The Rebel (#Wattys2016)

16. The Ball

Dressed in her beautiful red gown, Adeen surveyed the ball. She took a sip of her champagne, the sweet taste of it making her smile. June, dressed in a blue gown, stood beside her. They watched the dancefloor, filled with couples. For the first time in the Selection, guards were allowed to interact with the Selected, which resulted in many blushes and smiles and couples. God, Adeen thought, couples.

They were everywhere. Talking, laughing, dancing. Of course, no one was kissing anybody, but it was still kind of annoying.

"You think he's coming?" June asked before taking a sip from her punch. She had claimed she didn't want any alcoholic beverage at the waiter, unlike Adeen.

"Definitely. It's Illea's anniversary, after all. They just want to make an impression."

On the other side of the room, the four chairs meant for the royal family were empty. Everything was decorated in red and gold, Illea's colors. Lords, Ladies and everyone important enough to be invited to the royal ball was dressed in their finest.

Just then, a trumphet sounded behind them. June and Adeen turned in time to see the royal family enter. First, the King and Queen entered, holding hands. Wearing an army uniform lined with —probably fake- medals, the King smiled as he led the Queen through the full room. Everyone bowed and curtsied, and Adeen could have sworn the King scowled at her as he passed in front of her.

Next came the Princes. They could have been the Princes of Heaven for their looks alone. Prince Skander, perfect as always, wore a blue shirt that made his blue eyes stand up. He grinned at his guests, and when his eyes caught Adeen's, he grinned wider. They hadn't talked since the last night, but Adeen had a feeling they'd talk soon.

Prince Jasper came besides Skander. Wearing a blood-red uniform with medals, Jasper was as handsome as his brother. Just like Skander, Jasper wore a golden crown on top of his head. He grinned at everyone, clapping along with the music. He swaggered through the room, winking at girls, including June.

Once they had made their way to their thrones, they sat. The King stood up, clapped and soon the crowd started dancing again. He began talking with the Queen, while his sons scanned the crowd, smiling.

"He's so handsome." June said under her breath. Adeen didn't know what Schreave boy she was talking about, but she guessed it applied to both.

"God bless the Schreave gene." Adeen said.

"I second that."

A guard came up to them, and asked June for a dance. Always bubbly, June agreed and followed the red haired guard into the crowd. Adeen was left alone, smiling at her friend. She sipped from her glass.

"You seem like a practiced drinker." Prince Jasper said behind her. He snickered and took a sip from his own champagne glass.

"Sure, because I spent the little money we could come across in alcohol." Adeen retorted.

"Sometimes it's our escape route." The soldier mask replaced the prince one, and Adeen sighed. "Have you thought about our deal?"

Adeen hadn't of course. Not when Skander had danced with her and had been close so close to her. But she shrugged. The ghost of his lips on her neck sent goosebumps running through her.

"I guess it could be useful."

"I knew you were smart." Jasper smiled at her. The music shifted and he smiled wider. He bowed. "Would you give me this dance, Lady Adeen?"

Adeen smiled and curtsied. "It would be an honor, Prince Jasper."

Jasper led her to the dancefloor and she mentally replayed Mikail's instructions. Jasper laughed at her frown.