The Lion's Den

Lorelei was about to step into the lion's den.

After months and months of preparation, the day of the ball had finally arrived. Due to the sheer number of nobles attending, Lorelei and Jason, who was escorting her as her husband, were now in a line on carriages waiting to enter the ball. Within the halls of the royal palace, where the ball was taking place, Lorelei would have to watch every move she made. Even the slightest falter could cause someone to repaint her in a negative light.

For the event, Lorelei wore the dress Sophia had tried, and failed, to have ruined. The bottom had an elegant violet that faded into lighter colors as one followed the dress higher. From oranges to yellows, the dress made Lorelei appear like the dusk itself come to life.

As for the damage, there hadn't been much in need of repair. The cut on the yellow top portion was now overshadowed with a piece of amethyst. Said amethyst made sure to keep the dress together without sacrificing quality. The rips at the bottom had been sown in blue thread, which added a subtle highlight that Lorelei quite liked. Even better, Lorelei had gotten to make that repair herself, under the guidance of Sara.

Jason, sitting across from her, was a vision of deep blue. Dressed in his favorite formal fit, Jason wore a deep green cape with a brown clasp to represent the Terrtrove colors. In addition, he had a thin belt on. Though it was hidden, Lorelei knew that Jason had a carving knife attached to that belt, hidden by the many layers a noble was required to wear. The corner of her mouth quirked up in amusement. Some things never changed.

"What's wrong?" Jason asked suddenly.

"Nothing," Lorelei said quickly.

"I doubt that," Jason said. "You look as though you're considering running. You appear as though you're going to pack your bags and leave forever."

That was a strange thing for him to say.

Lorelei narrowed her eyes at him. "And if I did want to leave? Would you stop me?"

Jason smiled sadly. "Lorelei, you are my best friend. You know I will support you no matter what you do, be it leaving the empire or. . ." He looked her in the eye. "Leaving this world."

Lorelei tensed as her eyes widened. "How long have you known?"

"Since you told me what happened at the tea party with Sophia," Jason replied. "I thought it was strange that you were so adamant that I not speak to you at night, so I decided to conduct my own investigation."

"You tricked her, didn't you?"

"Hey, now!" Jason laughed. "Tricked is a strong word. I just tested her. . . a lot."

Suddenly, there was a knock on their carriage. "Lord and Lady Terrtrove, they are ready for you to disembark."

Lorelei sighed. "We'll talk about this later." She moved to leave.

Jason grabbed her arm. "Lorelei, I'm not quite done yet."

She was tempted to argue, but one look at his expression had her sitting back down. "What is it?"

"Lorelei." Jason looked at her deeply. "Do you wish to leave this world for Lydia's?"

Lorelei looked away from him. "I have many responsibilities as a noble."

"Who cares?!" Jason yelled. "Those responsiblities have done nothing but hold you down! Lorelei, if you've found something in the other world, would you want to keep it?"

"Yes," she said quietly. "I would."

"Then I will help you achieve that," Jason said simply.

He held a hand out for her. "Are you ready to go?"

Nodding, she grabbed his hand and stepped out of the carriage. Ignoring the chattering voices nearby, Lorelei took in the palace. The maroon accents really highlighted the golds and whites of the building. A fountain stood proud at the front, covering a set of steps leading to the entrance. Nobles were scattered around, both in and out of the open building, talking to each other.

"I can do this," Lorelei told herself. Yet, she still hesitated before entering the ballroom.

This area far had more emphasis on the maroons. The walls had pillars of maroon that melted into the wall. The trim of the pillars was gold. The background of the walls was white. There was a staircase with red carpet. The floor was an ornate mix of all three of the main colors.

"Lady Lorelei!"

Turning, Lorelei smiled kindly as she saw Lady Sakura rush towards her. Once again, Sakura was dressed in pink. Looking closely at her, Lorelei was reminded of the cherry blossoms Nico had shown her. While she normally disliked flowers after what had happened with Sabine, she had found the blossoms to be quite nice.

