The Path to Redemption

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓎-𝒮𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃

↞･:*✵*:･↠

The ballroom was far more relaxed when I arrived back. The dancers swayed to the beat, their movements more moderate than before. It most likely had to do with the orchestra, which played much more dulled songs compared to the waltzes earlier.

Smiling as I passed by other nobles, I nodded to a few, though I didn't receive the same gestures in return as I shuffled past, feeling like a rock among diamonds. All of the others glimmered, moving in ways that made their jewels and gems sparkle as bright as a star, while I struggled to even walk.

Letting out a sigh, I advanced towards the table of food at the back of the ballroom. That was the least crowded area; everyone else was either mingling or dancing, paying no attention to the plates that the kitchen staff had worked hard to create. Looking over the large assortments of food before me, I recognized one of the pastries I loved so much. I let loose a knowing smile as I already knew who had provided the dessert for me. Velut must've told one of the servants to bring it into the ballroom for me. Grabbing one, I took a small bite, making sure no one was looking.

I had no clue how to eat in front of nobles and royals--besides Gale; he didn't care how I ate. Was I supposed to put this on a plate? Eat it with a fork and knife? Or was it acceptable to eat with my hands. In all honesty, I could care less. I had problems far more concerning than those of eating standards.

Seeing Edra heading for the food table, I smiled and caught her attention. Her pale green eyes found mine as she approached, her smile never wavering. Her very being appeared to glow as she neared me, the lights from the chandelier making her dress sparkle with every movement she made.

"Hello. Aria, right?" Edra asked once she was close to me, recognition crossing her face.

"That's me," I nodded, taking another bite of my pastry before swallowing and continuing. "Are you enjoying the ball?"

"Yes," Edra spoke almost too quickly, her tone filled with excitement. "I've always wanted to attend one of these. They've always been so important in fairy tales. It makes you wonder what they're really like--and now, I know!" Her voice was bright, eager.

"That's nice," I agreed, my words short. I had not a clue what could set Edra off, what could make her bubbly attitude diminish into a guarded, dark one. I wondered if she even had a dark side as I watched her continue to smile into the crowd of people dancing, her expression never giving me a reason to believe otherwise.

"Have you ever been to a ball? Besides this one?" she asked, looking over to me. I shook my head.

"I'm afraid not; this is my first," I admitted with a small laugh. "I never would've imagined myself here, to be honest."

"Oh, me either," Edra agreed with a giggle. "But it is fun to experience. You know, after I escaped, I became a maid," she informed me, her eyes shimmering with remembrance.

"So you waited at these events?" I inquired. Edra shook her head no, her short hair swaying as she did so.

"No, I did not. I took care of a Lady. I helped her get dressed for these kinds of things, but I never attended. She was very nice. I believe she was in her late thirties. She had a husband, but she never failed to tell me about all of the handsome men she met at the balls whenever she arrived home." Edra laughed at the memory, her eyes crinkling as she smiled. "She didn't know," her expression became saddened as she averted her gaze to the ground. "She had no clue that I--well, you know."

I nodded. I did know the secrets she had to keep from her mistress, someone--based on how Edra spoke of her--she thought to be a friend.

"At least you bring healing," I reassured her, my eyes darting to her hands before looking at mine. I let out a small sigh, taking another bite out of my pastry though now it tasted bland on my tongue.

"That is a gift," Edra mumbled. "I don't know what I would do if I could only bring destruction, even if healing does have its faults." She seemed haunted by the thought, and I looked out into the crowd of people dancing.

"It's not too fun," I laughed off my pain, though Erda appeared to see past it. Perhaps it was her healer's instincts, gifted to her by the tests, allowing her to see a person's pain not only through a wound, but through their soul.

"Well, I didn't mean to spoil your night," Edra shifted the topic, her usual smile back on her face as she looked at me. "I'll be going now; have a good night, Aria. I look forward to working with you." She gave me a small wink before melting back into the crowd. And just like that, I was alone once more.

Deciding that I'd feel better if I managed to get a breath of fresh air, I finished my pastry before stepping out of the ballroom and into the gardens. The chilled air indicated winter was closer than ever, and I crossed my arms over my chest to keep warm. My breath materialized in front of me as I let out a huff, causing me to grin, until I heard people coming my way.

At first, I was just going to walk by those coming towards me until I realized they weren't moving. The voices I heard were right outside the ballroom, positioned right next to the doors on the other side. Looking in the direction of the source, I squinted my eyes in an effort to recognize who was out here. Seeing it was Gale, I paused, a small frown forming on my face.

It wasn't only Gale. There was someone else. Upon further inspection I nearly gasped, realizing the woman was none other than Vera, the Princess of Quentine. I'd met her long ago, back when Gale didn't know who I was—who I truly was. We'd arrived at Quentine in search of supplies needed to continue our journey, and she'd provided them.

Based upon the way the two were talking, I could see she hadn't changed one bit. She was still authoritative, standing tall with the stance of a future Queen—which she was. I crept closer, keeping myself disguised within shadows as I eavesdropped.

"—the idea is absurd, Vera," Gale's voice erupted, causing me to stand more still than before even though I was sure I was near invisible. "Our kingdoms do not need a marriage to become allies. Quite frankly, I thought we already were allied."

A marriage? Allies? What could this be about?

"You know my father, Gale. He does not care to rely on things like truces. He believes in alliances forged by marriage, one that makes treachery near impossible. What's the issue, anyhow?" She frowned, her lips firm, her expression determined. "I don't see one reason why this wouldn't work. We were friends before, lovers even, so why not now? What's changed?" the princess demanded, her brows creased.

"It's...things have changed, Vera," Gale answered, avoiding the question. His voice was softer now, weary.

"What do you mean things have changed? Things change all the time. I change; you change; we all do. So what's the issue?"

"You're right, Vera, I have changed," Gale agreed, bringing his eyes to meet hers. The two stood there for a good amount of time, expressing things, words, through an unspoken language unknown to me.

"It's her," Vera's words sliced through the drawing silence. "It's that girl. The one you came to Quentine with." Her voice was soft, gentle, something I hadn't heard from her before. Something I'd never imagined hearing from her.

Gale didn't respond, he only lowered his gaze to the ground, staring at the stone path beneath him. I found myself taking in their words as another round of silence bloomed, allowing their conversation to sink in. Remembering the day she was talking of—the girl she was talking of, my jaw nearly hit the floor. They were talking about me? Why? For what reason? I had nothing to do with this—did I?

"You love her?" Vera asked, her voice so quiet it could be a whisper. My heart rate spiked as I awaited Gale's answer.

"I don't know."

"Well I think you do." She paused. "It's good to know you've grown, Gale." She gave the King a small smile, a genuine one. "Just don't break her heart. I'll talk to my father; there's nothing I can't get from him. I am his favorite daughter and all."

"You're an only child," Gale mumbled, causing her grin to widen.

"Shush," she quieted him playfully before placing a hand on Gale's shoulder, reaching forwards and placing a small kiss on his cheek, a friendly gesture, a sign of parting. "Quentine will always be there to help when needed. Stay safe."

"You too."

With that, the Princess walked past Gale and back into the ball, leaving the King alone, and me hidden in the shadows.