A voice was calling out to Lux.

At first, it seemed as if it was kind and loving, but when she reached closer, she found that it was... dangerous. Evil.

Yet for some reason, she kept reaching, and reaching, and—

DING!

Lux stirred in her bed, coming out from her covers slowly.

She had been dreaming about... something. She couldn't remember what exactly, but something.

As she looked around, she realised that she wasn't the only one to awake from their slumber, despite it still being dark outside. And as she glanced to the front of the room, she realised why.

Mrs Rodia stood at the front, gripping her bell, her eyes heavy. Hazel was at her side as well, but amazingly, she didn't seem to be affected by the early—or late, Lux couldn't tell—hour.

"Good morning, all. As the ball is today, we'll need to prepare, so, everyone, is waking up at five in the MORNING..." She rested a hand on her heart, and Hazel patted her on the back.

"So you will need to get changed, and make your way to the great hall. You all have an hour." She then turned on her heel, leaving the room as Hazel followed her like a puppy.

Lux sighed and got out of her bed.

When she had left Adamas, she hadn't realised that she was to work so much. She was tired, but there were things to do, and this ball was an amazing opportunity.

So she shook her head and made her way to the bath.

✦✦✦

Lux set a cloth over the table.

It was now eight in the morning, and they were preparing the hall for the ball. It was much later in the evening, but they still needed to set up. According to Mrs Rodia, this should have all been done yesterday, or even earlier, but as the ball had been moved up so abruptly, they were doing it on short notice.

Lunch had only been for ten minutes, and because of that, Lux hadn't had the chance to meet Rayne yet, but she was sure that he would understand.

"Well done, everyone! Let's set up the cutlery now," Hazel shouted, and everyone nodded.

Gold plates and utensils were brought out with small designs on them, and Lux was handed a few to put on the table. As she held it in her hands, she smiled slightly. They had the exact same ones at home.

Eventually, after setting all the plates and utensils down, gold-rimmed glasses were brought out, and Lux admired how they caught the sun perfectly.

"Kira. Hand one to me." Mika called out to her from across the table, and her eyes widened. Mika had barely talked to her, unless it was to tell her off, but now she was asking her for something, and she didn't seem completely mad.

She handed it to her eagerly.

But perhaps a bit too eagerly.

The glass flew out of her hands, falling to the ground and shattering.

Lux's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh my goodness... I'm so sorry! I—"

"THAT'S IT. I'M DONE WITH YOU." Mika exploded, and she froze. "Ever since you've come here, you've done nothing but cause trouble. And somehow I face the consequences for it. I can't BELIEVE THAT I—"

"MIKA." Hazel screamed, and she froze. "That's enough. Come with me. Now." Mika scowled but did as she was told, and Hazel began to lead her away.

"Continue to set up," she stated, and left, leaving the room in complete silence.

All Lux could do was stare at the ground, clenching her hands.

Her face was wet for some reason, but she didn't know why.

After all, that didn't happen. That really didn't happen.

Nothing happened, and she needed to focus on the ball.

Yes, if nothing else, she needed to focus on the ball.

✦✦✦

Lux tried her best to go over everything that she had been told in her head.

Since all the maids-in-training didn't have as much experience, they were to stand at the edge of the room, at the sides, prepared to help any guests if needed. The other maids, however, were to have more important jobs, like serving, for example.

She wanted to be more in the middle of it all, but this was the best way that was available to her. In some ways, there were advantages, like being able to observe from the shadows.

And the fact that she didn't want to be around people at the moment.

She shook her head, instead focusing on what she was wearing.

It was mostly the same as the usual uniform, but it was more... frilly. Lux thought it was beautiful, but it was horrible to put on.

Lux peered at the grandfather clock in the corner. At home, all the clocks displayed the same time, nine o'clock. However, it chimed at every hour, so if you wanted to figure out what time it was, you had to count the chimes. However, the clocks in Chaconas worked normally, and from what Lux could tell, the time was five in the afternoon now. Guests were soon to arrive, and everyone was at their positions. She had also seen other servants, who weren't necessarily maids, running around. She generally didn't know that other servants existed, and she wondered how much she didn't know.

Suddenly, a curtain fluttered, grabbing her attention, and she went over to close the window. However, when she peered through, she realised that it was already getting dark now, and she was somewhat flabbergasted. The sun set at the normal time when she arrived at the castle, but now it was beginning to set earlier. Was there something wrong with the sky?

