The band played a fast and easily danceable tune in the brightly lit ballroom. All around pairs, trios, and more danced to the beat. The women’s elaborate gowns complementing their bright hair colors and the men’s usually creating a stark contrast to their own, only vests or button-ups matching the hair color.
“This is such a bore,” one of the young women off in the corner said as she ran a hand through her dark purple hair, which was in a short lob with red ends.
Beside her, a girl with almost the same facial structure but much more hair pulled into an updo, rolled her dark green, almost black, eyes before looking at her twin, “Linna, you didn’t have to come. Just because daddy said that our brother and older sisters had to. He didn’t mention us.”
“Rinnnnnnnna,” Linna looked at her sister as she dragged out her name before going silent for almost half a minute, “That’s what they want you to say. You need to look at the bigger picture.”
Sighing Rinna asked, “And the bigger picture would be?”
“We are Royalty too. Do you think our dear father would ask all our other siblings to come and not expect us there too?”
Before Rinna could answer she continued, “No he wouldn’t. If we weren’t here we would fail his test.”
“What? Lee, have you been drinking, because that sounds crazy.”
“No no no,” Linna exclaimed as she waved an approaching father and son away, “He’s a devious old man. He wants to train us covertly, make us learn ourselves.”
Putting her hand to her forehead Rinna opens her mouth and before she can respond a loud trumpet call sounded, causing everyone in the room to look at the large double doors.
“Announcing the Crown Prince of IvorySun, Razor Peacecraft and his…” the caller glanced back, “I mean and her companion, Tsukiko Maxwell.”
As he finished the introduction to oohs and hushed whispers, the doors opened and a woman in a body contouring navy blue dress walked in. Her long purple hair was done in an updo, leaving a tail that went down to the small of her back. On her forehead, she wore a silver tiara adorned with an emerald surrounded by a pair of opals.
Beside her stood a smaller woman with brown hair and a similar dress in a light blue. She had her arm wrapped around the taller ones arm and was looking around with almost awe at the room.
As they walked down the stairs into the main room the crowned woman bent down and whispered in the ear of the brunette woman, “See Tsukiko, I told you it would be a full on gala, pops goes all out on the Queensday ball. Always has actually, he loved to see who could organize a bigger one, him or mom.”
“Aww, sweetie, I’m sorry,” Tsukiko said, patting the Prince’s arm, “It is a large party. Ah can’t believe he has a piñata! Razor darling, Ah think your dad is a bit nuts.”
“Right?” Razor said, a smile cocking her lips, “However our first order of business is to find the old man and make our appearance known, since it is his shindig, so no calling our host nuts.”
“No promises” Tsukiko said with a smirk.
Razor rolls her eyes, “I see how DAME Tsukiko.”
“Dame?” Tsukiko tightened her grip on her lovers arm, “I don’t think titles are what made me get all dolled up for this event. It's more the company I get to be a part of tonight.
With a playful wink and a devilish glint in her eyes she continues, “Besides you are just a prince. If I should impress anyone or put all this effort in it would be more towards your father.”
Razor splayed her hand on her chest in an overly wounded tone, “The absolute audacity! I should have you executed, my Lady.”
“HAH!” She bursts out before Tsukiko can respond, “Sorry, can’t keep a straight face at that one. The company you say? The other scheming nobles? Or do you perhaps mean the company of your dear brother?”
Behind them the crier trumpeted again and announced, “Announcing the Princess Summer Peacecraft and her Mate, Herra Maxwell.”
“Or should I say Sister?” Razor asks with a grin, looking back at the two who just entered with a dainty applause.
“I still can’t believe you managed that,” Tsukiko said to Razor as she watched another purple haired beauty, this one with red flecks in her green eyes, with her hands entwined around another woman’s. The other woman looked in almost the same look of wonder at the immensity of the ballroom and the attendees. Both woman had their hair in the same updo of a pair of twin pair of braids going back and into a stylized ponytail, the only difference is one was purple and the other an ashen blonde.
