Chapter 10: Imperial Ball Scandals

It has been a few days now since Lady Aurora left the palace and the assassins were caught. Prince Mathias, along with Arch-Duke Diamant, have been non-stop interrogating them trying to find out who sent them and what is their purpose. It seems at the beginning they would not talk, but with the new methods the kingdom have developed for torture really will come in handy in this situation.

“Who has sent you? And you better not lie,” Prince Mathias orders.

“I will not say a thing.”

“Really? Then perhaps you would like a little bit more punishment to loosen your tongue.”

“I would love to see you try.”

Prince Mathias did not waste any time in whipping the boy as hard as he could until he began to scream. It did not take the assassin very long to scream, but more of a hysterical scream that he was out of control.

“Your highness, I think that is enough for now. Let me give it a try.”

“No, I want to know who is responsible for wanting to kill my fiancee and I will find out soon enough.”

“Yes, I would like to know as well, but if we can get the name of whomever is responsible, then they will see punishment in extreme measures.”

“Yes, so if you will allow me to continue?”

“Of course, but make sure he is able to speak after his punishment.”

Prince Mathias continues with the punishment only this time he used the magic tools recently created to torture the criminals littering their kingdom. With the help of the Arch- Duke’s magic of Mind Probing, he was able to enter the criminal’s mind to paralyze long enough for him not being able to move his body, but only his mouth.

“Tell me again, who sent you to kill my daughter?” the Arch-Duke shouts, getting angry.

“I do not know, I just know we received a large amount of money to kill Lady Aurora,” the assassin said.

“Care to tell me from whom?”

“I don’t know, all I know they come from a noble family and the daughter is a pain in the butt.”

“Who is she?”

“I believe her name is Sirena.”

“Guards, bring Duke Rubius and his daughter here at once.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Oh, if they refuse to come, drag them here by force.”

“Yes, your highness.”

“Good, now have them killed at once and make sure no one knows about it.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Is that wise, your highness?” The arch-duke asked.

“Yes, they threatened your daughter and my future wife. I want to get rid of them at once.”

“Of course, you are the prince after all. Well, I must be getting back home and seeing how my daughter is fairing. See you at the ball, your highness.”

“Yes, indeed. Please tell Lady Aurora I wish to visit her soon.”

“Of course, please excuse me,” the arch-duke said, leaving at once.

Prince Mathias alone with his thoughts, Rion appears to see how everything went.”

“Your highness, how was it?”

“Well, it appears Lady Sirena isn’t an air head after all.”

“Your highness?”

“She is the one who sent the assassins to kill Lady Aurora.”

“Huh, didn’t think she would have the guts to even think of killing a member of the noble class.”

“Yes, well, since I rejected her as my bride, she will do anything in her power to get in between us.”

“Yes, so what shall we do now?”

“Since the ball is coming up soon, we will have to increase the security all around the palace border and inside. Also, I have asked to see Duke Rubis here as soon as possible.”

“Yes, I will handle everything,” Rion said, leaving.

“Thank you.”

Alone again, Prince Mathias is wondering when it will be a good time to see Lady Aurora again. He hopes she is doing well at her home, even though she had such a short visit to the palace.

“I hope she is doing well.”

It has been days since Lady Aurora has arrived back home which during this time she does not seem to be affecting her work. It might have taken two days for her things to arrive from the palace, but it did not matter to her since she was already making a breakthrough on some of her projects.

She decided to take a short break, and decided to speak to her mother for a little while before resuming her work.

“Oh, darling, come to sit with me. I am about to have some tea,” her mother insisted.

“Of course, mother, I would like that.”

Lady Aurora takes a seat at the table while the servant pours the tea. They were alone and they were able to have a conversation.

“Tell me darling, how was your time at the palace with Prince Mathias?”

“It was lovely, I got to spend some time with him and really got to know the real him and he showed me the royal garden.”

“My he must be smitten with you, if he showed you those gardens.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean darling, if you were not so focused on your work, then you would have noticed that he has taken a liking to you.”

“I do not believe that, mother, he did not show any feelings for me.”

“Maybe so, but it is the actions he did for you to show how much he cares for you.”

“Perhaps mother, but I did not believe it. Now if you excuse me, I must…I must.”

Lady Aurora faints to the floor in front of her mother.

“Aurora, darling, please wake up.”

“Guards, help take Aurora to her chambers and call the doctor to have her examined at once.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Oh, my sweet child, please don’t leave us so soon.”

Her mother began to worry for her only daughter and raced behind the guards straight to her daughter’s room.

A few hours later, her father returns from the palace, it seems his home was in chaos with what happened to Lady Aurora. He walks inside and sees his wife walking frankly with the doctor which it seems he arrived before the arch-duke.

