The Debutante Ball (1)

Veridin looked at Anaroth. He was wearing a deep blue suit embroidered with silver thread. As he adjusted his cuffs, his hair shimmered in the light. He caught Veridin's eyes and lowered his hands.

"What is it?"

"Are you nervous?"

"Nervous? Of course not. Anxious would be more appropriate."

"You think something will happen?"

"Something happened during the hunting festival. It's only natural that I'm concerned."

"Don't worry. I told Rowan to strengthen the patrols, and the shadow guards will inform us if anything happens."

"It just feels… Strange."

"We can worry about that when we get there, right?" Veridin extended his hand to him.

Anaroth glanced at him then brushed his hand aside. "You don't need to make this any more awkward."

"I thought it might help with your nerves." Veridin looked at the servant standing nervously by the door. "Announce it."

"Understood!" The servant hurried into the ballroom and cleared his throat. "Entering, his majesty Veridin, and his majesty Anaroth!"

Eyes turned towards the two as they walked in. To the spectators, they seemed unearthly. A representation of unreachable heights of power and dignity. There was not a person in the room who wasn't in a daze because of them.

In the eyes of the noblewomen, Veridin was a figure of fierce benevolence. A warrior with a cold blade and a soft heart. His features were of perfect proportions. His eyes held a mysterious knowing look and he had a muscular frame. Yet, his voice was smooth and calming. His hair shone like pure gold, and underneath were eyes of sparkling amethyst.

He made people swoon, not just women but men as well. His rough exterior held softness in it. He was a man worthy of respect, but more than that, they desired his acknowledgement. To be noticed by this person felt akin to being noticed by a god. His skill with the sword was known by warriors throughout the empire. His brutality on the battlefield that was scarcely talked about: a ferocious and bloodthirsty, yet graceful dance. Those who've seen him on the battlefield called it looking upon the god of death. It was his poise and dignity that attracted people to him.

However, the person by his side neither felt light headed nor shy in his presence. He was an imposing figure of his own. Pale white as if he were a ghost; he seemed transparent beneath the bright lights. It wasn't just his features that made him majestic, it was how he carried himself. His head held high and his eyes downcast at the crowd. He was not only physically above everyone.

It was this dignity that drew Veridin to him. A person who refuses to bow their head in the face of power. There were many people among the nobility who were like that, but none were as beautiful to Veridin as the person standing next to him. Under all these lights, he looked more striking than ever. But his ghost-like features made it seem as if he would disappear in an instant. Veridin wanted to reach out to grab him, to make sure he was real. His heart pounded in his chest while warmth spread through his body. He was ecstatic. For a moment, he felt as if he were dreaming.

He soon returned to reality as the two went to their own seats. Disappointingly, Anaroth did not sit beside Veridin. Instead, he sat off to the side near where the saint would be seated. Veridin ran his hands across the armrest before he sat down. It shouldn't matter if that position was the seat of the queen. Anaroth was more than qualified to sit beside him. He sighed quietly. Perhaps he would speak to the saint about the laws surrounding marriage rites later.

"I'd like to thank, and congratulate, everyone who is here today. This ball encompasses the hope of the Empire. Our futures. Anyone here today is here to celebrate and look forward to that future." He paused briefly, looking at Anaroth. "Many things have happened in the last two months. Turbulence proceeds tranquility. Peace is coming to the Empire. Our treaty with the demon kingdom, with Dravonia, is my greatest achievement. And to the parents here, I'm sure that you also feel that your children who are attending this ball today are your greatest achievements. Without any more words, let's begin the ceremony."

Raven stepped forward, holding several letters. "Those whose names are called, please come forward to receive blessings."

The long ceremony stretched late into the evening. Young nobles were called, one by one, to receive a blessing from the saint and a flower from Veridin. Veridin spoke solemnly to each noble that came up to him, placing the flower in either their hair or their pocket. The last lady of the evening was Maria Betchner. Veridin lifted the flower up and calmly tucked it into her hair as she bowed.

