My attire is immaculate, my hair is perfect, and I’m at the biggest party of the year. I’m popular, people admire me, and my jokes always land. Girls love me, and men envy me. And you know what? Who gives a damn?
I admit it; I'm a spoiled brat—snobby and prissy—and I want to change that. I need to change that. So, I've decided to run away, but not just anywhere—I'm going to run away to the circus tonight. Originally, I was going to wait a few weeks for my family to go on vacation, but honestly, I'm fed up with all this. This party is the breaking point, and if I have to talk about the economy of the Green Horde one more time, I'm going to lose my mind.
I try to disengage from my conversation with the baron's daughter as politely as possible, but I can tell she’s pissed. The look in her eye tells me I'll be hearing about this later. Too bad for her, because I'll never have to deal with her again. I walk as stealthily as one can in a crowded party, slowly moving towards the exit. I'm nervous and jittery, the adrenaline building in me as I anticipate my escape.
Sadly, that's what tips off my mother who, like a cat, has been stalking behind me for who knows how long. “Bartholomew, where do you think you're going?” The stern voice makes me jump, and with my already jumpy mood, I fully believe that I'll have a heart attack. A few muttered curses cause my mother to raise her eyebrows, surprised at my lack of decorum. “Honey, you know that language is not appropriate. What is wrong?”
Ah, that Mom look. The one that can dissect you in a second. My entire life now laid bare before her gaze, she begins to connect dots. “Nothing, mother. I just need some fresh air,” I say, trying and failing to regain my balance in the conversation. Her look tells me she doesn't buy a word of it. “Really, I just need a minute outside.” As I go to step out the door, she follows. I look back at her, and she looks…sad.
“Bart, are you sure about this?” Her words now feel like a knife cutting through my thin facade. Somehow she knows, I don't know how, but she seems to know I'm leaving. “Yes.” I whisper, afraid of her response.
She just nods and says, “If this is what you want, you know I support you. Your father will be angry, you know.” I laugh ruefully, and nod. “I expect nothing less, he’ll probably complain about how much money I cost him.” She looks even sadder at that. “He loves you, you know. He just wants you to be your best self.” I snap, “NO, he wants me to be the best HIM.” I sigh, tired of this debate that we repeat. “I'm gonna be my own person, I'm tired of being this, this… imitation of what I should be. I wanna be loud! I wanna be crass, and I wanna be uncaring of everyone else, before caring for myself…”
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An idea, dark and terrible, creeps into my mind, from a place suppressed by years of noblehood. I smile as it comes to me. Something that would truly break off this piece of my life. My mother suddenly goes from sad to worried. “In fact,” I say, “I think I will start now.” A thrum of magic runs through me, and my voice carries unnaturally through the party behind us.
“Attention, if everyone could make their way towards the exit. I, Bartholomew Edwards III, have an announcement to make.” My voice booms through the party, interrupting all there. Confused chatter erupts as people begin to move towards the exit. My mother now looks not only worried but a little horrified. I smile at her and say, “Don't worry, I'll try to make this as painless as possible.” Her expression does not change.
Once a large number of people arrive, I use some magic to create a spotlight, making me visible and prominent. I smile broadly and say in a quieter but still very loud voice, “Hello ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry for interrupting your evening. However, I believe that you will all be interested in my words.” Everyone waits, eager to hear my words. “I would like to announce that I will be denouncing my family name.” I giggle a little at the wordplay. Silence falls on the group of people, unbelieving. Most people believed I had one of the brightest futures in the province. And yet here I was, throwing it all away. “And there are a few things I'd like to say before I depart.” My grin turns a little predatory.
“Alissa, we all know you're cheating on Howard, just admit it. And Howard, for god's sake, shave that ugly rendition of a mustache. Speaking of mustaches, Sir Benford, you're a creep; I mean, if you're not 30 years older than your date today, I'll eat my own shoe. And as for your ‘date,’ let me just say…” This goes on for about 10 minutes, and at the end, there isn't a single noble in leagues who doesn't want to kill me. Perfect. “Now, for my grand exit!” Magic thrums and my body explodes into glitter and sparkles, leaving nothing but a mob of irate nobles, both at me and each other.
About a ten-minute walk away, I continue on my way, feeling my illusion end. They'd try to stop me, I know. They had no legal precedent, but that wouldn't matter. However, they would be much too late. For I already looked and sounded like someone else. I also, to my immense joy, felt like someone else too.
As my fine boots tramp along the dirt path, I felt lighter.