The Ball Part Two

Kassim

I made my way to a secluded balcony, sifting through people with Aella alongside me. I greeted some people along the way, but that's not why I was here. Stepping out to the balcony, the cool air swirled around me as I turned to look at Aella.

"This is a nice party, Aella. What is it you want to talk about? I want to get back to the fun."

"I think you know exactly what I want to talk about, Kassim."

"Hmm..." I looked out towards the sky, holding the balcony railing.

I did know what he was talking about. A few weeks ago, his sister, Calais Selene, was... well, assaulted by Rasen, my brother. She was a lady-in-waiting for the king's sister, who is my aunt, although we have very little interaction.

"Yes, I've heard the news..." I responded.

"You know what he did was wrong, Kassim. I know you know. You don't do that to someone's lady-in-waiting, especially not someone from a family like mine. Regardless of whether he is the first prince."

"I completely agree, but what can I do? I can't control his actions, Aella."

Aella clicked his tongue and moved to lean against the railing alongside me.

Aella looked out into the sky. "And my father... he doesn't see a problem with it. He thinks that it's a good thing. Can you believe it?" He shook his head.

"He is a weak man now. Bound to his bed. I do all of the official duties of the family in his place... You know? Every time I have to go to court, I have to see his miserable face and just smile like nothing's wrong."

"Welcome to my life," I said.

"What a shame that he will become the next king... If only there were a better candidate..."

"Yeah, if only..."

Aella turned to me and leaned in closer. "Let's stop with his charade. We both know what I'm getting at."

"What are you talking about?" I side-eyed him.

"I've been watching you for these past few years. The way you're gathering allies and power. Please, I'm not stupid. Maybe others haven't noticed, but I have, and I want to help."

"Yeah? So what would have happened if my brother didn't violate your sister? You would have just backed him instead of me?" I dropped the act.

"Kassim, you have to understand... I've only recently become the de facto head of my family. Also, to be honest, the throne belongs to your brother by all rights... it's hard to back you."

This was completely true. Even taking age out of the picture, I also wasn't born to the queen. Early in his reign, my father was happily married to the queen, but the queen was often ill. After the birth of Rasen, the queen became even weaker, and Rasen was born a sickly child as well. The king was already quite old to have no heir up to that point, thirty-seven years old. My father panicked, and so, he quickly had a child with a concubine, as the queen was far too sickly to bear children. Nine months later, I was born. However, by this time, Rasen had become healthy and was in no danger of dying.

Soon after that, the queen died of her illness. The king wept for days, or so I've heard. Although my brother and I share the signature traits of the Kos Family, like hair and eye color, apparently, we each have the likeness of our respective mothers. Out of guilt or some other reason, the king distanced himself from me. He gave me a villa away from the palace, isolated me from family, and never invited or called me to court. My mother also left for her home country of Alcoi, as the king never visited her after that one time. I was treated like a bastard, even though I am a legitimate candidate to the throne.

"Then why have you made such a big switch-up?" I snorted.

"This was the final straw... I could take all the other disrespect... but this was too far. If he is capable of doing this as a prince, then what will he do as king?"

"You aren't even the head of your House... your father is still alive."

"I know that I could get the support of the rest of my family. I'm basically running things as it is."

Aella turned his body to face me. "I know that you would make a good king. We've known each other for a good few years now, and every decision I've seen you make has been a good one."

I paused before asking. "So, what do you want in return for the support of your Great House?"

"We can work out the details later, but Royal Advisor is a good start."

I looked back out towards the dark, vast city.
Hmm, Royal Advisor... in return for helping me take the throne, he wants to be Royal Advisor and some other benefits too...

I squeezed the stone railing. I know having the support of a Great House like Calais would be a massive help. It makes me that much closer to the goal I've been striving for my entire life. I feel like it's my destiny to do this.

I extended my hand out towards Aella. "Alright, we are now both in this together, for better or worse."

"Let's make you the most powerful man in the country." Aella reached out and shook my hand.

"You should go enjoy the party. I'll join you in a bit. I just need to take a few minutes."

"As you wish, my king..." Aella bowed before walking inside.

I looked back at the sky again. My heart is pounding. My hands are shaking, and my fingers are numb. I took deep, shaky breaths.

"Hahaha..." I was nervously laughing.

Everything you did, Father... Everything you did to push me away—away from you and the throne. It has only made me want it that much more.
I will become king, whatever it takes...

I took a deep breath and walked back into the party. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Sern sitting on a chair in the corner of the room. There was a man pestering her, trying to get closer to her. A burning feeling in my stomach started to rise up when I saw him. I quickly strode towards them, moving between the other guests.

"Sern, what are you doing over here?"

I could see that she was visibly uncomfortable.

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

I pulled Sern by her hand, barely acknowledging the drunkard bothering her.

"Let's go dance, Sern."

Sern was very hesitant to even try to dance, but I was insistent. At first, it was rough, but she got the hang of it quickly. Soon, she started to smile and even laugh. With the light shining down, music filling the room, the rhythm of the dance, and Sern close beside me, it was almost like heaven on Earth. If things continue on like this, I may become completely attached to her. Just like my father was to the late queen.

Maybe I'm more like my father than I care to admit...