Wither

Part III

The evening of the following day came. Everyone was gathered across the huge ballroom inside the royal castle of Helianth, royal families from other kingdoms, wealthy men, and those who were close to the royal family of Helianth were filling up the place as a soft and graceful hymn invites them for a fancy celebration.

The ceiling was decorated by a chandelier that looks like the signature of the kingdom—the sunflower. Its rays were scattered across the place, illuminating the whole hall and proudly highlighting the elegant interiors of the castle. Everything is perfect and beautiful, but the eyes of the dressmaker seem to crave for something more than this very hall. He was just sitting on a table that the king had reserved for him, looking constantly on the stairs and the glass on his hand filled with the wine that suits his liking the most, the sunflower wine.

He was bored by the people slow dancing on the floor with the mellow music playing. He found it odd how most people enjoy that kind of dancing. It was childish, rubbish even. Dancing slowly to a soft music with the hands on the waist and on the shoulders of the pairs. He could not imagine himself dancing to such lameness. That was a few moments ago. He could not imagine, not until the music went slower, more graceful, and more romantic as his eyes caught the glimpse of the face he had been dying to see, wearing ever-elegantly the piece he made. He could not imagine himself dancing to such lameness until he yearned to hold the prince's hand and waist while dancing amidst these bunch of people. He could not imagine...until the prince beamed a smile when he met his eyes.

Mauve's mouth gaped in awe, astonished at the sight he never once thought he would see. Even though he knows it was a forced smile, the prince made sure to smile when looking at him. It was more than an honor for him.

The other people who saw him stopped whatever they were doing when their attention was caught by the bright smile coming from the staircase. The hall was filled with greetings for the royalty, the beaut of Helianth. He graced his way down the steps, eyes fixed on the dressmaker who, as well, looks stunning. He never liked messy and disorganized things, but now that Mauve's hair is in a mess, the prince found it rather hot. He would never confess it to the other, nonetheless. He saw how the dressmaker had two of his buttons down, without an undershirt, showing a low neckline. Little did he know, he was blushing, red as tomato, while asking himself why did he find him attractive. Why does he feel some tingling on the pit of his stomach when he just told himself the day before that he will cut ties? Why was there a sudden increase in his heart's pace? It was only Mauve, his dressmaker.

It was his birthday, the same day as the day of the flowers of the sun. It was a really beautiful and bountiful harvest. The prince thanked everyone who wished him a happy birthday, forcing a smile, too good for others not to notice it was fake. Truth be told, five minutes inside the hall felt like hours and he is getting uncomfortable. The king approached him and caught him in an embrace. He knew he felt something, but he neglected it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I request everyone to raise a toast for his majesty, the next king of the land of Helianth, Prince Nicholas!" Like how they were asked, everyone invited to the gathering raised their glasses with the wine served a few minutes before. Smiles were plastered on their faces as they looked at the prince who held his chin up high, pride and confidence lacing his face.

"To the beaut of Helianth!" Everyone cheered and sipped from their glasses.

"To the most exquisite sunflower I ever laid my eyes on," Mauve muttered, eyes smiling at the man in front.

The party continued and the hall was filled with laughter and cheers. The music filling the place became livelier as the night deepened. All individuals seem to enjoy the night, except someone—the very reason why the celebration was held. His hands were all sweaty, so was his forehead. He can feel himself draining every second passing. Celebrations were never comfortable for him. He looks composed and unfazed on his facade, but inside his head is a panicking and a nervous Nicholas. His breathing hitched. 'I need a break,' he thought.