Prince's Gamble | HAOBIN

10. Black Swan

As Hanbin walked into the library he saw Matthew sitting at a table with Jiwoong, their heads bent together as they spoke in whispers, completely ignoring the book which lay in front of them. When Matthew looked up, he spotted Hanbin, waving him over.  

"Did it work?" Matthew asked Hanbin as he approached. 

Hanbin shrugged, pulling a chair over to sit on. "I don't know—I mean, he came out unscathed so.. I think so?" 

"Hm.. let's just hope he doesn't break or lose it." Matthew said, which Hanbin just nodded to in response. 

—

The next day, when Zhanghao awoke, Taerae was gone, but he didn't think much of it. Getting out of bed, he walked to the window, opening it to gaze out. The sun slowly rising, he took in a breath of fresh air before going back into his room to get dressed. 

Later that day, there was to be a ball. One of celebration of the first round of the competition, as the King had stated. All royal family, competitors and their immediate associates were invited, and Zhanghao was thrilled for he had never been to a ball before. 

Gyuvin and Ricky had come over to help him pick out what to wear, bringing along their own shirts and coats, ready for the ball later. Sitting on the bed, Gyuvin and Ricky watched as a servant attended to Zhanghao, measuring out his proportions. When she finished she dashed out of the room, only to return with her hands full of clothes for Zhanghao to try on. 

One of the most notable parts about the upcoming ball was that it was to be a masquerade ball. Not only would Zhanghao need to pick out clothes but he would also need to decide on a matching mask that would go well with his outfit. 

"Not this one either." Gyuvin said as Ricky waved a hand away in disgust. They had been at it for almost half an hour now, Zhanghao huffing in annoyance. There had been some of decent look but Gyuvin and Ricky wanted it 'perfect' and wouldn't settle for anything lower. 

Finally, the servant brought out a dress suit of very dark blue which looked black at a glance unless held under the sunlight. It's shiny silver buttons and lacing made it look expensive, but nothing too extravagant. Zhanghao slipped into the dressing room to change before walking back out, looking for the reactions in Gyuvin and Ricky's expressions. 

While Ricky's eyes were wide, Gyuvin merely pointed and said, "This is the one." 

Pleased with their responses, Zhanghao gazed at himself in the mirror, turning his body from side to side. 

"Here you go, sir." The servant said, holding out a black mask to Zhanghao. The mask was pretty with it's black feathers and silver gems, portraying the image of a black swan. Placing it on his face, Zhanghao found that it fit perfectly, sitting on the top half of his face comfortably.  

"What do you think?" Ricky asked him, as Zhanghao continued to survey himself in the mirror. Something about this was too familiar, as if he had seen it before, but such an event like this could have never happened in Zhanghao's life before this. However, it's familiarity called Zhanghao to it and he didn't think he had the energy to try on any other outfits anyway. 

"I think it's quite dashing really." Zhanghao smiled. 

"Well, I think so too." Gyuvin said, getting up from the bed. After he and Ricky got changed into their own dress suits and frilly collars, the three stood in front of the mirror, rolling back sleeves and smoothing down hair. 

"Who would've thought, us three, all looking like this, about to go to a royal ball." Ricky said, smiling at their image. While Zhanghao's outfit showed a black swan, Ricky looked to be a dark grey cat while Gyuvin, a dark blue bird. Zhanghao and Gyuvin gave small laughs in response, excitement running through them. 

When they finally made their way downstairs, they were taken aback by the large crowd that was coming through the castle doors, advancing towards the ballroom. Following all the people, the three entered the ballroom, it's scale striking them in awe. The large staircase which greeted them at the entrance led them down to the main part of the room where people stood scattered in groups, conversing with one another. 

The giant chandelier hung in the center of the ceiling, emitting light to almost the whole place. At the end of the room there was an orchestra which played beautiful music to serenade them into the evening. It seemed to be the most at peace Zhanghao had felt during his time in the castle. A time where he felt he was allowed to be joyous and reveling.

As the first dance started, the three of them stood to the side, watching as those in front of them danced to their hearts content, stepping and spinning to the rhythm of the music. When the dance ended, everyone broke into a round of applause before getting into position for the second dance. 

Gyuvin held out a hand to Ricky, "Could I have this dance?" He said, playfully. Laughing along, Ricky took his hand as they walked out to the dance floor together. As people began to dance, Zhanghao felt a pang of deja vu hit him like a brick. He had seen this somewhere before, but he couldn't quite place where he had.   

His head still stuck in his thoughts, Zhanghao jumped a little when a finger tapped him on the shoulder. A man in a pure white dress suit stood, the shining gold buttons done up all the way making him look the most proper Zhanghao had seen him yet. Zhanghao was shocked when he realized that his own suit matched the other's perfectly. 

While Zhanghao's mask bore black feathers and and silver gems, his counterpart's wore white feathers and gold gems. The white swan to his black. The man's face half-covered, Zhanghao could still recognize those warm, dark eyes anywhere, his beaming smile charming Zhanghao. 

"Would you like to dance with me?" The man asked, holding a hand out to Zhanghao.

Zhanghao's cheeks felt slightly hot under his mask before he shook the blush away and took the other man's hand. "Certainly." Then, he was whisked away, stomach full of butterflies.