Debutante Ball (part 2)

The dance was a simple waltz, Mother and I danced along in tune. She smiled at me saying, "So, has any young lady caught your eye tonight?" I looked into her eyes and sighed, "No Mother, I'm afraid not."

We passed by Celeste and her father who nodded in greeting as we continued dancing, Mother eyes lingered on the pair as said, "You and Celeste get along very well together…" I silently waited to see where this was going, "It's a shame she's engaged to Ares. He doesn't seem to see her as a woman but instead as a friend or a sister."

"They are both too young to fall in love yet, they may in the future or they may not."

"If they don't would you like to choose her? It would be such a shame to lose a girl like her." My only reply to her was an exasperated look, she glanced at my expression and I realized this was all just Mother being a tease. Suddenly a look of disbelief came across her face, "Don't tell me!" she whispered, I was confused why she said that, "Don't worry Sirius, I'll support you no matter what." She continued, Mother wasn't making any sense at the moment, I was about to ask her when she blurted it out, "If you are interested in men you should have said so before. No wonder you weren't interested in any of the girls."

The shock that ran through me was enough to make me freeze in the middle of the dance floor and I'm quite sure my expression was asking if she was crazy. I took my Mother's hand pulling her to the balcony, not just for some form of privacy but also because I suddenly really needed to feel the fresh cool air on my skin. "Mother, please…" I practically begged, "I think you have had enough for today"

She second glanced at me before moving towards my Father. I'm beginning to think she was actually seriously considering it as a possibility. I heaved a sigh a let my thoughts wander as I looked out at the scene before me; the sound of the gentle waves of the lake was a stable rhythm, the little sounds of insects and the leaves rustling as the wind blew through was relaxing. The lights of the ballroom reflected of the water making it shine even more while the moon gave a tranquil yet ghostly glow to thing out of reach. I took a deep breath in and closed my eyes just to feel my surroundings, "Your Highness", I turned my head around when I heard my title, Celeste stood at the entrance along with two others. A glance longer reminded me that they were the couple we bumped into while dancing before, I smiled a nodded that it's alright to come forward.

The couple both curtsied in respect, "Your Highness, a pleasure to meet you." The man started, "My name is Danny Vit and this lady is, Genny Sol." Since they didn't give a title, I assume they were normal citizens in the capital.

"Please, stand."

The two stood and Celeste stood beside me saying, "They wanted to properly apologize for before."

"Ahh yes, there's no need too, you've already apologized during the dance." The two glanced at each other with an easier smile than before, I had my suspicions before and it seemed I was right so just to get a verbal confirmation I questioned them, "I have a question for you two."

The two immediately replied, "Your Highness, ask us anything. We'll be sure to answer the best we can."

"By any chance are there nobles who bully the commoners directly or not especially during this yearly ball?" I observed their reaction so that I know if they are lying or hiding something.

They looked nervous when they heard me and were probably wondering how to answer, I thought that I might have to push them a bit more to get an answer when the girl, Ginny answered, "Your Highness, I'll be honest with you. It's just that we hope trouble won't find us after this."

"Of course!" I promised, "If by any chance you do have some trouble with anyone inform me at the earliest. I assure you of my protection."

They nodded before Ginny continued, "In reply to your question earlier, yes Your Highness. There are some nobles who will harass the commoners, the also blackmail us from telling with promises of paying us back if we tell on anyone." I nodded my head, I knew that there would be some like that, the problem was that we didn't have proof on it. Now that there is a verbal confession, I can take action.

"Alright, thank you for your courage Lady Ginny, Sir Danny. I have another request for you now. As you must know the guards all over the palace have already been ordered to stop such acts from happening no matter when. Now, I'm sure there are more than a few of them who have been bribed for their silence or to turn a blind eye on such activities." The two nodded, agreeing with me, "Spread this among all the commoners as secretly as possible, the nobles must not know of it, 'Under the orders of Prince Sirius, if anyone is being bullied within the palace walls are to inform the guards immediately, the corrupt guards who do nothing must be reported to either: Danny Vit or Ginny Sol, who will then inform the Prince of the events.' If anyone comes to you and informs you about such a situation, I want either of you two to write to me immediately, the names of the guards and the victim." The two immediately nodded, "Yes Your Highness!!"

After we spoke on the details a bit more, the two returned to the party and Celeste went to ask Ares to dance with her. I very nearly grimaced about it but managed to nod at her. I turned back to the view I was watching before not wishing to spoiling my mood with my thoughts on it. Instead my thoughts wondered to my previous life, it's been a while since I've actually thought on it. My memories are a bit foggy and I just didn't see the need to anyway or maybe I just didn't want to start missing something or someone and make myself miserable on it.

"A frown doesn't look cute on you Sirius." A soft, smooth and deep voice reached me, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked around, searching for its owner but I was the only one on the balcony. I grew more wary as I asked, "Who are you?"

The deep chuckle that seemed to reverberate in the air made me calm my senses, wait! Why? I was so confused, I should be wary, I should be afraid of the unknown, why am I calming down the more I hear it. "Should I tell you? Or should I not…" the person seemed to love to tease, so instead I changed my question, "Have we met before?"

"Hmmm how do I say this…" the voice said contemplating his decision, this lack of decision from him was beginning to annoy me but, before I comment anything he continued, "We have, kind of." I could hear the cheeky smile he probably had on his face by now, "Back up a little, I'm dropping in." I immediately obeyed; it was only after he did that, he questioned why he listened to this voice. Not a moment later, a red-haired boy swung in from above the ceiling of the balcony; landing perfectly on his feet, he looked up and grinned both his hands on his hips, his emerald eyes glowed giving him a boyish look. His clothes weren't much- light brown pants with dark brown knee-high boots, a green coat that went a little below his hips and silver belt across his waist. He gave a deep bow, left hand placed on his back and right across his stomach and said, "Nice to finally meet you Sirius, my name is Sage, Sage Velirion."

"Sage… Velirion….?" ….Who?