“Darling, what is the matter?”

“Aurora, fainted, again. Her brothers are with her now.”

“I must see her again. Valet, send a letter to the prince at once, he must be informed of this at once.”

“Yes, sir.”

Aurora’s father rushes to his daughter's bedroom, hoping to hear some good news. He did not bother knocking on the door, so he entered and came to his daughter’s side of the bed.

“Doctor, what is wrong with her?”

“Everything is fine, my lord, she just has been in a lot of stress and over-exerted herself, so she will need some deserved rest.”

“Thank you doctor. Thank you for everything. I will donate money to your clinic as soon as possible.”

“I am honored to be serving you, your majesty,” the doctor said kindly.

The doctor soon left the chambers and the family is well relieved that their daughter is fine.

“I wonder why this keeps happening,” her mother said.

“I am not sure, but when she wakes up, then maybe she will tell us.”

“Yes, dear, I am even informing the prince about this.”

“The prince?”

“Yes, well, I can tell he does care for her, so he should know.”

“I understand.”

“Let’s leave her to sleep.”

“Yes, dear.”

Aurora, resting now and she hopes to be cured from this illness and begin working on her projects.

Hours have passed since Prince Mathias summons Duke Rubis and his daughter Lady Sirena to the palace and he is not going to go easy on them.

“What is the meaning of this, your highness?”

“I believe you know what this is about, so try not to play games with me.”

“It is good to see you again, your highness,” Lady Sirena greeted the prince.

“Shut up, you little nothing?”

“Do not speak to my daughter like that!”

“I can and I will, you both are subjects of this kingdom and you will listen to your prince.”

“Very well, what do you want?”

“I want answers and you will give them to me.”

“Fine!”

“Good, now tell me who are you working for?”

“What makes you think I am working with someone?”

“Because the assassins who targeted Lady Aurora gave up your daughter’s name and I wonder who thought of this idea.”

“They are lying,” Lady Sirena answers.

“Did I say you can speak?”

“No, but.”

“Now, tell me again, who is responsible for all of this?”

“I cannot give you the name.”

“Really? So, if you will stay silent in this, then let me tell you what you are going to lose. If you do not give up the name of you set this whole thing up, you will be stripped of your title and lands and you and your daughter will be sent to work the rest of your lives in the mines, so do we have a deal.”

“You cannot be serious.”

“Try me.”

“Alright fine, your brother Prince Leonidas has been plotting against you to claim his right for the throne and he will do anything he can to kill Lady Aurora for rejecting him and choosing you.”

“Clearly, my brother has always been the jealous type. Thank you for informing me about my brother, but I will handle the rest.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

“Yes, well, I am not done with you yet.”

“What?”

“You and your daughter will be attending the ball in two days and afterwards you will be banished from court. If I see your family stepping foot in the palace again, I will stick to my original threat, now go.”

“Yes, your highness, thank you.”

“Good and Lady Sirena, if you try killing Aurora again, I will send you to the dungeons to rot there before I decide to kill you myself. Are we clear about that?” Prince Mathias warns.

“Yes, your highness.”

“Good, now leave.”

With the threat of losing their titles still in their minds, they both leave, hoping the threat will not stick.

Then Rion enters the room with a worried look on his face.

“Rion, what is it?”

“We just received a letter from the Arch-Duke informing you that she has fallen ill to her bed, but she is fine.”

“Rion, make sure my things are packed along with the gift in one hour and tell Astin to gather her things as well, she will be joining me on this trip.”

“Right away, your highness,” Rion said leaving the room.

Prince Mathias begins to wonder what is going on here. This is not what happened before the Imperial Ball in his past life, so why are things slowly changing from what he remembers. With that thought in mind, he quickly rushes out of the room searching for his brother Leonidas to settle a score.

Searching all over the palace halls in every place he thought his brother would be and nothing. There is one more place he thought of which was the knight’s quarters as he liked to train with them. Running at the speed of light, he manages to see his brother training with the guards, so he rushes behind and punches his face.

Prince Leonidas then falls to the ground with his hand rubbing his face. Then looking up, he sees his little brother standing there with an angry look on his face.

“What was that for, little brother?”

“Oh, you know what that was for?”

“No, I do not believe I do.”

“Well, let me refresh your mind then. Did you not black mail Duke Rubis for conspiring to harm me and try killing my fiancee with the help of his daughter Lady Sirena.”

“It might ring a bell, but what will you do with this knowledge?”

“I will tell father about your actions, but after the Imperial Ball, it is too important now.”

“In the meantime.”

