The Jem

~9~

It was now 5 o'clock and people began arriving, everyone was dressed in their finest. There were all types of creatures and people there, it was extremely colourful and packed in the great ballroom. Hunter and all the other guards were still on duty but they took turns so that they each got time to dance and mingle.

"Welcome Everyone to our alliance ball. I hope you enjoy tonight. And I'd like to extend a thank you to all those who helped make this possible. Have fun." The Queen announced then got off the stage where the orchestra were positioned and ready to play. Everyone applauded.

Hunter stood in his sleek black tuxedo.Hidden away, various knives and daggers lay strapped to multiple parts around his body and of course he wore his protection gloves. But if Crimson gave the word, he would kill Noelani.

He made small talk with arriving guests until Deeja and Crimson arrived. He didn't know why but when he saw Crimson his heart began to pound faster. She wore a beautiful, body hugging dress. And her hair was braided with golden flowers.

"Hi." She smiled and he hadn't even realised that she was now standing in front of him.

"OK guys you know the plan, but for now, I see that guard staring at me again. See ya." Deeja winked then crawled off.

"You look very-very um beautiful." He stuttered.

"Really? Why thank you." She spun around and the back was open in a V shape. Hunters eyes widened. Then she faced him again and curtsied."Would you like to dance?" She asked.

"Isn't the guy meant to ask that." He scratched the back of his neck, his nerves shooting through his body like bullets.

"Right, I've never been to a ball, I don't even know how to dance." She smiled awkwardly. He moved his righthand to her bare back, her skin looked soft but his gloves prevented him fromfeeling it beneath his fingertips. Hunter then placed one of her hands on hisshoulder and held her other gently in his. 

"I'll teach you." He smiled. Hunter led and she followed and after stepping on his feet a few times, she eventually got the hang of it.

"You don't look to bad your self." She finally said as he twirled her around then brought her back in to his grasp. His aqua blue eyes were glittering with life. The melody that played in the room was enchanting and somehow, he couldn't stop smiling as he looked into her crimson eyes that danced with joy.

"I don't think I've ever seen you smile so much, didn't you say balls were pointless?"

"I think I had a change of heart." He laughed and so did she.

"When did you learn to dance?"

"I was taught as a part of being a guard. We had to hide well with crowds in public events like this."

"Well your very good." She beamed. Then Crimson looked at the clock. And stopped dancing.

"What's wrong?" He asked as she took her hands off him.

"It's time." She frowned, he let go of her waist hesitantly.

They walked over to Deeja who was dancing with a guard. "Guys This is-

"There's no time!"  Crimson grabbed her by the arm and dragged her out of the loud room. Monica appeared shortly after.

"Do you have the papers?" Hunter asked. She nodded.

"Do you want me to make the announcement?" Deeja said to Crimson.

"No it's Ok." She smiled but it wasn't a reassuring smile it was one filled with fear. "Deeja and Hunter go find Noelani." They nodded in unison and were off.

Crimson and Monica walked up to the stage. "May I please have everyone's attention." Everyone turned to face her. "Today has been lovely but there is a major threat here and I do not want anyone hurt at this amazing event." Crimson said.

"What's wrong dear?" Queen Cordelia shouted from the crowd.

"We have reason to believe that Noelani Vander, has Hell-stingers that she plans on releasing tonight." She stated.

"How do you know?" One of the realm leaders asked.

"Because I-I was her accomplice." Monica said her face filled with shame. "I have the notes she sent me asking for them and at 10 o'clock tonight she will open the box and let them kill everyone." She added her voice soft but drained.

"Guards take her!" The Fairy Queen ordered.

"How dare you blame my daughter!" King Nylon was enraged.

"Your Majesty, she intends to kill you too, so that she could take up your place on throne. I'm truly sorry." Crimson added.

"That can't be true." His eyes began to water a little. "My sweet Noelani." His wife cried.

Suddenly Hunter and Deeja appeared at the back and held one arm each. And Noelani was glaring at them both. Everyone had turned to face her.

"Is it true?" Queen Cordelia asked her voice strangled with betrayal.

"Ugh Fine! It was true. But it's everyone's fault not mine. Monica you'll rue the day you whore!" She screamed and two guards took them both to the dungeons. The Queen stood upon the stage again.

"We will burn those hell-stingers and I am truly sorry King Nylon but she will be beheaded for attempted murder. But no harm was done so let the party commence." She smiled and the music resumed.

Crimson came off the stage, "Thank you my dear you and your friends have saved us all." Cordelia smiled at Crimson and went off into the crowds. Crimson sighed with relief.