An evening stroll through the moonlit garden turned out to be just what I needed after the clash I had with my grandfather. Rose was the perfect company as we walked along the stone pathway, listening to the crickets singing and the water flowing into the nearby pond. She wasn’t invasive and was more than willing to listen if I felt like telling.

“So you let them get away with it?” Rose furrowed her brows as she turned to look at me, unamused by what some of the Knights of Kallis said about me in passing.

“It’s in the past now, so it’d be weird if I brought it up all of a sudden,” I explained while having my hands buried in my pockets and my gaze aimed at the ground, paying close attention to where I stepped. “Sure, it’s annoying, but I want to start over.”

“But you said it was a year ago, no?” Rose’s arm was wrapped around mine, clinging for support as she was getting used to walking in heels. Though, if you asked me, I couldn’t tell it was her first time.

“Yeah, but our lives were much different back then, weren’t they? Maybe it’s petty, but the satisfaction I got from beating Sir Baris was enough. It put him in his place, and well–”

“Nah, I get it,” Rose said as I paused, facing the front again before we stopped talking for a while and just walked.

“You cold?” I asked as a light breeze swept over us, the night known to be colder early in the year. Quite some time passed since we left the house, and she was wearing just a dress.

“I’m fine,” she said in an easily misinterpreted tone.

“You sure?” I asked, looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

“No, really. . . I’m fine.” She giggled, tightening her hold over my arm. “The cold doesn’t bother me, so even if it snowed, I’d just feel a bit tingly. That’s all.”

“If you say so. . .” I dropped it, believing it had something to do with her being half-demon, half-fae, as Succubi were a type of demon.

“Though, thanks for asking.” Rose’s gaze dropped with a barely noticeable shy smile.

“Hey. . . I know I’m saying this a bit out of nowhere, but if you ever happen to need help, you know you can come to me, right?” While I still felt I couldn’t wholly trust Rose due to her circumstances, be it her bloodline or history, I had no intention of treating her differently than I would a friend. It was just one of those unfortunate things we couldn’t ignore and would need time to get over, so when Rose thankfully nodded, it was a step forward we needed. “So. . . about the party. You excited?”

“Am I supposed to say yes?” She gave me a confused look, smiling the entire time. “I’m happy to go, but I’d have just as much fun sitting in a corner doing nothing with my life.”

“That’s one way of looking at it.” She made me laugh as we were both thinking the same.

“Alex?” Rose grabbed my attention with her sudden change in tone, going quiet on me all of a sudden.

“Yes, Rose?” I asked as she had a pained look paired with a meek smile.

“I won’t have to talk to people, will I?”

It wasn’t exactly the question I expected, but it got a chuckle out of me. “No. No, you don’t. Still. I’d advise you to at least introduce yourself if someone approaches.”

“But if someone’s glued to me and won’t stop talking, can I count on your help?”

“Of course, but how do you plan to tackle the Academy? You don’t plan on avoiding everyone in class, do you?”

“Maybe?” She awkwardly chuckled, playing it off as a joke, but a part of me wondered how much truth there was to her answer.

“Then what of Penelope’s friends? I’m sure she’d want you around.”

“I’ll– think about it.” Rose averted her gaze as she got caught again being untrustworthy of others.

“Then– I think we should head to meet the others. Despite our best efforts, the party’s still happening.”

Rose stopped in place, covering her mouth while snickering. “It would appear you’re right.”

Clearing my throat and taking a step forward, I gestured for us to continue. “Shall we?”

“Please. Lead the way.”

She curtsied, but I soon realized we happened to be late, meaning Eliot was going to have something to say about it–

“There you are. . .” Eliot sighed, waiting by the gates with Penelope as the carriage that was supposed to take us to the Palace had already arrived. “For a second, I thought you weren’t going.”

“And miss seeing you all dolled up?” I teased, watching Eliot adjust his creamy-colored doublet.

Wearing one myself, I could confidently say I hated them. Maybe they were considered formal attire appropriate for such parties, but they felt uncomfortable and often itched when you least expected it. At least one of us had the fashion sense to stick with the color black.

“Don’t come at me just because your style sums up to whatever you can throw on at the time,” Eliot fired back.

“Harsh.” I grinningly tapped his shoulder. “But I wasn’t joking. You do look dashing. Right, Penelope?”

“Huh?” Penelope got caught off guard, not used to being dragged between our teasing, especially on my initiative. “You– both look good.”

