Chapter 13

I was definitely anxious.

Today was the day where I would be introduced into society.

Just thinking about it makes my head hurt.

The king will tonight be expected to escort me at the debutante ball however he escorts Ella instead. William angry and rather hurt is taken advantaged by the queen.

" stand straight !"

Straightening myself, I extend my hands as the servants took Kevin took my measurements.

oh the embarrassment....

Ella had visited the palace a couple of times and she was always shy around anyone. However, I couldn't but help liking her, she was really pretty and definitely would have been a popular one with the boys back home.

Just thinking of this however, I couldn't help but feel a little down. After all, I can't even date without either frightening her or being embarrassed.

Ah if only...

( Time skip: Day of the ball)

As I sat by the golden chair that would have probably hurt my back if not for the velvet cushion, i couldn't help but get bored after all I wasn't exactly needed here.

Right?

'knock knock'

" Your highness!"

Standing up, I take one last look in the mirror.

My hair had been piled up in a small bun pinned up with little flowers of white and blue, a white off shoulder gown that spread beautifully the floor was on me. Its frills covering up my lack of- well you know. A nice pair of blue heels by my feet.

(a/n for readers just refer to victorian era debutante dresses)

My only sort of jewelry a blue ribbon tied around my neck in a bow and finally to top it off a long veil was upon my head.

' I feel like getting married..'

And so with a final sigh, I set away for the ballroom, escorted by two guards, Maximilian and Claude who were as Kevin had put it Crazy and dense respectively.

Maximilian was young man in his early 20s probably a little younger. He had messy auburn hair and bright hazel eyes. He instead of wearing a suit, he wore the military uniform, a red tunic with a yellow sash over it with all military badges,he also wore the military helmet with a red feather attached. A sabre was sheathed by his side

Claude was also a young man but maybe a little older than Maximilian. He had straight blonde hair gelled back and piercing grey eyes. Like Maximilian, he too wore the military uniform however unlike him, a rifle was shouldered on his back.

" GOOD EVENING PRINCESS! HOPE YOU'RE EXCITED FOR TONIGHT!" exclaimed Maximilian happily as he winked.

" That is no way to talk to a princess, you idiot."

I couldn't help but laugh.

" I'm certainly excited Maximilian, and I thank the both of you for escorting me tonight."

With that, I curtsied. Jaws dropped from their mouths immediately!

" YOUR HIGHNESS, PLEASE STAND UP!"

" THAT'S RIGHT! AFTER ALL WE'RE JUST KNIGHTS IT'S OUR JOB ANYWAY!"

"Hahaha! It's because you guys are escorting me that's why I'm thanking you."

" Your highness..."

" Now then," Turning my head to them, " shall we get going."

[ And so it was that day, the young hero pretending to be someone he was not left for the stage, a new story being written from the shadows]

We eventually reached the door of the ballroom, opening his mouth, Claude shouted like the end was near.

"PRESENTING HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS EIRA!"

Slowly the doors opened, a good many of people were lined up in a 2 rows surrounding a road that lead to a clear circle in the middle of the hall.

From the top of the stairs, I could see the queen mother at the other end, sitting in all her regal glory beside two other thrones. Her blue eyes sending me one message:

' don't mess up.'

Clenching my fist, I continue my facade and walked down the stairs with all the regal I could come up with.

Immediately whispers could be heard when I finally reached Kevin.

" Oh my the princess is a beauty isn't she."

" why of course just what to expect from royalty after all."

" Though it's a pity she's a girl, if she were a boy her value would grow."

" A girl is only good for alliances anyway."

" Yes I agree."

Biting my tongue, I give kevin a small smile.

He spares me a small nod and a glance before bowing.

It didn't take long for the king and queen to arrive.

The king was dressed in the mightiest most imperial military suit as he escorted the evil queen towards the throne. Bowing respectfully towards the dowager empress, they turned to face the crowd.

Immediately, the crowd silenced.

" Thank you everyone for gathering here today to celebrate this years honorable debutante. Not only is this day for the fine young ladies from the respectful and prosperous families, it is also the day where I, the imperial majesty will introduce the official debut of my daughter."

With that he turned to the side and beckoned someone forward.

A Gasp rang throughout the hall

Coming in was Ella dressed in a nearly identical gown as mine, the only difference was the bouquet and crown on her head.

I knew I shouldn't have been surprised but I couldn't help but feel.....sadness?

It was difficult, as the king crowned the Ella and gave her the title that was to be given to 'me', whispers were heard over the sound of the music, as they danced in the middle of the ballroom.

"Isn't princess Eira supposed to be crowned?"

"Why yes."

" Well I suppose it's no use now, after all it's completely useless anyway."

I would have lashed out at them had I not been suddenly pulled into the ring.

Standing before me was Alexander, his blonde hair tied back into a ponytail with a dark blue ribbon, revealing his dangling earrings that were glittering under the light of the room. He wore a laced dress shirt , with a green cape over it attached by a brooch. Foreign Military badges decorated the grey sash he wore over the shirt.He bowed before extending a gloved hand,

" May I have this dance?"

I briefly nodded before I was pulled away to the dance floor.

To everyone, we were the vision of a princess and prince dancing, however the real deal was far from that.....

" stop stepping on feet!"

"Not until you stop stepping on mine!"

"ow! Why the hell are you kicking me?"

" payback!"

"boys can't hit girls!"

"But your not really one, so HA!"

Admittedly, I would have kicked him too had my legs not be tangled up in the veil.

This really sucks

Finally after what seemed like hours, did the song finally end.

We bowed and walked away from each other. As I walked through the crowd, I realised that Kevin was nowhere in sight. Searching left and right, I noticed that a familiar figure by the balcony.

Walking sneakily, I was about to surprise him had he not spoken.

" Your horrible at sneaking."

Grumbling, I shouldered the veil before taking a seat beside Hyegong, kicking my heels in the process leaving me barefooted.

He was dressed in a elegant and expensive looking haori, its design reminding me of the aboriginal art my teacher introduced us to once. His hair was styled in the same style as before except this time, a gold hairpiece that was held steady with a hairpin. Lifting his sleeve a bit, he keeps the fan away.

" The moon is stunning isn't it?"

" I guess"

I shrugged, to me it felt foreign. This moon after all , wasn't real.

" Liar. You know there is a legend in Koun, about the moon. They say that there lived two people, light and dark however they were so powerful that god who was terrified, sealed the two away in the sun and moon respectively. At first, all was well. Despite the fact that they were unable to see each other, they continued to live, unfortunately for the two entities it was never going to end well...."

Curious, " What do you-"

I was cut off as a loud scream could be heard throughout the castle,

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"