The Princess wore a gown stylized in an oriental cheongsam with high slits and buttoned diagonally above one breast. Her ‘Mate’s’ dress was more a princess dress with a tight form fitting top that flowed into a fluffed skirt that ended around her knees, revealing the tops of her knee length boots that complimented her light blue eyes.
Razor grinned, “What getting Herra to come? It was mostly Summer’s doing actually. I was just the final nail in Herro’s coffin.”
“You didn’t kill him.” Tsukiko says with an eyebrow raised.
“No,” Razor shrugs her shoulders, “But he’ll wish he were dead when he sees what Herra is wearing and the makeup she let Summer use.”
Tsukiko chuckled before asking, “What did she do to convince him?”
Smiling Razor watches as the crier calls for Autumn and watches as Summer’s twin, with shorter hair and the clasp of her dress on the other side, before turning to Tsukiko, “Honestly he walked himself into it.
Continuing Razor walked towards the gaggle of Amazon’s surrounding the king, glancing out the window to a balcony that overlooked the large lake on one half of the palace grounds, “He told Summer no, and so she countered that he could not come on the condition that he would have to live at the palace should anything ever happen to his house.”
“Which he agreed tah,” Tsukiko said, “And knowing him added a damning ‘That’ll never happen’.”
“Pretty much. Summer then splashed him with cold water and asked Herra. She was more than willing to go and even asked Summer to do her makeup.”
Tsukiko laughed as they met the group. All the hangers on glanced at Razor before making a path to the King and bowing slightly and all letting out a ‘Your Highness”. Razor nodded as she took Tsukiko’s hand again and started in. Standing before the King, Razor noted that her father had his light purple hair spiked less than usual, letting the tips his spiked crown show well over the top of his head instead of the usual style where his hair is even with the tips.
“Majesty,” Razor says with a slight bow, “Happy Queensday.”
Victor’s eyes light up as he grins, “I think it would put your mothers to shame this year don’t you agree?”
“I’m sure it would. The parade and faire you have going on throughout the week are a bit overdone but she’d approve.” Razor said, her own mouth turning up into a smile before indicating Tsukiko, “This is Tsukiko Maxwell, daughter of the High Mage Albert Maxwell. Tsukiko, the King of all Ivorysun and my loving father
“I am glad you could make it.” Victor said with a nod to Tsukiko, “You look just as beautiful, if not more, than your mother!”
Tsukiko froze for a moment and replied, her voice dropping in the room, “My mother?”
“Oh yes! I can see the amazon genes in full bloom!”
Tsukiko’s face instantly softened and jaw unclenched. “Oh! Oh, yes thank you your Majesty! I try very hard but I am not certain I will ever hold a candle to her”
“Such humility! A quality I cherish much like your family. However, my eyes do not deceive me your outer and inner beauty shine bright. Your parents should be proud. I am honored I can get to see what you have grown into this evening. Thank you for coming.”
“The Pleasure is all mine Majesty,” Tsukiko curtsied, her face beat red.
Razor tipped her head, “We will talk later Pops, I’ve got to show my lovely consort here around before she dies of embarassment.”
“Go on,” Victor waves his hands, “Leave me to the fawning masses.”
Walking towards the balcony they’d seen on the way through, Tsukiko glanced at the refreshments table a ways off, “I’m gonna go and get some punch.”
“I can have someone get it. There are waitstaff all over the place.”
“I’d rather look around myself.” Tsukiko said with a small smile, “See what I canwithout everyone doting on us because I’m with the crown Prince herself.”
Razor shrugs and leans in to kiss her, “Okay. Take it easy, but be careful. People did see you with me so you won’t get as much breathing room as you hope.”
“I will,” Tsukiko says as she breaks the kiss, “And don’t worry suga’, Ah know how to dissolve into a crowd.”
