His Majesty’s Gift

Having interaction between commoners and nobles is frowned upon, but how about between commoners and royalty? Certainly, they'll think how audacious it is. 

But, who would dare to frown at this interaction if it's the King himself? People can only push their eyes back in their eye sockets.

That's what Elias thought.

"Your Majesty, may I ask you for a dance?"

The ballroom held its breath, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The King's eyes bore into Elias's, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. Then, with a nod and a faint smile, King Kaiser accepted the invitation.

As Elias rose to his feet, the music swelled once more, and the King and the commoner found themselves drawn together on the dance floor. In slow music, Elias's hands found their place on the King's back, and the King's gloved hand rested securely in Elias's grip. Though their embrace was more reserved, it was no less intimate, and their proximity allowed them to exchange words in hushed tones. At the moment, Elias seemed to be taller than the King.

The King started, "Elias, you seemed taller than the last time I've seen you."

The King's observation about Elias's height drew a soft chuckle from the commoner, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of mirth and affection, "Ah, the wonders of footwear," Elias replied, his voice carrying a hint of playfulness. "I'm just trying not to step on your toes, Your Majesty."

The King's eyes widened a bit, with a small smile, he nodded appreciatively, "Considerate of you, Elias. I appreciate it."

In truth, Elias doesn't know how this slow dance works, he never thought about learning it, and it was an urge that he couldn't control earlier, and so he asked the King for a dance. While they danced in the slow music, Elias tried to familiarize himself in the King's steps, afraid he might step on his toes, literally. He could feel that Ezra was laughing at the back of the crowd.

But his eyes are betraying him, his azure eyes are only fixated on the King's features.

As Elias and the King danced, Elias's initial nervousness gradually gave way to a growing sense of ease and familiarity. He focused intently on mimicking the King's steps, not wanting to cause any mishaps on this significant occasion. The King, for his part, was a graceful and patient partner, guiding Elias with a gentle touch and an encouraging smile.

The grand ballroom, filled with the elite and commoners of Landroich, seemed to fade into the background as Elias and the King moved in perfect harmony. Elias could sense the presence of their curious and watchful audience, but his attention remained solely on the King.

The King's eyes, a deep and alluring shade of plum, held Elias captive. They seemed to speak of secrets and emotions that went beyond the surface. Elias couldn't help but be drawn to the King's features—the elegant curve of his jaw, the regal arch of his brow, and the softness of his lips, all illuminated by the soft glow of the ballroom's chandeliers.

Time seemed to lose its meaning as they danced, lost in each other's company, and Elias couldn't help but wonder if the King felt the same connection he did.

"Elias," The King called out, Elias snapped back to reality, "How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I'm fifteen years old, Your Majesty." He replied politely.

"Hm? Weren't you fourteen years old when we fell in the Rosette River?" The King wondered.

..Mentioning this past event, Elias couldn't help but get embarrassed, yet at the same time, he was thankful that he rolled along the King, if it weren't for him to lose his balance at the riverbank, he wouldn't have met the King. He wouldn't have accidentally seeked the pearl in the vast sea. 

"I.. I celebrated my birthday yesterday." He replied sheepishly.

The King's eyes softened with a fondness that Elias found both surprising and endearing, "Ah, a belated happy birthday then, Elias," he said warmly. "It seems fate has a way of bringing people together, doesn't it? Our encounter by the Rosette River was quite the twist of destiny."

Elias couldn't help but smile at the memory, the embarrassment slowly giving way to a sense of gratitude, "Yes, Your Majesty," he agreed, "I'm grateful for that twist of fate. It led me to you."

"It was a waste that I didn't come on your birthday. Would you mind a little gift?" The King asked.

Elias's eyes widened at the unexpected offer. A gift from the King? He couldn't believe his ears, "Your Majesty, you've already honored me by dancing with me tonight," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude, "I couldn't ask for anything more."

The King's expression was gentle, his gaze unwavering— it was a rare sight, "Elias, it would bring me great joy to offer you a gift. Please, allow me to express my appreciation for our friendship."

Elias hesitated for a moment before nodding, his heart filled with a mixture of awe and warmth yet at the same time, his heart cracked a bit, "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said sincerely, "I'm truly honored."

As the last note of the music faded away, Elias and the King came to a graceful halt. They were met with a round of applause and appreciative smiles from those in the ballroom who had witnessed their dance.

The King inclined his head in a polite nod to Elias, his eyes carrying a warm and genuine appreciation, "Thank you for the dance, Elias." he said softly.

Elias returned the nod, his heart fluttering with a strange mixture of emotions, "It was an honor, Your Majesty," he replied, his voice equally gentle.

