The bustling marketplace was a vibrant hub of activity, filled with the sounds of haggling vendors and the smells of exotic spices. Amidst the chaos, Aviana and Kaelan had managed to find the perfect spot for their performance. It was a spot that would attract the attention of the passing crowds and hopefully bring in some coins for their troupe. The performers' code was a strict one, and they had to be mindful of other performers in the area. But Aviana knew it was perfect for their dance routine when she spotted the spot.

As Kaelan played the lute, Aviana swayed to the rhythm, her movements graceful and fluid. She wore a flowing skirt that swirled around her ankles, revealing the intricate design of her sandals. Her arms were adorned with jingling bracelets that added to the rhythm of the music. With each step Aviana took, the intricate details of her appearance became more apparent. Her hair, a rich shade of chestnut brown, flowed behind her like a dark river as she spun and swayed. Small braids adorned with silver beads and threads twisted and turned with her movements, adding a touch of elegance to her already stunning appearance. Her skin was sun-kissed and smooth, her cheekbones high and defined, and her lips a delicate rose pink that curved up into a radiant smile. The gold piercing of her nose caught the sun's light as she moved. As she danced, her eyes glimmered with a fierce passion that captivated the audience. They were a warm brown colour, reminiscent of melted honey, inviting and full of life.

With each beat of Kaelan's lute, her movements became more fluid and her joy more infectious. His music was the perfect accompaniment to her dance, each note like a raindrop that added depth and dimension to the already magical performance. Kaelan's attention was solely focused on Aviana, lost in the wonder of her movements. He played with effortless ease, his fingers moving expertly over the strings of his lute, creating an enchanting melody to the ear. The crowd grew larger and larger, drawn to the beauty and grace of Aviana's performance. They stood in awe, completely entranced by her movements and the magic of the music.

Aviana turned towards Kaelan with a look of elation in her eyes as the coins clinked together and were tossed into their pouch. They both understood that this performance had been a success and that their fortunes had turned for the better. The magic of Aviana's dance and Kaelan's music had captured the hearts of the crowd, and they would soon be on their way to a brighter future.

Aviana bowed to the crowd, gesturing to Kaelan for their continued applause, and gathered their loot from their hard work. The pouch was almost full, something they had never done before so quickly, and Aviana was already dreaming of a new dress she had spied at a local merchant.

Kaelan offered her the water skin, and she drank from it, tipping her head back and knowing she wouldn't leave much behind for Kaelan. While she danced, she felt so free and untouchable, yet as soon as the music stopped, she was forced to recognize her body's limitations. She felt no shame, though. The water source was nearby. She could fetch more for Kaelan once she caught her breath. She turned a smiling face to Kaelan when she noticed the look on his face. It was then she heard the chink of chain mail and approaching footsteps. She turned to see five men approaching. Four wore the uniform of the city knights. Their armour shone more than her jewellery, and she winced as the sun reflected off a helmet and hit her in the eye.

As the captain of the guard approached, his imposing figure and commanding presence were immediately apparent. He was an older man with greying hair in his goatee and tidy hair on his head. His face was etched with deep lines, and his eyes were stern and grey, set in a hard stare that seemed to bore into Aviana. A scar ran from his hairline and into his eyebrow, adding to the sense of menace he exuded.

Despite his age, the captain was still a formidable presence, with broad shoulders and muscular arms that were visible even beneath the heavy leather armour he wore. His chest was adorned with a gleaming breastplate, polished to a mirror-like shine, and a long crimson cape hung from his broad shoulders. The emblem of the royal house was emblazoned on the breastplate, a symbol of his allegiance to the crown.

As he approached Aviana and Kaelan, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, the captain's gaze was unwavering. He seemed to be assessing them, weighing their worth and deciding whether they threatened the palace. It was clear that he took his role as protector of the royal family and their domain very seriously, and anyone who dared to cross him would face dire consequences.

Despite the captain's stern demeanour, there was a sense of respect and admiration among the palace guards who served under him. He was a skilled leader and strategist with a reputation for being tough but fair. His word was law, and his judgment was rarely questioned. As the highest-ranking officer in the palace guard, he held a position of immense power and authority, and his loyalty to the crown was absolute.

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As Aviana looked at the captain of the guard, her heart raced with fear and anticipation. His imposing figure towered over her and Kaelan, and she could feel his eyes boring into her soul. Kaelan tried to shield her from the captain's gaze, but his efforts were in vain.

The captain's voice boomed through the air, commanding attention and respect. "Move," he barked, his tone brooking no argument. Kaelan knew better than to disobey, but he hesitated, searching for a way out of this predicament.

