It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Masquerade Ball

Slowly, the weeks passed and August had returned. The setting sun warmed the green grass and waved at the colourful flowers which stood tall in the garden. It was the evening of the masquerade ball that Kanato had spent so much time preparing. "I hope she likes it," he said to Teddy with a weak smile, "it's for her."

The ballroom had been prepped and the royal members were getting ready for the party.

For once, Athena had let her handmaid dress her. She'd been silent for the past few weeks and had chosen to stay put in bed. If it weren't for Reiji forcing her out of bed, she wouldn't have been attending the party at all.

"Drink this," Reiji instructed as he handed her a plastic cup filled with a metallic-scented liquid. "It will be a busy night." She said nothing as she sipped the blood, the taste was like ash, causing her to frown. "Athena," Reiji cleared his throat, "I don't know what's been going on with you… but you can talk to me."

Her handmaid - Ellie - tightened the back of Athena's corset, making her wince. "I worry about you." Still, she remained quiet, choosing to avert her gaze and finish the dreadful contents in the cup. 

"Your nightmares are getting worse and worse, you refuse to get out of bed or to eat. You're deteriorating once again." Reiji gulped as he tied his black tie. "I refuse to watch you do this to yourself."

Athena caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and she felt her stomach churn. She'd opted for a black gown with long, lacy sleeves and a laced neckline which tickled the curves of her breasts. The skirt was long and thick and it trailed slightly on the floor with every movement. She closed her eyes as Ellie moved to do the Queen's makeup. The brush was cold on her lips, the dust heavy and itchy on her eyelids. She didn't complain.

"Ellie." Reiji said, his voice low, "You are dismissed."

"Yes Your Majesty." The woman bowed low before she disappeared. Athena's eyes peeled open when his hands gripped her shoulders.

"Say something," he begged, shaking her slightly as his fuschia eyes searched hers, "Athena, please." Her lips parted and the King waited patiently… only for them to close once more. 

There was nothing for her to say.

-_-_-_-

"Are you sure she'll be safe?" Yui asked softly as she sat herself beside Ayato, her knee bouncing anxiously as she leaned her head upon her husband's shoulder.

"Yeah…" he replied, "I'm sorry we had to come."

"It's important," Yui said with a small smile, "don't worry about it."

"Have you seen Athena?" Ayato asked, "I know you were excited to see her."

"She won't leave her room," Yui frowned, "Reiji said to not take it personally… but even so."

"Athena has been very sick lately," a voice sounded, causing the couple to look up from their seats in the parlour. Christa Sakamaki sauntered across the room, sitting herself opposite them. "She hasn't left her chambers for a good few weeks."

"What's wrong with her?" Yui frowned.

"It is not my place to say." Christa offered a smile, "Welcome back, Dear."

-_-_-_-

The hours passed and the party was soon in full motion. The guests were dressed in pale colours - as requested by Kanato - and they danced elegantly across the polished floors. The chatter was melodic and drowned the sweet music. The royal members had all been dressed in dark colours. One stood with a group of ladies, tipping his silly fedora. Another led his mother in a dance beside his brother and his pale-haired wife. Kanato stood to the side by the buffet as he held Teddy tight. He was searching frantically for Athena.