The Royal Spare (COMPLETED)

33- Of A Grand Ball And First Meetings

As the introductions of the world leaders and their companions started all eyes were turned to the entrance of the ballroom. Diplomats, Presidents, Prime Ministers all came in their most impressive suits and gowns.

The royal families that were present were introduced last, the Queen and the teenage Crown Prince of Americci entered first, then the Datu and Dayang of Maharlika, the Emperor and the Empress of Nippon were next, then the elderly King of Slavja and Crown Princess. Everyone was in awe of the royals's grace and extravagance. Just their mere presence filled the room with their power like deities gathered on mortal ground.

Next to enter the ballroom was the King and Queen of Etazuré. A cold aristocratic atmosphere prevailed as they walked in. They were a handsome couple who looked stronger and younger than their real age of the late 60s. The new dauphin was not with them. It was said that Prince Philippe has entered the ballroom with the rest of us and left the moment in the spotlight to his parents. I thought he was just enjoying the anonymity for a grand reveal later. Unlike Prince Alphonse, the new dauphin was never in the limelight. He lived behind the shadow of his older brother and was mostly overseas for his study and later on military service.

The last pair of royals to be introduced was the King Regent and Princess of Reidonia. Prince Nikolai looked dashing in his red official royal uniform. As always, Princess Maeina in a beautiful red gown that matched her brother's uniform elicited a unified gasp of admiration from everyone in the room. In her diamond embellished dress that hugged her slim figure, with simple makeup and accessories that highlighted her delicate features and with graceful strides, she looked ethereal like Aphrodite herself walked down the red carpet and blessed us mortals with her presence.

All those present watched the royal siblings of Reidonia who undoubtedly were the most beautiful pair that evening especially the Princess. But no one's eyes were more keenly glued on her than my brother's. Aidan who walked a couple of feet behind the Princess watched her like a hawk with eyes soft like a deer's, mesmerized like a moth to a flame.

He quietly stayed by her side the entire evening as she chose to remain in their table, only to converse with those who dared approach her, while the Crown Prince Nikolai socialized with the other royals. I was on perimeter duty with our cousins Desmond and William and other Royal Guards who circled a five-foot radius around Princess Maiena and the King Regent.

After dinner, pair by pair, the delegates started filling up the dance floor as the chamber orchestra played waltz music. Prince Nikolai has invited the Crown Princess of Slavja to dance who commented that the Regent of Reidonia looked a lot like his eldest son. Anyone who has seen the far less attractive Slavjan Prince would disagree but the Regent courteously smiled and accepted the remark.

Princess Maiena made a move to escape the dancing and excused herself from the table in guise of the need to use the washroom. Aidan and I exchanged glances. We have seen this trick too many times for it to work on us so we both accompanied the Princess and Lady Cora as they left the room.

In the hallway leading to the washroom, the Princess took a left turn to the balcony instead. We quietly followed.

When we got there, she turned to us and sighed. "I guess you knew me too well to ask anymore questions." He smiled bitterly.

We all knew how stressful the past week has been for her especially that night when the Crown Prince intended for her to meet the dauphin. Her brother was to introduce them to each other after he danced with the Slavjan Princess. I guess even for a few minutes, Princess Maeina wished to get that off her mind.

She turned her back on us again to watch the serene view of the lake. I hoped in my heart that somehow calmed her down.

Aidan stepped forward and stood beside the Princess. She looked up at him and smiled. Their eyes gazed deep into each other for a few seconds before turning to look at the lake. It wasn't hard to see how strongly they felt for each other. We understood, Lady Cora and I, and we kept quiet about it. We let them have that peace even for a few moments.