Let the Social Season Begin

The ball was beautiful and Ísar was trying very hard to not look at every detail with sparkling eyes from his seat.

He'd tried very hard since he was younger to appear mature for his age and he wasn't about to let some lights and flowers make him embarrass himself in front of the entire kingdom's nobility. Even General Björn was in attendance albeit, in his ceremonial uniform.

But it really is very magical though, he thought as he eyed the tables filled with little snacks and drinks, the ladies in their extravagant yet gorgeous dresses and the gentlemen in their handsome attire. The debutants in their ceremonial gold and white clothes moved across the room looking ethereal.

It was all a wonder for the young king but he couldn't stay distracted for long. It was almost time for his first dance and that ended with him being in the middle of the event, the many nobles glancing at him every now and then.

He could feel the way they were itching to gather around him and try to gain his favor or some even looking at him with barely hidden irritation.

He knew many of the older generation didn't particularly like having to show respect to a king so young, especially one they couldn't use or manipulate the way they'd like. Ísar didn't particularly care about that but was more worried about the very likely possibility that he'd forgotten who everyone of a lower rank than a Count was.

The young king was also too distracted by Xinghua being down there with the crowd to think about much else, despite the distracting decorations. His friend had not a moment to himself since they'd been announced at the entrance, every lord and lady trying to get a word in to the young prince.

Ísar scowled slightly when one of the debutants that was talking to Xinghua made the prince laugh a little, the young nobleman smiling as he stared at the Imperial Son.

I wish I could hear their conversation from here.

Your wish is my command, our king.

Ísar flinched, the attendant beside him looking surprised by the action before returning back to being like a statue.

He hadn't heard that voice, his sister's voice, in a while, and suddenness of it all both surprised him and scared him. The fear only got worse when he saw a faint shadow move from below his feet to the table where Xinghua stood beside.

As the young king was about to say to hell to etiquette, worried for his friend's safety, he paused as he soon heard Xinghua's voice despite their distance.

What the hell?

"I didn't think you were serious when you'd said how much you were bad at horse riding, Lord Adrian. We are practically raised with our horses back in the Empire's palace," Xinghua said, smiling politely as he drank his glass of juice. "I would take you up on your request to teach you and your sister but alas, I depart tomorrow."

Lord Adrian, the fourteen-year-old son of a baron who debuted late due to his weak constitution, whined softly.

"A pity, your highness. Perhaps during your next visit you could make a stop at our barony. It's nothing compared to the palace or even the king's castle, but it is beautiful in its own right."

Ísar could practically imagine the gentle smile the Imperial Son was giving the frail yet pretty blonde. For some reason, that filled him with jealousy instead of the warmth the memory usually brought.

"Tell them to start the first dance," Ísar ordered the attendant that had jumped, the young man glancing at the young king in question but doing as told. He watched as said attendant left to talk to the Viscount who had been wearing out General Björn's ears about his family history.

The Viscount looked up at Ísar in surprise before scrambling to follow his command. It was still too early for the first dance but Ísar didn't and couldn't bring himself to care.

Ísar was even too distracted by the odd surge of envy that he forgot to even register the fact that he'd just commanded his sister's shadow knowingly for the first time.

He saw the Viscount rush to the front of the raised platform where Ísar sat, the background music ceased and the guests turned to face him, clearly confused.

"I do hope my guests are enjoying their time so far and will continue to do so for the rest of the evening. It is now time for the first dance to begin and our king shall bless us with doing so."

What a kiss-up, Ísar thought with a slight roll of his eyes before standing up from his seat and made his way down to the middle of the hall.

Each time the nervousness overpowered the intense jealousy he was feeling, he'd glance at Xinghua and Lord Adrian who was practically inching closer to the Imperial Son, clearly hoping to steal a dance with the other boy later, and the jealousy would rise up again.

He stood in the middle of the hall and glanced at the expectant faces of the debutants, some mothers actively nudging their children to act as appealing as possible.

Then he caught sight of Lord Adrian looping his arm around Xinghua's and the young king felt something in him visibly snap.

"May I have this dance?" He wasn't fully sure how or when he'd strided to the two boys but there he was, hand stretched out in front of his friend.

He could hear quite loud whispers behind him and could imagine everyone's shocked expressions but he only really cared about Xinghua's reaction at that moment.

Many kings in the past had preferred the company of men to women on many occasions, the first male queen being crowned centuries before, but dancing with the same sex was still not that common.

Xinghua's eyes widened a fraction before his expression turned into one of inquiry. Ísar merely smiled and tilted his head to the side, almost beckoning.

Then Xinghua took his hand and the whispers got louder and more hurried.

"What are you doing?" Xinghua asked as they made their way back to the middle, his cheeks a little flushed. "I thought you planned on dancing with Lady Adelaide."

"Changed my mind. You're a better dance partner either way."

The Imperial Son's cheeks got pinker.

"This is psychotic, little ox," Xinghua said as they stood opposite each other, waiting for the music to start. "But you're going to be like that, then I guess I can do what I want as well, yes?"

Ísar didn't know what he meant by that until he found Xinghua's hand on his hip while the other took hold of the other. The older boy planned to lead their dance, something many other kings might've found rude but Ísar was simply trying to not think about his sweaty hands and his rapidly beating heart.

"Are you trying to give those old farts a heart attack?" Ísar asked, not liking the crack in his voice.

"I think you already accomplished that by even asking me to dance, your majesty," Xinghua teased, an impish smile on his face.

Ísar narrowed his eyes on the prince then turned to the crowd. "Quiet," he said simply without even raising his voice and they all did as was told. "Start the music." And the band listened.

Xinghua lead Ísar with grace and a little bit of strength, his obsidian eyes never leaving Ísar's. It was a little too intense and the young king wanted to look away but he found it very difficult to avoid the other boy's gaze. It was like he had been trapped by it.

"What could the king be thinking?" He was able to pick up on some of the whispers as they danced around the dance floor, their words forcing him out of said gaze.

"Do you think they could be in the talks of an engagement?"

"The engagement with the first princess, rest her soul, did fall through. The Empire must've set their sights on the king."

"They move so elegantly. It's like watching a beautiful play."

"If I knew he was of that persuasion I would've dressed my son better!"

What engagement? What persuasion? What are they talking about? It's like they think we're a—

Xinghua spun him around and continued to glide them around the dancehall like flowing water. "Don't be distracted now, little ox. Your only focus right now should be on me."

Ísar's attention was brought back to Xinghua's face. His voice, his eyes, his boyish smile. Even in such a situation where they were being stared at yet the older boy was focused on only Ísar and it all finally clicked.

Oh.

Xinghua dipped him low and their faces were once again inches from each other, the applause around them barely registering in Ísar's turbulent mind.

He stared at Xinghua who stared back at him, panting slightly. Then the Imperial Son's smile widened though looked slightly sheepish, his cheeks still a little pink and Ísar fully realized something.

Oh. Oh Mother above. Oh gods around us, help me. I think I like him.