Chaos & Order

Chapter 5

That night, Aliyah stood in her dressing room, maids dressing her. Shockingly to everyone was that the room was filled with laughter and giddiness. Directly contrasted to the dark and dour mood of a year ago. Now, the princess seemed relaxed and quite happy. None of them knew that the presence of an Angel was the primary source for that.

Said angel remained outside the room, waiting for her to finish or for the people to leave. Whichever came first. He heard the giggles and laughs inside and was rather proud. Turns out the sullen, irritable girl he came to had loosened up considerably.

Her voice then rang through his mind, "It's safe to enter now. They're just doing my hair."

Siel floated in, a golden orb unseen by the rest. He floated around and saw her wearing a black ball gown made of silk and lace while the maids were working on a matching, silver-colored mask while styling her hair.

"I must say, you look nice in your dress." Siel said through their link, "And don't worry about awkward questions. I can manifest proper attire by myself. One of the joys of having an optional physical form."

One of the maids added a finishing touch to Aliyah's now thoroughly curled hair, held together by the hair pin the King had given her. They all bowed and left, wishing her a happy birthday as they did so. When they were gone, Aliyah stepped off the stool and looked at herself in the tall mirror as Siel returned to his physical form.

"The seamstress out did herself this time." She said.

"I'd say." Siel said.

Aliyah smiled at Siel and asked, playfully, "Ready to be my escort for this evening?"

"One moment..." Siel said, shifting himself into a new, black and silver outfit with a short, red cape and a bird-shaped mask, "I always loved these masks."

"It looks good on you." Aliyah snickered.

"Well, princess, shall we keep your public waiting?" Siel asked, holding out his hand.

Aliyah smiled, blushing lightly as she took his hand, "Lead the way, good sir."

He took it and led her away, "Wait...what's the excuse? Who am I when people ask?"

Aliyah thought for a moment, "I...don't know. Something tells me father has a plan, though."

"Better have an idea, all the same." Siel suggested.

Aliyah nodded as they walked toward the ballroom, noticing the extra guards who marched across the halls, "He wasted no time in increasing security tonight..."

"So I see." Siel said as they entered the room.

People filled the room, dressed in glittering, colorful masquerade outfits. They regarded Aliyah a bit more...warily as they approached Xavier on his throne. Their wary looks were replaced by ones of curiosity at Siel. Aliyah curtsied to her father before taking her seat beside him, feeling the guests' staring. She wasn't sure how to react or feel, even as Siel stood next to her. Xavier then stood up to address the crowd.

"My people, may I introduce to you your princess and her..." he grit his teeth as he seemed to be mentally preparing himself for something. Aliyah tilted her head and peeked into his head just for a second...

"It's only for tonight, they both know it's a cover. Just swallow your pride and say it."

"And her current betrothed, Prince Jahangir of Valmoor." He said, referring to a kingdom farther south.

Aliyah froze at his words, remaining silent, but thinking rather "He did say he would handle it. But why that!? I'm thrown for a loop! Seriously thrown for a loop!"