The Octavus

#12-The Aestas Ball

The events held at the palace really were something to behold. An extravaganza for only Ten the lost rich and eloquent. Men, women and even a few children lifted their heads high showing off shimmering jewels and exorbitant fabrics perfectly laced together creating bold, bright, blazing costumes. The few that possessed magical gifts proudly showed them to those unlucky enough to hold no power.

At an event like this the rich must radiate their wealth. A competition of who has the most opulent lifestyle. Obviously their attempts were futile against the king. From his Polished Furniture to his polished son everything he owned dripped with the utmost sophistication.

While the event was just getting started, Evelyn sat at her dressing table already made up with make up and dressed in her glorious eggplant dress. The maids made a great effort to make her stunning, after all she was to stand alongside Nathaniel that night.

Closing her eyes she took a large intake of air before being interrupted by the loud knocking at the door.

"Evie, it's me." Nate called from the other side. "All guests have arrived so we're supposed to go down now."

With one last glance at the mirror at her reflection she got up from the chair, holding up her dress as she made her way to the door. She was always anxious to see Nate while being so dressed up, his gaze made her slightly uncomfortable.

Nevertheless she opened the door to a dashing Nathaniel in his suit and tie. His hair perfect as ever styled rough and curved up like fresh curled kindling. His mouth was slightly ajar as he took in her appearance with admiration.

"Gosh-Evie." He breathed taking her hand in his. "You look lovely."

"So do you." She smiled up at him. "Shall we go." She suggested softly noticing he wasn't moving much.

"Come on then." He kept her hand in his and lead her towards the top of the staircase where the other six were waiting.

"Took you long enough." Janak scoffed linking arms with Adeline.

"Are you ready?" Lerin asked from next to Sirona.

Evelyn nodded taking a deep breath as they approached closer to the staircase leading into the hall, into the eye view of all the guests.

It was important to The Rex that the soon to be Octavus arrive after all of the guests and grab their attention descending down the stairs into the great ocean of pompous lords and lady's.

Taking a large breath Evelyn and the others stepped forward into view and almost instantly eagle eyes darted towards them.For Evelyn the stairs had never seemed so high and plentiful. It was daunting. Even for someone with her upbringing.

Nevertheless she forced her self down each step feeling like a weight dropping down on her feet adding to the pressure. After what felt like forever she stepped down lightly bowing just her head to the crowd as the other seven did alongside her. The crowd looked upon their elegance in awe. They have always been admired.

Nate pulled her forward towards where his parents stood beaming, as the guests went back to their idle chatter.

"Mother, father." He shook his fathers hand and pulled his mother into a hug as Evelyn stood by smiling refusing to make any sort of physical contact with either of them. " What a grand event."

"As always." Regina Knight chuckled pompously. "Nothing less is expected."

"You outdo yourself each year darling." Her husband commented pulled her close to him.

Evelyn had to hold back a scoff knowing full well all the efforts of that night were Mrs Lisa's doing.

"Oh Evelyn!" Queen Regina startled Evelyn pulling her hands towards her. "You look stunning oh doesn't she look stunning Rufus."
Evelyn smiled a fake smile with underlining discomfort.