“You stay away from Lady Aurora and her family or you will die for ever bringing them harm.”

“Oh, little brother threatening to kill a prince of the blood and risking death for treason.”

“I don’t care, so long as I can put you in your place.”

“I would love to see you try.”

“Fine by me,” Prince Mathias said, sucker punching Leonidas again.

“Oh, that is it,” Prince Leonidas said, as he punched him back.

Now an all out punching battle between brothers is going on and it seems the knights are enjoying this. Two princes fighting each other finally proving who is the better person.

“What is going on down there?” Prince Adalwolf asked.

“I believe your brothers are duking it out in the courtyard. Your brother Prince Mathias was clearly upset about something,” his valet said.

“Yes, well, let’s leave them to their fight and let’s get back to work,” Prince Adalwolf said, ignoring the problem outside.

“Yes, sir.”

“Tell me, did you make contact with any of the guilds I requested?”

“Yes, they are willing to help only for a large sum of money,” Verion explained.

“Right, I will speak with them later. And what about the new guild that will be opening soon?”

“I was able to get in contact with the Titania Guild and they have agreed to set up a meeting with you, but there is a problem.”

“That is good news, but what is the problem?”

“It seems the guild leader is away for about a few weeks, so we would have to wait for their return.”

“Very well, as long as we have the meeting then we should be fine.”

“Of course, sir.”

“Good, what else do we have to get done?”

“Yes, there are these documents that we need you to look over and have them sign, so I can give them to your father for final approval.”

“Very well, let me take a look at them,” Prince Adalwolf said, grabbing the documents.

As Price Adalwolf is working on the documents, it seems the fight with the other princes is still resuming. It seems they have not stopped for a minute as they beat the crap out of each other.

“Why are you not giving up, little brother?”

“Let’s just say someone has to teach you a lesson.”

“I can say the same thing about you.”

“Well, we will see about that.”

Prince Mathias manages to get one last punch on his brother’s face and have Leonidas down to the ground.

“Seems like I won this time brother, but remember, stay away from Aurora for good or I will speak to father about this,” Prince Mathias mentions.

“Fine, go ahead and tell father, it is not like it is going to help you claim the throne in the first place,” Prince Leonidas mocks.

Prince Mathias got so mad about his brother’s comment that he gave his brother one last punch in the gut, hoping this time he stays down.

“I hope this teaches you a lesson to stay down and never bother me again,” Prince Mathias said, leaving his brother on the ground.

“I will get you for this brother,” Prince Leonidas said, out of anger.

With one brother pissed at losing to his younger brother, the other brother is ready to start his new life the way he thought possible.

“Rion, is my carriage ready?”

“Yes, everything you need is in the carriage and we can leave whenever you are.”

“Good, let’s go.”

“Right away, your highness. And I should mention Astin will be arriving tomorrow to the Diamant Estate.”

“Good, then let’s get going,” Prince Mathias said, heading inside the carriage.

In the meantime, Lady Aurora is in her bedroom waking up from her spell, but she is still surprised her family is there hoping she would wake up. “Good morning, everyone.”

“Aurora!”

“Hello, everyone.”

“It is good to see you are awake my darling,” her mother said in relief.

“Yes, it sure is a miracle, but promise me you will not over do it again,” her father warns.

“I promise you father, I will rest up since we are invited to the ball, after all.”

“Will you be up for this?” her eldest brother asked.

“I will be fine, so long as I have all of you and the prince by my side.”

“Right, I am glad you said that because the prince will be arriving soon to see you,” the Arch-Duke announced.

“What? Why?”

“It is because I believe he cares for you,” her father said.”

“He does.”

“Yes, now, rest up and we will inform you when he arrives,” her mother said.

“Very well, I will rest, thank you so much,” Lady Aurora said, resting back in bed.

Soon after, her family left her room while she got some much deserved rest. Being able to be alone for most of the morning, she did stay in bed, but she managed to hide a notebook under her covers and began writing in it. Not long after that, she dozes off to sleep having a dream about being back in her world, working as a doctor again and hoping her cures will be distributed to the world.

Not knowing how long she was sleeping, as when she wakes up, it seems to be late afternoon. How could she possibly be sleeping for this long when she has so much work to get done. She is trying to get off the bed only to be surprised to see her maid bringing her meal.

“My lady, I thought I would bring you something to eat, you must be hungry after all the sleeping you have been doing,” the maid announced.

“Yes, thank you, I am starving,” Lady Aurora said, as she began eating her meal.

“I should also inform you that Prince Mathias' carriage has been spotted in the region and he will be arriving shortly.”

“Yes, my father told me he will be arriving soon, so I guess I should be getting ready as soon as I finish my meal.

