The Different Ones

Chapter 2: The Engagement Party

I pulled my shoulders back and raised my chin, first impressions are everything. Or so I was told.

I felt a bit tense, knowing that this was my first royal event, and because my corset was quite tight. I also was hoping that the other people weren't going to disgrace Aridia, but someone would. No matter what.

I stepped into the ballroom with a smile plastered on my face. Before me was a vast ballroom full of court officials and royals dressed in lavish clothing covered in jewels. They all looked up as my name was announced in front of all the people.

"Miss Eliza Courshous of Aridia," the man announced with a booming voice. Everyone stood silent, motionless and horrified as they looked up to see me. Well, I guess the girl with wings in the Aridian castle wasn't as much of a secret as I had thought. It was terrifying to know I was the center of attention at such a large event. I took a deep breath and began to speak.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm assuming you've heard of me, the girl with wings. I promise you I do not plan on ruining this event in any way, so please continue on with the celebration," I said awkwardly. The people still seemed a bit suspicious of me. I sighed and began to walk down the staircase as the stunned silence dragged on for what seemed like ages.

When I stepped into the crowd people moved out of the way for me, like I had some sort of contagious disease. I continued walking confidently, like I had nothing to worry about. My eyes even lingered around looking at the people. They shuttered at my gaze.

"Open your wings up," a man demanded from the back of the room. I was terrified. Was this a threat? Were they going to hurt me? I swallowed hard and did as asked of me.

My white wings spread wide covering roughly twelve feet. Everyone was cowering as they shrunk back even further away. I was nearly shaking at this point. I was never ever supposed to show my wings before I came to the castle, but I guess this was an exception.

"I won't hurt you. I swear. I couldn't even imagine doing something like that. Please just continue on. I don't know what to tell you but that," I begged of them. I pulled my wings in in an attempt to help comfort myself and get the others to relax.

"Continue on with the ceremonies! She's perfectly safe," Princess Amariac demanded from the top of the stairs. I could have used that earlier, Princess-late-to-the-party, I rolled my eyes mentally. People seemed to nod and agree as they slowly began shifting around and talking. Still no one would come near me, but at least I wasn't the main event anymore.

I wandered around for a bit, trying to make myself seem busy. I wasn't, but it made me feel more comfortable knowing that I was actually doing something. I watched the couples dance in pairs. I nibbled on the bite-sized appetizers being offered by servants. I kept myself distracted from the disgust that people regarded me with.

"Good evening, lovely," a familiar voice greeted me while placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Evening," I mumbled, finally recognizing the voice as the knight who had been guarding the door earlier today.

"That was quite the show you put on back there, Eliza. Would you like a dance?"

"Not-" I paused. First impressions are everything. "Under one condition: You tell me your name."

"Ah. Sir Richard Lequaton of Aridia."

"That's a mouthful. What should I actually call you?"

"Richard."

"Better. Now about that dance..." I trailed off. He grabbed my hand and almost dragged me to the dance floor. I then discovered that I was a terrible dancer and should probably not dance in heels, or really dance at all. I was very embarrassed and turned the darkest shade of red possible.