Silver & Gold

Chapter 4

I'm staring at myself in the mirror. I smile. I'm wearing the most elegant gown I own with matching heels. I slip on the teal gloves and quickly adjust the sleeves to hide my tattoo. My hair is pulled back in an elegant braided bun. Teal teardrop earrings hang from my ears. My lips look painted with dark plum and my eyelids are dusted with teal. I turn back to Lasswell. "You've done perfectly as always. I've decided that instead of Samson, you will be my escort this evening."

Lasswell nods and offers his arm. Instead of his usual uniform, he's dressed in a fine suit to look like a prince.

I take his arm.

We walk out of the room, going to join the royal family. We find them outside two elevator doors. We stand and wait a moment.

All eyes turn to us.

I'm aware of a warm amber gaze and a cool blue gaze on me. I smile and nod at each prince. "Good evening."

The king is the first to speak. "Indeed. Your beauty is sure to make it all the more pleasant for your suitors."

Lasswell steps up. "Your majesty, I will be escorting the princess this evening. She still hasn't gotten used to being here."

It's then that Elara takes note of Lasswell's attire. "Why is your guard dressed like a prince?" she asks with disgust.

"Your majesty, I'm dressed so as to properly escort my princess. We decided it was more suitable than my uniform," Lasswell replies coolly.

A smile spreads across the king's face. "That is a grand idea as she hasn't entirely adjusted to living here. I have no doubt you will be a flawless escort, Lasswell. Now, come and join us." The king beckons us to join his family in the elevator.

We step inside. We decide to get a good look at what we're dealing with.

The crown prince of Norta stands perfectly straight. He seems the image of perfection. His black hair is brushed and greased back. He wears a black suit with silver trim, tan pants, and boots that go up to his knees. Medals decorate the left side of his chest. White gloves cover his hands.

The younger prince is dressed similarly, the other difference being that he doesn't wear any medals. His hair is neat, despite not being greased back.

I don't bother looking at the king or Elara. I already have the king wrapped around my finger. When I deal with Elara, it will be like dealing with a bully.

Either way, Amicitia will prevail.

Lasswell turns to me, offering a slight nod. He has already done his search.

I feel two gazes on my back.

One like a gentle caress and the other like a knife.

I smile to myself. I'm definitely going to have fun with this game.

After a few minutes, the elevator stops. Its doors open.

The king and queen exit first, followed by the princes.

Lasswell gracefully offers me his arm.

I take it and smile. It's time for me to show these Nortans how it's done. I smile at everyone we pass, taking note of everyone there.

The young women are excited to see Lasswell. They squeal and scream for his attention. 

Haha.

He's still my bodyguard and they cannot claim him. Lasswell belongs to me and no one else.

The ball starts off like every other one I've been to. 

Everyone is seated at smaller tables while the king, his family, and his honored guests sit at a larger table.