"May this flower mark your transition into adulthood. Take it with you as a reminder of today. A fleeting moment in your life that has bloomed, but will disappear without a trace. I pray that, unlike this flower, this memory will last forever."

"Thank you, your majesty."

She bowed one more time before returning to the ballroom floor. Veridin let out a sigh and sat down. He had been standing for the better part of two hours, but was only mentally exhausted. He glanced over at Anaroth and narrowed his eyes.

"Your majesty, I was wondering if I could dance with you?" Vivian Hollin stood in front of Anaroth.

Anaroth glanced behind her. "There are many men who wish to dance with you though?"

"Yes, but I was hoping you would indulge me for today."

"Well, that is–"

"Impossible. Lady Hollin, you have no business being here today, do you?"

"Oh my, your majesty. My brother participated in today's ceremony. You know how my father is about leaving his territory." She smiled in satisfaction.

Veridin's eyes twitched imperceptibly. Her goal wasn't Anaroth. "Of course I know that the duke rarely attends balls."

"Right, I accompanied my brother today. He's enjoying himself today, so I decided to do the same. I am quite curious as to why his majesty is unable to dance with me today. Is there something I'm unaware of?"

Veridin forced a smile. "It was my mistake. It is up to him after all."

Anaroth looked between the two and chuckled nervously. What kind of situation was this? "I'm still rather inexperienced. Why don't we dance some other time, Lady Hollin?"

"That sounds alright. Then I'll be looking forward to that day." She smiled and walked away, leaving Veridin glaring at her.

"Don't dance with her."

"I won't?" Anaroth looked at him quizzically.

"I mean ever. Don't dance with her at all. In fact, don't dance with anyone."

He sighed. "I'd ask why but I know you won't answer. I'll have to dance eventually."

Veridin didn't respond. He just looked out over the crowd. "I need some fresh air." He glanced at Anaroth, but when he didn't speak Veridin left the ballroom alone.

Veridin walked downstairs and out into the garden. Had he gone out onto the balcony, he would have had less time alone. He had blurted out something he hadn't meant to say. For whatever reason, what Vivian did got under his skin. Veridin sighed as he sat down on the fountain edge. He had ignored her as long as he could. Maria Betchner stepped out into view.

"Lady Betchner, what are you doing here?" He asked her gently.

"I was wandering around the garden and got a bit lost," She chuckled nervously.

He smiled. That was a lie. She had been following him the moment he left the ballroom. Of course, he wasn't going to let her know that. She was more useful when she was smitten.

"I see. I just came out for a bit of fresh air. Would you like me to escort you back?"

"I would be much obliged. But, is there something on your mind, your majesty?"

Veridin looked away. His actions and words were all deliberate. "I was just thinking about the Empire."

"I see," She carefully sat down beside him, "You have to think about so many people now."

"People's lives rested on my shoulders before, but I feel much more busy now."

"Are you feeling alright? After all, you had to imprison the high priest. I'm sure you're busy with that as well."

"It's fine. I'd like to thank you for helping that day. Without you, I don't know what would have happened."

His words were sincere, but he didn't feel any affection for her. She was one of many women who liked his appearance and gentle behavior. He watched as her cheeks become red enough to match her hair.

"I only did what I had to. If you really want to thank me, how about a dance?"

Veridin let out a soft chuckle, standing up and holding his hand out. "It's quite rough out here. Why don't we head back inside first?"

"Then…" She took his hand with a slight smile.

He helped her to her feet calmly. It wouldn't matter if he indulged her occasionally. He had never felt anything for her. She was quite a bit younger than him anyway. As she stood up, she deliberately stepped on her own dress and fell forward. Instead of falling with her, Veridin caught her swiftly and helped her back to her feet.

"Be careful."

"Ah– T-Thank you." She brushed her hair out of her face.

Veridin's smile wavered for a moment. "Let's head back."

"Yes…"

Veridin walked her back to the ballroom with an inexplicable expression on his face. Maria, lost in her own world, didn't notice his indifference at all. The arm linked around his felt strange and uncomfortable. Her red hair had reminded him of something else, and a sense of guilt weighed heavily on his chest.