Guardians of Arcadia: Arc 1

Paranoia

"A princess ball?!" Aimi squealed. "You're so lucky!"

"What was that back there?" Rose raised a brow. She knew almost nothing about royal society or traditions. "What ball was he talking about?

"A princess ball," Iclyn chimed in. "It's a gala specially for a princess that ensures they now have a say when it comes to the royal court. It's common for princesses who hit sixteen or seventeen."

"Does this mean you're going back to Zenith for a little bit?" Rhea turned to Pixel, who was just staring at her phone. Rhea snapped her fingers, startling the princess.

"W-What? Oh, yes, I will be going home soon. Faragonda approached me this morning and told me when I could leave. I'd just be getting that friday and weekend off from school to be with my family. You're all invited, by the way."

"Wow, a princess ball. Must be nice." Zoe sighed, flopping onto the couch.

"You're a duchess, do you get parties like these?" Rhea asked.

"Dukes and Duchesses who are born by blood are given a gala that's more or less a family dinner with the respected court members, as well as the royal family." Aimi looked over to Zoe. "You're one too, huh?"

"You too?" Zoe smiled. "I had mine a couple of years ago. What about you?"

"Not yet," Aimi groaned.

"Well, this gives us an opportunity to go shopping tonight for both gala and ball outfits. We can grab food on the way back." Mira grinned.

"Do you have an idea of what to wear, Pix?" Iclyn asked.

"Not a clue. I'm honestly just so confused by all of this," She ran her fingers through her hair. "Zenith doesn't have traditions like most realms do, and my father doesn't have the time to host a party like this. It's so out of the ordinary for him, unless it's my aunt planning it."

"What about your mo-" Rhea's mouth was immediately covered by Aimi's hand, shushing her in a silent manner.

Zoe just gave Rhea a 'not now' glare before turning back to Pixel. "Let's just push all the worries aside for a moment, okay? Your big day is coming up, and I'm assuming you're not prepared in the slightest?"

"Not at all. A part of me wishes not to even go, especially when I've worn every single piece of fashion Zenith has to offer. I'm sure they'd want me showing up in something I've already worn."

"What if you change that? We could break the Zenith dress code and have you show up in something that will make everyone's eyes POP!" Rhea pushed Aimi off her, grinning like a circus clown. She was a bit too excited for this. She had never been to a princess ball, much less been NEAR a princess.

"I don't want to make people's eyes explode!" Pixel covered her mouth, visibly scared.

"Jokes. It's a joke." Rose facepalmed.

"We have a lot of shopping to do, so why don't we go out this afternoon for outfits and dinner?" Iclyn pulled out her credit card. "My treat on dinner."

"This won't be so bad, right?" Mira gave Pixel a smile.

Pixel could only hope she didn't say anything that would mess things up. All she could do was tell herself to stay silent until spoken to.

•••

Classes that afternoon weren't much of a hassle in means of homework. However, the real scare was the announcement Palladium and Faragonda made during fifth period.

"Simulator?!" Rhea cried out. "Oh my ARCADIA. I completely forgot I have to participate in that!" She buried her face into her hands, wanting to scream.