“Could’ve said it a bit more convincing, you know. . .” Eliot mumbled, letting out a sigh.

“Sorry. . .” Penelope awkwardly chuckled, exchanging glances with Rose before both began giggling.

Knowing we were already late because of me, I walked over to the carriage door and opened it for them. Rose was quick to get comfortable inside, while Penelope needed a helping hand, climbing up in her dragging blue dress. It never clicked with me why women enjoyed dresses that were longer than they needed to be.

We left the Estate, and before I knew it, I was walking hand in hand with Rose through the front gates, following behind Eliot and Penelope, the two rising stars of Eleron from whom everyone had huge expectations. My only hope was that Rose and I could hide in their shade, avoiding the hassle of having to deal with others.

Like any event held at the Palace, they rolled out the red carpet, hired a few bands to play both inside and out as the courtyard was made available for our use. Girls our age relished being pampered all night, for they had taken the time to put on make-up that made them unrecognizable, wearing ravishing ball gowns with corsets so tight, I was sure at least one would suffocate. Though, who was I to judge when all the men gathered were desperately trying to woo them?

“Penelope, there’s someone I want you to meet,” Eliot said, looking at the crowd swarming a table to the right. “One of our seniors. He’s an expert Alchemist.”

“Should we all go?” Penelope asked, turning to us.

“An alchemy expert?” I asked, glancing at Rose. “Think we can skip that one, right?”

“Right,” Rose immediately agreed, clearly overwhelmed by the crowded Palace Hall.

“Let’s go before I lose sight of him,” Eliot insisted, gazing at me next. “We’ll catch you guys later.”

“But–” Penelope stayed uncertain.

“Don’t mind us. We’ll just blend in with the crowd,” I cut her off, knowing Penelope was head over heels about Alchemy. “Oh. And if you don’t see us, it’s not because we left.”

“Ha. Ha. Very funny.” Eliot sighed. “Don’t cause trouble for Rose.”

“Who do you think I am?” I chuckled, inspired by the atmosphere.

“Right. . . Penelope, let’s go,” he said, dragging her away.

We watched as our company split in half, left by ourselves to survive a party I somehow managed to pass on last year.

“Guess it’s just the two of us.” Looking back at Rose, I was surprised to see her smiling.

“Should we find a corner to hide away in for the night?”

“Only if you want to get me into trouble,” I joked but was somewhat serious as I wouldn’t hear the end of the scandalous gossip that’d follow.

“Where’s your sense of adventure?” Rose dared ask, inspiring an odd idea.

“Well. . . If you say it like that, why don’t we go look for it,” I said, grabbing her hand. “Let’s go. I’m sure an adventure awaits right around the corner.”

“You don’t mean–” Rose’s eyes went wide as who knows what went through her head after I took the lead, navigating through the crowd while avoiding the dance floor.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Just trust me,” I insisted, but she didn’t seem to do so. To be fair, my search resulted in minutes of aimless wandering as I looked for someone who was perhaps late or worse, wasn’t even coming. “Where–”

“Alex!” yelled just the man I was looking for, Ron, who when I turned around, was wearing the silliest-looking doublet I’d seen in a long time. Bright red to near pink with ivory patterns– There was no way he wouldn’t stand out. “I’ve been looking all over for you!”

“Ron,” my voice cracked, much to my embarrassment. In a desperate attempt to cover up, I cleared my throat, but Rose’s tight-lipped smile made me think I had failed. “W–what’s with those colors?”

“Huh?” He looked down at his attire, furrowing his brows. “What’s wrong with them?”

“Don’t you–” I bit my tongue and recollected my thoughts.

“Don’t I. . . what?” He stared into my eyes, awkwardly waiting for me to follow through with what I had in mind.

“Don’t you– just hate being the only one who could pull off such a stunning look?” I asked. There was no way I could tell him that his clothes looked like they were knitted by whomever Queen Sylphena tried teaching.

“You know I can tell you’re spitting bullshit, right?” Ron placed a hand against his chest, puffing up. “I won’t be questioned by someone who chose to dress all black, thinking it doesn’t matter how you look.”

“Ouch.”

Rosaline giggled, pulling Ron’s attention.

“Please. Don’t tell me even you have a date?” He took a step to the side, getting a clear view of Rose, who was partially hidden behind me. “Pardon me, My Lady. I’ve failed to introduce myself. Ronald, but please, call me Ron.”

