-Victoria-
As soon as I was free to roam the ballroom, I began making my way towards the back where I'd seen Ani. I couldn't believe he'd never told me he was a noble. I was so going to give him a piece of my mind. I quickly found, however, my path blocked by the last person I wanted to confront right now. Ustrea.
"What an entrance you made." She said, her anger barely concealed, "And that dress…not exactly what the palace seamstresses made."
"No they didn't make it," I told her, trying to keep a level head, "They ignored my input during the consultation so I had someone else make one."
"A pity," She said with a smirk, "I'm certain it would have suited you perfectly."
"Is that why you sent the dress along with those women to 'get me ready' this afternoon?" I asked.
"I was only trying to help you, dear sister." She said with a fake, sweet smile.
"I appreciate your concern." I responded with as genuine a smile as I could manage, "I look forward to receiving as much help and advice from you as you're willing to give, sister."
I saw something in her snap in that moment. I was really being genuine and I think that made her even more angry. Her face twisted into a wicked sneer.
"I bet you're just loving all this attention," She whispered aggressively, "How I've been pushed aside. Forgotten."
"Absolutely not, Ustrea," I told her, once again trying to show her sincerity, "I had no idea you'd be excluded from all this. I will talk to our father about this. You are a princess in your own right and should never be treated less. We should've all been up there together, as a family. I'm sorry you had to stand there and watch."
Tears welled in her eyes that she fought back. She began looking around like a wild animal trying to escape. Her fists clenched tight.
"I don't need your pity." She spat before storming off into the crowd.
I sighed as I watched her go. The more I interacted with her, the sadder it all became. Someday I hope to sit down with her and talk everything out but that's not today. Today I have a ball to survive and a friend to interrogate.
I barely made it 10 steps across the ballroom before I was faced with a nicely dressed woman and her daughter. Both fell into deep curtsies to block my way. When they stood, the mother smiled brightly.
"Your Highness, might I have the honor to introduce you to my daughter, Iphi." She said, gesturing to the girl.
"It's nice to meet you." I said offering a friendly smile.
"She attends Pelmora," The mother told me, "And is even in several of the same classes as you."
"I see," I was getting a little weirded out, "Do you enjoy your classes?"
"They're fine." Iphi mumbled, clearly trying to disappear.
"It would be our honor for Iphi to accompany you during your years at Pelmora," The mother told me, ignoring how uncomfortable her daughter was, "She could benefit from some guidance from someone like you in her classes."
"Two things," I said, "One: Iphi has been raised in Evania her whole life while I'm just finding my feet. If anyone needs guidance it's me."
"Well, Iphi would be honored-" The mother started again before I interrupted her.
"And two: no offense, but I can choose my own friends and I have," I told the mother before addressing Iphi directly, "However, if you need anything, just come to our table, we'll be more than happy to assist you."
"Thank you." Iphi said with a smile.
"Now if you'll excuse me." I moved past the pair leaving the mother standing there stunned.
I managed to make significant headway in moving towards Ani. I could actually see him and his family quietly talking still way in the back. It made me wonder why they were keeping to themselves. More importantly, why everyone was avoiding them like the plague.
"Your Highness." A portly man suddenly stepped into my path with a bow. "I don't believe we've been introduced. I'm Inuvius, I serve on the King's council and my family has been training the soldiers of our great army for centuries."
"A pleasure to meet you, sir." I said, once again putting on a kind face.
"The pleasure is mine," He said, looking around the room, "I had hoped to introduce you to my son but he seems to have made himself scarce."
"Your son?" I asked, getting worried where this conversation was going.
"Yes, he's a few years older than you," He told me, still looking around, "But I think the two of you would make a fine match."
I groaned internally. I knew that was where this conversation was going.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I am already engaged," I reminded him, gently, "To Prince Azax."
"A poor match," He said looking down his nose at me, "Our kingdoms should remain separate. It's how it has always been and how it will remain. You should marry a pure blooded Varezian, like my son."
"I hear your opinion," I said, trying to not anger the man, "But I think I will continue down the path fate has led me too. If you'll excuse me."
I tried to push past him but he just roughly grabbed the top of my arm, pulling me back. I looked at the people around me for help but only received side eyes as they continued their conversations. Clearly we were surrounded by people of similar opinions.
"Fate?" He sneered, tightening his grip, "Do you know where fate led your predecessor? To an early grave along with our traitor Prince and their bastard child. You might find yourself at a similar end should you walk this path following fate."
"Are you threatening me, sir?" I asked fire lighting in my eyes.
My magic began to rise up and I felt his climb to meet it. Magic gathered around my free hand. He reached done towards the sword he wore on his hip.
"Is there a problem here?" A voice interrupted our stare down.
Looking over, there was now three of the King's guards standing there. All had their hands on their swords ready to step in. I felt Inuvius pull back his magic. I did the same.
"No problem here, gentlemen," He said, pretending to dust off the area he was just holding before taking my hand to his mouth for a kiss, "Enjoy the rest of the ball, Your Highness."
He disappeared into the crowd. The people who were surrounding me also dispersed allowing for new groups to fill the space. I nodded my thanks to the guards before looking back towards Ani. He was looking at me along with his father, who had his hand on his own sword. Determined to finally reach them, I straighten myself and continued on.
Ani finally caught on that I was coming to see him. He said something to his father which caused him to relax and head back to his seat. Ani then moved forward to meet me halfway.
"Your Highness." He said with a deep bow.
"Haven't we already gone over this." I sighed, "You don't need to do that."
"At school, maybe, but in proper society it can't be ignored." He informed, standing up with a mischievous smile, "You'll just have to get over it."
"Maybe someday," I laughed, "Why didn't you tell me you'd be here?"
"It's…complicated." He said, face becoming serious
"If you had explained at any time during the past week, it would've been pretty easy to get through it all." I pointed out.
"That's true," He couldn't help but laugh, "Look my family-"
"I wouldn't be caught speaking with these people, Your Highness." A voice interrupted Ani.
Turning around, there was a handsome man who looked a little familiar. His comment drew the attention of the people around us. Ani visibly shrunk back.
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" I asked.
"My name is Alafaris," He bowed, "I believe you met my father, Inuvius, just moments ago."
"That's why you look so familiar," I said, standing a little taller, "You look very similar to your father."
"Thank you." He said giving a smile that would make most people swoon.
"That wasn't a compliment," I told him, "After all, he did not make a very good first impression."
"He can be rather rash at times." He agreed with a chuckle.
"As can his son, clearly," I countered, "Ani is my friend from Pelmora. If I wish to talk with him and his family I will."
"That is your right." He agreed.
"I'm glad you agree." I said, turning back to look at Ani.
"Though as our future Queen, it would be best if you'd not associate with traitors."