The date of the ball was officially announced the next day and everyone was talking about it. A lot of students hoped they could get an invite. There was also the official arrival of the princess. Apparently it would be a great deal and some wanted to watch it.

I enjoyed my last days of relative anonymity. Obviously students knew me. But for most people, I was just a weird necromancer with an undead cat on her head. Even Archibald was focused on the ball and did not pick a fight with us.

The princess sent me a gift, equipment for my draugr and myself. It was delivered to our room. I showed it to Helena.

“That is really high quality fabric.” She said, as she inspected the black suit made for the draugr.

“It came with a fancy belt and sword.” I added and showed her the items in question.

Helena inspected the blade. “Looks like high quality steel. It’s not magical but that would have likely been too much.”

“That is not all. She also sent me a second sword, for myself!” While the draugr got a longsword, she sent me an arming sword. “Am I supposed to wear this to the ball?”

“Men often wear swords to a ball. Especially if they are from the military. Women… It depends. If you wear a gown it would be out of place, but it works with the uniform.” Helena explained.

“What are you going to wear?” I asked.

“I was thinking about a nice dress, but maybe I will go with a uniform as well.” She said. “It’s a shame. I think you would have looked great in a dress! But it would not fit the message of you being a military asset. It will look best if we all appear with a uniform and a weapon.”

I just shrugged. I didn't care that much what my friends wore to the event. But my draugr, who still did not have a name, looked good in a suit.

The day of the ball arrived. Our carriage picked us up in the late afternoon. I managed to convince Cassie that the Iron Beaks had to stay at the academy. Nyx and the draugr were the only undead accompanying us.

A well dressed driver greeted us. “My ladies, I am here to drive you to the ball and back. Your undead can sit outside, next to me.” He was referring to the draugr. Nyx stayed with me.

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Also, it was weird being addressed so formally. My friends were likely used to such things. He even opened the door for us! Inside was more than enough room for the four of us. I sat next to Helena on a comfy bench, while facing Skadi and Cassie. I was quite nervous, so I distracted myself by starting a conversation.

“Cassie, you haven’t said anything more about your mom coming here. She is at the ball, right?”

Cassie sighed. “Yes, yes she is. Of course she did not have time to come and see me before the event. But she was certainly pleased that I got myself invited. Her letter was very curious how I had managed that.”

“What did you tell her?” I asked.

“Nothing.” Cassie looked smug.

“So, she is going to be really surprised to see you near the princess.” I concluded.

“Yes. It’s going to be great! I hope she is standing near Duke Ashfield when she spots me.”

“I take it Duke Ashfield is not fond of the king?” I wondered.

“Indeed.” Cassie confirmed.

“Who is on the side of the royals?” I wondered.

“That is a complicated question.” Helena said. “Because in a way all dukes want more power. I would say Duke Colton is the closest ally of the king. Duke Winston is mostly aligned with the royals. He has to deal with the monsters coming from the everfrost peaks and has Ilestria to worry about. He receives special provisions because of that. Duke Harold… It’s complicated. He is mostly on his own side but sides with the royals at times.”

“Duke Ashfield and Duke Payton are the main opposition to the king.” Cassie said. “They are advocating for more aggressive moves against the tribes in the desert. Mainly they would like to capture more slaves. They also firmly believe in the importance of your bloodline. That the princess is essentially freeing slaves, and putting them in the military is something they strongly disagree with.”

“Which leaves Duchess Barkworth, the only female in charge of a duchy.” Helena said. “She controls the largest part of our border with Ilestria. I think she is mostly about making money. But I have to admit I don’t know that much about her.”

“Keep in mind that neither Helena, nor I, are that deep into politics.” Cassie clarified. “We certainly are not in the inner circle of any ducal family.”

“Ok. Thank you for the information. But it does make me question Archibald. Why is he so mean, if his family is more on the side of the royals?” I wondered.

“Because he is a dick.” Skadi explained.

“Well, she is not wrong.” Helena admitted. “But keep in mind that he is not the heir and likely just wants to be important. I have no idea how much he cares about politics. And he is betrothed to an Ashfield. She might have influenced him.”

“He is a noble. And you said no to him. That is all.” Skadi said. “I really doubt that Archibald is smart enough to understand politics.”

I guess I should not overthink the actions of a 16 year old man.

“Are any of the dukes going to be there? Personally? Or just members of their family?” I asked.

“No idea, I haven’t seen a guest list.” Helena answered.

“I am more worried about men my age. My mother surely has something planned. I should have brought more poison.” Cassie said.

“Wait! More poison? You are carrying poison?” I asked.

“Nothing deadly…” She said. “Look, you would not let me bring an Iron Beak. A girl has to be prepared.”

“You know magic, and carry a sword.” Skadi pointed out.

“You can never be prepared enough!” Cassie countered.