Villainess From the Stars

49. Investiture Ball

Two years passed in a blink of an eye and soon it was time for Ravven's investiture ball.

Ravven came with Zia, they had grown closer over the years despite the best efforts of Adeena Nesrin. Even one time tried to get Zia sick with mild poisoning. Nothing could ever be placed on her shoulders always leading to scapegoats.

Zia was beautiful in one of her creations. A silken blossom blue gown that was gorgeous in its simplicity.

It was a well-known unspoken rule that at any debut ball one was to dress in something that only that kingdom could provide. It was to make sure that the kingdom was highlighted even in the guests by the handiwork of all involved.

Vienna wore a hand-dyed gown in an ombre of pastel pink and blue, the bodice was hand-stitched by herself she'd been taking lessons from Ezzie over the years. Little rosettes adorned the sleeves and one of her sprouts interwove itself over her bodice creating an almost cinched corset look while her hair held live blossoms blooming upon it.

She stood tall beside her father as she watched her two friends twirl around each other in the ball's opening dance. Vienna went on her tip-toes and whispered in her father's ear, "They look good together."

Pop gave her a little smile and nod in return.

Vienna watched Zia's skirts flare out like a flower blooming, joy radiating from her features.

They had all graduated this year from the Academy, along with Ravven.

When the first dance ended Zia pulled Ravven towards Vienna and Pop.

"Vienna, aren't you going to dance?"

Vienna laughed, "I haven't had the chance to be asked yet."

Ravven smiled, "I believe that's my cue." He bowed toward Vienna, "Lady Vienna, may I have this dance?"

Vienna smiled and laid her hand on his outstretched one, she couldn't help but think how much had changed for them.

He pulled her into the merry group dance, they laughed as they saw their fellow friends skip past them with their partners. Leora in a flurry of skirts dragged her partner around the grand hall.

As Ravven spun Vienna out, her gaze made contact with a man whose features stood out among all else. But it was his facial features that made her brow furrow. They were familiar as if she was seeing someone she knew with new hair color and eyes. It was strange.

"Ravven, do you know who he is?" Vienna nodded her chin toward the mysterious figure.

Ravven chuckled, "An odd story behind that one, it's a bit of a secret among the royals. I just found out today."

Vienna didn't get to know the secret as Ravven bowed at the end of the dance.

When Vienna looked back to where the man had been he had vanished, she looked around but could not find him anywhere.

Pop found her curious features, "What is it my little flower?"

Vienna glanced down at her father's ring, her voice in an undertone, "Can someone change their eye and hair color with one of those rings?"

"Usually no...it merely disguises what is already there but..." His voice metered off, "It could be possible if the talent had an affinity for core stones."

Core stones, Vienna thought, from what Atlas had told her about the Elem she knew that only a select few Elem could manipulate core stones. Using them was different, but changing or modifying them was solely something found among the royalty of the Elem.

Now that she thought about it Atlas's last letter was rather mysterious. He spoke of a surprise coming her way by the time of the investiture ball.

Vienna was walking on the edges of the grand hall when she noticed Adeena and her squad heading towards her, she quickly ducked inside one of the many alcoves holding her breath as the group passed by. Another uncomfortable interaction was avoided, safely.

"I've found you."

A deep voice that reminded her of a Professor from the Academy had her peeking out from the alcove only to find the mysterious man from earlier leaning on the side of the column peering down at her with a smirk.

He was absolutely beautiful. One of those visages that could be simultaneously pure male and still have the elegance and beauty of a well-trained prima donna. Long silver hair that glistened in the light and mix-matched eyes of turquoise and gold. Sharp features and what Vienna could only blush as she thought were the most kissable lips she'd ever seen.

"I'm afraid I don't know who you are." Vienna nearly winced at how breathless her voice came out.

His smirk intensified before he gave a bow, "I was merely a voice to you once."

Vienna tilted her head to the side in confusion.

"You are quite the musical maiden when no one is there to see it."

Her blush intensified as an idea popped into her mind. Of back in the Širdkryp-Gardinōs, of the voice that came through the Pōrteacaleum at the meeting place.

"I see you've remembered."

Vienna dropped in a curtsy, "It is an honor to meet you in person, Your Majesty."

"Oh, none of that you may call me by my name, after all, you have been calling me it already for the past two years."

"What?" Vienna's eyes widened, her eyes falling to his fingers searching for a ring that would be similar to her father's but of course, she realized it wasn't there. He wasn't in disguise now.

He bent down. His silver hair which was tied behind him in a teal ribbon fell over his shoulder. He whispered in her ear, "My name is Ralph Silvaine."

Vienna's eyes widened as she recognized the last name as one of the Elem professors at the academy. One she had only met on occasion, whose striking violet hair and violet eyes were the talk of fluttering school girls everywhere. Then she focused on the first name he'd given her, "Ralph." She whispered, she pursed her lips as she looked to the side a nervous giggle almost coming from her.

"What's so funny, Lady Vienna?"

She cleared her throat, "Please excuse me, I was just not expecting that as your first name."

"It was a family name on my mother's side."

And then it made sense, the king before her was the son of the first Starlight Soul that had come to this dimension. It made sense that such a seemingly normal name could appear now on Terra.

"I see."

He straightened, "I suspect you do. I was however surprised at the variety of names you gave my Elem."

"I always adored researching the meaning of names in the..." Vienna paused and then looked up into that mix-matched gaze and continued, "In the Before. It was a bit of a small hobby of mine."

"How coincidental." The king's lips tugged at their corners, "I don't believe in fate, but you certainly have made me question that belief, my dear."