The Ball

On the night of the ball, Malti, Kassim, and I rode in the same carriage to the noble's villa. Zagan had other business he needed to attend to for Kassim. The stars and moon shone brightly as we passed through dimly lit alleyways. As we got closer, I could see the villa shining in the distance. It sat atop a hill, overlooking part of the city. The villa itself was huge, with a marble exterior and two levels. I could see other carriages lining up outside the building.

"You know, I don't think you told us who this noble is yet," Malti said.

Kassim was sitting across from us. "He is a pretty important noble... someone from my brother's faction. Sern doesn't know him yet, but you do, Malti."

"Brother's faction?" I asked.

"Yeah, he's the first son of the Calais family, Calais Aella. I think he could become a good ally if I play my cards right."

"Ah, him," Malti said.

I see now; this ball is just a way for Kassim to network with potential allies publicly...

The carriage arrived at the villa and came to a stop near the entrance. I could see many other finely dressed people making their way into the building. The door to the carriage was opened by a servant in black robes. Kassim stepped out first, turning back to offer his hand. As I stepped out, I could really see the extravagance of it all. Dozens of servants were scattered around, guiding the guests into the villa. The villa had a very open layout with large openings in the walls, which allowed light to escape and air to flow in. This made the expensive light crystals hanging from the roof and walls illuminate even the outside of the building.

"If you would follow me, my prince." The servant gave a small bow and gestured towards the entrance.

"Let's head in now." Kassim took the lead while we followed behind.

Passing through the entrance, we were greeted by an expansive room, with towering marble pillars that held up the second floor. We were led to a staircase in the center of the room where a man stood, smiling.

"Prince Kassim, I am overjoyed you could make it." The man bowed his head.

"Of course, how could I miss a ball hosted by you, Aella?"

So this is Calais Aella...

Aella was quite young-looking; he looked twenty, twenty-five at most. He had an average build, with slightly curly black hair and dark-blue eyes. He wore a slate grey tunic with gold embroidery, with loose silk pants that flowed freely. Much like Kassim, he was adorned in finery, with gold rings and ornate silver earrings.

"And you must be Sern... I've heard much about you. Your beauty precedes you." Aella reached for my hand, leaning down to kiss it.

I was caught off guard. "Ah... thank you. I've heard a lot about you, too."

"Only good things, I hope."

"Uh, yep, of course!"

I knew nothing about him.

"And Malti, it's always a pleasure meeting you."

"Enough with the flattery. I'm hungry." Malti was impatient as always.

"As you say. Let's head upstairs to the ball, shall we?" Aella led the way.

Reaching the top of the stairs, I could see the ballroom in its entirety. The room was filled with nobles, all in fine-looking clothing. In the center, people danced while a group of musicians played on string and percussion instruments I'd never seen before. On the periphery of the room, waiters served food to idle guests on silver platters while huge light crystals hung from the ceiling like chandeliers. It was a lot to take in.
Wow...

"You two can enjoy the party. I need to talk to Aella for a bit." Kassim and Aella walked to a secluded balcony, far from the festivities.

"I'm starving. Let's get some food Sern." Malti pulled me by the arm.

"What about being bodyguards?"

"Don't worry. This place is super safe. I've known Aella for a while now. I know he wouldn't let anything happen to Kassim under his own roof."

"Why are we here then?"

Malti turned to look at me. "Because it looks good for Kassim to have his bodyguards with him. Also, it's not every day that we go to a fancy ball like this... Enjoy yourself!"

"Ok... hah hah... ah."

Damn it. I never liked being at these kinds of social events. I was never good at being social in general. It usually ended up with me standing alone, looking down at my phone or trying to look busy, waiting for it to be over so I could just disappear. The silver lining is that now, I have someone I can actually talk to. Thank God.

"Look at this food Sern!" Malti was salivating.

I snapped out of my thoughts to see a huge array of different dishes and desserts. It was really something else. Lobsters coated in herb butter, pan-fried flounder in a cream sauce, steak and potatoes with a peppercorn crust, and so much more. They also had desserts like honey-covered dates, egg tarts, and freshly shaved ice covered in strawberry syrup. The servers were bringing food to the table and bringing it away to other guests to enjoy around the room.

Malti dove straight in. I hadn't realized it, but I was pretty hungry myself. I grabbed a piece of fish and bit into it. My god. The taste was hard to describe. It just tasted expensive. By the time I finished my first plate, Malti had finished her third. Almost ten minutes passed without us saying a word to each other. We were too busy stuffing our faces.
Now I know why she wanted to come so badly.

We were interrupted by the voice of a woman from behind us.

"Malti, is that you?" The woman called out.

"Hmm?" Malti turned with a mouth full of food.

"It is you! I'm so glad to see you!"

"Katice! Feyan!"