Razor watches as she does basically that before shaking her head and continuing out to the balcony. Getting to the balcony overlooking the large pond on the north-east part of the palace grounds, Razor grabs the railing and puts her weight on it. She listens to the party behind her and watches the group of ducks that have taken refuge in the pond.
Turning at the sound of footsteps she turns and looks at the amazon in front of her. With only a slight incline of her head as acknowledgment she said, “Greetings Councilman Dalewind. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Now announcing Albert Maxwell and his wife the Lady Lorelie Flamescale.”
The whole hall turned silent and turned towards the entry hall. Victor almost jumped to his feet as he heard the crier announce the next couple. Keeping himself seated in his throne, now devoid of hangers-on as he had managed to finally shoo them away after the two middle daughters presented themselves, he drummed his fingers impatiently waiting for them to get over here.
Albert was wearing a green formal robe with a dark shirt underneath and black formal pants. His long hair was tied in the back by a thin ribbon that matched his robe. Aside from his wedding ring he wore a couple other silver rings. He walked across the room with a friendly smile.
Lorelei his wife was much younger than him, but obviously did not bother her because she kept hold of his hand. Her long green hair that shimmered in the light was tied up into a French braid. Lorelei also had these stunning sapphire blue eyes that could almost enchant those she looked at. Like her husband she walked properly while smiling and waving at the nobles she knew, but some avoided eye contact or shifted around nervously.
Seeing the face of his friend and lovely wife finally emerge from the crowd he rose, “Took you long you ass. Do you know how much work I put into this fete, and you couldn’t send a damn rsvp.
Continuing he spread his arm, “Sera would be laughing her ass off in the afterlife if she saw how much the Queensday party I planned ended up shorting people on food and the one the kids did on my birthday rocked.”
“I got caught up in other…dealings. You know how enthralled I get when I focus on something, the hours just fly by. I had it on my calendar. There is no way I would miss it.” Albert said as Victor stopped talking for a moment.
“Still, you two are lucky I saved you a spot anyway,” Victor grinned as he drew one then the other of them into a hug, “Still maybe I should toss you two out.”
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Albert smiles and narrows his eyes, “I’d like to see you try. I scare your guards stiff.”
“Ha! Like I’d use guards for a pushover like you.”
“Isn’t that what kings do? Yell ‘Guards’ and run away?” Albert asks with a cocky and playful laugh, “Surely you’re a soft king who’d employ that strategy.”
Victor’s eyes glinted as said, “I’ll show you soft.”
“This Albert. This is soft,” With his grin still in place he reached over and groped Lorelei’s butt, before looking at her and speaking, “I apologize my dear. I was ending our verbal sparring match.”
Albert’s eyes glanced at Victor’s hand and his smile faded, “You’ve turned into a perverted old man with a death wish. She will kill you know, and I know how deadly she is when she’s pissed. She was one of the few amazons that didn't fear me, and she keeps me in line. I think i fear her worse than you”
“Ass!” Lorelei’s hand slapped Victor’s face as her eyes were narrow and face red.
“I deserved that,” Victor said, putting a hand to his cheek and waving the other dismissively, before grinning again and bowing slightly, “I am sorry again my dear. Would the hundred I won from you husband for the bet that I could beat him in the sparring match when you two got here today?”
“How did you win!?” Albert exclaimed.
“I shifted you from tearing me down to caring about my wellbeing, that right there says I won.”
Giggling Lorelei holds out her hand, “I will accept your money and your word that you will behave. You old Pervert.”
“A title I will gladly accept from such a lovely beauty as yourself,” Victor said with a smile as Albert handed a folded one hundred dollar bill to his wife, “Not that I know how a beauty like you ended up with him. I know I wasn’t really on the market but you should have some standards.”
Lorelei smiled and put her hand on Albert’s, “I’ve got standards Majesty. That’s why I stay with my two perverts.”
“Yes, my love,” Albert says as Lorelei takes his hand.
Victor grins as he loosk around the room, “I say we start the first course. I say we have a very informal dining arrangement today.