“Rosaline.” She curtsied, introducing herself with a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“So. . . I’m guessing you’re alone?” I asked.

“The better question is, how aren’t you?” He had a good look at me, rubbing his chin in confusion before glancing back at Rose. “Guess it’s true what they say for girls our age falling for the bad boy type. . .”

“That’s your conclusion?” I asked, disbelieving his suggestion, which made Rose giggle again. “And why am I the bad boy?”

“Need I remind you we met with me kissing the wall?”

“You were following me. . .”

“Maybe, but that’s beside the point!” He looked at me all serious before bursting into laughter, his eyes tracing back to Rose a second later. “Ah– I’m just messing around. You can tell there’s a big softie behind that prince-like face of his.”

“Ron. . .” I sighed.

“You should see him around kids,” Rose said, covering her mouth shyly as she couldn’t stop smiling.

“You have kids?” Ron’s eyebrow jumped as his head slowly turned back to me.

“What? No?!” I looked back at Rose, hoping she’d clear up the misunderstanding quickly before someone else overheard.

“Alex. Don’t tell me. . .” She looked at me with her gleaming eyes, looking all sad. “You don’t love them? Us?”

“I– I. . . ’m sorry, what?” I was stunned as the two were just staring at me, but relief swept through the moment they laughed. “Not. Funny.”

“You kidding?” Ron couldn’t shut up, slapping my shoulder hysterically. “Priceless!”

“Okay. . . maybe a little.” I chuckled, letting them relish the moment.

“Sorry, Alex,” Rose said, dropping her gaze while shyly smiling, still clinging to my arm. “Couldn’t resist.”

“It’s fine,” I reassured her, giving her a wink the moment she looked up at the sound of my voice.

Rose nodded, turning her attention to Ron. “Though, I should mention that there’s nothing going on between us. Before any real misunderstandings come up.”

“Don’t tell me he forced you?” Ron caricatured his question.

“Please. . .” I mumbled, begging them to stop, sensing others were beginning to stare.

“No, no. It’s just that with the Academy coming up, I wouldn’t want any ladies to misunderstand that might’ve caught his interest.”

“Oh? Did our brute fall in love with someone?” He grinningly turned, clearly intrigued.

“I’ve no idea what she’s talking about,” I claimed, but my brazen confidence soon met with the realization of what she suggested.

“Well. . . Time will tell, or so they say.” Rose smiled, pulling on my arm gently.

“The suspense is killing me,” Ron announced, probably still hopeful I’d just admit the truth.

“More importantly, Ron. . . How’s the flute?” I asked, thinking it was a good time to change the subject.

“Ah! Amazing.” He nodded in satisfaction.

“So you were able to figure out what it does?”

“Well. . . No? But that doesn’t matter. It plays beautifully.”

“Wasn’t the whole point of the flute that it was magical?”

“You’re a glass-half-empty type of guy, huh?” Ron chuckled.

“No?” I disagreed, although admittedly, my mood varied depending on what side of the bed I woke up on.

“Then how come you can’t simply appreciate a good flute?” He hummed, leaning closer while having a smug smirk stuck to his face.

“Who told you that?” I chuckled, shaking my head. “Sounds to me like you’re admiring the covers of a book you can’t read.”

“Not bad, Alexander. . . Not bad.” He pinched his chin, squinting at me before pulling back and shrugging. “Eh. I’ll figure it out one day.”

“I don’t doubt that for a second,” I reassured him, glancing back at Rose. “Sorry. We stumbled upon an enchanted flute while looking around a shop.”

Rose raised her free hand slightly, saying quietly, “Don’t worry about me. I’m happy to listen.”

“No, no. He’s right,” Ron cut in. “We should look for a place to sit and maybe get some wine?”

“Wine does sound like a good idea. . .” Rose mumbled with her red lips left slightly parted, scanning the room.

“Then follow–” Ron suddenly turned, bumping into someone, nearly spilling their drink. “Sorry I–”

His mouth shut and eyes widened as soon as he realized who the mysterious figure blocking his path turned out to be.

“It’s alright,” said the last person I was hoping to see at the party, Prince Damien. “No harm done.”

“Your Highness, I–” Ron desperately wanted to apologize.

“Alexander,” Prince Damien interrupted, his attention shifting altogether. “Glad you decided to join us.”

