Unmarked

Chapter 27

"Lavina!" Anghi said, running up to her in the hall.

"What?" She responded back.

"I got an A on my test! Your method worked so well!"

"Well, yes, all you have to do is trick your mind, I say."

"You ready to go?"

"Yup." She said grabbing a book from her locker and then shutting it. They walked together as they left the school. "I need to stop by the palace first, I have some things to look over for the Masquerade."

"The Masquerade?"

"Have you never heard of it?"

"I don't think so."

"The Masquerade is a big ball that takes place in the palace each. This year I get to plan it!"

"Oh, wow!" They walked into the palace and found their way to Leo.

"Hi uncle Leo!" Lavina said, hugging him.

"Hello Lavina! And you brought your brother along with you." Anghi waved to him. "I take it that you are here for Masquerade planning?"

"Yes I am!"

"Well, I suppose you will have to follow me. As for you Anghi, I have a special assignment for you too." Leo bent down to him and whispered something in his ear that made him blush. "What do you think?"

"Yeah, sure." He put his hand on his cheek.

"Follow me you two!" They followed him as he began to walk. Minutes later he stopped at a door. He opened it a smidge. Leo looked to Anghi and then moved his head to the door. Anghi smiled and then walked into the room. Leo closed the door behind him.

"What are you hiding?"

"Oh, nothing."

"Mhm."

"Oh, come on, smarty pants, we have our own plan for the next few hours." He said, starting to walk away. Lavina turned and followed him.

"So what are we doing today?"

"Today?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I thought you might like to pick out your dress, and mask, and tiara." She looked at the back of him with intent.

"We get to pick out the clothes today?"

"Among other things..." Leo opened the door to the ballroom, it was completely decorated.

"Wow." Lavina said, running to the middle of the room. She looked to the tables and then to Leo. "I take it you picked out the flower arrangements and place settings?"

"No, not completely. You're right about the flower arrangements, but you and I still have to chat about seating arrangements." He paused. "Now come on, this way." Lavina ran up the stairs to catch him.

"What are we going up here for?"

"You'll see." Leo turned to the right, taking her down a dimly lit hallway. "See?"

"Oh my gosh, it's the dressing rooms!"

"Yup, it's easier this way."

"Ah! Your majesties." The man said bowing to them.

"Lavina, this is Hznmfko. Now, can you tell me his name in English?" Lavina looked to Leo and then to the man.

"Something that starts with, I wanna say, a c?"

Leo laughed, "You really are just like your mother, hm? She didn't pick up Catonin too well, either."

"My English name is Charles, your majesty."

"Oh, thank you." She laughed. "Do you mind if I call you Charles?"

"Of course not, princess Lavina."

"Well, not to push you, Hznmfko, but we must get started, we have a few other tasks to get to as well before the young princess leaves for the night."

"How do you say it so fast?"

"Of course your majesty." Charles took out his measuring tape and started to measure Lavina.

"It's pretty easy once you know the language. But as for now, you might just want to write it out. It seems to be easier to pronounce when you see it."

Lavina laughed again, "I'm glad that works for you, but it just makes it that more confusing to me. There's so many different ways to pronounce words in Catonin, and that's what makes it so hard, you miss a sound and you could change the whole word."

"That is true."

"Is mom coming to the ball?" The man stopped and looked over to Leo

"Mom?" He stopped, "I suppose in spirit," Lavina looked to the ground.

"It always feels like she's there." Lavina smiled. You see, no one knew Amilia was back besides her close relatives. Amilia was so elusive that no one in the castle had seen her except for Leo and a few members of the staff. The man walked out of the room.

"I think she'll be there, I'm not sure." Leo said to her.

"You think so?"

"Well, she has to tell everyone sometime, hm? What do you think I asked Anghi to do?"

"I don't know." Leo bent down and put his hand to Lavina's ear.

"I'm having him help plan your mothers coronation. As a little surprise for her." Lavina looked to Leo.

"I- I'm not allowed to help plan her coronation?"

"You're already doing so much here, with the masquerade, and one way or another your mother will see all you have done. Anghi hasn't had that opportunity yet, it's not too big, he's just making a few small decisions."

"Like what?"

"Now why would I tell you that? You'll put ideas in your poor brother's head, and then it wouldn't be his project anymore." She brooted. "Come on now, cheer up." Leo looked up.

"Now, what do you have in mind, Princess Lavina?"