Aviana sensed his indecision and placed a gentle hand on his arm. "We'll go with them," she whispered, her voice steady and calm. Kaelan looked at her with concern but nodded in agreement.

"How can we help you, sir?" Kaelan asked, attempting to engage the captain in conversation. But the man's eyes remained fixed on Aviana, and Kaelan could feel the tension in the air.

"You are formally invited to the princess's ball," the captain said, his gruff voice echoing through the crowd that had gathered around them. Aviana's eyes widened in surprise, and Kaelan's jaw dropped. The man's eyes were fixed on her, and Kaelan could feel the weight of his gaze on her like a physical presence. He shifted uneasily, unsure of what was happening and why they had been targeted this way. His urge to protect her was only softened because if he was dead, then who would make sure Aviana would be safe? His heart pounded in his chest as he watched the captain of the guard approach Aviana with the letter.

Aviana took the letter, her delicate fingers trembling slightly as she broke the seal. Kaelan leaned in, trying to see what was written on the page, but Aviana held it close to her chest, shielding it from view. "Can Kaelan read it?" she asked the captain, her voice barely above a whisper and her eyes darting from side to side as if unsure where to look as the man's stern face shifted as his eyebrow rose in silent question. "I can't read." Her voice held the right amount of shame that it seemed almost believable.

Kaelan felt a wave of frustration wash over him at Aviana's lie, but he knew that it was necessary for their survival. He needed all the information that she had. The captain gave the smallest of nods, a grunt to accompany his approval. A small smile tilted her lips, and she handed the letter to Kaelan. He took it and, with a sigh, quickly memorised the details. The pit of his stomach started to turn in knots.

"What does it say?" Aviana asked, her eyes fixed on Kaelan.

He hesitated momentarily, her gaze flickering up to meet his before returning to the letter to urge him to speak. "It's an invitation," he said finally. "To the princess's ball." Although his voice was calm, he felt a boiling river running through his veins. He quickly scanned their location again, looking for an escape, but they were cornered. Even if they weren't, too many people were crowding in to watch the interaction. Kaelan's mind raced as he tried to make sense of the situation. One look at Aviana, and he knew that she had made the same summary that he had. They would not be able to refuse this invitation.

He passed the invitation back to her, already memorizing the information. She could read it herself when she got someplace private. "There is a performance fee promised as well."

She nodded but knew she was not doing as well as Kaelan in looking calm. They were going to separate them. And once within the castle, how could she get even a message to him? She found herself nodding again and realized that the captain had taken a step towards her. Before he could interfere, Kaelan grabbed her shoulder and pulled her into a hug.

The first tear was soaked into his linen shirt before he could speak. "This is a great honour." Kaelan said, keeping up appearances for the guard. "Imagine the stories you will be able to share when the party is over." he squeezed her hard, felt her tiny fists curl into his clothes and her breath shaky on his throat as he kept her close. "I will find you." He spoke directly into her ear, his lips not moving, and the noise of her crying kept it from being overheard. But Aviana had heard him. She pressed a kiss to his cheek with the smallest nod of her head. She trusted him to follow his promise and find a way to get to her. He was her only family. She was the only person who had really made her feel like she could be herself. She needed him, and

Kaelan held her tightly as if he, too, knew that they were about to be ripped apart. The captain of the guard cleared his throat, breaking the moment between the two. "It's time to go," he said gruffly. Aviana felt a pang of fear grip her heart as she realized that this was it. She was being removed from everything she knew, and there was no going back. She took a deep breath and steeled herself for what lay ahead.

Kaelan pulled away from her, maintaining his stoic facade for the guards. He clasped her hands in his and looked deeply into her eyes, silently conveying his unwavering support. Aviana knew that Kaelan's promise was not just empty words. He was a man of action and would stop at nothing to ensure her safety. She gave him a small smile, grateful for his unwavering loyalty. "She won't disappoint you, sir. Aviana is the best dancer in all the land," he said with a confident smile as if they had a choice in the matter.

The captain grunted, seemingly unimpressed, and motioned for his men to move out. Kaelan watched as they led Aviana away, her hand clutching the invitation tightly. He could see the fear in her eyes, and it took everything in him not to charge after them and demand her release. But he knew that would only end in his capture or worse. He would have to bide his time and devise a plan to rescue her.

As Aviana was led through the castle gates, she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread settle in her stomach. She had heard stories of the royal family and their lavish balls, but they always seemed to come with a price. What would be expected of her? Would she be forced to perform for the rest of her life? The thoughts swirled in her mind as she was ushered forward.