1.5 Bell of the Ball

Setia placed her hand on the gilded handle of the large double doors that led to the ballroom, waiting for the herald to announce her. She glimpsed herself in a large mirror at the end of the hallway and caught her breath. Mei had done wonders.

Her long silver hair curled in gentle waves down her back, the sides pinned with jewels away from her face. She wore an immaculate midnight blue gossamer gown with a plunging neckline that flowed straight to the floor. They lined her eyes with kohl and her lips were ruby red. A small tiara sat daintily atop her head.

"Her highness, Princess Setia of the dark Elves!" The herald's voice boomed, and the double doors opened before her. She strode through and was on a raised upper level, with descending spiral staircases on either side of her. The crowd stared at her from the dance floor below. Their faces slack with awe, she daintily placed her hand on the railing and descended the grand stairway. Her face remained stoic, knowing she did not have an escort awaiting her at the bottom of the stairs.

Her eyes widened in surprise when a strong, pale hand reached out to meet her. Prince Niall bowed with a friendly smile and kissed the back of her hand.

"You look radiant, Lady Setia." He breathed. She smiled and nodded her head to him, remembering he was putting on a show for the audience.

"You look handsome, yourself. Prince Niall." He took her hand and led her to the center of the ballroom. The band had played a slow waltz. His arms surrounded her and they led the first dance. He smelled of cloves and the forest. She could feel his powerful grip on her waist. Staring over his shoulder, she tried to control her blush at their proximity. She wasn't accustomed to being this close to a guy! Never having even kissed before, she felt that inner flutter of panic. How was she supposed to be a seductress?

She examined his face as he stared off into the crowd as they danced. He had a strong jawline, clenched in what looked like conflict. His eyes were half-lidded and shadowed. She could feel his warmth, but she could feel the distance between them. As she felt the eyes of onlookers burning into her, the jealous stares excited her. She smiled slowly, hoping Lina was watching. She leaned in and whispered in his ear.

"Do smile, your highness. And try to act like you mean it." Setia leaned back, and he twirled her outwards, to spin her back in and dip her back toward the ground, her hair draped low to the floor. She saw the flash of what could have been hunger in his eyes as his face was pressed close to her open cleavage.

{Ding! Love meter has increased to 20% Court approval rating has risen to 25%} Eli's voice rang in her ears. The people liked their display; they were curious about them. Setia felt like an exotic animal, caged and on display. Really? Cleavage got his attention? How ordinary.

The music came to a close as he lifted her, and she purposefully moved forward and molded herself against him for an instant. She stared into his eyes, her lips slightly parted. He was examining her, as if he had just realized she was there. Applause came from around them as they came to a standstill. Setia flushed and gave a curtsy to the crowd. She nodded to Prince Niall and retreated through the crowd toward the bar that was set up on the far side of the ballroom.

'Shameless' Came Eli's voice in her head. She flushed and growled low.

'You're the one who wanted me to play the part!' She hissed internally.

Setia grabbed a goblet of a thick amber coloured liquid and sipped at the contents. It was deliciously sweet on her tongue and smooth down her throat. She immediately felt a light buzz. Woah!

"Careful, your highness. That's ambrosia." A silky baritone came from behind her, and she turned to see the familiar glinting armour of general Elarion Liandris. His long silky black hair was secured with a band behind his neck, wisps hung loose in his face. Icy blue eyes narrowed on the glass in her hands. His large sword was strapped to his waist.

"Ambrosia?" Setia asked, brow raised. She took another light sip. The general smirked.

"What they call nectar of the gods, it's the strongest potency of any liquor amongst the kingdoms."

"Thank you for your concern, general." She nodded to him and leaned against the bar casually. She felt his gaze linger on her form, and she shivered. Something about him made her skin feel as if it was on fire. Yet, she remembered his suspicious words about her.

"I was looking for the opportunity to learn more about you, princess. My sources tell me you are a warrior in your kingdom." He said. She inclined her head.

"I am, General. I carry my sword with pride." She realized how vulnerable she was without a weapon. She'd never had a need for one before!

"I would be honoured if you would join us in the training grounds one morning." He mused. Setia raised a brow. She would love to try her hand at sword fighting. It seemed much more fun than all the politics and balls and princess stuff. When she looked at a weapon, she could feel its familiar grip in her hands, as if she had been wielding her whole life. She ached to work her muscles.

"I would love to, General." She inclined her head. She took another sip of the ambrosia and set it on the counter. "If you'll excuse me." She extracted herself from the conversation and meandered over to the large doorway at the side of the ballroom. It led to an expansive terrace, entirely made of marble. Stone Fae guarded the doorways. Vines wound their way over the intricate railings.

The large moon shone brightly, a blue hue lighting the night sky. She sighed wistfully and leaned against the railings, staring out at the massive area of forests and woodlands that surrounded the palace. What a beautiful world. She thought to herself.

"Princess Setia?" A voice interrupted her reverie.