He motions to the servants and they start to uncover a buffet table lining the entirety of the extremely long end of the room, and even partially down the adjoining wall. With a grin, Victor put his arm around Albert, “So shall we go eat Al?”
Herra Maxwell stood looking at all the wonderful tasty desserts that stretched out before her. Her sky blue eyes would sparkle with excitement as she eyed each piece of chocolatey amazement that was before her. Every so often she would pick up a different kind of cake and place it on her already heaping plate of sweets.
"You know you keep this up and you will lose your figure" a voice behind the blonde said .
"Bitch you know you want my tits to grow so think of it as a present or something for you princess" Herra replied as she turned to face her smiling date.
"Then I accept with open palms" Summer reach out and fondled Herra and both girls giggled.
"Ok ok that's enough for now remember we have a private afterparty were we can totally let loose"
"Awe! I don't know if I can wait that long!" Summer produced a cute pouty face trying to guilt Herra into more.
"Unlike my other self you know my word is good"
"Well, herro doesn't lie"
"No, but he also can’t just do it either. Coward. Either way tonight it's just me and you. He missed out"
"I will make sure to reward you for that" summer said with a sultry voice
"Over and over again" Herra replied with equal excitement.
Summer took her dessert and wrapped one arm around Herra's free arm and both walked back to their table. For those two the world was shrank down to just them. The dirty looks from Amazon nobility went completely missed. Then there was a disruption as unknown Male decided to sit at their table.
The guy was tall and muscular. His face seemed almost square because of his strong jaw line. His hair a fiery orange, but apparently even though he was young time wasn't being very kind because his hair hair was showing signs of receding.
"Can we help you?" Herra asked annoyed
"Yes. I could use another drink if you would be so inclined" the man replied in a imperious tone
"Sure!" Herra said with a smile "hope you dont mind piss taste"
The man's face showed a sour look for a second then back to regal. "To say such things in front of our amazon princess is not only dirty but disrespectful"
"You have no idea the dirty things we do and what I can make her say" Herra shot back as she took a bit of cake. This caused summer and the guy to turn red for a minute but summer never corrected Herra.
"The ways of the commoner. She must use you for the sex"
Herra's eyebrows twitched in annoyance and she put down her dessert. A clear indication that things were going down a bad path and yet the man never picked up on it. She then said "excuse me? Who are you again?"
A hand landed on the Red-headed amazon male’s shoulder. Herra’s attention focused on the unassuming black haired man leaning down to whisper in the amazon’s ear. She crossed her arms and focused as the man turned his eyes towards her, shadowed as they were by his tiger print headband that she had to admit clashed horribly with his nice suit. As he stared, his eyes pulsed a deep Amber in what appeared to be the bump-bump rhythm of a heartbeat. The locked gaze was only broken when the Amazon waved his hand, brushing the other man’s hand off his shoulder
“I appreciate the sentiment Ryan, as we are paying you to protect us. But I have nothing to worry about from a Magia of her level.”
Ryan backed up, the thrumming of his eyes speeding up for a moment before he closed them and clasped his hands behind his
back, “I will acquiesce sir, but Lord Anders Will hear of this.”
“Yes yes,” He waved him off stepping towards Herra and running the hand through his still perfectly coifed hair,
'I am Oleg from the great family of-"
"Yeah yeah Oliver. Look we appreciate you come to say hi to the princess here but this is a private table" Herra said with a shooing motion
Summer sighed slightly and composed herself. "Thank you and your family for supporting my father and I during this celebration. We are honored for your attendance and hope to keep your favor"
"You could start by getting rid of this Magia commoner and begin to look more favorable on your Nobel subjects as potential mates your majesty"
"Damn! Oscar is freaking blunt!" Herra replied in an annoyed tone. "Blunt or...jealous. Oscar come on jealously is so unattractive"
"You really should be quiet little girl" Oleg shot back at Herra.