As Elias thought that it ended, the King clasped his hand and rushed towards the exit. Elias was surprised yet he didn't have time for that, he immediately moved to run as he held the King's gloved hand tighter. 

"Y-Your Majesty??" He panted, as he saw the King leading him in the back of the palace where the Royal Garden was located.

Elias's heart raced as he followed the King through the palace and out into the Royal Garden. He had no idea what the King had in mind, but his curiosity and a sense of adventure compelled him to keep up.

In the tranquil beauty of the garden, the King finally came to a stop beneath a canopy of fragrant blossoms. He turned to Elias, his eyes shining with an almost mischievous glint, "Elias, do you trust me?" he asked.

Elias, though taken aback by the question, found himself nodding without hesitation, "Of course, Your Majesty."

With a smile, the King reached into his pocket and held a small, velvet box. He opened it to reveal a beautifully crafted pendant necklace with a delicate blue sapphire at its center in a teardrop shape, "Happy belated birthday, Elias," the King said, his voice soft and filled with warmth.

Elias's eyes widened in surprise and awe at the exquisite gift, "It's... It's beautiful," he stammered, unable to tear his gaze away from the pendant.

"May it always remind you of this night," the King said, reaching out to fasten the necklace around Elias's neck. His fingers brushed lightly against Elias's skin, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Elias whispered, his heart overflowing with gratitude and a newfound connection that went beyond the boundaries of their respective statuses.

The King stepped back, his eyes fixed on Elias, "Now, let's keep this our little secret." he said, a hint of playfulness in his tone.

Elias nodded, his cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and excitement, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Elias noticed that this part of the Royal Garden seemed to have a lot of different colors of roses, he had the urge to give one of the roses for the Grand Duke, especially the red one.

He asked gently, "Your Majesty.. I.. may I have the permission to.. pluck one of the roses..?"

The King's eyes softened as he looked at Elias, understanding his unspoken request, "Of course, Elias," he replied with a warm smile. "Choose any rose you like."

Elias's face lit up with gratitude as he carefully selected a deep crimson rose, its petals velvety to the touch. He caressed its petal and thought, If he only knew.. 

He held it gently, the thorns avoided, and presented it to the King with a slight bow, "For you, Your Majesty."

The King accepted the rose, his eyes locking onto Elias's with a depth of emotion that left Elias breathless, "Thank you, Elias," he murmured, tucking the rose into his lapel, "This night has been more special than I could have hoped for."

Elias held the King's hand once again to lead the way in the ballroom. The King touched the crimson rose to his lapels, and gazed at it thoughtfully. 

He didn't mean..?

The Language of Roses.

Dämonisch nobility often exchange roses with specific meanings during courtly events. A red rose, for example, may symbolize love and admiration, while a white rose signifies purity and honesty. The language of roses adds a layer of depth to social interactions.

As they reentered the ballroom, Elias couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He had just shared a private moment with the King in the royal garden, and it left him with a sense of wonder about the enigmatic monarch.

The King's fingers brushed against the crimson rose on his lapels, a silent acknowledgment of the meaning behind the gesture. Elias wasn't aware of the intricacies of the Language of Roses, but he could sense that there was significance in the exchange. Admiration was only certain. 

Of course, how should he know, he's not a Dämonisch. 

Their return to the ballroom did not go unnoticed. Whispers and curious glances followed them as they moved gracefully across the floor. Elias couldn't help but feel a sense of unease under the scrutiny of the nobility. Still, he maintained his composure, guided by the King's calm presence.

Amidst the grandeur of the royal ball, Elias couldn't help but notice the Queen's icy gaze fixed upon him. Her name, Luxe, seemed fitting for the elegant and regal woman who was now the Queen of Landroich. However, beneath her beauty and poise, Elias sensed a simmering undercurrent of jealousy.

The King's eyes occasionally met Luxe's, and he could see the resentment and unease in her expression. It was clear that she was not pleased with the attention her husband was bestowing upon a commoner. But, the King's gaze also sent her warnings to not have a tantrum for such a shallow reason.

One of her trusted friends distracted her. In the meantime, her friend introduced a wealthy business woman— Ezra. Luxe swept a glance and said, "Oh, the owner of Helen's Bakery, am I right?"

Luxe's friend nodded with a smile, acknowledging her correct identification of Ezra, "Yes, that's her. She's quite the successful entrepreneur, and her bakery is renowned for its exquisite pastries and confections."

Luxe turned her attention to Ezra, her tone polite but distant, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss...?"

