The Traitor's Wish

12. The Princess's Ball

TTW Ch12

Killian and Brinley rode their stolen horses with pride, heads held high as if they were kings from a nearby island. In their own way, they really were. Killian was King of his land, and Brinely was Duke. Their castle was the Jolly Roger, and their kingdom was the entire sea. Killian had the greatest princess of all. They were just as good as any other royals, and tonight he would prove it.

It was quite difficult to persuade the crew. Four more days in port could be considered a waste of time, but eventually he'd given them all double rations of ale and told them to enjoy the bar for the next few days. He had a select few guarding the ship, including Smee his trusted first mate, while he was gone.

Brinley was his first choice to accommodate him on his mission because he was Quartermaster and personally trusted by Killian. He was a few years older then himself, a loyal member of his crew. He'd been there since the beginning, since the Navy.. He really had seen all the layers of Killian, and he knew whoever he took with him would have to know the bloody truth. He was not going to the ball to steal gold, but to see his love.

They procured the formal wear needed, and took two regal steeds from an unlucky farmer. They were going as maskers. Every Royal ball had few of them, people who preferred their face hidden. It was the best way to sneak him in without the King recognizing him.

So their faces were hidden behind two black masks. His was detailed in blue. The shopkeeper had insisted it would bring out the ocean in his eyes. Then off they were.

Killian explained best he could on the way.

"It's quite a long tale, but we aren't going to steal gold." He began, looking at Brinley through the mask.

"It's a girl. Isn't it?" He asked smugly, keeping his horse trotting steadily as they spoke.

Killian was speechless, "H-how.. How'd you know?" He asked, bewildered.

"You're clearly lovestruck, mate." He said with a chuckle.

"No," he scoffed, trying to grab back his dignity. "I am most surely not."

Brinley cast him a glance and raised his eyebrow. Killian cracked almost instantly. "Fine, it's a girl, you can figure the rest out yourself now, mate."

A butler took the reigns of their horses when they dismounted and took them to the stables. They walked up to the large, familiar front doors. Killian was reminded of the time he spent here, as Kade, specifically the ball with Emma.

It was outside, in the summer air. The peasants came and celebrated merrily. Now it was cold, so tonight's ball would be inside. This was Emma's Birthday Ball, a royal event. It was all noblemen tonight.

He handed the invitation to a butler and they both stepped in.

"Dance, drink, I don't bloody care what you do, but if you here me whistle, get out as soon as you can." Killian warned, he gave Brinley a nod, both men wishing each other luck, and they parted ways.

Killian's eyes swept the room looking for the only girl that stood out to him. When his eyes landed on her, he was breath taken. Emma looked like a queen tonight. She was the beauty of the ball like always, but tonight everyone knew it. She wore dainty gold jewelry and a deep green dress; the straps rested across her shoulders, leaving her collar bone exposed. It flowed around her feet as she danced with her father.

Killian watched the waltz, as many men danced with their ladies around the huge ballroom.sweet music filled the air from a forty piece orchestra, and scents of delicious food filled the air. It truly was the event of the year.