They embraced. It seems like they've known each other for a while.

"Let me introduce you. This is Sern. She works for Kassim as a bodyguard too."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Tyas Katice, from the House of Tyas." She extended her hand out.

"...Sern Knollwood... nice to meet you..."

Katice had a slender figure, with long, dark-red hair and pale golden eyes. She wore a deep red dress with gold inlays.

"My friend here is Stilla Feyan, from the House of Stilla."

"A pleasure to meet you," Feyan said.

Feyan had a much more reserved look. She had long black hair with dark green eyes. Her dress was a simple but elegant black dress that trailed behind her.

I quietly acknowledged her.

"Sern is shy with people. Don't be offended." Malti smiled, grabbing my shoulder.

"No offense taken. But I wanted to ask, if you're here, it must mean Kassim is here too, right?" Feyan asked.

"Bingo!" Malti exclaimed.

"So... what is he doing here, hm? Who is he meeting? A girl?" They started to question Malti.

"I am not at liberty to say. If you want to know, you have to go ask him."

"Come on! We don't even know where he is!"

Malti shrugged as they begged her for more information. I didn't want to just stand there and say nothing the whole time.

"So, uh... how do you guys know each other?"

They turned to look at me.
Why did I ask such a random question? That's so weird!

"You haven't told her? Come on Malti, you're better than that." Katice chided her.

"Well, we first met when Kassim and Malti saved my father, Feyan, and me from robbers. We were coming back to the city when we were attacked outside the gates. Our escorts had been knocked out, and just before they could break open our carriage, Malti flew in, beating them all up."

"Aw, you're making me blush." Malti rubbed the back of her head.

"Kassim's escort had been coming back into the city at the same time as us and helped us. That's how we met Kassim and Malti, whom we now share close ties with."

"Thank you for explaining..." I said.

"No problem! Anyways, back to Kassim..." Katice turned back to Malti.

"Ugh, please no more talking about him. I'm trying to enjoy myself tonight."

"Oh, come on!"

They continued to talk and laugh, reminiscing on things they did together. I wasn't a part of the conversation; I was watching them talk. I didn't feel like trying to break into the conversation with another stupid question.

"Hey, I think I'm going to sit down for a bit. I'm feeling a bit tired."

"Ok, we'll be here, so come back when you're rested," Malti said.

"Yeah..."

I walked through a group of people to an empty corner of the room, where I found a seat. I sat down and looked around at everyone. They all seemed like they were having a great time while I was sitting here, doing nothing.
I guess some things never change.

I've never been good at these things. I can't dance. I can't sing. I can't talk. I looked up and covered my eyes with my arm.
Sigh... It could be worse...

"Hello there... what are you doing all alone?"

"Hmm?" I looked over.

A man I didn't recognize stood in front of me.

"Sorry, have we met?"

"Let me introduce myself. I am Rhys Flaen, the heir to the House Rhys."

"Sern Knollwood. I work for Prince Kos Kassim."

"Wow... the prince really does choose his staff well."

"Thanks..." I didn't know how to respond.

"So, what are you doing way out here?"

"Just a little tired from the party… And you?"

"I saw a pretty girl alone and wanted to say hello."

I forced a smile. This was weird as hell. I wanted to leave or tell him off, but I didn't know if he was important or not. This is what I get for being a lazy piece of crap and not learning the important Houses of the city.

"If you think the party's boring, I could make the rest of your night better..." He leaned in closer.

He reeked of alcohol. As he started to inch closer, I prepared to punch him in the face. Right before his hand touched me, another voice called out to me.

"Sern, what are you doing over here?" I turned to see Kassim walking over.

Thank God.

"The party's going on without us. Let's go," Kassim said.

"Rhys Flaen..." Kassim looked down, giving him a cold gaze.

"Ah... Prince Kassim... A pleasure to—"

"Let's go dance Sern." Kassim pulled me by the hand.

We got far enough away from that man before I tried stopping Kassim.

"Wai—Wait! Thank you for helping me, but I can't dance."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I can't dance."

"Have you ever tried dancing?"

"Well, no... but I know I can't."
And I can't dance with another guy!

"I'll teach you. All you have to do is try." Kassim reached out his hand.

"No, Bu—"

"Sern, all that's stopping you from dancing is yourself. How will you know if you don't try?"

I just looked at Kassim. I mean, he was right. I never tried doing anything in my past life because of my fear of failing. Even now, I didn't try to talk to Malti's friends. I didn't try to become their friend. Am I really not going to try again?

I took a deep breath. I reached out and grabbed his hand, letting go of all my reservations, my doubts, my preconceived notions, my ego.

He pulled me in and took the lead. It was rough at the beginning, but I started to learn. We circled each other as the music guided us.

We smiled, and we danced.