back and then proceeded to walk through the large doors.

The Elf Prince was almost blinded by the bright lights of the ballroom, but he stood proudly as the guests were bowing low to pay their respect towards him. Or as Ifan thought to himself, pay respect to his title. The place was spacious as it has high ceilings with crystal chandeliers hanging from it. The moldings on the walls were decorated with gold engravings and the ballroom was filled with a joyful and warm ambiance as soft lute and harp music were playing. The smell of good wine and fresh fruits and vegetables displayed on a lengthy table in the far back filled the room.

He then walked down the large stairs as people were watching him discreetly, whispering to their neighbors. They obviously didn’t try to hide as they murmured. It was quite improper to speak during the announcement of the royal family. However, the King had noticed it and a simple hard glare from his father towards the guests made them all go quiet immediately.

Ifan was sadly used to this kind of behavior towards himself. He simply ignored them and stayed composed as he walked towards his best friend that was already amongst the guests. He kept his attention focused on Orian as he tried not to hear the small talk of the nobles. As he finally reached the end of the steps, he heard his siblings being announced by the herald. Ifan turned to watch them enter.

Unlike his announcement, everyone was silent for them. Athelan stood tall, he looked strong and despite his serious expression, his eyes were gentle. Behind him was Ilithya that held Kolthen’s hand. Ifan glanced at the crowd. They were admiring his brother. They… respected him. The Elf Prince was not jealous of that. He was simply confused about why would he be chosen as an heir if it was against tradition to have a magicless Crown Prince? His father, the one that would scold him about traditions and how important they were, chose him instead of his talented magic user firstborn. Not only Athelan would have been a better choice, but he would also have been a better King, beloved by all.

Perhaps, Ifan should have a serious conversation with his father about all of this after all… What could theKing possibly see in Ifan anyway? However, it would be if his father would listen to him this time… No, he had to make him understand. Ifan had no interest in becoming King anyway. He was simply not suited for that and he knew it.

The Elf Prince took a deep breath and turned around to go meet Orian. Ifan was about to take a step when a noble lady suddenly stood in front of his way, bowing low in her silky lilac gown.

“Your majesty,” she bowed even lower. “What a pleasure to see you tonight.” She said, her voice was soft as she clearly tried to be alluring. “My name is Lady Oriahna Sildin.” She lifted her light gold eyes to meet Ifan’s sunset gaze.

He just entered the ballroom and, already, there was a noble Lady talking to him and courting him. If she was not courting, she was here to get something out of him. People were always thinking of him as gullible, that he would believe they truly want to be his friend when it was not even in the slightest the case. But Ifan always let it slide. He simply stayed composed and let them think they had him in their pockets.

The noble Lady that stood before him was not any noble Lady; she was a Sildin, a family that convoited the royal title for centuries now. Her father might have sent her to court him to seduce him. Even though the Elf Prince’s face stayed composed, he sighed in his mind as it annoyed him. For once, could he simply enjoy the night without all the schemes of the nobles? A hopeless smile appeared on his lips as he knew way too well this would never happen.

“Pleased to meet you, Lady Oriahna.” Ifan softly answered as he faked his smile.

“Your Highness, it might seem sudden, but I wanted to ask you something.” She enticed.

Ifan let out yet another deep mental sigh, knowing how too well where this was going. “You may, my Lady,” Ifan replied as he was already planning a way to escape this conversation.

“Well, it might be inappropriate of me to ask, but do you-“

“Ifan! There you are! Come, my fiancé wants to see you.” Athelan cut her and saved him from this well too known awkward conversation.

“Please, excuse me, Lady Oriahna. Lady Laeria needs my presence.” Ifan said, relieved as he bowed down politely to an annoyed-looking woman.

He then turned away, walking with his older brother until she disappeared among the guests. Once they got far enough, Athelan stopped and smirked at his little brother.

“Thank the Gods you are here, Athelan!” Ifan exclaimed in relief.

“I couldn’t let you all by yourself. You looked so panicked!” Athelan chuckled. “Although It was almost tempting to let you struggle with her!”

“Please, don’t do that. Ever.” He whined. “I can’t deal with those noble Ladies!”

“Come on, they’re not that bad.” Athelan patted him on the back.

“You have no idea how much I have to deal with those women on a daily basis! It’s not funny anymore!” Ifan looked desperate.

“Now, now! You’re being dramatic again, little brother.” He let out a small chuckle. “I know how you can deal with them easily. Just tell them you like guys and they will surely leave you alone!” Athelan chuckled in tease as the Elf Prince’s eyes widened.

“Oh, please, Athelan! I’m already a walking scandal, don’t add things like that to it! Just i-imagine, the Crown Prince preferring men, not being able to have heirs of his own…” Ifan stuttered the last words.

His older brother looked at him for a moment, his expression was unreadable. But then, it turned into a slight grin. 

“It was a joke, Ifan.” Athelan reassured him as he put his hand on his shoulder, still chuckling. “Don’t worry, I won’t add another scandal on you. I enjoy seeing you suffer, but this would be too much.” He admitted.

Honestly, Ifan wasn’t sure of his personal preferences himself. He hadn’t met his Soulmate yet, so he couldn’t know if he liked men or women, or both. Liking the same gender was not seen as bad, but for royalty, it was. The King must be able to produce heirs of his own to keep the royal bloodline. Again, these were absurd traditional rules, but it was like this for so long that it was unimaginable to think otherwise. In any case, Ifan was simply not interested in anyone at the moment. He didn’t want to get emotionally involved with someone he didn’t feel a thing for.

His brother gave him a gentle smile. “Don’t think too much about it and just enjoy the night, little brother!”

Athelan patted him on his back hard enough for Ifan to slightly lose his balance. He was about to leave when he suddenly stopped. “Oh, I almost forgot. Father wants to see you.’’ He added, giving him a “good luck” stare, but this time, it was more of a pity one. He knew their father wanted to see him so he could scold the Elf Prince.

He turned his feet and left to get back to his fiancé that was waiting for him in front of the musicians. She probably wanted to dance with her lover. Lady Laeria was a wonderful woman and Ifan was glad he had found such a suitable Soulmate. She completed him. She was calmer and studious. Ifan looked at them fondly. He envied him in a way. He wished he had someone to talk to, to complain about everything and nothing, just to be himself with. Of course, he could talk with Orian, but he was his best friend and he wasn’t his Soulmate in any way. Ifan couldn’t be the real him, even with Orian. His real self was insecure, helpless, anxious, and always fearing to disappoint his family. He wondered how Orian would react if he saw this part of him…

The Elf Prince shook his head and tried to get his composure back, trying to not think about this too much. He had to focus on the moment and right now, his father was waiting for him. He grabbed a drink from one of the servants that were passing by and took a large sip of it to prepare himself for the scolding ahead. He then started walking between the guests in search of his father.