Folke || Folkelore

♥︎ Bonus Scene ♥︎

Ten years prior to Folke

Shaking out my hair, I exhale slowly and tuck it deep inside a hat. It's just another ball. Even though I'd rather be anywhere other than a stuffy ballroom, I have to attend. I can't skip a ball thrown by my betrothed.

I adjust my sleeves one last time before slipping on my mask. Of course it's a stupid masquerade. Calla loves those. I do not. But she glows so beautifully at masquerades, I can't help but say yes. Little does she know, I am wrapped around her finger.

Mama calls for us, and I hurry from my room down to the great hall. Adonis and Papa are already waiting. Neither attempted to hide their hair, and I begin to feel rather ridiculous.

Papa opens a door to Loam, and once through we all split up to enter through different doors. Calla really wanted it to be anonymous. Weaving through the hallways, I don't take much notice of my surroundings. I've been here countless times, and it's almost like a second home. One day it will be my home. The day I marry Calla.

I shake the thoughts from my head, stepping into the ballroom. Instantly, my eyes find Calla in the throng. She's dressed like an angel in a flowing white dress, wings out and amber curls piled on her head. A thin white veil replaces a mask, and my breath catches. She's lovely.

My feet move towards her on their own accord. She's magnetic, that's what she is. I can't help but draw near to her whenever she's around. I meander into the group surrounding her, watching as she laughs and interacts. Ever the perfect princess.

Music starts, and I hurry to her side. I clear my throat, and she looks up at me with those bright emerald eyes. My breath catches, and I barely remember to deepen my voice when I ask, "May I have this dance, Your Highness?"

Her cheeks pink as her lips press into a small, coy smile. "I believe this one's free."

Breath rushes out of me, and I lead her onto the dance floor. We take our positions like we've done a hundred times, but this time, she doesn't know who I am. Just as I planned. We weave through the other dancers, moving with the steps while our gaze hardly ever breaks. I'm completely and utterly mesmerized by her. I couldn't look away if I tried.

We don't talk for the whole of the dance and once it's over I don't want it to end. I catch Calla's hand, pressing a kiss to the back.

"Would you care to take a walk, Your Highness?"

"I- I would like that a lot," she breathes. Grinning, I tuck her hand in the crook of my arm and lead her out into the halls. She quickly takes the lead, and pulls me behind a large tapestry. "Who are you?"

My heart stops. She still doesn't know. "My name is A-Aidan, Your Highness."

"Please. Call me Calla," she murmurs, lifting her veil and pressing her lips to mine. The blood drains from my face, even as instinct takes over, and I press closer to her, kissing her back. Her hands lift, tugging at my mask, but I pull away.

"Excuse me—" I whisper raggedly, pushing away the tapestry and running down the hall. I drop to my knees in some alcove somewhere, tears streaming down my cheeks. Tossing my hat and mask on the floor, I run my hands over my face. She- she kissed me thinking I was some random boy at the ball. My first kiss with my betrothed was under the concealment of a mask. Oh Nikos, save me.

My future wife does not love me like I love her. And now I have to live with that knowledge. Love her knowing full well she- she-

Gah. I bury my face in my hands. This was a disaster. How can I face her again with this- this knowledge? I won't. I won't face her until I've forgotten or I've become immune to her. Either way, I won't be returning to Loam for a while. I nod to myself. Yes, that's best. We both could use some distance.

Standing, I brush off my pants and scoop up my discarded items. A quick snap of my wrist opens a door home, and I step through without a second thought. Soon, this will all be behind me.