The following two days fly by in a whirlwind. The household staff scurry about tirelessly, ensuring every decoration and dish is flawlessly prepared. Celestia and I grumble together, both dreading the discomfort of being squeezed into corsets as we select our dresses. Our time is also filled with the delightful company of Sin and Caspian, who have become cherished friends over the years.
Finally, the day of the grand ball arrives. I slip into a stunning red ballgown adorned with intricate black lacing with a matching mask. Dysis assists me in styling my hair into an elegant updo. In a heartwarming gesture, I lend her a dress so she can experience the festivities as a guest, rather than a servant. After all, every young girl deserves a chance to revel in joy.
As Dysis puts the finishing touches on my makeup, and I adjust my mask, a sudden knock interrupts our preparations. Startled, I turn to find Sin standing at the door.
"Lord Sin, what a pleasant surprise," I greet him, curiosity etching my voice.
He takes my hand and plants a gentle kiss upon it. "You look absolutely enchanting. I came to inquire if you have a companion for the ball this evening."
A moment of contemplation passes before I respond. "No, I do not."
"May I have the honor then?" Sin asks with a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.
I ponder his proposal for a brief moment. "Why not? Take a shot with me first."
We take a shot of whiskey together straight out of the bottle and I feel the familiar burn down my throat.
With a charming smile, Sin offers me his arm. I gladly accept, returning his smile with equal enthusiasm. I haven't even thought about any man since Rowan died and it could be fun to flirt and dance for a while.
Together, we stride confidently into the grand ballroom, paying no mind to the judgmental gazes and hushed whispers of the highborns and servants surrounding us. A renowned warrior and trusted friend of the King, accompanied by an enigmatic Traveler girl who mysteriously appeared at the castle without warning. An unlikely pair, to say the least.
As we enter the ballroom, a captivating darkness envelopes the space, enhanced by the flickering glow of only a few floating candles. The room is adorned with an enchanting illusion of fog, skillfully conjured by one of the magic users present, while another amuses the crowd by playfully extinguishing flames mid-air.
"Isn't it enchanting?" A familiar voice interrupts our reverie. Even though her face is concealed by a mask, I recognize Celestia immediately due to her flowing white hair and the elegant black dress I assisted her in choosing just yesterday.
"Yes, it's absolutely breathtaking. So unique..." I pause, taking in the dark ambiance and the melodious strains of classical music that fill the air.
Celestia nods in agreement, and I notice a man with silver curls joining our small gathering.
"Your Grace," I curtsy respectfully. "Wishing you both a joyous birthday."
"Thank you," Caspian acknowledges, though his attention seems to be captivated by Sin.
"Have you had the pleasure of seeing Nova yet?" Sin inquires, standing beside me.
"Yes, I caught a glimpse of her briefly last night," Caspian responds, his gaze lingering on Sin.
"Nova is here?" Celestia's face lights up with excitement.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I turn to Sin and ask, "Who is Nova?"
"My half-sister," Sin replies nonchalantly.
"I can't wait to meet her," I exclaim, genuine anticipation in my voice. Caspian chuckles at my enthusiasm.
"Wait until you've met her before making any judgments," Caspian advises with a knowing smile. "Nova is... spirited."
"She's an absolute delight. You'll adore her," Celestia assures me, her smile infectious.
As we stand together, indulging in delectable fruits and sipping on fine wine, our conversations meander aimlessly. Sin remains close by my side, and after our second glass of wine, he extends his hand and invites me to dance. Without hesitation, I accept, ready to embrace the enchantment of the evening.
As the music swells, Sin and I move seamlessly together on the dance floor, our bodies pressed intimately close. The chemistry between us is electric, igniting a fire that draws the attention of the entire room. Eyes follow our every move, captivated by the sensual and flirtatious energy that emanates from us. I can see Caspian watching our every move from the corner of my eye.
His hand confidently rests on the small of my back, guiding my every step with a touch that sends shivers down my spine. Our bodies sway in perfect harmony, the rhythm of the music syncing with the pounding of our hearts.
Lost in the moment, I feel his warm breath against my ear as he whispers, "You are absolutely breathtaking tonight."
A mischievous smile dances upon my lips as I respond, "And you, my dear Sin, are handsome as always."
The intensity between us grows with every twirl and dip, the heat in the room rising to match the undeniable chemistry shared between us. The world around us fades into a blur as we revel in the intoxicating connection, the desire simmering just beneath the surface.
He skillfully dips me and effortlessly lifts me back up, our faces now mere inches apart. With a charming smile, he leans in, preparing to seal our moment with a kiss. Just as our lips are about to touch, a sudden cough interrupts us, causing me to startle. To my surprise, Caspian stands behind us, observing the scene.
"May I step in?" he asks, directing his attention toward me. My cheeks flush with embarrassment at being caught in such an intimate act.
"Of course, Your Grace,"He bows courteously and turns towards me, releasing his hold on my waist to gently kiss my hand. "I will find you later."
Returning his smile, I watch as he walks away, leaving me with Caspian.
"May I?" Caspian queries, reaching out his hand towards me. I smile, accepting his offer as he places his hand on my lower waist, pulling me closer. The familiar scent of peppermint wafts around him.
"Be cautious around Sin," he whispers into my ear. "He may be a good man, despite his lineage, but his reputation with women precedes him. If you seek a lasting relationship, he may not be the right choice."
Surprised by his warning, I inquire, "But aren't you his friend? Why are you telling me this?" As he twirls me around and dips me down gracefully, he catches me and brings me back up to face him.
"You are my friend as well, and you've experienced enough pain in your life. I felt you should know," he says, his face dangerously close to mine. I feel his grip on my waist tighten, and his mismatched blue and green eyes lock onto mine intensely.
Drawing even nearer, his lips hover near my neck, his voice a mere whisper, "Thank you for the dance," just as the song concludes.
Momentarily stunned, I watch him walk away before turning towards a servant and taking a shot of whiskey from their tray.
"Are you the King's new mistress?" a deep, feminine voice interrupts my thoughts.
"Pardon me?" I pivot to find a stunning woman with olive skin and flowing black hair, adorned in an elegant dark purple gown.
She grins, revealing a row of flawless teeth. "It's alright if you are. There's no shame in that. My brother always seems to have a penchant for the King's lovers. It's been a friendly rivalry between them since childhood."
"Ah, you must be Nova," I deduce, the realization dawning upon me. "And I am not the King's or anyone else's mistress."
"Apologies, seeing you dance with both of them led me to assume," she replies, her smile lacking sincerity.
"Lady Kyla, I see you've met my dearest little sister," Sin interjects, approaching us and offering me a glass of expensive-looking red wine, which I graciously accept.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kyla," Nova says before departing, leaving me alone with Sin.
YOU ARE READING
A Traveler's Curse
FantasíaI don't want her blood staining my conscience, Caspian!" I yell at the king, my voice trembling with a mix of fury and sorrow. "It's not on your hands, Kyla! It's on mine! When I discovered she had poisoned you, I could have personally beheaded her...
