Tranquil

Chapter 3

Ever since the trip, Antonio and I have been really close. Of course we both had our own things to do and I couldn't leave the palace often but somehow we manage to make up for the loss time.

Apart from being close to each other, Antonio has been physically close as well. He'd sometimes just sneak up behind me and look over my shoulder instead of coming next to me like a normal person would. He would pull me over to him instead of asking me to come around. He would sometimes ruffle my hair. Generally speaking, he has been more physical lately and it's been driving me crazy.

A part of me tells me that maybe he feels the same way but some of me tells me that he only sees me as a little brother, because he never seems affected in any way and would always come naturally to have contact and when I am expecting something, nothing happens. It confuses me.

"You want me to come to a ball, where there's like nobles?" Antonio asked confused.

"Yeah, it'll be fun." I said.

"Rudy, I hate to break it to you, but this isn't very ball material." He pointed to himself.
"Lucky for you, it's a masquerade ball. No one will know who you are. Plus, you're my only friend." I clasped my hands in a prayer position. "And you don't have to worry about the outfit. I'll get them ready for you. So, please come?"

Somehow, I managed to persuade Antonio into going to the ball. I had him come to the palace in the afternoon to get him ready in time. I had a grey suit prepared for him accompanied by a bowtie and a corsage pinned to the lapel, over a matching waistcoat. There was also a wide selection of masks to choose from and unsurprisingly Antonio choose an elegant simple design over the feathered ones.

The closer it was to the event, I could tell he was restless. "How are you feeling?"

"A little nervous. What if I mess up?"

"You won't." I said, firmly holding both his arms. "Hey, I'll be there with you. You don't even have to give your name if you don't want to."

During the ball, Antonio decided to go nameless - being addressed as a royal guest upon introduction. Of course, I tried to stay close to him as much as I could but eventually I had to stick up to formalities and greet the adults when they came by and sent Antonio to get food.

It was better he wasn't there, the old geezers would stick close to anyone related to the crown to climb up the social ladder and widen their influence. It was the one thing I wanted him to avoid being dragged into. Apart from them, it would've been a magnificent party.

My face was aching from all the practiced smiles and the elaborate greetings. "Having fun out there Prince Rudy." a voice asked and I turned around, ready for another round of pleasing people but when I saw the other person, a real smile came on my features.

"Princess Amiera." I gave her a small bow and she curtsied. "Would you like a dance?" I offered my palm out to her and she took it.

We made our way to the dance area and started to waltz to the slow beat music. The orchestra then transitioned and starting playing a piece that was more suitable for a waltz.

The bystanders around stared at us, basking in the sight of two royals.

"Enjoying the party?" she asked.

"You know I don't really like them."

"Is that why you brought a friend? People are dying to know who he is." she said as a matter of factly. "You should see the amount of people trying to suck up to him, it's hilarious."

Hearing that I got worried about him. "I was planning to stick to him tonight but the ministers came. Could you keep an eye on him for me?"