I sat at the vanity, staring at my reflection in the mirror. Malvolia wouldn't let me have another drink at lunch, but I could still feel the buzz of adrenaline. It had been hours since our conversation, and yet, I was even more apprehensive than before. The thought of Ilesh and Adaiah using me for something left my stomach curling. I didn’t want to go to the ball anymore. Maybe I could convince Alder to sneak away for the night and it can just be us two.

There was a knock at my door before it opened. A maid peeked her head in before opening it fully. She held a large, white box in her arms. I stood, bowing slightly. Flops lifted her head briefly on the bed before lowering and going back to sleep. She set the box on the bed and then opened it.

"King Ilesh has provided a dress for the ball."

I frowned, pointing to the ball gown that was hanging up on the door of the wardrobe. "I already have a dress."

"His majesty wants you to wear this," She closed the door. "I shall help you put it on."

"But-"

"It is not a request."

The dress I had picked out for both myself and Alder was calling to me. But if this was a demand from the king, I couldn’t say no. Not when I was staying in his castle for free. I needed to play my cards safely. Doing this would appease him and help soften the blow when I would eventually tell him I had to reject both of the proposals. So I nodded reluctantly. I watched as she took out the dress.

It was a dark blue ball gown, with long sleeves and a high neckline. She undid the ties in the back. I stepped into the dress. The maid lifted it and i put my arms in the sleeves. She tied the back into a neat bow. The sleeves were snug against my arms and the fabric hugged my waist. It was a perfect fit. How was it a perfect fit? I looked in the mirror once again. The dress had silver beading. Every time I moved, it sparkled like the night sky. 

"I shall do your hair now. Please, sit."

"This dress fits pretty well," I mused aloud as I sat at the vanity. "How did he know?"

"Prince Ilesh has connections with the finest tailors in the kingdom." She took out two long silver ribbons that were in the bottom of the box.

My stomach turned. "Ah, I see. Do I have to wear the ribbons? I have my own…"

"Yes."

She started to silently braid my hair. The ribbons were twice as sparkly as the dress. It almost contrasted against the red ends of my hair. Ilesh had made the perfect fitting dress by going to my dream designer and getting the information from them. The thought sickened me. He truly knew everything that was going on in the kingdom. My shoulders drooped. This wasn’t going the way I wanted. I imagined tonight wearing my amazing dress and the ribbons Alder had gifted me. Instead, I felt like I was trapped in Ilesh’s vision.

We had all planned to meet in the main hall before going to the ballroom. The satin silver heels clacked against the hard floors as I walked through the castle. MY hands rubbed nervously against the fabric of the dress. When I arrived at the main hall, I only saw Ilesh standing there. I groaned internally before trying to plaster a fake smile on my lips. 

"Where’s Alder and everyone else?"

Ilesh reached his arm out, beckoning me closer. "They all went ahead. You look absolutely divine, princess."

"You didn’t have to do this. I had a dress of my own."

"Yes, but royalty should look the part."

My eyes traveled over his form. He was wearing a dark blue military outfit with silver accenting. It looked much more regal and expensive than his normal clothing. The blue sash that wrapped around him was the same fabric of my dress. My eyes reached back up to his. He grinned, his chest puffing out slightly. I raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"I loved my own dress," I mumbled, turning towards the ballroom.

"Don’t be too quick! A lady needs an escort."

I hated this. I wanted nothing more than to find my friends and try not to act like my whole entire future changed earlier today. Ilesh walked close to me, wrapping his arm around my own. We entered the ballroom at the top of the stairs. It was large, much larger than I thought. Well, it was a ballroom. I had just never been in one before. The place was crowded with nobles in extravagant clothing. At the back of the ballroom was an orchestra. On the right side of the room was a long stretch of tables filled with food. On the other, tables for guests to relax and dine after dancing. My eyes widened in pleasant surprise.

"Now introducing Princess Cahira and King Ilesh!"

What the hell?! I hadn’t realized there was someone announcing our arrivals. Everyone’s eyes were on us. The tips of my ears heated up with embarrassment. Not only did I feel out of place, I looked like the king’s personal date. I stood there awkwardly before I felt his hand on my lower back. He gently led me down the stairs. I glanced over at him. Ilesh looked at me with a proud gaze.

"Your Highness?"

"Yes?"

"I hope you’re not expecting me to stay by your side the whole ball?"

His hand tensed against my back. "Why would you not?"

"I am here for my friends, food, and good music," I took a step away from him. "Not as your date."

"Of course, Princess Cahira. Enjoy the ball as you will. But I have some people to introduce to you later."

Ilesh’s hand moved up my back and then down my arm. His smile held a promise that I did not want to keep. There was no moment for him to linger. His name was called, and off he walked. He was welcomed with open arms and eyes hungry for an opportunity to get close to the king. I took a deep breath and tried to relax my shoulders. I moved my way through the crowd, awkwardly bowing at strangers who called out my name.

"Look at the little elf, completely out of her element."

I whipped around. "Stolas!!"

"At your service… maybe."

He bowed, his black wings fluttering. He was wearing dark suit pants, a silk shirt with the chest and back open. The silk shirt was made of an iridescent fabric, changing from blue to purple every time he moved. Golden chains were draped across his wings, a chain corset running down the middle of his bare chest. It was certainly a bold outfit to wear to a ball filled with royalty, but it was absolutely stunning.

"Wow," I reached out and flicked the chain with my fingers. "You look amazing."

Stolas smacked my hand away. "Don't touch. This was expensive."

"Looks like it."

"You look…" His eyes roamed over my outfit. "Pretty good. Not what I was expecting, though."

"I know… I had a completely different outfit picked out. It was perfect." I shifted uncomfortably, picking at the fabric of the dress.

Stolas raised an eyebrow. "Are you okay?"

I hesitated. I didn't want to ruin the good mood, but there was no use in hiding anything from Stolas. "I just wish I was wearing the ribbons Alder gave me."

"And…?"

"And…" I sighed, my ears drooping. "I feel like I'm getting suffocated living here. So much has happened in such little time. I feel like he is always watching me. Even with this dress, it's just so-"

"Excuse me." A scrawny, yet excitable looking human interrupted our conversation. He cleared his throat and held out his hand. "I saw you from across the dance floor, and just thought you looked amazing."

Stolas looked at me. I shook my head. He looked back at the man. "Me?"

"May I have this dance?"

"Cahira, you-"

"Go." I waved my hand.

For once, Stolas gave me an apologetic look, but took the man's hand who led him out to the dance floor. I sighed. I was completely left alone. I looked around the ballroom. I wasn't the only one observing. Other nobles looked for opportunities to grow their connections or get their schemes in motion. Those who wanted to dance shared secret words that were carried away with the music. There was no sight of Alder. It was only the beginning of the night, and I already wanted to go back to my room. Maybe a snack would make me feel better.

Or maybe some mead.