Aclon

- Oh please, please! Her friends replied, teasingly. It's just that you're more susceptible to influence than you think, that's all.

- And I'll have to hang you for those insolent words. I would like to point out that this is what is called "lese-majesty"! »

- We know, but it never scared us.

- And I also understand your judgment," she said seriously. But you must also realize that this is an Aclon party. The Aclon. The famous magician whose wildest rumors say he is linked to exiles and criminals.

Her two friends nodded seriously.

- Yes, it's about him and no one else.

- And that doesn't worry you girls? I mean, it's probably dangerous. We could have problems, serious problems. Or worse...

- But that's the most amusing thing about Ariadne. Replied the duo. Danger and the unknown are the great aphrodisiacs of all beings. Under these conditions, no magic is needed to excite the senses, only the sails of the night will witness the events that will inexorably lead us to the summit of drunkenness.

Ariadne kept quiet for a moment, closed her eyes while shaking her head, then a strange expression appeared on her face and she smiled at them.

- So if really, this ball should be as unique as you claim it to be so well, I am with you.

The two friends applauded their friend's decision with joy and immediately decided to visit their usual fashion house to find the "perfect dress" that would make them stand out tonight. But the princess already knew the dress she was going to wear. Moreover, even if it didn't have that evening, her wardrobe was full of clothes, expensive and lonely, that she had never had the time or the mood to wear.

- You're sure you'd rather go back to work than spend time in our favorite stores. Ariadne's friends asked her, visibly disappointed with her decision.

- Sorry, I have some work to catch up on, but we'll meet again tonight dressed in costumes?

- You work too hard!

- This is my very first job since graduation," explained the conciliatory woman. So I try by all means to prove myself and get accepted.

- That's what we see!

- You girls know me. I don't want to be respected as a princess, I want to be recognized for my own efforts.

The duo sighed.

- Well, as you pointed out, princess, we know you. So we'll see you later. Don't forget your mask!

- Speak for yourself, nunuchs," replied the royal beauty, sending them tender kisses with the tips of her fingers.

***

The Aclon Palace was an impressive structure perched on a large hill famous for allegedly being the scene of a battle between a cursed prince and a star witch. The intoxicating night was moonless and heavy with a bewitched scent. The deep darkness highlighted the splendid lights of the building.

When the three friends arrived, the huge gate was closed, and no sound was filtering from the huge house. A venerable butler dressed as a mountain wolf soon came to open them.

As expected, he first demanded their invitations before letting them enter the large room tiled in white marble and gold.

- This way, ladies.

They climbed a monumental staircase and arrived in a large room.

The two friends were dressed in long, colourful dresses. Their shiny hair was held by long pearls of sparkling precious stones. Their long capes embroidered with gold, opal and sparkling jewellery radiated in harmony with the large and sumptuous room decorated with a thousand spots of dark light.

As they entered, the owner approached them on his beautiful step, and the newcomers bowed slightly in front of him.

- My pretty ladies, let me welcome you to my masked ball. I am the master of this palace. Duke Kelg Aclon.

The duke was dressed in a pure white outfit magnified by a sovereign coat embroidered with sparkling threads that harmonized with his lunar hair. Ariadne was not surprised to see the blue tint of her noble host's eyes. This royal colour was the perfect touch to highlight his blinding whiteness. He was the very image of a solitary and fascinating male swan, in love with everything that corresponded to the dazzling beauty.

Amused, Ariadne answered for her friends.

- Thank you, my lord. We assure you that we are very honoured to be among those who have been invited to your fabulous ball. And of course, we wouldn't have missed it for an empire.

- You flatter me. And I would really be happy to keep you company and continue to talk about your royal and captivating distinction. However, due to my duties as an owner, I owe it to all my guests. I humbly apologize to Your Highness.

- I beg you, my lord. Ariadne replied with good grace, not even surprised to know that the Duke was aware of her identity. There's nothing to apologize for. We would certainly find something to enjoy your evening, entertaining plays or even better, interesting people. So please, don't worry about us and go see your other guests without remorse.

- A woman of rare class. The one who accepts to be abandoned in favor of others. My beautiful lady, you must book me a dance.

- I would be delighted, my lord.

After a last greeting, the Duke left.

Her friends congratulated her on her usual role as an exceptional person worthy of her rank.

- Amazing, as always, Ariadne. He was charmed, to say the least.

- But I wouldn't want to be the object of his passion or worse, his hatred. The other friend added that it was a thrill ride. That would be terrible. He is a very complex and very dark being. That's why we always let you speak for us, Ariadne.

- Thank you very much! Oh, are you already going?" asked the smiling princess, as she saw them eagerly moving away.