30 Days As A Substitute Prince

Chapter 4

"You'll be just fine, Chad. I am certain of it." Joshua had tried to assure his new friend after seeing the nerves evident in the way he stood, as he tried hard not to laugh. 

But Chad didn’t find it funny. Even after spending the past four hours learning a simple waltz, he was nervous. 

Since Chad was a child, he had never had a single dancing bone in his body. His art was in paint and drawing, never dance. It didn’t occur to him when accepting Zadkiel's offer that he would have to attend balls. He was also sure that this wasn’t going to be the last. 

And as King Andreas explained, this ball was in honour of the prince's arrival, so all attention would be on him. What will people think when they see that he cannot dance? 

"What if I step on the princess' feet? Heavens, that would be disastrous." Chad complained as he paced in his room. They were both ready to go, and the ball was to begin in five minutes, so Chad's nerves were both understandable and indeed hilarious. 

"I have spent at least half my day dancing with you, Chad, and you dance well enough to get through the night," Joshua told him honestly. Even though it was a bit awkward at first, both men put in the work to get Chad somewhat ready for tonight. 

After Princess Aria gave him the tour of the castle, which was a magnificent experience to spend time with her and admire how she keeps her voice soft and her eyes bright as she spoke, Chad knew he had to excuse himself to get somewhat familiar with how a ball works. And Joshua was just the man. 

Even though Imperial's royal family didn’t host balls, given that they were keeping Zadkiel's existence a secret, Joshua had his fair share of experience. And when Zadkiel had his classes, he was always present with him. 

Joshua was certain that Chad would be just fine. But as always, everyone was more confident than him  than in his own self. 

"If you go out there like this, then surely you'll make a fool of yourself," Joshua scolded, seeing how Chad was basically having a panic attack in front of the mirror. "Have a little faith in yourself. So far, you've been an excellent Zadkiel."

"It has been less than twelve hours." Chad pointed out in a not so impressed tone.

Joshua chuckled. "All you need to do is smile and tell the princess that she looks lovely. I'll be close by if you need me." 

Gratitude welled in Chad's heart for a quick moment. Him and Zadkiel had pulled Joshua in their crazy plan, and Joshua was going along with it quite better than even he has without questioning or reluctance. 

Chad agreed then that if he wasn’t sure of anything else, he was sure that Joshua would have his back. 

A knock sounded on the door, and a servant in a red and black tunic stood tall behind it when Joshua pulled it open. 

"Your Majesty." He bowed to Chad, and Chad almost bowed back before catching himself. "I am here to escort you and your right hand man to the ball. The king's orders," the man said, and they nodded in agreement before leaving. 

The walk to the ball room was quite long, and Chad noticed that Aria hadn’t shown him the room on their tour. But when he stepped inside, he suddenly felt out of place but got a grip on himself quickly. 

The room was richly decorated in gold and white sitting everywhere, and the floors shone so bright that he could almost see his reflection in it. 

Guests of obviously high class were already scattered about the room, drinking from glasses and conversing quietly with one another.