She sighed to herself dejectedly; there really was a lot that she didn't know.

✦✦✦

An orchestra was playing softly in the background; the room was sparkling as the floor was freshly cleaned along with the walls, and all the statues and paintings managed to look even more grand than usual.

All the maids were lined up against the walls, somewhat spaced out. Lux had found herself next to a door, and when no one was looking, she had tried to open it, but for whatever reason, it had stayed shut. She wondered if she could investigate at a later date, but for the time being, she would focus on the ball.

Mrs Rodia stood in front of them all, Hazel by her side. She seemed somewhat more composed than earlier, and Lux was glad that there was less chance of getting shouted at.

She glanced at Hazel, who was standing attentively with a huge smile plastered on her face. After what had... occurred. She still hadn't seen Mika at all.

What if she had been...

No, she didn't have to think about that now.

"Good evening, everyone. As I'm sure you've guessed, there are some basic rules for this ball. Keep your head bowed, and do not speak unless spoken to. If spoken to, you will address correctly and bow. Remember the basics. I will not be present during the ball, but Hazel will. If anything goes wrong, report to her." She then studied all of them, her eyes lingering on Lux for a moment, before turning on her heel and making her way up the grand stairs.

Hazel nodded eagerly. "Let's all do our best!"

✦✦✦

An attendant opened the grand doors to the hall, his head bowed as nobles poured in.

Lux's head was supposed to be bowed as well, but she couldn't help but look.

They all had an air of elegance, with long gowns and glittering jewellery as well as perfume that was wafting through the air. It somewhat reminded her of her mother, though of course none of them could compare to her.

She watched them all chat with each other, smiles plastered on their faces. At first she thought that it would be nice to be among them, and simply talk with other human beings, but when she looked closer she realised that all of their smiles seemed... fake. She wasn't sure what they were exactly, but they weren't genuine.

As time moved on, more and more people kept arriving, and Lux was amazed at the sheer number of them, of attendants. The ball had been moved on such short notice, after all. Maybe this showed how people were so dedicated and loyal to the queen.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

That was a problem though, wasn't it?

Suddenly silence fell over the group of nobles, and the attendant at the door called for attention.

"Presenting the esteemed Commander of the Royal Guard, Sir Amory Raptis, defender of crown and country."

The commander descended down the stairs, wearing fancier clothes than he usually wore. He smiled as he walked down into the crowd, and for a second he saw Lux, seeming to have a moment of recognition.

Ignoring the split moment of attention, she cocked her head slightly. So far only the commander had been announced, why was that?

Another person walked through the door, this time a girl who seemed to be the same age as Lux with long brown hair that looked fluffy. She was also wearing a long soft purple gown, and Lux regarded how she somewhat stood out compared to others at the event.

"Presenting renowned vocalist Morticia Agnes, from the land of Euonia, who will be performing for us this evening."

Chatter erupted from the nobles below, all of them whispering to one another as they eyed her.

Morticia acted as if she hadn't heard it though, walking down the stairs with a smile, eventually dissolving into the crowd.

So singers are important enough to be announced... she started to wonder to herself what the criteria was.

More people came through the grand doors, all announced, with titles such as the Duke of the Northern Lands, and the Duchess of... Lux really couldn't keep track of them all. She could only hope that Rayne would be able to help close the gaps in her knowledge at some point in time.

However, someone strolled through the door that she was sure that she wouldn't forget.

A regal man, wearing flowing robes and sparkling jewellery, with... a lady on his arm.

A lady with light hair and eyes like the stars.

Along with crowns on both of their heads.

"Presenting both their Majesties, King Apollo and Queen Camilla, the rulers of the country of Ataraxia, who have strengthened the bond between our nations with their appearance today."

That lady... she was a queen? And Ataraxia was... a country?

She guessed that it explained a lot of things, such as her room.

Suddenly the whole room dipped into a curtsy, and Lux copied frantically. It was so hard to get used to all the rules here.

After they both descended down the stairs, they all rose, and Lux observed the expressions of wonder on everyone's faces.

However, their attention quickly was taken by someone else who had come into view.

To be more accurate, some others.

