Touchstone (Under Edits)

Another Milestone

Even Royalty face suffering...

15 year old Sonnet and Terren were faced with yet another yearly tradition. This one could only happen once in a person's lifetime but usually left a lasting impression.

"When I have my turn as King, I am going to abolish this stupid tradition!" Terren fumed beside Sonnet as he was dressed by attendants. The Robin Sisters twittered around him in glee, praising him for his handsome qualities to appease him. They didn't understand why he was so against his something that was in her honor. All they cared about was the flash and the glitter and this kind of night was perfect for it.

"It only happens once in a person's lifetime you know." Sonnet offered quietly. His face was calm and relaxed but his insides quivered with dread. Nights like tonight posed a type of threat he had no defenses against.

"I know Son but you do realize we will have to attend every coming out ball from now on because we are the royal princes." He stressed on the last two words so much that spit flew from his mouth.

"There is that I guess." Sonnet acknowledged softly. How could he have forgotten there would be more after tonight. What a childish way of thinking.

"And that means you will have to dance with him every time." Terren pointed out harshly.

Sonnet winced and looked away. He refused, absolutely refused to think about this possibility.

"Well maybe you can change it so that everyone has their coming out ball on the same day so we only have obligations to attend one per year. Let's not deny everyone their fun because we dislike balls." The fact that Son could still find some consideration for others in this situation made Terran admire him more. He really was a Prince Among Princes.

Terren grunted and sighed. "I just want to enjoy my evening doing things that entertain me. Most of those little birdies only want to flash their pooch at me because I'm the prince."

Silence descended the room at the common word Prince Terren had used. His mother, Lady Waen walked into the room fully and glared at him. He glared right back.

"Son, you look gorgeous as always." She chose to ignore her own son and lavish praise on her nephew. Didn't she know doing this would only fuel Terren's rebellion and set Son at a disadvantage?

"Thank you auntie but we all know Terren is the classically handsome one here. I just have a cute baby face. But Auntie. I realize you haven't asked me for the first dance. Why is that?" She threw her head back and laughed. He smiled at her and offered his dance card.

"Oh my darling Son. You are such a nice boy. Here. I'll take the second one."

"Only because I will have the first." His mother said from the door, laughter in her voice. Queen Peach walked in and took the card from Lady Waen. The woman grinned and handed her the pen. She wrote her name in big bold letters and also took his first waltz. Son took the card back and hugged his mother. If he held on to her a little bit longer and a little bit tighter, it was ok because she was the most important person for him.

"Thank you." He whispered in her ear and she smiled. She knew what he was thanking her for. It was common knowledge how much he disliked and feared the eagle child and she had already sought out other possible options for her son to be present tonight. Let that foolish boy think he could get his hands on her child so easily. She wouldn't hesitate to wring his neck with her bare hands. 

After some fussing and quite a bit of commentary, both mothers wondered out and down into the ballroom to join their husbands. That was a sign to everyone present. The Princes would soon be presented.