Archibald and Florence moved on, for now. I saw them talking to some other people and pointing our way. Likely they were starting some rumours, or just insulting us. Their faces would be interesting once they saw us with the princess.

We stayed near the buffet until someone came to fetch us. One of the servants led us further into the mansion. Princess Oliva was waiting for us. She wore a black gown with golden trims. On her head was a silver circlet. It had one big emerald in the centre which was flanked by two smaller emeralds.

“Koyuki! It’s nice to see you again. And you must be Helena, Cassie and Skadi.” She greeted us.

“Yes, your highness.” My friends answered at the same time.

“I am honoured to meet you again, your highness.” I replied.

We curtsied.

“There is no reason for too much formality, only loyal people are around.” Olivia said. “Now, we need to go over the plan.”

We nodded.

“I will officially welcome everyone in the great hall. Koyuki will be behind me, you three will be behind her. Then I will introduce Koyuki and her talents. I do have some bodies for you, you can raise them fairly quickly, right?”

“Yes, that should be no problem.” I confirmed.

“Can you make them dance?” She asked.

“Um, I think so? My friends taught me how to dance, I should be able to use that to properly instruct my undead. But I have never tried that.”

“Perfect! It will be a nice little show. Afterwards the ball is open. You will be swarmed with people but try to endure for at least two hours. After that, feel free to leave the ball.”

We discussed a few more details, then we followed Olivia to the great hall. We were flanked by guards in ceremonial plate, carrying halberds. The crowd parted as Olivia moved towards the centre. The guards slammed the butt of their weapon on the floor to signal for silence.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

The people stopped talking and focused on the princess. They looked surprised to see the four of us standing behind her.

“Princess Olivia Wright, second in line to the throne of Nethena!” One of the guards announced her. The audience bowed, to varying degrees.

“Good evening. It is lovely to see that so many of you have come to my ball! There has been plenty of speculation why I am here, in Lupos. The answer is simple: Koyuki.” She pointed at me.

People began to murmur. Some pointed at me, others looked confused. The soldiers slammed the butt of their halberds again, to call for silence.

“You see, some years ago I started a project. I offered talented young individuals a chance to serve in the army! It included slaves. Many have called me foolish for it. And yet, we had great success. Our nation is stronger for it! And now? We have Koyuki! She is only in her first year at the academy, but she has already proven her strength. Her team found the vampiric nightshades, they even slew one! She has raised powerful undead with ease, and her core suggests that she might become one of the greatest necromancers! She might become our ninth archmage one day!”

Servants brought four large bags. They placed them on the floor. Inside were skeletons. Two male ones in a suit and two female ones in a gown. She nodded at me.

I was nervous. I took a deep breath, then focused inward. The spell was easy. I simply animated the bodies as tier two undead. The skeletons stood up and bowed to the crowd.

“Some call necromancy evil.” She snorted. “We are not so ignorant! Magic is a tool and our kingdom knows the power of death magic. We shall wield it against those who oppose us. Our enemies would be wise to remember that.”

She paused while her gaze swept over the crowd. Then she continued: “Koyuki is still a student. Some might feel it unwise to reveal her. But we do not cower in the dark! We are proud of the next generation who will bolster our forces! We are NETHENA.”

Some people in the crowd stood taller. Military people saluted.

“Now, enjoy the ball!” Olivia said with a smile. The music started playing and my skeletons started dancing. I was not entirely sure why the princess wanted them. It was not really a demonstration of power. At least it did not feel like one.

The princess herself was dancing with a man I did not know. I tried to keep my skeletons on her flanks. Maybe it would give her some breathing room. There were already a lot of people gathering to talk to her.

I tried to walk over to my friends, who were already discussing things. But before I could take a step towards them I was approached.

“May I have this dance?” Leo asked. His appearance was not that surprising. But he must have moved fast to be in front of me already. There was not a good excuse to say no, sadly.

“Fine.” I accepted, reluctantly.

My friends looked at me with sympathy. Then their faces filled with horror, as the realised people were approaching them too.

“Your talents keep surprising me.” Leo said, after we started dancing. “Raising skeletons this quickly and having them casually dancing is not something a normal first year could do. I have to admit I would have struggled.”

I shrugged. Compared to Nyx, or my draugr, it just was not really impressive. In my opinion. I was not certain how good Leo was. He definitely had more skill than Tim and Tom. His undead wolf could fight. But it lacked any special abilities.

“I know that Helena does not like me. And your friendship might have influenced your opinion. But I would ask you to give me a chance. Imagine what we could achieve together! My family is powerful. And with Princess Olivia standing behind you, I am sure my father would welcome you into the family.”

Wait? Was he trying to propose?

“Thank you for the offer, but I am not interested. I will focus on my studies, and my career in the military, after graduation.”

He nodded. He did not seem surprised.

“A shame. Maybe you will reconsider. Thank you for the dance.” Leo smiled but his eyes looked cold.