“Yes, but you may take your time.”

“Of course, thank you.”

Lady Aurora enjoys her meal like any other lady in her station and simply enjoys her meal. In her mind, she might miss the palace because of the prince, but she might prefer the comfort of her home.

Once she finished with her meal, the maids and her ladies in waiting came inside to dress her. Since she was recovering from her episode, they decided to dress her in a more relaxed look. They decided to design her hair in a simple pony tail. They had a simple floral dress with slippers matching her dress hoping it would be relaxing.

“You look lovely, my lady,” the maid said.

“Thank you. Now I better go and see my family to greet the prince.”

“Oh, my lady, but what about the gift?”

“Please hand it to me at once,” she orders.

“Yes, right away.”

The maid gave Lady Aurora the gift she is going to present to the prince when he arrives.

Once it was settled, she was able to walk, she headed outside to wait for the prince. It seems the family is not present this time, so she was tasked to greet him. It seems she came at the perfect time, as his carriage was fast approaching.

It soon came to a stop in front of her and when it stopped, the prince came bursting out of it. He rushed over to hug her. “I am so glad you are alright.” “Yes, your highness, I am sorry you were worried about me.” “Yes, I thought my brother had something to do with this.” “I am fine, I just get dizzy spells whenever I am stressed, so I am fine, but what do you mean about your brother?”

“What I mean is that my brother Leonidas has been trying to kill you after I stole you from him and used Duke Rubis’s connections to do it. Even his daughter Lady Sirena was involved as well.”

“Yes, well, I had a feeling Lady Sirena was always the jealous type, but to kill me is clearly over the top for her.”

“Well, I vow they will never get to you again.”

“So, you are saying, you are my knight in shining armor?”

“Yes and always.”

“Very, well, your highness, shall we go to my study to talk some more?”

“How about you take a break for once and how about we dance?”

“Dance?”

“Yes, dance, if i remember correctly, we do have a dance to prepare for the ball.”

“Of course, we can go to the ballroom, it is this way.”

“Take the lead.”

Prince Mathias follows Lady Aurora through a side door which is different from the main entry. It appears to be a short cut to the ball room since she did not want to see her family blushing as she escorts the prince to the ballroom.

When they arrived at a mysterious door shaped like a wooden arch, Lady Aurora was a bit surprised it was open. They entered the room to see not only the lights were on, but it seems the family musician had already arrived.

“My lady, your father sent for me. I heard there is a dance to prepare for and I am here to play the music,” the piano performer announced.

“Yes, thank you, for taking your time for today,” Lady Aurora thanked him.

“So, shall we dance?”

“I would love to.”

“Good, please take your positions.”

Prince Mathias takes Lady Aurora’s hand and takes her to the center of the ball room. The music begins and they begin dancing. The Prince taking the lead made it easier for her to follow. She was never much of a dancer in her past life, so this would be amazing for her to learn. It felt so magical dancing with a dream come true especially with the prince.

The music was simply magical dancing and twirling around the room like living in a fairy tale being with the prince like this. It even seems some of the tension between them has slowly gotten away as their toughness and closeness made them feel they are connected.

The music stopped and they took one last look at one another and wanted to close their gap. Their lips were so close as the prince wanted to steal a kiss, but he could not, not yet.

“That was great. You really are improving.”

“Thank you Mathias, I did enjoy dancing with you.”

“Of course, I had such a great partner.”

“You are just flirting with me.”

“Maybe I am, but you deserve it.”

They lock eyes for a moment before Lady Aurora turns away.

“Oh, I forgot, I have two gifts for one.”

“Oh, gifts, what are they?”

“One is this necklace,” Prince Mathias said, taking it out of his pocket.

The necklace is a beautiful diamond necklace with the center piece is a glowing sapphire shaped like a star.

“Mathias, it is beautiful, thank you. I love it.”

“I am glad you love it. I am hoping you will be wearing it for the ball in two days.”

“Of course, I will. I have something for you too.”

Lady Aurora searches in her pocket for the prince’s gift and finally manages to hold it in her hand.

“This is a gift from me, hoping you will wear it for the ball as well.”

“Thank you.”

Prince Mathias takes the box from her and opens it. It seems it was something he could love.

“Cufflinks, they are beautiful, thank you, but when did you have the time to get them?”

“I made them with the materials I had in my room at the palace. I thought I should thank you for treating me so kindly.”

“It is my pleasure and you deserve it. And now my second gift to you.”

“And what is that?”

“I have asked Astin to come here to your estate, so she can finish your dress for the ball.”

“That is also a wonderful gift, thank you. Now I feel like I am being spoiled.”

“Anything, for my future wife.”

