Prince Jesper takes my hand. The soft texture of his vicuna suit reminds me of the time my father brought me a soft blanket from South america. The soft wool from the native camelid still calms me after a heated argument with my twin sister, Vivica. The fabric from his tailored suit is a dim shade of cardinal red. He swept me across the room, holding me close every time the music twisted. Turning me with the rhythm. I am his captive, the one he knows best. Yet I am the sword that will stab his heart tonight. 

                     People dance around us, women in their custom ball gowns. All having their own  particular fitted bodice. Envy spread through these halls like an overgrown ivy vine atop crumbling walls. They come in with their grande dresses, full of pride and beauty. But they leave in a horribly baneful state. Many times I have watched this ensue when I walk in. Each gal in the room is sown from head to toe with their finest garments applied, when this is my everyday style. It never occurred to me when I was little, but everyone’s eyes are always on me. As if I'm some kind of captive lark that has yellow feathers instead of brown! 

             The song comes to an end, as the leader of Sheunia, queen jezabel strides toward the brilliant staircase that surrounds the ballroom. She steps quietly to the top of the balcony and looks down, her gaze seems to be a sudden herald to the crowd. My dancing partner lets go of my dainty hand and stares ahead in annoyance. I train my gaze on Jezabel, my heart seems to sink with dread at the sight of the cunning women. She steps back from the balcony and straightens herself, she looks like a small bird compared to the magnificent building below her.

 “ We have gathered here, those old and young. To celebrate the first taste for our young princess of shuenia, formerly seventh in line for the throne of the cridose empire. Will ma’lady and her  newly acquainted prince jesper, please accompany me upon the balcony!'' Her majesty waves her hands elegantly towards me and my partner, jesper. He offers me his arm with an icy stare. Skipping the traditional curtsey I take his arm and he guides me to the staircase, the guests of her majesty watch patiently.

 A complicated design of flowers made of ivory, hands on the wall. My feet catch slightly on the marble step, a flicker of amusement flashes through the prince's eyes.

He must think this is amusing. I look away, afraid my eyes will mock his whimsical behavior. The Queen stands still like a pristine saint, I hide the humor away when my eyes meet her majesty’s. The royal blue of her dress suits her skin, the dress had silver flowers embroidered into the hem of her garment. Matching her powder gray gaze, the diamond upon her necklace is practically glowing. She is truly stunning. Upon me and my partner arriving her majesty has set out a golden cup with an odd language scribbled upon it. It is set on a silver table with flowers engraved around the corners. A single stool is in front of the odd setup. The stool is made of silver, that looks recently polished, and a plush royal purple cushion as the seat. Her majesty beckons for me to take a seat, my nerves are haywire as I sit upon the stool and face the cup. Jesper is standing behind me, he is almost completely still as queen jezabel and jesper gaze at the scene they have created. My heart beat is at the pace of a hummingbird's wing beat as I watch the reflection of the cup. Jesper is staring down at me amused, his mother standing close behind.

“Let the tasting begin!” her majesty stepped forward and pulled a small dagger from  behind her. My heart beat continues to quicken into impossible speeds. Surely they won’t assassinate me… her majesty walks to the cup and I watch as she traces the knife along her arm, leaving a trail of blood following the point. I tense away from her as she drips the crimson liquid into the cup. Drip by drip the cup seems to fill. I try to control my aghast expression. She then picks the cup up with her arm still bleeding.

“Issobell, from now till the next great taste. You will be the newest member of Sheunia’s royalty. Open your mouth young one.” the majesty proclaimed. I stare at her, unable to hide my concerns any longer. She takes my jaw in her hand and holds my mouth open. The thick liquid drips into my mouth slowly. I splutter the blood all over my face, unwilling to swallow. She holds me still shall I drown or drink? I swallow and a single taste is left in my mouth. I taste blood.