❝𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫❞ 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭

❝𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚❞

You stared over the balcony, opting to watch the sea of people rather than the ocean behind you. "We're allowed up here? For reals?" You turn to smile at Katya's bewildered face. 

"Uh... More or less. It's fine, nobody can see us, and nobody told me I can't be here, right?" You moved the curtain back into place, it covered the balcony and the damage to the stairs that took you there.

"I'm not sure that's how it works..." You rolled your eyes. 

"Trust me. I've been here since I was six, and I'm probably the most rule-following out of the two of us. This balcony isn't banned, but the stairs are broken." You sat by the railing, staring at the crowd of guests. "Look- There's the royals." Katya sat next to you, leaning on your shoulder. "That's Pierro, the one in charge. He's technically the King but it's pretty clear that's just for show." He sat in the biggest throne, in the centre of the stage. One either side of him, his siblings began to take their seats. "On his left is Dottore, the next in line for regent. He's freaky... he barely leaves his personal study. On Pierro's right is Columbina, the one we serve. She's a beautiful singer." Katya nodded. "On either side of those two is Pulcinella and Capitano. I don't know much about either of them, but I avoid them both. For them to be so high ranking, there's surely a reason." I frowned, scanning the floor. "The last two in the seats are Pantalone and Arlecchino. Pantalone has a lot of money, as he inherited his mother's fortune as well. Arlecchino seems fine on the outside, but she's supposedly more dangerous than she lets on." 

"Who's usually in the empty seats?" I pointed out a ginger man mixed in with all the guests.

"That's Prince Childe, or Tartaglia, last in line for the throne. He flirts with everyone yet dates nobody. He sits with the others late, but usually not last. The Fair Lady will be making a grand entrance, she's a little extra. The last prince, Scaramouche, always takes his place last. He weaves through the crowd and eavesdrops on everyone. I've never been unlucky enough to meet him, but he's supposedly a huge jerk." Katya snorted.

"That's a bold way to talk about a royal." You shrugged, turning back to the crowd. 

"I'm an honest person. " The rest of the Royals had made their way to their thrones, minus the sixth. 

"Honesty... supposed to be a good quality. I just find it... interesting." You froze, turning around again slowly. A short indigo-haired man was staring at me, a smirk on his face. You inhaled sharply, bowing your head.

"Y-Your highness! I apologise, I didn't-" He held up his hand, cutting you off. Katya was completely silent, her eyes wide.

"Silence. I never gave you permission to speak." You bit your lip, anxiety washing over you.  "Your little descriptions of all of us were accurate, especially mine. My brothers and sisters may turn a blind eye to your defiance, but I will not." He grabbed the fabric at the top of your dress, forcing you closer. "The next time I find you badmouthing the Eleven, I will cut out your tongue. Got that?" You nodded quickly, and he released you. "Insignificant worm." He muttered, climbing down the broken staircase. 

"Oh gods, Katya, I'm so sorry you had to see that. On your first day!" You hugged her tight, copying the prince and leading her down to the ballroom.

"It's fine, really! Are you okay? that was intense." You shrug.

"I had it coming, let's be honest. Now, we've got to go watch the Fair Lady's grand entrance. It's usually pretty spectacular."