“Wouldn’t dare miss out on a party held at the Palace,” I sarcastically said, knowing Prince Damien had already heard rumors about me. “Though, to what do we owe the pleasure?”

“Am I not welcome at home?” Prince Damien chuckled.

“Of course not, Your Highness.” Placing a hand on my chest, I slightly bowed, wishing to avoid any trouble. The murmur around us became quieter as more people started to look our way.

“I was simply wondering if it was a spur-of-the-moment decision.”

“No, no.” He lightly laughed. “I’ve been attending these gatherings for the past five years, interested in meeting the bright future of Eleron.”

“I’m sure many felt encouraged to try harder.”

“Always the optimist,” Prince Damien said, making Ron choke on a held-back chuckle.

“Sorry,” Ron preemptively apologized, acting more submissive around our Prince.

Damien’s gaze flickered from me to Ron and from Ron to Rose. “And you must be Rosaline.”

“Your Highness.” Rose curtsied, putting on a fake smile.

Despite seeing each other and even traveling together, Rose had managed to avoid him like the plague. Her greetings were reserved, never bothering with introductions that could lead to a conversation. Sadly for her, avoiding him at a party was significantly harder.

“My father mentioned there’d be one more promising candidate attending the Academy alongside the Duke’s children.”

What I struggled with the most was figuring out if Prince Damien carefully chose his words or was always somewhat careless, speaking before thinking.

“You praise me too much, Your Highness.” Rose was quick to respond.

“I doubt Father would’ve brought up something he didn’t believe. Tell me. When–”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but would you care to join us at the table for wine?” I asked, cutting him off while glancing at Rose, who clung tightly to my arm. “I mustn't neglect my partner’s need to sit down and rest her feet. The night is young, and it’d be a shame if she weren’t able to dance with me later.”

“Ah. Apologies.” He glanced at Rose, whose fake smile somehow managed not to turn awkward. “It seems I’ve been quite inconsiderate, taking up your time when you should be chatting up other students. If you’ll excuse me–”

He nodded and left so quickly that it made me think he was eagerly waiting for a chance, but at least Ron sighed in relief.

“Dude. . . You’re close to the Prince?” Ron asked before getting interrupted by snorting laughter that had us all turn.

Sadly, it was one of those faces that were hard to forget as Lord Dustin Keywell walked up to us, a snobby brat who, despite having a chiseled jaw, still looked horrendous with that crooked nose of his looking like it belonged to a hag. Despite that, he still had not one but two ladies clinging to his arms.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear your preposterous misunderstanding.” Dustin slowly approached, looking at Ron.

“What?” Ron asked, appearing a bit confused.

“Hah. . . Don’t tell me you actually believe Prince Damien took a liking to a bastard?” Dustin mockingly asked, making the girls next to him snicker.

Despite having met me in person over a dozen times, either through formal gatherings or during his stay in Dellion as our fathers often did business together, he never bothered talking to me. Even now, he was only chatting with Ron, who was staring at him blankly while scratching the back of his head. Honestly, I thought about saying something, and even Rose’s grip tightened at the sound of his annoying voice, but I believed he’d go away faster if we just ignored him.

“Oh, sorry. . . You’re right.” Ron laughed, looking Dustin dead in the eye. “But I wasn’t talking about you. I swear.”

His deadpan voice threw everyone off as the only thing saving us from eerie silence was the neverending murmur surrounding us.

“What?” Dustin’s tone turned stern.

“Was what I said too complex?” Ron furrowed his brows before his expression shifted to exaggerated surprise. “Sorry! Meant to say complicated. You know. . . Hard to understand?”

His questioning finally tipped me over into hysterical laughter that probably made no sense to others, but I caught even the girl to his right letting out a chuckle, which she quickly tried to hide.

“How dare you?!” Dustin yelled, inspiring gasps from the surrounding crowd.

“What? I was just giving an explanation.” Ron stuck to his taunts. “Misunderstandings are hard, you know?”

“Ron. . . That’s enough,” I said quietly, rubbing my teary eye before placing a hand on his shoulder. While I appreciated what he was trying to do, there was no point in getting into trouble.

“What?” Ron pulled away. “Did I say something off–”

Before he could finish his question, a glove removed from Dustin’s hand hit Ron’s chest.

“You shan’t insult my honor and integrity. As such, I, Lord Dustin Keywell, hereby challenge you to a duel.”

Chapter End.

Thank you for reading.