The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 50 New Year's Eve

It was a snowy night, New Year's Eve, but that didn't stop the great majority of the noble families from attending the ball hosted by Queen Laquira. This particular dance was even larger than the Christmas celebrations and was televised for the nation to watch. I recalled counting down to midnight each year with the people of Los Eres and watching the fireworks explode on screen. I'd always wished we could have such a celebration right there in Bel Rea.

I was on royal guard duty that evening, along with Idris, Ilian, and Laith. The others had the night off to celebrate the holiday as they saw fit.

"Who would attack the Prince during a party anyways?"
Laith grumbled, unhappy to be unable to participate in any festivities.

"Plenty of people. Some of the most notable assaults in history have been at social gatherings. Weddings, balls, teas, once there was even a murder at a funeral."
Ilian informed him.

"A funeral, eh? That's convenient."
Laith commented.

"Remember the rebel's assassination attempt this past summer?"
I reminded him.

"I heard that wasn't all that serious."

"Oh it was serious alright, I stopped the assassin myself."

"You? Boy, I'm never told anything!"
Laith exclaimed.

"You're a Guard, what did you expect?"
Ilian questioned.

Guards were foot soldiers, they kept the peace and enforced the law. They weren't at the head of the Itovian military forces, which meant they weren't always the best informed. It was a sore point between the Guards and the Keepers.

I lost interest in the conversation as I spotted a familiar face slipping into the ball through a side door. There were enough attendees that Ranen had felt certain my sister would blend in with the crowd, but how could she when she was looking like that? Wade had outdone himself, particularly in the short amount of time he had been given to complete the gown. It was a shimmering black, but as the light would hit it, there was an explosion of glittering colors to witness. Her golden blonde hair had been done in an up twist, glitter sprinkled across it. She really did look like a firework, dancing across the night sky.

"Excuse me a moment."
I announced to my companions, cutting Laith off mid-sentence.

I crossed the ballroom, enjoying how the crowd parted out of my way.

"Little sister, you look incredible."

She flashed me an ear-splitting smile.

"I'll remember this moment for the rest of my life."
She sighed in happiness, turning this way and that as she took it all in.

"Who would have thought we'd have ended up here?"
She commented.

Solomon was serving champagne glasses off a silver platter just a few yards away from us. I was guarding the Prince, my Keeper mask firmly in place. And then, of course, there was beautiful Esha, attending her first and last ball. The Coften siblings had come a long way, that much was for certain.

"What are you going to do tonight little sister?"

"I'm going to find some handsome noble boy to dance with me and step on his toes. Then I'm going to track down the food table and probably overeat the delectable goodies that the kitchens have prepared. I plan on people watching then, until midnight. There are so many interesting things to see and enjoy, I just want to take it all in."

I smiled, my heart full seeing her so happy.

"Go find that handsome noble boy and step on his toes, but if he tries to kiss you at midnight, point out which one your older sister is and let him reconsider."