“Now, shall we begin dancing again.”

The dance practice continued on for a few more hours. Since the prince is going to stay here until the ball, it made it much easier to continue their dance lessons. It has been the most fun they had in such a long time that it did not matter to them how much they spent together. It felt almost like they wished for the time to relax.

The next few days were also busy with dress fittings as Astin finally arrived to finish Lady Aurora’s dress. There was no time to waste as she was limited on time. It seems Astin was able to complete the design of the dress and began making it, but completed the final measurements for the dress.

Lady Aurora spends all her free time with Astin to get the dress finished on time. It is a beautiful dress to be rushed, but it has to be done.

On the last day for the prince to stay in the estate with Lady Aurora, the dress and tux were finally finished. Lady Aurora tried on the dress and it fit like a glove.

“Astin, this dress is wonderful. Thank you so much.”

“It is my pleasure. I enjoyed designing the dress for you.”

“Thank you again.”

“Of course, but remember you do not reveal this dress to the prince until the day of the ball. I will admit he is quite handsome in his suit.”

“Really?”

“Yes, well I must be off. I have a last minute client to take care of.”

“Thank you again.”

“Oh, and one more thing. I managed to make outfits for your entire family as a gift for me staying here.”

“What? How?”

“I have a big staff, so take care of my lady,” Astin said leaving the room.

“Of course.”

Astin leaves and everything is almost set for the ball, it meant the prince was leaving as well. It was true as she went to his room and it seemed everything was packed. Then she went outside where the prince and her family were saying their good-byes.

She rushed out of the room and quickly went outside to say good-bye.

“And here I thought you were not going to say good-bye.”

“I wasn't planning on it, but I believe you deserve a proper farewell.”

“Well, I would like to hear this.”

“Your highness, thank you for everything you have done for me and my family. Thank you for the necklace and dress for the ball. I do not know how many thank yous I can say.”

“Then how about this,” Prince Mathias, leans into her and kisses her cheek. “I will see you at the ball tomorrow night.

“Yes, tomorrow night.”

Prince Mathias soon leaves in his carriage back to the palace.

When Prince Mathias returned to the palace, he went to his brother Adalwolf to speak with him. It seems he was in his room ready to turn in for the night.

“Brother, I wish to speak with you.”

“What is it? Can it wait until after the ball?”

“Yes, but I want to warn you against Leonidas. He might try something during that time.”

“What do you mean?” Prince Adalwolf asked curiously.

“I mean he almost tried to kill someone important to me and I believe he is going to try something at the ball.”

“Yes, I will have the guards watch over him during the ball. Now go, I am going to sleep.”

“Thank you brother. I do hope you will be present when I introduce her to the family.”

“Of course, brother, now leave, I need to rest for tomorrow.”

“Have a good night.”

Prince Mathais soon leaves the room and returns to his thinking only about Lady Aurora and how he has to keep her safe against his brother.

The next morning the servants have been working tirelessly finishing the final preparations for the ball. The ballroom is being decorated with all the colors of the many noble families attending as well as the flowers in bouquets that will reach the ceiling and for the table centers. It really is a work of art and this ball at every expense does not matter.

As for the royal family, they are busy with their affairs they need to take care of before the ball. As for Prince Mathias he is looking through his plans for the village and hoping the water reservoir will be up in running some time soon.

When it came close to nightfall, it was time for the nobles to arrive for the Imperial Ball.

As for Lady Aurora’s family, they are finishing up getting ready, but for Aurora that only made her more nervous. She puts on the dress Astin made for her and she didn’t think she felt any more beautiful. She takes one more good look at herself in the mirror before heading downstairs to meet up with her family.

“Alright everyone, let’s get to the carriage before we are late,” Her father said.

“Father, wait, I have something to give you,” Lady Aurora said as she ran up to her father.

“What is it my dear?” the arch-duke asks.

“It is an antidote to cure all poisons. I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but please do drink it.”

“Hum, why should I?”

“It is because I heard some news from the messenger guild, there might be an attack on your life and they might use poison to do it.”

“Where did you get this information from?”

“I have my sources,” Lady Aurora says.

“Very well, I will drink it.”

Her father opens the potion bottle and drinks the concoction.

“Do you feel anything father?”

“No, I don’t think so. Now we better go before we are really late.” he said walking out the door.

Lady Aurora takes one good look at herself in the mirror having some doubts, but her mother comes over to reassure her about tonight.

“Darling, you look so beautiful and all grown up, but what is wrong?”

“I am not sure mother, I guess it is the idea that his highness is going to announce our engagement tonight and I am nervous about what his family is going to think or the nobles for that matter.”

