Ethereal Inferno

Chaptee 2: Eyes Don't Lie

Flashing lights came into view. Reporters were buzzing around with questions. Some of them were really awkward and embarrassing. I would be in shame for the rest of my life if I was them. How do you even answer to "How many times do you wash your feet in a week?"....

The media is becoming too much nowadays. Anywho, the Royal gaurds shoved them away for us. Making way for us to get to the carriage. It was a tradition in the Royal family that on every heir's 18th birthday, most of the proceedings and execution of the ceremony has to be like the ancient times.

So no gadgets, no technology, no modern proceedings. The Royal guards were dressed in a different way. Like the knights that were before them centuries ago. I liked this a lot and I wish we applied it more to our daily lives. I saw portraits of my great great great grandmother and how everything was during her reign.

It was majestic and she was so beautiful. I don't know personally but from what I've read in books, she was the first woman to have ever ruled and she conquered many small territories combining it to form Helim.

"Hey. I don't know why but I feel like tonight would be magical. I know we've been to many balls together before, but I feel like this one would bring a big impact in our lives." Harriet said with a very quiet voice as she held my hands. "....You alrightHarriet? You've never said anything like this before.

You're scaring me you know.." She chuckled. I thought she was joking around but by the tone of her voice, she wasn't. I didn't know why but I also felt the same thing. I felt like something big could happen tonight and we wouldn't know for sometime.

We had arrived at the villa. There were so many Royal guards with swords and some with guns surrounding the place. It was heavily guarded and there were maby more way back. Before I got off my carriage in a reserved place, I saw so many people who's laughter, looks, and dressing screamed wealth.

Even though it was my birthday, I didn't know half of the guest. I mean, my parents were the ones inviting them. The only people I invited were Harriet, Jaxon, Zach and Max. I tried to reach out to Bliss but didn't know how because she didn't pick up her phone or even appeared for the finals.

I'm worried but I don't know if it's her usual mood. She tends to hibernate for sometime when things get too much and I understand her but then I can't tell if she got kidnapped or is just in the phase. Or I'm just overthinking. Again.

"Hey I forgot to tell you something." I stated. "Go on." Harriet asked. "So.. It's actually a masquerade ball. I completely forgot to mention it beforehand I'm really sorry. But you don't have to worry because because I got yours." I said "Oh it's alright." She said. I handed her her mask and wore mine.

We got down from the carriage and had to separate from there as it was a tradition for the heir to enter last. Harriet hugged me then walked away with her hand maidens and I was left alone with six Royal guards circling me.

The two big oak doors opened and before I stepped in, I noticed the decor. This felt so unreal. Everything was perfectly done. Magically done. The artwork in the ceilings to the crystal chandeliers to the orchestra to the people. Everything was mesmerizing.

As the doors opened, everyone was silenced and the announcer spoke. "Hear ye, hear ye. Everyone, rise for the Princess of Helim; Erica Yuvina" There were three guards each on both my sides. I took a deep breath and nervously walked down the long stairs, trying my best to keep my head up with all those people looking at me.

Gosh it felt like those eyes were eating me alive. I felt really uncomfortable but what can I say. Good thing I had a mask on. The only thing I'm holding on to tonight. Including Harriet.

As I reached the ground level, I did a curtsy to everyone and walked to my seat with guards accompanying me.  People rushed in to give me gifts and wish me. As people were in line, I could not help but keep my eyes fixed on a particular someone. He just had to be there. I've never been transfixed by someone like this before..

His turn came and he bowed then, he took my hand, planting the most gentle kiss on the back of it. The hair on my neck stood up. After, he kept my gift on the side. It was a red rectangular box with black ribbons. I could already tell that I would love it.

Some minutes had passed and now it was time for the cake cutting. It was a big four tier, castle cake and oh my... It looked like a painting. Too beautiful to eat but I was hungry so I blew out the candles and cut the cake. I fed my "parents" First then they fed me. I hated every second of it. Except the part when the came went to my belly.

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It was dinner, my favorite part of the year (birthday dinners). Where it was actually fun and there was laughter.. Even though some screamed fake, I still had my best friends surrounding me. But this time, instead of facing Harriet or Bliss and eating, that mysterious dude was opposite me, already munching on his dinner.

He gave off really orphic yet electric vibes. We didn't talk because I didn't know how to start a conversation if it wasn't my friends and I could say he was facing the same problem too. Trying to get out of this awkward situation, I asked him to hand me the salt and he did but without even saying anything or even looking at me.

I thanked him but didn't even get a proper response. I will pretend he never kissed the back of my hand. Why did he even come here? Who told him to sit here? Who is this man?

I tried to eye communicate Harriet and the rest but they didn't even turn their heads my way. I've been betrayed. He was done eating and he went away. I have no right to be baffled but I was. What the hell was that. That was so awkward to even recall in the future if I ever thought of this day.

Play "Love Story" By Indila (Version orchestral)

But wow. His eyes though... His eyes were a really dark shade of brown, almost like it was black. And his hair was dark black like ebony wood. He was about 6' something maybe?. He wore a stunning suit of black and gold. He must be a noble or Dutch. He looked like he's in his 20's I guess. Not sure though.

"Erica?" I snapped out of my trance. It was Jaxon. "Huh?- yes?"   "The song's starting. Find a partner birthday girl." He said "... I don't have anyone. Can you dance with me? You know just as friends?" I asked. "No. I'm with my girlfriend today." He stated "W h a t?! Since when did you get a girlfriend?!"

I asked, quite shock that Jaxon actually managed to make a girl's heart flutter. He laughed " I'll tell you all everything later. But for now, go find someone. Harriet's got someone" He laughed again as he went to the ballroom. Oh well.

A deep husky voice behind me spoke up, "Princess Erica, would you let me have the honour to dance with you?" That voice. It sent chills down my spine.I didn't turn but I knew who's eyes it belonged to.