Flames (Book 3)

Chapter 16: Viviana

I smoothed the folds of my lime green gown with satisfaction, running my hand over its texture. It had been far too long since I had felt the smooth caress of luxurious Kilaenaian pinkie silk against my skin. 

My inner princess, whose presence was steadily growing more prominent, loved the confidence that an expensive dress bestowed upon its wearer. 

"Your Highness?" 

I heard an urgent but mellow knock on the door of my room: one that was easily distinguishable as that of a cultured lady of the Lessaenite court. 

Lifting my skirts just enough to prevent myself from tripping over my jewel-studded high heels, I arrived at the door, opening it with the tips of my fingers, just as I had been taught to do as a young child. 

A lady never touches things with the palm of her hand, my mother had once said, when she noticed me playfully slapping a window. Except, of course, in combat. Do whatever you want while you're fighting, as long as you defeat your opponent. 

Standing in front of me was a real surprise. 

*Faunina Soren*

"...Fawn? Is that you?" I gasped at the sight of the once awkward, spindly-armed little girl who had been transformed by a perfect combination of puberty and the Iceheart Serum into a jaw-droppingly gorgeous young woman. 

"Faunina Soren, Duchess of Wellae," she curtsied smoothly before reaching out to give my hand a delicate tug. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Princess. I do request the honor of accompanying you to the ball, tonight." 

"What's all the formality for?" I raised an eyebrow, giving her a slightly awkward look. "We're cousins, for goodness' sake!" 

"Shh!" Fawn hissed in my ear. "She's listening! She'll have our heads if we don't act like perfect nobles!" 

"Who?" I whispered back, trying to imitate her subtle, discreet words. 

"You know. Her." 

It was as if my blood instantly froze over in my veins. 

"The honor is all mine, Duchess," I nodded, taking her hand as we walked down the blue stairs, our feet sinking into the thick carpet. The familiar feeling of one silk glove on another gave me the few ounces of confidence that I so desperately needed as I approached the gilded doors of the Icicle Hall ballroom. 

"I do apologize for the inconvenience, but we must watch the Queen's speech from here," Fawn said. "You are to enter at a designated time, at which these doors will open of their own accord." 

I nodded silently, peering through a slit carved in the wooden door. 

The ballroom was set up with many rows of long tables, each decorated with a unique, extremely detailed Aural mosaic of designs, and floating a few inches off the ground. A single, circular table mounted a few feet higher than the rest housed the five Council families, with a large, empty armchair at the front that was obviously reserved for my mother. 

All conversations came to a quick halt when an Aural shadow passed over the Council table, landing squarely on the dais. In a burst of electricity, it materialized into the shape of a woman. 

"Good evening, my lovelies," the Queen flashed a winning smile, which the crowd immediately reciprocated with a roar of approval. "I understand that the circumstances that led up to this gathering were not ideal, but I'm sure we can all agree that we did our very best with the time we were given. I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for coming here, even at such a short notice." 

No wonder the Lessaenites loved her. She was practically a goddess in public! 

The Queen tapped her solid silver belt, which was clearly some kind of signal. The room went dark for a second, before it was once again illuminated by concentrated, neon lights of every imaginable color. 

"Now, as addictive as my speeches are, I'm sure you would rather I get to what this evening is all about instead of droning on about complicated strategies for defeating the rebels," she laughed, joined by several members of her audience. "So, without further ado, I present to you my lost daughter...Princess Viviana Sonoway Arystenn of Lessaenes!" 

She gestured at the door, causing it to immediately burst open. 

Fawn's grip on my hand tightened as she gently nudged me forward into the view of the crowd. I was not at all nervous- keeping my cool onstage was definitely one of my strong suits, as I had cultivated the skill both as a Glitch and in dealing with the Lessaenite media. However, I was definitely apprehensive of the Icehearts' opinion of me. 

My uncertainties were proven to be valid. 

The applause that ensued at my mother's announcement was very present, but tepid. Certainly nothing like the ovation I had received at the Flame base, or the one that had just been bestowed upon the Queen. 

I was actually disappointed. 

I curtsied politely as I stood beside the Queen, making sure to glance at her every few seconds to check for signs of disapproval. So far, she looked pleased with my actions. 

"Would you like to say a few words, Viviana?" 

Although she was clearly asking a question, her tone of voice made it sound more like an order. I wasn't getting out of this. 

"That would be wonderful," I nodded, taking the floating Aural mic from her. 

"Greetings, everyone," I began, trying to imitate the Queen's impressive stage presence. "I've only been here for a few hours, and I already love it. I'm back in my element- standing here in front of you, the most important people in the Lessaenite Empire. It sure feels good to be home." 

I delivered these words with a fake smile plastered onto my face, hoping that the cheerful expression could better conceal the blatant lies that poured out of my mouth. 

"Thank you, Viviana. Now, why don't we remind her how we party in Glaisse!?" 

At this cue, music began to play and the more invigorated of the Icehearts and Icehearts-to-be rose from their seats, swaying to the beat. 

"What did you expect, ballroom dancing?" The Queen turned around, seeing my bewildered expression. 

"With you and your obsession with old, formal things..." 

"Fair point," she laughed. "But, balls were torturous when I was a girl, so I decided to spice them up a bit, you know? I'm not surprised you don't remember them. I don't think you attended a ball after you turned five." 

"I guess," I agreed, sitting down at the Council table. 

"Oh, look at you! All grown up, are we, little miss princess?" Selaeyah Valior grinned, carefully surveying my face and appearance. "You're going to help us with the warmatches this year. Let's make those rebels run for it, shall we?" 

"Uh...yeah...serves them right...filthy Rhenans," I laughed dryly, hoping the humorous gesture would cover for my awkwardness as I choked on the words. An image of Aron seared itself into my brain, and guilt rose up in my stomach. 

This was going to be very, very hard.