Herra calmly wiped her mouth and stood up leaning over the table. Calm tension filled the air. "Listen here you pampered brat you show up out of nowhere and start harassing my lovely date. Now because you are nobility I am trying my best not to literally beat the shit out of you! Now I suggest you act like your hair line and fucking disappear!"
Oleg's mouth literally dropped open and he reached up to his combed hair to feel what hair he had left. His shock began to turn to anger as his face began to turn visible red and eyes intensify. His gaze shifted to the floor and began to think of how to counter the Magia commoner.
Herra then Looked over at Summer who was still seated but her eyes were visibly glowing red as she stared intently at Oleg. Her hands were so tightly balled up her knuckles were white. With a small sigh Herra wrapped her arms around the princess before Oleg would notice summer's anger.
"Don't worry, my love. Only my opinion matters. You know this". Herra whispered into summer's ear.
"Awe! How cute!" A woman's voice chimed in behind Herra causing Herra to whip around.
The woman was about the same age as summer or possible slightly younger. Thin and tone body as if she worked out at the gym every day. Her hair color was the same shade of fiery orange that Oleg has. She wore an orange cocktail dress and hugged her body.
"Orange with orange? Even herro wouldn't make that mistake. Geez who dressed you?" Herra asked out loud causing the woman to stare at her in awkward silence. Herra continued "anyways, i assume you are with Oliver here"
"Oleg and yes I'm his sister Catherine."
"Well thanks for-" Herra started
Cathrine interrupted "Question blonde sex slave what do you know about the women who is hanging around my man?"
"Tsukiko?" Herra asked
"Yes, I know she is the spawn of the Amazon killer albert Maxwell. Do you know if she is like him?"
"She is my sister"
Cathrine looked at Herra with a puzzled look then said "like sista?"
"No like my actual sister" Herra’s face was completely blank at the jab4
"I have only heard of brothers as her siblings. One who escaped prison and another her twin brother. No reports on a sister"
"Well I am." Herra took a step towards cathrine and trailed a finger down Catherine's face and cooed "if you plan on doing anything to her I promise to hunt you down and end you. Just try me bitch"
Cathrine took a step back and a small shiver went down her body. She coughed and regained her composure. "You might be the Amazon killers offspring then"
"Stop referring to my dad to that. Obviously he isn't all bad otherwise he wouldn't be friends with the kings and have a smoking hot Amazon wife"
"You need to ask about the stories" Oleg mumbled.
Herra shot him a glance "what did i tell you to do? Do you remember, hairline? Look I dont care what happened before I was born. However, what does this have to do with my sister?"
"Simple. She is in the way." Cathrine replied matter of factly. "The prince was promised to me and we will be married which will unify our kingdom even more."
"As I am promised princess summer here" Oleg said.
"Excuse me?" Herra asked in disbelief
" it's true. For our kingdom and families we are bound together. That's why you are just a sex servant." Oleg said with a twisted smile. "Besides you are a girl. Not that there cant be same sex marriages but royalty needs to have a bonding ritual and produce offspring. Sorry you just dont fit the bill here"
"Fuck off!" Herra replied. Her head swimming from what she just heard.
"Alright you two! Thank you for showing your support however my date and I must get going!" Summer said calmly as she rose from the table. Her body trembling.
Oleg stood up as well. "Your majesty! I thank you for our meeting and since we will be in the Capitol for a little while I hope to have a more private audience with you. Maybe we can explore things that she cant give you"
"Yes dear sister. I also hope to have time with you as well" cathrine said with a giggle and hugged summer. "It be better than hanging out with Magia losers"
"Bitch! I will straight up rearrange your face!" Herra yelled as she pulled back a small wooden wand she had concealed.
Cold air filled dining hall and before Herra could pull off her spell her hand iced over and he father was now by her side. His eyes focused not on her but cathrine.
"Dad?" Herra got out in gasp.