“Darling, there is no need to be nervous, I believe with the prince by your side, they will accept you and the love he has for you will make you a stronger person, especially since you will be part of the royal family soon.”

“I guess so, thank you mother.”

“Of course, now let's get to the carriage or your father will be upset if we delay him even more.”

“Yes, let’s go.”

Their carriage soon leaves the estate and heads towards the palace. As they are arriving at the palace, they have seen many of the nobles' carriages lining up arriving at the palace. The carriages were elegantly beautiful carriages decorated with many different colors of the region along with their family crests embroidered into the carriages doors showing how powerful they are in their ranks. Lady Aurora could not take her eyes off of the carriages as she admired the beauty of them.

When her carriage finally came to a stop, it seems Prince Mathias was standing there greeting guests along with his brother Prince Leonidas. Her family stepped out of the carriage to greet the princes and be escorted inside.

“Welcome Arch-Duke Diamant and family to our Imperial Ball,” Prince Mathias greeted his guests.

“The pleasure is all mine, your grace, please make your way inside the festivities are about to begin,” Prince Mathias speaks to his guests.

When he sees Lady Aurora stepping aside to be escorted inside, Prince Mathias approaches her and stops her in her tracks. “You look beautiful in that dress, Astin did a great job,” he whispers in her ear. “Thank you, your highness, you look handsome as well,” Lady Aurora complimented.

“Yes, now, I would like you to present you to my family, if you do not mind,” Prince Mathias asks.

“What? You want me to meet his majesty right now?”

“Yes, I want them to know you are my fiancee.”

“What if they do not like me?”

“They will love you, so don’t worry about it.”

“Very well, it would be nice to greet his majesty and the queen before the rest of the guests arrive.”

Prince Mathias takes her hand and escorts her inside where many of the nobles begin whispering about the prince and the lovely lady he is escorting. Even many of the nobles even begin starting rumors about their rivals and continuing speaking about the prince might have already been engaged.

Prince Mathias did not care as he is ready to show the entire empire that he is showing real commitment and is ready to take the next step in his life.

“Are you nervous?”

“A little.”

“Don’t be you will be great.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, I should warn you, please stay on alert, I invited Duke Rubis and his daughter to the ball, as a formality. Also, my brother Leonidas too, I am not sure what he will do.”

“Thank you for the warning, but I think I can handle myself.”

“I am sure you will.”

Lady Aurora can only smile at the comment, as she really does have a prince of her dreams after all.

As they continued to walk through the many glaring eyes in the hall, they were finally approaching the royal family to greet them. They stayed in line until it was their turn, but it seems Lady Aurora is starting to get nervous. “Don’t be nervous, you will do great,” he whispers. “I’ll try.” “Ok, are you ready?”

When it came to their turn, Prince Mathias began to speak. “Mother. Father. Brother. I would like to introduce to you all Lady Aurora, daughter of Arch-Duke Diamant, and my fiancee,” Prince Mathias said, introducing her to his family.

“It is a pleasure and honor to be presented to you, your majesties,” Lady Aurora said, bowing to the royals.

“It is a pleasure to meet the young lady that stole my son’s heart,” Emperor Axelle greeted Aurora.

“Thank you, your majesty.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, young lady, we should have tea soon, so we can get to know each other better. I will send word.”

“I would be honored, your majesty, thank you,” Lady Aurora accepts as she bows to her.

“Yes, It would be nice to have a sister- in-law, like you. At least you have a brain,” Prince Adalwolf complimented.

“Of course, I will enjoy being part of this family, thank you,” Lady Aurora thanked the prince.

“Father, I was hoping during this celebration that I would introduce my engagement to the nobles,” Prince Mathias asked his father.

“I believe that is a splendid idea,” Emperor Axelle agrees.

“Thank you father.”

“Now arriving is the Arch-Duke Diamant and his family.”

“Your majesty, it is a great honor to be here, in service to you,” Arch-Duke Diamant said, greeting his sovereign.

“Yes, we should have tea some time after the ball,” the emperor said kindly.

“I will look forward to it.”

“Great, now let’s go to the ball room, so we can really begin the ball.”

“Of course, your majesty.”

The royal family and the remainder of the guests enter the ballroom where many have been awaiting for their king to begin the ball.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our annual Imperial Ball.”

The guests clapped.

“I know many of you do not always agree on your decision making, but I am glad you are all here to celebrate our fine empire,” Emperor Axelle announced.

More clapping can be heard throughout the ballroom.

“Before we begin the music, my son Prince Mathias, has an announcement he wishes to make.”

“Thank you, your majesty. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to announce to all of you of my intentions. I would like to announce I have chosen my future bride and we will be married when she can settle on a date. Now for the moment you are waiting for, please welcome my future bride and princess Lady Aurora Diamant.”

