Chapter 2 - The Fateful Ball

Princess Syra gathered behind the balcony door with the rest of her family that lived in the castle. The door opened and each royal family member was announced as they entered the ballroom balcony. Queen Opal stood gracefully, covered in an opalescent fabric that shimmered with each movement. Her silver crown sparkled with opals and precious stones.

Mother seems to be leaning into her name with this outfit. It is quite extravagant. She never would wear anything like what she chose for me. But she isn't being sold off to a dragon prince against her will, is she?

King Consort Bashira’s own extravagant outfit was created with fabric that faded from an orange to red as he stood beside his wife. The gold embroidery matched well and made his eyes appear to glow, especially the red ring around the edge of his iris. They entered together and stood in the center of the balcony looking down at the grand ballroom filled with people already.

I wonder who chose Father’s outfit. It does not match Mother’s as he often does to visibly indicate their unity. Was this outfit to remind everyone that he is a kirin? Every item a person wears at events such as these has a purpose. I am so tired of having to tolerate the comments of my outfits that appear to be kind, but are actually insults. My golden outfit is a declaration of my intended betrothal, it marks me as part of the Golden Dragon’s Kingdom.

Crown Princess Pythia entered alone, her gown was a mixture of white and blue. The train of her dress moved behind her covered in sparkling stones and the embroidery was silver as she shared the pale skin of her mother. Her crown was silver with sapphires that dazzled the crowd. Her stride was confident and she had long perfected her every movement to be graceful yet commanding as the future queen.

She still ignored Pearl and I. Why does she hate us so much? We are not a threat to her precious crown. Is it worse to be ignored in public by her or insulted when we are alone with her?

Princess Pearl entered next, she wore a gown that faded from a light ocean blue, to a darker blue, before a dark green ribbon wound up from the bottom. She looked like the ocean itself with each step causing her dress to move like ocean waves. Her green hair was tied partially up with half curled strands dangling down to mirror her dress. Her hair had ornaments that she made herself that sparkled as she entered the light of the ballroom.

No one appreciates Pearl and the ornaments she makes enough. I am the only one who wears them besides Pearl herself. She is kind, but she is so quiet. I wonder when she will sneak out of the ball…

Princess Syra took a deep breath and shook her head to shake away her thoughts as she gathered herself to step into the lights of the ballroom. She squared her shoulders to project the image of her royalty. She stepped out besides her family as she tried hard to not catch her foot on the hem of her dress. She stopped herself beside Pearl and took a breath.

I need to not trip and make a fool of myself. The court is already aligned against me, I will not give them anything to use against me tonight. I am so tired of the rumors.

“Princess Syra, beloved youngest daughter of their Majesties, Queen Opal and King Consort Bashira.” Syra waved as she had practiced as she was announced.

Princess Syra made eye contact with King Dracon and then purposefully looked into each of the royal dragon family’s eyes to be polite, but then her attention was caught by a large set of feathered wings moving to the right of the ball. The owner of these wings was already filling a plate of food while the rest of the guests were politely listening to the queen’s speech. 

The Queen's speech, I was supposed to be listening. Shit!

“And of course, a warm welcome to the guests of honor, King Dracon, Queen Amaranth, and Crown Prince Aurelian. We are overjoyed to have you visit us again.” Queen Opal raised her glass and the guests followed suit. 

Princess Syra walked down the stairs and was met at the bottom by Prince Aurelian. He bowed politely before raising his head and smirking. He offered his hand to Syra and she took it gently, almost hovering over his skin.

“May I have your first dance, your Highness?” The prince’s tone was sharply polite, still smirking with a slight fang showing as he wrapped his fingers around Syra’s hand making their skin touch.

“Of course, your Highness. I have been hoping you would ask.” Princess Syra smiled gracefully before they began heading towards the dance floor as she tried to subtly shift her hand to loosen his grip.

Prince Aurelian bowed as Princess Syra curtsied as was polite before dancing. Once they began to dance Syra heard Aurelian whisper in her ear, as she fought the shiver she felt trying to go down her spine.

“Gold? Really? We have more gold than every other kingdom, did you wear that to impress me? Is your queendom that desperate or are you?” His voice was a hiss in her ear, she could feel his breath tickling her ear.

“Oh, I wasn’t aware of your kingdom's wealth! I thought you had used every ounce of gold on those carriages you rode in. Besides, aren’t I supposed to be impressing your father instead of you? He is the one who decided years ago that we were to be wed, is he not?” Princess Syra twirled away to punctuate her sarcastic response and to savor the sour look upon the Prince’s face.

Oh, he hasn’t perfected keeping a neutral face. Finally, an honest reaction. It is hilarious when he gets frustrated at his inability to bother me. He hasn’t changed that much.

Princess Syra smiled, making Prince Aurelian’s face pinch in farther. She twirled back towards him as he closed the gap to whisper in.

“I could always refuse to marry you, what would your queendom do then? You need us and we gain nothing from this marriage. Why would I want to marry someone so sarcastic and spiteful?” Aurelian half snarled into her ear with a slight growl to his voice.

“Oh please do! Why would I want to marry someone who clearly has no sense of humor or a sense of decorum? As for the Queendom, we get marriage proposals for all three of us constantly. If we needed more, we could always sing.” Syra moved her foot as he attempted to step on it as she quoted something he had said in his last visit.

“Are you serious? Are you petty enough to bring up old arguments?” Aurelian growled.

 “Your father is the one interested in seeing our bloodlines mix. What do you think will happen if you combine a siren, dragon, and a kirin?” Princess Syra smiled sweetly at a passing couple as she felt Aurelian’s glare bore into her.

“He only cares about the kirin blood. He could always find a pure blood kirin instead. You aren’t really a kirin and you barely count as a siren. Look at you and then look at the other sirens.” Aurelian had lost all pretense on his face and was openly snarling before his face suddenly dropped to a more neutral expression.

“Oh! Well hello you two, may I have the next dance, Princess Syra?” King Dracon’s rumbling voice suddenly cut in.

“Of course your Majesty. It would be my honor to dance with you.” Princess Syra curtsied and smirked at Aurelian’s face as they twirled away.

“I apologize if my son said anything to upset you. He is still learning and is not yet as proper and graceful as you. He is a year behind you in his lessons, given his age.” Dracon looked into Princess Syra’s face as if looking for watering eyes, but Syra was not a young child anymore and had long since been immune to Aurelian’s barbed words.

“Oh, we had a pleasant conversation, your Majesty! We were discussing our upcoming engagement and even future offspring.” Princess Syra smiled gently as she chose her words carefully to be true in their own way.

“I am glad my son is finally maturing. We are already planning your engagement ceremony and the celebration ball.” Dracon bowed his head slightly.

“Oh! I am surprised you are already planning.” Syra smiled as unease began to grow within her.

 “I know it is a bit early since you are not yet of age, but we will need these two years to plan the perfect event. Amaranth is already beginning to plan the wedding! And that is even further away!” He let out a deep rumbling laugh and Princess Syra chuckled politely while ignoring the pit of dread in her stomach.

“I am truly looking forward to seeing these grand events, and finally seeing your beautiful golden kingdom.” She smiled politely and looked into the golden eyes of the king, she noticed a slight glow to them.

“Our beautiful kingdom will someday be yours as well. I am glad we will have such a wise queen to help lead our son. I look forward to the day you move to our kingdom.” King Dracon bowed and kissed Princess Syra’s hand before heading off to dance with his queen.

Princess Syra stepped off to the side of the dance floor. She felt sick and desperately needed a moment to herself to settle before she could continue the charade. She saw Prince Aurelian look at her and saw him take a step towards her.