Behind Sakura trailed Yasmine. Fascinatingly, she was dressed mainly in gold. It was a rule that the Dandor royals be the ones wearing solely in gold. It didn't surprise Lorelei, however. It wouldn't be the first time that Yasmine had broken that rule. Last time that had happened, however, Yasmine had arrived with the crown prince. Lorelei was curious to see how this turned out for Yasmine.

"How are you, Lady Sakura?" Lorelei asked, addressing Sakura's greeting.

"I am just lovely!" Sakura responded, a bright smile on her face.

"And Lady Yasmine?" Lorelei prompted, turning to Yasmine. "How do you fare?"

"Quite well," Yasmine said. "I have to say, it is a relief to find friends in such a chaotic environment."

"I thought you worked in a restaurant," Lorelei pointed out.

Yasmine leaned in to whisper, "I would take that chaos over this any day."

"Lady Lorelei?" Sakura chimed in. "Is it true that the crown prince will be attending today?"

Yasmine tensed. Lorelei had heard the rumors that Yasmine had something going on with the prince. Then again, nothing had ever come of it. Given Lady Sakura's lack of time in the nobility factions, it made sense that she would be unaware.

"Yes, that is correct," Lorelei responded.

"Is it true that he has a pet bird?" Sakura asked in a hushed tone.

"It is," Lorelei said. "I have seen him with the creature in some years at this event."

Sakura cocked her head in confusion. "Why would they let a bird into such a prestigious event?"

"It is not just a bird," Yasmine answered for Lorelei. "It is a spirit."

"Woah!" Sakura exclaimed. "Which one? What is it based on?"

"An owl," Yasmine said quietly, looking beyond Sakura and Lorelei. "I am not sure which one, though."

"So it is a special owl," Sakura said thoughtfuly. "What makes it different?"

"Its color, for one thing," Lorelei said. "The bird is mainly indigo, the perfect blend of blue contemplation and purple imagination."

"What blessing does it provide?" Sakura questioned.

"Mental fortitude," Yasmine said.

"What does that mean?" Sakura asked.

"No one knows," Lorelei said. "The prince has never seen fit to use it."

A hush fell over the crowd as royal guards appeared near one of the doors. 

The guard on the left straightened. "Now announcing crown prince Akira Dandor."

The guard on the right did the same. "Also announcing the prince's guardian, Beau of The Spirits."

Prince Akira had sharp eyes. His short hair was dark with brown highlights. Hair dye was rather expensive, so this was an effective way to demonstrate his wealth. As for the highlights, he had apparently gotten the idea from a friend.

The prince smiled a beaming, yet confident smile. "Welcome to this year's ball. Given how eventful this year has been, I am sure you are all eager to welcome the new cycle."

Lorelei had never really thought about how their new year, or cycle, as some referred to it, was celebrated months before the proper new year. Now, however, it was quite prevalent in her mind. Perhaps, though, that was because her year had, in fact, been very eventful.

The prince continued. "I do not want to keep you from the festivities any longer. Please, enjoy yourselves for the evening. Let whatever is to come arrive with ready and open arms. To the new cycle!"

The nobles followed his toast. Lorelei did the same. She wondered how long she would have to stay before she could be allowed to leave. In previous years, she had made a point to stay longer but, this year, she simply did not have the energy to handle it. Further, the longer she stayed, the higher the chance she had of running into---

"Little Lorelei!"

Dear Spirits, give me strength.

Taking a breath for courage, Lorelei faced the man who had called her, one of her brothers. Behind him stood her other two brothers, as well as her mother.

Lorelei prepared herself for another lecture from her mother. What would it be this time? Would it be that she did not visit enough? Perhaps it would be that she hadn't been doing enough as Jason's husband?  That conversation would eventually turn to her and Jason having children; An idea that revolted her.

Regardless, the output would be the same. Lorelei was always lacking in some way or another. She knew they only wished for her success, but that did not make the pestering easier. It was all the same, too. Lorelei was sick of it.

Do you want to leave this world for Lydia's?

Steeling her resolve, she faced her mother. "Mother, I have something to tell you."