The entire ballroom clapped and cheered to see Lady Aurora presented to the entire nation and accepted.

“Thank you everyone. I hope I can become a princess, you can be proud of,” She announced.

“Good, now we should begin the ball.”

“Not so fast father, I too have an announcement to make.”

“Oh, please go on,” his father said.

“My little brother is not the only one engaged. I am also engaged with Duke Rubis’s daughter, Lady Sirena. With this I will have the support of the noble faction supporting my claim to the throne.”

“My, it seems both of my sons have their own battle to deal with. Now let the ball officially begin,” Emperor Axelle said, signalling the musicians to start the music.

As the music begins to play, many of the couples begin to slow dance making the atmosphere even more lively. It seems Lady Aurora loved this music and she wishes to dance.

“Care to dance?” Prince Mathias said, reading her mind.

“You read my mind.”

Prince Mathias and Lady Aurora escort her to the center of the ballroom and begin to dance. They stood close together and the prince took the lead. They danced so elegantly with the music like it was meant to be. The closeness they feel between each other, they want more of this. It is like this moment is so romantic that they never want to end it. The music soon ended and they left the dance floor.

“That was the best dance I have ever experienced,” Prince Mathias whispers.

“I enjoyed it as well.”

“We better go greet my brother and his new bride before he yells at us for ignoring him.”

“Don’t you think it is unwise for us to see him after you stole me from him?”

“It will be fine, now come on.”

They walk towards where his brother is speaking to a nobleman with Lady Sirena by his side. “Well, it is good to see you not causing trouble at the ball brother,” Prince Mathais comments.

“Like you said, it is a ball after all,” Prince Leonidas answers.

“Hello, your highness,” Lady Aurora introduced herself.

Prince Leonidas ignores her.

“Well, you must be Lady Sirena, the one who tried to get me killed. I hope you don't cause any more trouble or I will kill you myself,” Lady Aurora warns.

“I will be happy to see you try.”

“Yes, well, one more thing, at least all the men here love me and not you, good-night,” Lady Aurora said walking away.

“Ha-ha, good work on handling yourself.”

“Thank you, well, she should be taught a lesson.”

“Yes, now let’s dance.”

They danced to a different song, but during the dance she saw Nigel in the crowd and she had to talk to him. “Your highness, I need some air, may I step outside?” “Yes, but I can go with you.” “No, I will be fine.”

“Ok, but I will be keeping my eyes on you.”

“I will be back soon.”

As Lady Aurora is leaving outside to speak to Nigel, it seems Prince Adalwolf is watching over his brother Prince Leonidas and it appears he is up to something as he is planning to do something unexpected. In the meantime, he is going to keep his eyes on him. It turns out he is speaking to a servant as he hands over a small bottle.

Lady Aurora outside breathing the fresh air knows something bad is going to happen, but she is having this strange feeling.

“Crystal?” a voice asked.

Lady Aurora turns around to see Nigel present behind her.

“Nigel, it is good to see you.”

“Yes, now I understand the secrecy and never visit the guild hall because if your family finds out what you have been up to.”

“Yes. I am sorry I have been lying to you. I should have trusted you with my secret.”

“Maybe you should, but since we are partners, I could let it slide for now.”

“Oh, thank you, now can I ask how the guild is coming along?”

“Well, we will be open soon and your medical tools should be arriving to the guild, so we can have them ready for you soon.”

“That is great news. How about the water reservoir building going on?”

“It is a slow process, but it is coming along.”

“That is great news.”

“I should also tell you that Prince Adalwolf is requesting a meeting to see you in person. I believe he wishes to make a deal to work together.”

“Well, how about you take on the meeting and tell me about it.”

“I would but you are the guild master after all.”

“That may be true, but you can be the guild master now. I made it official. Make sure you hire people we can trust as well.”

“Fine, then I will meet the prince on my own.”

“Good, now we better head inside, so no one knows, we know each other.”

“You do have a point. Oh. I forgot to thank you for the invite.”

“My pleasure.”

Meanwhile, Prince Adalwolf confronts Prince Leonidas.

“What are you doing, Leonidas?,” Prince Adalwolf said.

“It is none of your business.”

“It is my business if you are going to ruin father’s ball.”

“I will tell father about this.”

“Go ahead and try.”

Soon after Prince Adalwolf returns to the ballroom to look for his father, but he does not see him. He looks all around for his father until he spots him walking over to speak to Lady Aurora privately. He keeps his distance and waits for his chance to speak.

Meanwhile the emperor summons Lady Aurora to have a private discussion, so they can have a heart to heart talk.