Two young girls and a boy, their hair all orange, but fading into brown. The oldest girl in the front, who was wearing glasses, yawned, scanning the crowd with a bored expression on her face. The second girl, who seemed younger than the first, looked around anxiously before clinging to the older one. Lastly, the boy, who seemed to be the youngest, looked at the audience curiously, before hitting the second girl on the back and whispering something to her.

"Um... presenting their Majesties, Princess Harper." She waved nonchalantly. "Princess Delilah, and Prince Mikel." Delilah hid further in her sister's clothes, but Mikel waved enthusiastically as they made their way down the stairs.

Lux smiled as she watched them; it seemed as if it would be fun to play with them, like she normally did with her siblings.

She shook her head rapidly. Fun? What was she saying? These were Athas children!

Slightly angry with herself, she turned her attention back to the doors, wondering if they were the last to arrive.

However, the last person made her way through the doors, and Lux's eyes widened.

It was a woman, wearing a colossal cream dress, decorated with frills. She wore glittering earrings and sparkling necklaces, adorned with different gemstones. Her eyes were brown and her hair like the ones who had entered before her.

And finally, a crown was on her head.

The whole room dipped into deep curtsies, and the orchestra began to play a different melody.

"Presenting her Majesty, Queen Annika, ruler of the country of Flei."

Internally, Lux panicked. Was there a certain thing that she was to do now that she had encountered the queen? Was she going to miss an opportunity? Was she going to ruin everything again?

The queen continued to make her way down the stairs gracefully, and finally, the doors closed.

She turned her head to the door, surprisingly frantic. It felt as if she had been trapped in a cage of lions. However, the longer she looked at the queen, the more her fear was covered with a sense of curiousness.

Her curiousness had gotten her into trouble many times before, but maybe this time it would be able to help her.

She would acquire information at this ball.

Or at least that's what she told herself.

But as she kept watching all the members of the ball and their faces of wonder as they watched the queen, who had begun to dance, as well as the rulers of Ataraxia, it became harder to ignore her real feelings.

She still hadn't forgotten what had happened with Mika, and it was toiling on her.

She couldn't even do her job as a maid; how was she ever going to be useful to her mother?

Mika had said it herself; maybe she did just cause problems for others.

She was the first person that was kind to her in Chaconas, but Lux had ruined everything for her.

Maybe, she couldn't—

"Psst, Ruby,"

Lux snapped up straight and looked around in confusion, finding a tall boy standing right next to her.

He had brown hair, like the bark of trees, and hazel eyes. He seemed to be wearing a uniform like Lux's, but masculine. If she had to make a guess, she would say that he was around Rayne's age.

She raised an eyebrow. She didn't realise that there were male maids. But who was Ruby?

She scanned the room trying to get an idea of who that might be, but the strange boy continued to stare at her.

"Um... may you be talking to me?" She asked.

"Well who else would I be talking to?" He replied sarcastically, folding his arms while a smirk played on his face.

Lux was really confused now; could he be lost or something similar to that? "My name isn't Ruby, though."

"Haven't you heard of a nickname?"

She was a bit taken aback. She hadn't spoken to him before, but he had already given her a nickname. It was actually slightly funny.

"Well... is there something you need?"

"I noticed that you seem somewhat depressed, so I'm here to take you away." He said, and her eyes widened.

They didn't know each other at all, yet he noticed how she was feeling... however—

She cocked her head slightly. "Take me away to where?"

He shrugged. "If you come with me, you'll see."

Lux looked back at the ball hesitantly; the royals were still dancing, and all eyes were glued to them. Not even any servants were looking in their direction.

She turned back to the strange boy who had appeared. She didn't know him, and it could be dangerous, but...

Maybe it would make her feel better, and if anything did happen to go wrong, she could use her magic, though it was a last resort.

She nodded. "Okay, but how might we get to wherever we're going?"

He turned to the bolted door behind him. "Through this, of course, but I'm going to need a moment so I can open it, watch the ball, and make sure that no one's looking."

She nodded, turning her attention back to the dancing.

More people had joined in now, and Lux thought about how Kaia would absolutely love this. She continued to watch, but suddenly, she noticed someone staring at her from across the room.

He seemed to be a noble, and more Lux's age. His hair was dark and had heavy eye bags.

She got worried that he would alert someone that two servants were escaping, but strangely he turned his head back to the dancing, as if he had never seen her.

"And... open! Come on!" The boy beckoned, and she nodded, slipping into the door.

