Underworld War

Chapter 30 - The Ball

"If you don't want to dance with someone, you can reject him." Lyko buffed me as the carriage halted in front of a grand mansion of Leejure. 

"I know. You already told me that." Though, I don't think it's polite to reject a guy who's offering a dance. Back in my high school days wherein we held a promenade, it is a must to accept a guy's offer. 

"I'm just making sure that you remember all the things I said. First ---"

"Yes!" I cut him off, "If I find someone suspicious, we will tell your parents and leave." Seriously, he needs to chill.

"We will leave immediately. And second ---"

"Okay, shut up now because we're here." Gladly for me, the door of the carriage opened. I presented a wide smile for the chauffeur as I descend. Hindi ko na nilingon si Lyko dahil naiinis ako sa mga paaalala niyang paulit-ulit.

Kanina niya pa iyon sinasabi sa palasyo. He would narrate it to me and ask if I get it. I understand that he's troubled and nervous and wary but we all are. He needs to chill himself. Nothing's gonna happen to us here. We're surrounded by many people and it would be an attacker's disadvantage. 

Imagine the place being surrounded by twice the number of invited guests? If I were the attacker, I would never dare. Soldiers were scattered 300 meters around the area.

He threw me a side glare when he settled beside me. Inayos niya ang suit na suot bago ngumiti sa mga nakaabang na welcomers. Ako naman ay kinapa ang diary ng mama ko na nakaipit sa panluob na shorts. 

To say that the reception is beautiful will be an understatement. It was glorious and wide. At each side of the four corners of it lined a very warm welcomers in their uniformed gowns. 

"Oh, dear." The queen exclaimed in awe. Reception palang ito at hindi pa mismo ballroom. 

Our names were taken before entering the huge double doors made of gold. I was again, astonished of its intricate designs. It finally opened and revealed a healthy lit ballroom full of chandeliers. The carpeted floor is red with patterns. 

Tables are arranged systematically. Some are already filled with guests who are drinking champagne in their wine glass. Most of them glanced at us when we entered the setting. 

Well, thanks to being the leaders of the nation. 

"House of Geisalhart." The speaker announced. We put on our masks to blend with the ball's theme. Masquerade.

We proceeded to a table assigned for us. Buti nalang ay ka-table namin ang pamilyang Hestins. I wouldn't be bored like how I thought I'd be. Kaya nga dinala ko ang diary ng mama ko para may magawa ako kung sakali mang mabored.

Tumabi ako mismo kay Cerina. Base from her smile, I know she has a tons of stories about her crushes. Crush parin kaya nito ang albino na tinukoy noong kasal ko? 

Wala sa sariling tiningnan ko si Lyko sa harap ko at nakitang lumilinga linga ito. Here he goes again. Hindi ba siya pwedeng kumalma? He disapproves of this joining this event but if anyone sees him like that they might misinterpret. 

Nang sumuylap siya sa'kin ay sinenyasan ko siyang tumigil sa ginagawa niya. Why can't he trust our instincts? How many times have I told him it's highly unlikely for anyone to attack this event. 

"Ehem." We turned to the host which are Cerina's paretns, "Good evening, my fellow royalty. Tonight is the fifty-seventh year of Annual Celebration of The Light and Peace..." Queen Alessandra went on with her speech. 

Napansin kong may nginingitian ang kasama kong prinsesa sa kabilang table di kalayuan sa amin. She was grinning seductively and waving her fingers to one of those men.