Arriving at the palace was like a dream come true. It towered over everything. Its coral and shell structure shined like a beacon. It was absolutely radiant. Since Clay didn't have a dominate to escort him in he very silently crept behind another submissive, so it would seem as though they were together, luckily for him no one asked any questions.
Now if you thought the outside of the palace as spectacular, than the inside was nothing to compare. High ceilings were what met you when you first walked in. There were paintings along the walls, beautiful sculptures of art work.
There were palace guards lining every entryway, they were each covered in armor. Clay slowly made his way to the ballroom, it was grand. Huge diamond chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Casting light throughout the room.
Clay quickly made his way to the farthest corner he could find. He didn't want to get in anybody's way. He also knew his stepmother and stepsisters were here along with his uncle and he did not want to be spotted.
Clay glanced around curiously and noticed a food table near the side of the room. His stomach growled just looking at it. He wondered when the last time he ate was. Glancing around for his family and making sure they weren't around to see him Clay swiftly made his way to the table and started stacking up food onto his plate.
Once done he quickly darted out of sight once again. Clay was going to go back to his corner when he noticed it was occupied. Not wanting to be out in the open anymore.
Clay spotted a balcony a little ways away. Once he reached it he found a bench at which he could sit on. Once he had sat down he began to viciously attack the sweets he had gotten.
They tasted delicious, better than anything he had ever had. He was so caught up in his thoughts and the food that he didn't notice someone swimming up behind him.
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Ash POV
Today was the day of the ball. I was not looking forward to it. Servants were hastily swimming around trying to get everything done.
Food was quickly being brought out in huge quantities. I noticed maids scrubbing the floors and rushing from place to place. Getting everything ready. I could help but roll my eyes. All their work was for nothing. They didn't understand that I didn't want this.
As I was roaming the halls I saw my friend Adam approach me. "I'm so ready to just get this thing over with." I sighed. "I know, but even though you really don't want to go you should at least enjoy yourself." I glared at my friend. I was not going to have fun of any kind.
I was still debating whether I should even show my face. "No Adam i have said it before, I'm not going."
"You do know if you don't show up your mother will search, find, and then humiliate you in front of all the guests."
I wanted to argue, however I knew that it was true. She had done it once when I was younger. "fine" , I said in a defeated voice. With that said, I made my way to my room to start getting ready. Once in my room I disrobed and made my way towards the bathroom. I grabbed a cloth and started to scrub down my body.
Once finished I picked up my hair brush and ran it through my black hair. When done I made my way over to my closet. I glanced over all my clothing, I didn't want to wear something that stood out to much. So I went with a navy blue coat, with white undershirt.
As customary I placed my sword on a black belt that hung low on my waist. Also as customary I placed a similar belt around the end of my tale. Black so it could stand out against the blue of my scales. Then for the final touch. My crown.
I swam over to a cabinet and opened it. My crown was bronze indicating that I was a prince. Next would be silver for the Queen and gold for the King.
There were small diamonds encrusted along the outline of the crown with shells and pearls along the middle. It wasn't as magnificent as my Mother's or Father's, but it was still beautiful.
I made my way out of my room and found Adam dressed similarly to me just without the crown, and his coat was green. "Your Highness" He said giving me a low bow. I smiled to him. "Thank you Adam. Now if we could be on our way." Adam nodded and followed closely behind me. We entered the ballroom balcony where I joined my parents.
"Well look who decided to join us, I thought I would have to go get you." My mother smiled at me. I didn't reply and just observed the guests below. Once it seemed everybody had arrived I excused myself. "I'm going to go get something to eat."
I swam away from my family making my way to one of the many food tables. I grabbed a few things and placed them on a plate I had grabbed. I was about to turn away when I noticed a lone figure making there way outside. Curios I followed the person who I assumed was a boy. Making my way to the outside balcony, I noticed the boy furiously shoving food in his mouth.
Did he every eat. He did look quite small. I slowly came up behind him. However he didn't seem to notice I was there. "Are you alright?" I asked. The boy jumped and looked up towards me. I could see a blush start to make an appearance on his cheeks.
"Um... no everything is fine." He quickly went to wipe his mouth. Still curious I sat next to him on the bench. The boy went to grab some more food from his plate, but when his hand found nothing the boy gave a slight pout and I have to admit it was pretty cute.
"Here" I said and handed him my own plate. The smile that lit up his face was beautiful. "Thank you, so much sire" He took the plate from me and started eating, just not as quickly this time round. "Where is your escort, surely they wouldn't leave you alone too long. The boy blushed and murmured something.
"I'm sorry what was that?" He looked at me shyly. "I didn't come with any dom." I was shocked to say the least. "Well how did you get in?" I was honestly curious. He mentioned something about sneaking in with another pair and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Well I'm glad you made it in." he just smiled at me. "Would you like to take a swim with me through the gardens?" He looked at me curiously. "We won't get in trouble I promise." he smiled again. "Ok, that sounds nice."
I took his hand in mine and lead him to the gardens. "This is very nice, I've never seen anything so beautiful. I couldn't help but smile at his words. "It's my mother's garden." I told him. He looked confused. "You live here?" He asked me, making me confused, did he not know who I was."
"yes?" I answered almost uncertainly.
"Wow" he said "I wish I could live in the palace." I didn't say anything and just continued to stare at him. I didn't want to admit it but I think I found my mate and the thing is, is that there was no way I could reject him.
He was perfect in every way. I continued to hold his hand as we swam through the garden.
Nothing could ruin this moment.