“Lady, Aurora, I am glad we are having this time to speak alone.”

“The pleasure is all mine, your majesty. What is this all about?”

“Nothing important, my dear. I wish to let you know that you have my blessing in marrying my son. I can see you two have a bright future.”

“Thank you, your majesty.”

Their conversation continues on until his son Prince Adalwolf comes barging in.

“Father, I am sorry to interrupt, Leonidas plans on poisoning a member of Lady Aurora’s family.”

“We have to stop this at once,” Prince Leonidas warns.

“Yes, we shall find him and he will be punished.”

“Yes, father.”

Prince Adalwolf went quickly to the ballroom hoping to stop his brother from causing the deed.

“Let’s see how my younger brother Mathias and or his fiancé Lady Aurora will handle this,” Prince Leonidas said, ready to see what happens next.

As the imperial ballroom reaches its climax, Prince Mathias and Lady Aurora dance once again, and they dance so elegantly..

“Margrave Opale, what do you think about Prince Mathias for my daughter?,” Arch-duke Diamant asked.

“I think, his highness Prince Mathias has changed quite well and is willing to support us to improve the empire and he is a suitable choice for your daughter,” Margrave Opale said.

“What about you, Marchioness Perle?,” Arch-duke Diamant said.

“I think he's changed for the better, and he still has a long way to go to be able to govern the empire, but he should be given a chance,” Marchioness Perle said.

“I agree.” Margrave Opale said.

“Alright,” Arch-duke Diamant said.

While dancing, Prince Mathias and Aurora have their own private conversation talking about certain private subjects. “Prince Mathias, I would like to let you know that my medical tool research is complete and we will be able to distribute them soon around the kingdom. I should mention the medical academy is finally completed too,” Lady Aurora mentions.

“I see, that’s great. You should be proud,” Prince Mathias said.

“I am proud of my hard work and efforts,” Lady Aurora said.

As they danced, Prince Leonidas continued to be jealous of his brother’s relationship with Lady Aurora. It seems now is the perfect time to get his plan started. Lady Sirena sees Prince Leonidas about to make his move to give the poison to the Arch-Duke, but it seems she accidently caused a distraction by hitting herself to the wall.

“You know what to do,” Prince Leonidas passed along the cup he already placed the poison in.

“Yes, your highness,” a servant said.

“Good, now do what I paid you for,” Prince Leonidas orders.

“Yes, your highness,” a servant said.

The servant goes to the Arch-duke and offers him a glass of wine to drink.

“Would you like a glass of wine, sir?” the servant asked, offering him the glass.

“Yes, thank you,” Arch-duke Diamant said, accepting the glass.

“There’s your father, Aurora,” Prince Mathias said, pointing him out.

“Thank you, Prince Mathias,” Aurora said.

“Your highness, doesn’t that glass look a little bit odd? Oh, my goodness, it’s poisoned, we got to go.”

Lady Aurora quickly runs to her father’s side hoping she gets there in time.

“Father, wait, the drink is poisoned.”

After having been warned, Arch-duke Diamant slowly drinks it while being immune to the poison. “The poison has no effect on you, Arch-duke. But how?,” Prince Mathias said.

“Thank goodness the antidote worked,” Lady Aurora said, relieved.

“What do you mean?” Prince Mathias asked.

“When you warned me about your brother trying something in the ball, I quickly made this antidote for my whole family to use in case of this.”

“Interesting? May I have some?,” Prince Mathias asked.

“I’ll give it to you when I have the chance. Unfortunately, I didn't make enough for the rest of the victims,” Lady Aurora explains.

“Alright, maybe next time,” Prince Mathias said.

As Prince Leonidas watches this event unfold, he realizes his plan failed, so now he is going to go for his back up plan. Perhaps targeting the arch-duke was foolish, so now maybe try someone important, like his youngest son, Runolf.

“Go give this glass of wine to the arch-duke’s youngest son, Runolf,” Prince Leonidas orders the servant to do.

“Yes, your highness,” a servant said.

Meanwhile,Lady Aurora is starting to have a bad feeling like something else is going to happen, but she does not know what. Nervously, the servant slowly approaches the arch-duke’s youngest son.

“I am having a bad feeling about this,” Lady Aurora said to herself.

“Are you alright?” Prince Mathias asked.

“I am fine, I just have this feeling that we have not stop your brother yet.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean we have to search for my brothers. Where is Runolf?”

“I am sure he is close.”

“Well, we have to find him.”

“I will help you.

As Lady Aurora still frantically searches for her younger brother Runolf, Prince Leonidas along with Lady Sirena are waiting for this part of the plan to take place.