The Path to Redemption

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓎-𝐹𝑜𝓊𝓇

↞･:*✵*:･↠

Dimmed candles lined the ballroom as we all entered, one by one, with Velut and me in the back of the line. Two men stood at the top of the stairwell as each one of us began down the long trek to reach the ballroom floor. Most seemed composed, though the younger recruits were a bit skittish, fidgeting with their dresses and suits as they waited to make their entrance.

They must all have been feeling the same way I was; nervous.

Nervous that something—anything—would go wrong. I hated to admit it, but it was scary how possible it was for this night to turn from a fantasy into a nightmare. One slip up, and we'd all be exposed. I pushed the thought aside, seeing the purple velvet curtain now in front of me, swaying gently as a reminder that Velut had just passed through.

Inhaling deeply, I calmed my nerves, then exhaled slowly as I pulled back the fabric. I squinted slightly as the candles glimmered brighter than I had previously thought. Giving a tense, uneasy smile, I took the hand of one of the two guards who stood at the top of the stairwell as he escorted me to where I would begin my descent, his sword neatly tucked into a sheath. Just in case, it told me.

Continuing to track my breathing, I squared my shoulders subtly, letting my hand glide over the railing as I took hasty steps toward the ground floor. I could feel everyone staring at me. But were they? Or was I just so worked up about this whole ball that I was imagining it?

Spotting Gale's face in the midst of the crowd, I let out a small sigh, keeping my eyes on him as I tried to level myself. I didn't want to make a fool of myself, not in front of so many nobles. I wasn't rich; that was obvious, and I hadn't exactly been taught how to act during these kinds of events. I just had to improvise.

Gale's eyes met mine once I was halfway down the stairs, and I did my best to remain calm. My anchor had now become the very reason why I was struggling to keep my cool. Why did I have to make such a big entrance? Why couldn't I have just snuck in through the back? I wasn't used to being the center of attention, and quite frankly, I didn't enjoy it.

But then I was at the bottom. I had made it. I had survived.

How idiotic of me to say such things. I had fought off hundreds of guards before, and yet walking down a stairwell was what gave me a fright? It was insane, though it was the truth.

Making my way through the crowd, I paused as a hand wrapped around my wrist. Turning quickly, I exhaled, seeing it was only Gale. He had found me, good. I hadn't known what I was going to do if he hadn't. I probably would've searched for him myself, to be completely honest.

But seeing his forest eyes, staring down at me as a smile crossed his face, all of my worries flew away though I knew they would come back. For now, I would dwell on feeling content. I would not worry.

He was dressed in the color of his Kingdom, a suit of purple with silver and white markings, fastened by a white sash that trailed down his chest to his side. His black boots were shimmering as the light from the candles winked against them. I couldn't help but admire how good he looked, with his hair--which was usually untamed--now parted precisely. Upon his head sat a sparkling crown, glimmering as light hit the amethyst and diamonds crafted into the silver.

He looked like a true King, and I found myself falling even more deeply for him. I always had been, ever since the night we'd shared deep conversations; the night we'd kissed; that night that felt like forever ago.

"You look nice," Gale complimented me, looking over my gown as he did so. A light blush crossed my cheeks at his words though it receded before he could see. I needed to get a grip. I'd been working with Gale for weeks, keeping my distance as I perfected his abilities as best I could; so why was I suddenly losing my grip at this crucial event?

I knew this--my feelings--to be hopeless. They would be crushed when he fell in love with another noble, or, more likely, a Princess. I wouldn't position myself to face such heartbreak. I already had, once before, and I wouldn't again. I couldn't afford distractions, anyhow.

"You too, your highness," I joked, bowing deeply before coming back up, hearing the royal laugh at my words.

"How honored I am to have someone with such nobility in this ballroom with me," Gale played on with my humor, causing me to cover my mouth as I chuckled.

"Ah, but your highness, how could someone such as I say no to his highness' request to join him at the ball?" I spoke as if the thought of declining was ludicrous, earning another laugh from Gale.

"Well then, my lady," Gale began, extending his hand to me, causing me to frown in confusion. "Would you like to join me for a dance?"

"What?" I sputtered, my eyes wide as I looked past him and onto the dance-floor where royals from other Kingdoms, not to mention the highest nobility of the Kingdom, danced. "I can't--Gale, I--I can't dance," I replied in a hushed tone, embarrassed, hoping no one else would hear me.

"That's alright," Gale argued, nodding out towards the floor where others spun gracefully. "I'll take the lead."

"You're the man; you always take the lead in these kinds of dances," I shot back, my voice still low. Gale merely grinned, making me even more bewildered.

"Just take my hand," he replied, his voice calm, comforting. With a sigh of reluctance, I placed my hand in his, sparks racing up my arm and through my body as I did so. I quickly brushed them aside. I would not be distracted. Not even if I wanted to be.

We made our way past others who were finishing off a song as Gale brought me to the middle of the floor, making my fear spike even more than it had before. I was about to say something when Gale shook his head, anticipating my words. Why did he have to look so good? And why did I have to agree to this dance? Why didn't I just refuse and walk away?

Because that would've been rude, and you don't be rude to someone you like, I reminded myself. Especially if you feel particularly close to said person.

Why did I have to fall for the King? Why not some random commoner? Why was everything that happened to me always so complicated?

"There's no backing out now. Ready?" Gale asked, looking into my eyes, his very own sparkling, drawing me in just as they had so many times before.

"No," I breathed out, causing his smile to only widen.

The sweet sound of violins indicating a new song had started told me that if I had any chance left to escape from humiliating myself, those chances were gone.

I was utterly, completely, helpless.