Chapter 6 The Ball

Finally the day of my birth had arrived. I was now of the age of 20. And what was I doing, may you ask?

Well certainly not getting ready. Currently I was on blizzards back flying through the air with him. Today I had woken up extra early in order to avoid the maids who would help me prepare.

Was it irresponsible... perhaps. But I just didn't see much of a point in celebrating.

By the time I arrived back at the castle it was mid-day. Salana, along with a Group of maids, stood, waiting near where blizzard landed. "Why must you make preparations for your own party so difficult, Your Highness?" Salana asked. "Because it is truly an unnecessary ordeal" I said as I hopped off blizzard.

"All this money is spent just to celebrate the day of my birth, when it is better to use it to lessen the poverty percentage" I told her, "or even better, the money could have been used to free the slaves from the black market" I added, "Salana let out a deep breath. "I before your highness, please get ready, your party shall begin shortly" she told me.

I let out a sigh, "so be it" I replied and walked into the castle. I quickly bathed then a maid did my makeup while another did my hair. By the time everything was done and I was ready, my hair was slightly curled and I was wearing a light pink dress with lace on the shoulders.

"Finally ready?" My mother asked as I left my room. "I suppose so" I replied, "let us go everyone is waiting she told me. "We walked down the steps and there stood my father, my stepfather, and Eddy and Ange. "So where is the party exactly?" I asked as my mother and I made our way to the bottom of the steps. "In the Annex" my father said.

I was slightly surprised, the annex was the old castle, after my mother became queen she had a new one built because of her memories there, instead of tearing it down she made it into the annex. "The annex?" I questioned. "The ballroom is much bigger than here," she told me. "Now let us go, you shan't be late to your own party" she added.

We got into the two separate carriages, and took a short ride to the annex. It wasn't much longer before we entered the ball room.

"NOW ENTERING HER MAJESTY, QUEEN MARIANNA SENGRID. WITH DUKE CEDRIC WINCHESTER, HIS MAJESTY KING THEODORE ANGERIA, WITH HER HIGHNESS, CROWN PRINCESS SERAPHINA SENGRID, HIS HIGHNESS THE PRINCE EDWARD WINCHESTER, WITH HER HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ANGELA WINCHESTER" the announcer yelled.

"What a mouthful" I whispered to my father as we entered the ball room, "indeed it was" he replied. "Happy birthday" he told me. "Thank you" I told him with a light smile.

The ball room was filled with nobles from all over, as well as representatives from other kingdoms and Empires around the world. They weren't just here to celebrate my birthday, I knew that much. They all had a goal they wished to achieve with Sengrid.

"I, Anthony Soran, greet your highness the crown princess" a blonde man with brown eyes said, greeting me. "Lord Anthony... it has been quite some time" I said as I remembered back to when his father proposed marriage.

"Indeed it has your highness" he said. "Would you like to dance?" He asked me. "I apologize, But I'm afraid I have already promised my first dance to someone else" I told him. His eyes went dark. I could yell he became annoyed although his face stayed the same.

"I beg of you to save at least one dance for me your highness, after all I wish for us to grow closer" he said. "Unfortunately. I do not wish to" I said. "I'll just spit it out as it seems you cannot take a hint" I continued. "I do not care how fond you are of me, I do not wish to marry you, I hope you understand that and are able to find someone else who would fit you better than I" I said, before turning to walk away. He grabbed my hand. "I suggest you take your filthy hand off the princess" I heard my father's voice. He was still here?. I thought to myself.

Anthony released my hand and walked away obviously annoyed. "Are you alright" my father said with a worried expression on his face, I just nodded. He let out a sigh. "Thank god" I heard him mumble under his breath. "Happy birthday your highness" an unknown, older man said approaching me "I'm sorry I'm afraid I can't recall who you are" I said. "My mistake for forgetting my manners, your highness" he said with a bow "I am Alastor Sand, archmage and master of the magic tower" he told me. "It's a pleasure to meet you Master Alastor" I said with a light bow of my head. "Oh I assure you Princess the Pleasure is truly all mine" he told me. "Ahhhh" I suddenly heard a scream.

BOOM

The ballroom shook and everyone grew scared. "What in the...."

Another explosion, this time filled the ballroom of the annex, those who weren't in close vicinity to the bomb ran around the room trying to find an exit. The walls slowly began to crumble as the fire filled more and more of the Room.

Screams only continued to mix with the smoke from the fire.

Seraphina laid on the ground unconscious, covered in blood and fallen debris.

"SERA" Theo called out for his daughter. "MARI" He yelled out for his wife. "Theo!" Marianna said as Her, Cedric and the twins ran up to him. "Where's Sera?" She asked with concern and worry on her face. "Your majesty, we must go!" A knight said, "not without my daughter" marianna said. "I have my men looking for her," the knight said. "Go Mari, I'll stay and look," Theo told her. She nodded.

"SERA" Theo yelled once more as he and other knights began to dig through the rubble.

But... it was too late... she was already gone...

TO BE CONTINUED