The Prince

Part 44

On the night of the ball, Noah was anxiously pacing in his room looking at the braided cords in his hand. Before he lost his nerve, he took a deep breath and opened his bedroom door. Walking into the living room, he watched as Skye and Tsukasa jumped up.

Skye was in a white tuxedo, his hair styled within an inch of its life looking like James Bond, while Tsukasa wore the classic black, making Noah go weak in the knees. Both smiled at Noah who had stopped in the middle of the room.

"Hey," Tsukasa greeted nervously. "You look uh, you look amazing," he looked slightly shell-shocked, a blush creeping over his face.

"Oh gosh, don't get me started," Noah laughed off Tsukasa's comment, sure he was only being polite. He was a diplomat's son after all.

"No, he's right, you look kinda cute in a tux, although you might want to check your hair."

"There's nothing like a backhanded compliment to start the evening." Tightening his hand on the cords he held, he took a deep breath to steady himself.

"Uh, guys, there was, em, there is something I wanted to give you." Noah stammered still not sure if he was being stupid or naive. These weren't your regular teenagers, they lived on a plane way above him. When neither boy said anything Noah continued.

"Now, before you say anything, I don't have any money and this is the best that I can do, but I made it myself with only the two of you in mind. I, er, I know it's a stupid childish thing, but I wanted to say thank you." Blushing furiously, Noah held out a band to each boy not able to look them in the eye.

"Will you put it on me?" Skye's voice made Noah jump. 

Nodding, he stepped closer, tying the band around his wrist. Skye was impressed with the craftsmanship. This must have taken him some time to do, he thought, gently touched the gold and royal blue band that rested against his wrist, the tightly woven blue and gold knots making up an intricate pattern.

"Thank you," Tsukasa whispered looking at his wrist in awe as Noah stepped back. This was by far the best gift he'd ever received and the fact that it was from Noah made it priceless to him.

"I know it's not much and you don't have to wear it, but,"

"Noah, stop," Skye silenced him by taking his hand. "I'm very certain I speak for both of us when I say this is perfect. Nobody else would have given us a gift as special as this." He watched as Tsukasa stepped closer taking Noah's free hand.

"This will always remind me of you. I can't think of a better way to remember someone as special as you. It may not seem like much to you, but to me, it means the world," Tsukasa gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

Noah swallowed the lump in his throat. He was going to cry if they kept saying things like that. He didn't think that a silly gift like that would make them react in this way. Squeezing both their hands, he let go.

"Okay, let's get this show on the road. You know what you need to do, right?" There was some trepidation in voice.

"Charm the pants of everyone and make enough money to shut the school up," Skye winked at him, parroting what Noah had drilled into them. It seemed that now their exams were over he was laser-focused on the ball again.

When they got to the venue, Noah stopped to take a look at what they'd managed to complete in a short space of time with a drill sergeant who kept hold of the purse.

From the walkway that was bathed in the spectacular glow of thousands of lights to the magnificent, richly decorated banquet room. He could hardly believe the change that all the fine drapery and tasteful decorations made. He could see why Casey fought so hard for a bigger budget. Everything seemed as if time was suspended and the rest of the world was closed off from the party.

"Okay, you lead the way, Your Majesty, as we agreed," Noah nudged Skye to the front to lead them down the carpeted steps to where people were milling about with drinks in their hands.

Taking a deep breath, Skye pulled his jacket right and led the group to the floor. From somewhere he heard applause starting as he descended with a soft light throwing all attention on him.

If it were up to him, he wouldn't make such a spectacle, but Noah was adamant and wouldn't let go until he nagged his way to get what he wanted. Looking at the sea of faces in front of him, he was again confronted by the scale of what they'd achieved and what must still be done to make sure that the evening was a success.

After he'd made his speech, he walked over to where Tsukasa and Noah were sitting. He had to be impressed by the precision of the staff as they served food. Now he understood why Casey forced them all to sit through the numerous practice runs before the event.

"Not so fast Mr," Noah stopped him as he was about to take a seat.

"What now?" He frowned at Noah, already irritated that he had to give a whole speech to open the ball.

"Don't get snippy with me, you need to schmooze and take a trip around the room."

"Why, I haven't eaten yet? Why can't the two of you do it? We were all in it from the start, why am I taking the heat for everything?" Skye moaned.

"Don't be so melodramatic, we will also be walking the floor, but you're the one that most of these people came to see. I mean, you are the Prince and you don't look too bad in a tux," he chuckled but stopped when he saw the storm clouds form in Skye's eyes.

"Do as I say, please?"

"Fine, I'll do it, but Tsukasa also has to join."

"God, you're all a bunch of pu... cats. Excuse my French. I'll take a tour with you two if it will help, but remember, we're here to charm them out of their money so we don't have to pay a penalty." Noah reminded both, getting up from the table.

Thankfully he'd memorised all the VIP's and could make sure that they knew who they were talking to. After a particularly long conversation Skye was having with one of the donors, Noah noticed him glancing around and immediately stepped forward and made up an excuse for them to leave.

Steering the two boys around the room, Noah made sure that they were seen and that they connected to all the important people at the party. At some point, Casey and the rest of the team came to stand by them.

"It's perfect, isn't it?" Casey proudly looked around at all the activity in the room.

"You know your stuff, I have to admit," Noah blurted out without thinking.

"What, did you doubt that I could do it?" He sharply looked at Noah.

"He meant that all your great work and planning paid off," Skye answered. "When all this madness is done, we should celebrate, what do you say?"

Noah nearly fell to the floor hearing Skye's suggestion. Yes, he had eased up on Casey and the rest of his fan club, but he still looked uncomfortable around them, as if expecting the worst. Maybe he had a change of heart, anything was possible, he thought to himself.

"You mean that?" Casey asked breathlessly, clutching his chest again. This was the first time that Skye had offered to hang out with anyone from school and he wasn't going to let the opportunity pass by.

"Sure, we've worked hard and deserve to do something special, isn't it Noah?" He lightly clapped his hand on Noah's shoulder, who was staring at them like a guppy with an open mouth.