The Crimson Chains That Bind Us

Chapter 12: The Winter Solstice Ball

Warning: Sexual Assault

Our room at the royal palace was three times nicer then the one at home. Ashton was reading in a chair as Catherine and Mary helped me get ready for the first ball of the next four days. When I was ready, Ashton stared at me in awe. "Your so beautiful." He muttered as he tossed his book on the small side table beside him. "As if you were kissed by god." The girls clapped their hands in unison. My gown was black to match Ashton, my circlet had rubies that resembled Ashton's brooch. He bowed and kissed my knuckles.

We left our room and made our way to the ballroom where I descended the grand staircase on Ashton's arm, my gown shimmering in the flickering candlelight. The royal palace was adorned in silks of white and gold, but beneath the opulence, i sensed the cruelty's icy grip.

Nobles swirled across the polished floors, their lips twisted around forbidden secrets. Jewels glinted from throats pulled tight with restraint. A den of vipers waited, biding their time to strike.

King Edward lounged upon his throne, his crown tilted skewed atop his brow. His bug-like eyes surveyed the crowd with disdain. Lady Anne was nearby, stealing glances at the king. Their affair no secret, perhaps they will marry since Edward had no wife. Edwards eyes landed upon me, they looked me up and down following my curves. My  heart raced with an inexplicable dread, and I glanced up at my husbands face.

Ashton's arm stiffened, his whole body was as still as a post. His face, usually stoic, now resembled a weathered cliff preparing to crumble. I leaned into his strength, longing to disappear within its folds. But we had come to this ball in search of allies, despite the vipers' venomous gaze. For the sake of Eldarion's oppressed people, i would dance. I lingered at Ashton's side, leaving only to speak with the ladies of the wife meeting. And when we retired for the night he held me in a protective circle of his arms, he whispered to protect me.

The second night, the music swelled and with it rose false merriment in that perfumed cage of malevolence masquerading as nobility. Me and Ashton glided through the dances, searching for a glimmer of honor amid the morass of greed. But the night's true horror had only just begun to show its sinister fangs. I strolled hand-in-hand with Ashton through the opulence of the capital castle's gilded halls. Majestic chandeliers illuminated our path as the intoxicating aroma of champagne mixed with the infectious sound of laughter, cheers, and midnight merriment filled the air from the grand ballroom up ahead.

As we stood at the entrance to the ball, i took a deep breath, inhaling deeply as i steeled muse beneath the ivory mask covering her face. The dress I wore today was dark blue, one similar to my wedding gown. My heart raced as Ashton gently caressed the back of my gloved hand, running his thumb gently across my knuckles. "Remember, Farrah. We must tread carefully here. We're on a dangerous mission. But always remember, you're not alone. I stand by you side, every step of the way."

My heart fluttered with relief knowing i had the backing of such a fierce sentinel. A nod of affirmation, and we stepped into the pulsating spectacle that lay before us. In the twinkling of an eye, the room transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors and movement. Silked-wrapped aristocrats swirled around the gleaming marble floor, feathers raised high in wild celebration. But beneath the masks of jubilation, I could sense a palpable underlying fear - a collective awareness that within the very heart of this hedonistic paradise, a poisonous corruption festered, slowly eating away at their nation's very soul.

With a steely focus, Ashton guided me through hushed conversations and barely perceptible gestures, expertly sizing up the loyalty of the nobles around them. As the harpsichord struck up a triumphant tune, i caught sight of my quarry - a figure cloaked in gold and dripping in jewels, exuding a sense of authority that sent shivers down my spine.