sbi royalty

ball pt 2

"I am Nihachu by the way, Your Royal Highness, but I would prefer it if you called me Niki."

"Then you can call me Wilbur." he replied with a coy smirk, if that's something you can do.

"I've never met a prince who is as casual as you before." Niki said curiously.

"Being royalty only makes sense until you actually think about it." Wilbur looked down and fiddled with his hands. "You're not so normal either: your name, it's not a usual one."

"I am not from around here, my father meant to come but couldn't make it unfortunately. Though I was nearby, so attended in his place."
Niki said, "But anyway, what are you doing lurking the corridors? I don't care what goes on in that ballroom, but you should."

"Hmm," Wilbur pondered for a moment, unsure of how much to say, "Neither of my brothers are here so all the attention falls on Father and I." He decided to stop there.

Niki analysed him with cold eyes, then stopped herself, and offered a warm smile instead. He sat up straighter and returned the smile.

"How are you as tall as me?! You're still seated!" Niki exclaimed, half smiling, half wide eyed with furrowed brows.

Wilbur only replied with a even greater smile, one that a child might grin when made to seem happy in front of their grandparents.

Niki chuckled. She extended her gloved hand, and turned slightly to side, in the direction of the ballroom. Wilbur took her hand and was pulled to his feet. He made it look like far too much effort was involved in the manoeuvre yet still moved with a certain charm that was both attractive and clumsy.

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a/n: i haven't written in here since i think january sooo i thought i would at least finish this chapter as i have a bit of time on my hands. i still roughly remember the story i had laid out but bare with me if it feels off, anyways, on with the new content!!
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They glided down the quiet corridors together, it had gotten dark seemingly out of nowhere as the time passed easily. The moon shone brilliantly, almost full, it illuminated even the unlit aisles through the repeated, arched windows. They both could not help glancing at each other as their faces glowed in the soft moonlight.

However, once they reached the ballroom the parted ways.

"One dance." Wilbur half-whispered, before disappearing into the crowd of puffy dresses and capes. Niki's eyes lit up briefly before realising she'd been left alone, and her gaze turned downward.

Wilbur weaved between the various huddles of people and stayed clear of the dance floor as he manoeuvred towards his father. His eyes met no one's, but his gentle smile touched everyone who saw it. He also realised as he walked that he didn't really know why he trying to find Phil, as he knew he be lectured about the speech, Will sought him out nonetheless.

King Phil actually spotted his son first, and politely excused himself from the flock of people vying for his attention.

"Your majesty," Prince Wilbur bowed slightly, making a rare show of ceremony, "shall we talk a moment?"

"Of course son." The King replied. The two walked quietly to an adjoining room with only a few people milling about, they made a point to ignore the judging eyes of the other guests.

"I will call the room's attention, if you're ready?"

"Mm." Was all he said, he met his father's gaze once, then dropped his eyes again.

"It's not that big a deal, okay? It will all be alright. I get nervous too you, by the way. Oh, and I'm giving the speech, don't think you're off the hook though." Phil have Will a warm smile and a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it lightly.

Wilbur returned a hesitant smile. 'What has the old man got in store for me this time? Was this a last minute change or...? At least I don't have to pander to the stiff planks of wood around the room.'

They both strode back into the main hall, Phil grabbed a champagne flute and spoon and tapped the glass. The sound spread and shushed the crowd like a virus.

"My humblest greetings esteemed guests," King Phil started, gazing across the room, bowing very slightly. "I am delighted to welcome you all here today, th- thank you for coming." He moved so that he was stood on the grand, red-carpeted staircase at the end of the room and gestured for Wilbur to follow.

"I am also very excited to present to everyone, my dearest son here, his highness, Prince Wilbur. He is my pride and joy." The King raised his glass. "To the Prince!"

"To the Prince!" A chorus of voices echoed.

Wilbur's cheeks were stained a colour more vibrant than any ladies' dress in the ballroom could hope to achieve as he stood, rigid. He smiled. He made eye contact with Niki, who was stood near the back with a wide grin across her face.

Wilbur relaxed marginally, and almost enjoyed the moment. A mixture of expressions gazed up at him, some smiles, some sideward glances at peers of varying levels of enthusiasm.

Everyone seemed to be waiting to something before returning to their conversions so Wilbur felt it was about time he spoke up.

"Thank you all very much, and thank you Father," He nodded, "Please continue enjoying yourselves now."

He took a deep breathed and sighed loudly.

"Not too bad eh?" Phil joked.

"I'm not sure if that was worse or not, I suppose we will see." Wilbur scanned the room, looking for Niki, but seeing no sign of her.

He left and returned to the quiet spot he found before, and unsurprisingly, Niki was waiting for him.

"You still owe me a dance you know."

Wilbur's mouth dropped open slightly, unsure what to say.

"Well, maybe another time... not sure I can really face going back in theretonight."

"Me too." Niki turned to look at him, she looked stunning in the moonlight.

They talked for a long time, most of the guests retired for night, some staggered into the courtyard below the window.

"When do you think we will next see each other?" Niki tilted her head slightly and frowned.

"Hmm, I don't know. I am sure we can arrange something soon. Unless you have any objections?"

"Of course not!" She seemed surprised at his remark, pleasantly surprised.

"Good. Though I must take my leave now, I've been suspicious enough this night as is, you see." Wilbur said solemnly.

"I understand." Niki nodded curtly.

Wilbur gave her smile before striding past her. He brushed her shoulder as he did. She watched him walk away and listened until the light thuds disappeared completely.

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like i said i'm back ig??? not sure exactly where to go from here but i'll figure it out probably, ty for reading still!!