"Is everything neutralized?" Albert said without even look around
"Yes my love" lorelei replied behind Herra. This caused Herra to turn around and see Oleg being forced to sit with lorelei's hand on his shoulders. Lorelei had a angry look on her face.
"My apologies your Majesty King peacecraft" albert said looking over at victor.
"What is going on?" Victor asked looking around. He looked at summer whose eyes were shedding tears. "I warn you Anders, if I discover this is your doing-"
"Daddy can we be dismissed?" Summer said in a pleading tone, with her eyes glowing deep scarlet as she looked at Catherine with her eyes unblinking
Victor replied, feeling the unwavering bloodlust rolling off his daughter, "Yes baby. Take Herra with you. However. I will ask you what caused this"
"Yes Father." Summer then took Herra by the arm. "I'm sorry I have something to tell you"
Albert looked at Herra with a quick glance. "Listen to her but be careful. I too will want to know how this escalated. You can not bring Shame to her."
"Yes dad" Herra replied shamefully as summer pulled her away from the scene and out into the hallway that was dead quiet as the doors closed behind them.
Victor turned back to the two amazon nobles who were sitting with their heads bowed. His eyes narrowed before he spoke, “We understand the desire to better your station. However this
He motions around himself at the party, before continuing, “This definitely not the location for an inane power grab.”
“We apologize Sire,” Cathrine says softly while looking at the floor, “We overstepped.”
Oleg narrowed his eyes as he interjected, “I am still opposed to the Princes and Princesses with the Rabble.”
A Small rumbling growl came from behind Victor as Lorelie took a step forward, “I would –“
Victor’s arm came across and held her back, “Stop. We are not having this in front of everyone, From ANYONE.
“Take her and check on the girls,” He looked at Albert who was gazing down at the floor.
Albert did a deep sigh as he stepped forward and placed a his hand carefully on Lorelei and gave her a peck on the cheek before saying “it will be ok my love. You are a wonderful mother. Look why dont you take a minute and check on the girls and i will sort this out. I would love to have my favorite drinking partner with me later” alberts said as his eyes lit up.
Lorilie could never resist those eyes and smile. “I will go check on them. My apologies your Highness” she said with a bow. Then turned to her husband “you owe me Darling. But I shall return”
Then Albert turn to the King Victor and his Aura completely shifted. “Come Victor! This is a day for remembrance! I think we can let the kids calm down a bit, and I do believe I owe you a drink. Come my friend!” Albert then took Victor by the arm and lead him back into the crowd. The awkward moment passing and the party continued.
Across the room, Razor cocked her hip as she glanced at the disturbance, watching her father with two others walking away. Pointing with her palm up, she comments, “It looks like those children of yours made a scene Councilman. Should we go investigate?”
“I will go. Just remember what I mentioned, Prince. The future of this kingdom will lie on your shoulders and we need to keep it strong.” Anders spun on his heel and stalked off towards where his children were.
Reaching the pair as the guards let them up and escorted them towards the exit, “I will take them from here.”
“Daddy!” Catherine grabs her father’s arm, “Did you see how that Magia Bitch-”
Oleg snapped his head towards her, “Mind your words sister. All eyes are still upon us, and I do not doubt that many ears are as well.”
“Both of You, Shut Up!” Anders snapped at his children, as he walked them into the hallway, “You both disappoint me. We want you to win the hands of the royals Properly! Not through petty bickering. There are ways you can get back at them, Legally and in accordance with proper Amazonian tradition.”
Oleg stopped for a moment before a wide grin split his face. He ran his hand through his hair, “A sanctioned duel. There can be no interference and the ruling is indisputable.”
“Oh!” Catherine claps her hands, “I want to give that brunette whore that my dear Razor is being brainwashed by a good beating.”
Anders waved his hand dismissively, “Then we shall do that. Just make sure the pair of you give this incident time to cool down before you declare the challenge. Don’t disappoint me again.”
Both of his children snapped an almost military salute, “Yes sir.”