The Blood in Our Veins

Chapter Fifty Four - Masquerade

- RYON'S POV -

I slid the red mask over my eyes. A scarlet overcoat sat upon a silk tunic of the same color. I felt disgusting. I had no idea how I used to dress like this all the time. The fact that I was wearing the most hated Royal uniform in Arkenonian history didn't help. I stepped into the corridor and headed toward my father's quarters.

I rapped on the door then waited for him to emerge. I wasn't surprised to find him dressed exactly the same as I. All in attendance had been given like uniforms. The females were to wear plain scarlet dresses with undecorative masks to match. The males had red slacks with an overcoat and tunic. Their masks were the same as the women's', except instead of pointed corners, ours were rounded.

"Can we just get this over with? We're going to be late." I groaned. I had always hated being one of royalty. It was as if our entire lives were on show, and the commoners could watch simply as a way to entertain themselves with our petty squabbles.

"Brighten up, Ryon. This isn't the last ball you'll attend." he said with a roll of his eyes. Together, my father and I walked down the endless corridors to the main hall. We entered through the one of the two small doors on the first floor. Inside, lords and ladies from the various cardinal points chattered amongst themselves, creating a dull murmur. As was expected, everyone wore their uniforms. Somewhere a group of musicians tuned their instruments.

Tables were set up around the edges of the large room. I was dazzled by the ceiling, through which shone bright stars. There were more in the north than the east or south, making a spectacular aerial view. Once in the most crowded area in the center of the room, my father was whisked away by ambitious nobles, as usual. I was once again left to fend for myself. I looked around for a familiar face, maybe another blueblood from my childhood. Finding none, I proceeded to one of the tables.

Just as I began to sit down, the musicians fell silent, and the rest of the room with them. All eyes were drawn to the grand staircase that dominated the room. The enormous doors at the top opened slowly, peaking the curiosity of the onlookers. High King Gallahein, dressed entirely in gold, descended the steps to the other side of the room and sat in his throne. I regarded the scene with a withdrawn recognition, that is, until Sindri appeared.

She was clothed in the same color as the False King, yet with a strange outfit. The light, wispy skirt ended just above her knees, exposing her long, bare legs. Small gold slippers had been slid upon her feet. Her top was intricately beaded and embroidered, and had no sleeves. In fact, it was hardly a top at all. Her collarbones were in full view, for the edge of the dress seemed only to be a heart shape that covered what it needed and nothing more. Her attire was entirely scandalous, but the young lords occupying the room didn't seem to mind.

I was horrified when High Prince Mason materialized at her side. He was somewhat similar in appearance, with golden breeches and tunic. They swiftly moved down the staircase, both with the impossible grace of a summer breeze. Several steps to the bottom, Sindri flipped through the air, landing without a sound. Naturally, the speechless nobility erupted into applause.

The royal pair moved to the center of the room, standing in the middle of a large sun mosaic on the tile. They both seemed to be on their toes, as if about to do battle with eachother. The musicians began a dark and shadowy melody and the two lovers began to circle. On every hard beat, Sindri would leap or spin, causing an edgy tension to fill the room. The dance was both odd and beautiful in ways I had never thought of. It told a story, of which slightly amused me.

Mason would reach for her, but she would dance out of his grasp. This happened time and time again, both of their moves becoming faster and more complicated as the story progressed. Finally, Sindri moved a fair distance away then charged forward. She leaped into the air, sailing above the heads of all. Mason's arms snapped upward, catching her mid-flight and holding her there by the waist and under her arm. She lay there in an impossible position, as if lounging on the clouds. She was suddenly dropped. She spun on a single foot what must have been a thousand times before Mason caught her waist and pulled her into him. The music stopped with her facing outward, trapped in her husband's arms and looking deeply into his eyes.

Loud applause and shouts of approval rang out in the hall. The married couple vanished without a trace, then reappeared by the False King's side. This time, Sindri's dress had changed from the alarming gold one to the red all other ladies wore. Her mask was standard issue, except it had a black band circling each eye. She was the High Princess, wasn't she? Wouldn't the False King wan't to show her off? To rub his victory in the Resistance's face?

"Today we of valued blood gather to honor the turning of the leaves." High King Gallahein bellowed. "We recognize that more than the seasons are changing." There was pointed glance at me. "A new age is dawning. The Age of Immortals!" This brought an uneasy murmur to ripple the assembled bluebloods. "As the Sun rises, the light of the Gods shall be shed over the northern realms! I shall rule forever!" The False King's voice rattled the glass above our heads. Some of the more cowardly nobles flinched. I smiled and shook my head. These blueblood snots were afraid of their own frilly shadows.

"I would like to show you how realistic my claim is." the King said, standing from his elaborate throne. His voice was just loud enough to meet my ears at the back of the room. Mason unsheathed his sword and stepped forward. My heart beat rapidly, excitement boiling my blood as I realized what was to happen. The False King was going to try to prove he couldn't die. Our problems were about to be solved. Mason drew his blade back, and plunged it into the High King's heart.

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This whole thing is getting a lot more interesting. I'm getting dangerously close to ending this whole book. I'll give you the heads up on the title when I finish the last chapter. I kinda have to sleep, so... SEE YA!!

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