However, she turned back to look at the boy who was staring at her for a second, who was still watching the dances as if nothing had ever happened.

✦✦✦

Lux wanted to scream.

She had somehow found herself walking through another tunnel.

"Are you okay back there?"

"Well... I will be once we get out of this tunnel."

He chuckled. "Are you claustrophobic?"

"What's that?" she asked.

"You don't know what being claustrophobic is? That's hilarious!" He laughed, and she pouted.

"Well, if you know what it is, stop laughing and tell me!"

"It's like... being scared of small spaces."

Lux thought about it for a second. "Hm, well I think I'm starting to be."

Suddenly a bright red light came out from the end of the tunnel, and the boy started to walk faster.

"Why are you going so fast?" she asked, trying her best to match his pace.

"Because it's just started, and the start is the best part!" he replied, practically starting to sprint to the end.

She was confused but decided that the situation she was in was already too bizarre for her to question anything, so she ran along with him, eventually finding herself in the place the door led to.

And it was stunning.

From what Lux could tell, the room was made from dirt; however, it was beautiful, decorated with all different kinds of plants, all smelling of honey, and all glowing different colours, illuminating the room. They all clung to the walls and ceilings together like a piece of art, and her breath was taken away.

"What is this?" she asked, beginning to run around, touching one of the plants on the ground, producing a dreamy melody.

"Woah!" she exclaimed.

He scratched his head. "I don't know much, but I do know that it only glows like this for an hour. That's why I was running, so we can enjoy this for as long as possible."

Lux looked him straight in the eyes, smiling widely.

"You're so nice!"

Suddenly he looked to the side, covering his face slightly. "Thanks."

She smiled before running back to the plants, touching as many as she could, hundreds of different sounds beginning to fill the air.

"Wow, you're energetic," he called out, sitting on a big mushroom.

"I'm aware. My siblings tell me that all the time!"

"Oh, so you have siblings?"

She nodded. "Eight of them."

"You have... eight siblings? So your parents have NINE children?!"

"Mhm. Isn't that normal?" she asked, touching a plant that moved out of her grasp.

"Well... not really. Most people have one or two siblings," he replied, still a bit shaken from the information he had just received.

One or two? She couldn't imagine having only Rayne and Arden as siblings.

"Do you have any siblings?" she questioned, focusing on him instead of the plants.

"Yeah, I have three."

"Are you the oldest?" she asked, coming to sit next to him on the mushroom next to his.

"Aren't you supposed to be playing with the plants?"

"Maybe, but you seem more interesting."

He sighed but smirked.

"Yeah, I'm the oldest."

✦✦✦

Somehow, they had found themselves talking for hours. The lights from the plants had long gone out, though they still had a dull glow, so they weren't completely submerged in darkness.

"I wonder what the time is now," he wondered, and Lux shot up.

She had completely forgotten about the ball.

"Are you okay?" he asked, and she simply stared at him.

She had forgotten about the ball... but she really needed today.

She'd find out information another time. There would be more balls, right?

She sighed. "Yes, nothing... don't worry, Bark."

"Is Bark supposed to be me?" he questioned, standing up alongside her.

"Well, you gave me a nickname, so it's only fair," she replied, crossing her arms smugly.

"Why Bark though? Why not something cool, like... Lion?"

She pointed at his head. "Because of your hair."

"Oh... I see..."

"Why do you call me Ruby anyway? My name is Kira," she asked, and he smirked.

"Because of your eyes."

"Oh! That's smart."

He frowned. "Most girls would have swooned if I had said that to them."

"What's swooning?"

"Never mind... anyways, if you want to see me tomorrow, you can meet me at the servant entrance to the gardens at lunch," he said, and her eyes widened.

"I can see you tomorrow?!"

"Um... yes?"

"Wow, I thought you were like a fairy from a fairy-tale that only appears when you're sad, and then never appears again!"

He stared at her for a second, but then burst out laughing. "You say some weird things, but I like you!"

She smiled; today was the best day she had had in Chaconas.

"Let's go then," she said, making her way to the tunnel.

"You can go on ahead; it would draw attention if we both exited at the same time."

"Oh, okay then." She put a hand on the entrance of the tunnel, hesitating for a moment. Would she really see him again?

"I'll see you tomorrow then."

"See you tomorrow."

She smiled and made her way through the tunnel.

She trusted him; she would see him tomorrow.

After all, they were friends. Weren't they?