Oh, she forgot.. "Ezra Baker," Ezra replied, offering a gracious smile, "And the pleasure is mine, Your Majesty."

Despite the tension in the air, Ezra remained composed and confident. She was no stranger to navigating the social intricacies of the nobility, having earned her place through hard work and determination. She knew that maintaining her composure in such situations was key.

As they engaged in polite conversation, Luxe's friend discreetly whispered in her ear, "Perhaps you should try to be as gracious as Miss Baker. After all, her business success is quite impressive."

Luxe sighed inwardly, realizing that her jealousy had been showing. She made an effort to be more amiable in her interactions, even as she continued to keep a watchful eye on her husband and the commoner who had captured his attention.

"I've already tried her bread, it is not bad." She replied.

On the other hand, Ezra was flabbergasted in her thoughts. It was a miracle that she was not showing signs of blushing. Where do you get off, being so goddamn beautiful?!

Ezra managed to maintain her composure outwardly, responding with a polite nod, "I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed our pastries, Your Majesty. If there's anything specific you or your esteemed guests would like, please don't hesitate to let me know."

As the conversation continued, Ezra couldn't help but feel a mixture of fascination and discomfort regarding Luxe's behavior. She understood the complexities of royal relationships, but it was still unnerving to be caught in the midst of a brewing storm between the King and Queen.

Meanwhile, the King seemed somewhat distracted, as his gaze kept drifting toward Elias. It was clear that the commoner had left a significant impression on him, and Luxe's jealous demeanor wasn't helping ease the tension in the room.

But, it was her friend who was taking his momentum to his beloved King, and Ezra promised that Elias could count on him. No matter what, she'll try and distract the Queen. After all, she also harbors such feelings for the woman.

"Your Highness, may I ask you for a dance?" She bravely asked.

Ezra's invitation took Luxe by surprise, and for a moment, she was caught off guard. She hadn't expected the young entrepreneur to be so forward, but she quickly realized that it was an opportunity to divert the King's attention from Elias.

With a forced smile, Luxe replied, "Of course, Miss Ezra. I'd be delighted to share a dance with you."

Ezra was screaming internally as she held the Queen's hand.

As Ezra and Luxe began their dance, the atmosphere in the ballroom seemed to shift. While they moved gracefully to the music, Luxe couldn't help but notice the tension in Ezra's demeanor. She decided to use this opportunity to engage the young entrepreneur in conversation, both to distract her and to gauge her intentions.

"So, Miss Ezra," Luxe began, her tone carefully neutral, "I must admit, I wasn't expecting such a bold invitation. What brings you to this royal gathering, if you don't mind me asking?"

Ezra cleared her throat, trying to maintain her composure, "Well, Your Highness, I received an invitation, and I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to network and showcase my bakery's offerings to the esteemed guests."

Luxe nodded, her curiosity piqued, "Ah, I see. You run a bakery, then? That must be quite a delightful venture. Tell me, what is your specialty?"

Ezra replied, "I'm confident enough to say that my specialty is pastries and the breads, which is too many to mention. If Her Highness doesn't mind, I invite you to come to my bakery, so I could know which bread I should improve, to let Her Highness's taste be suited." She continued, "I remember the last time we engaged in a conversation, Her Highness said that it's not your liking."

Luxe couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Ezra's boldness. It was unusual for an entrepreneur to address a member of the royal family in such a familiar manner. However, she was also intrigued by the offer and appreciated Ezra's willingness to improve her products.

"Well, Miss Ezra, you certainly have a way with words," Luxe said with a hint of amusement, "I appreciate your sincerity. I may take you up on that offer one day. It's always refreshing to meet someone so dedicated to their craft."

Ezra's hand made its way to Luxe's waist and the other was to her hand. She never thought that there's a person as bold as this young woman.

As they continued to dance, Luxe couldn't help but maintain her facade of polite interest, all the while noting Ezra's close proximity and confident demeanor. She was accustomed to the formality and distance that came with her royal status, but there was something intriguing about Ezra's boldness.

Ezra, on the other hand, felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as she danced with the Queen. She couldn't deny the allure of Luxe's presence and beauty, even if she suspected that there was more to Luxe's character than met the eye.

Amidst the swirling dance floor and the watchful eyes of the nobility, an unspoken tension hung in the air. Both Luxe and Ezra harbored secrets and desires, and this unexpected dance had brought them into closer proximity than either had anticipated.

NAPPEN'S EXTRA:

Nappen: Ohooo~ Seems like we've stirred the pot a bit, haven't we?

Elias: [nervous] Your Majesty, this dance... it feels like I just kicked the hornet's nest. Did we just break a royal rule or two?