THE ROYAL BALL (PART |)
942 Words
The morning arrived with a quiet excitement unlike any other.
The streets of Eldoria were already alive long before sunrise. Carriages rolled over the cobbled roads, merchants decorated their shops with ribbons of gold and crimson, and colorful banners bearing the royal crest fluttered proudly from every building.
It was the day everyone had been waiting for.
The day of the Royal Ball.
An event held so rarely that many people lived their entire lives without ever witnessing it.
Guests had traveled from neighboring kingdoms, distant villages, and bustling cities. Nobles, scholars, wealthy merchants, honored soldiers, and respected families had all received invitations.
To the people of Eldoria, it was more than a celebration.
It was history.
---
Inside the girls' dormitory at Eldoria Royal University, excitement filled every room.
Aurora stood before the mirror, smoothing the folds of her elegant sapphire-blue gown. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back in soft waves, and tiny silver crystals sparkled in her hair like stars.
She turned around dramatically.
"Well?" she asked with a grin.
Octavia laughed.
"You've asked me that five times already."
"And?"
"You look beautiful."
Aurora smiled proudly.
"I knew you'd say that."
She walked toward Octavia and stopped.
For a moment...
She simply stared.
Octavia stood quietly before the mirror in a breathtaking floor-length gown of soft champagne gold. The fabric shimmered with every movement, while delicate embroidery traced the bodice like vines woven from moonlight.
Her beautiful orange-red curly blonde hair rested gracefully over one shoulder, framing her gentle face.
Aurora blinked.
"I don't think it's fair."
Octavia frowned.
"What isn't?"
"You."
"What about me?"
"You somehow become prettier every single day."
Octavia laughed, shaking her head.
"Stop exaggerating."
"I'm not exaggerating."
Before Aurora could continue, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Aurora called.
The door opened.
Arina stepped inside.
Both girls froze.
Princess or not—they didn't know yet.
All they saw was their friend.
Arina wore an elegant emerald-green gown that suited her perfectly. Her golden hair had been arranged into a graceful style, with delicate jewels woven through it.
She smiled nervously.
"Too much?"
Aurora walked around her dramatically.
"No..."
Octavia nodded in agreement.
"It's perfect."
The three friends burst into laughter.
For a little while...
They forgot about assignments...
Forgot about strange dreams...
Forgot about mysterious powers...
Tonight...
They simply wanted to enjoy themselves.
---
Outside the university gates, magnificent royal carriages waited for invited guests.
As the girls climbed aboard, Aurora suddenly became quiet.
Octavia noticed.
"What is it?"
Aurora looked out of the window.
"I don't know..."
She pressed a hand against her chest.
"Ever since... that day in the forest..."
Octavia reached for her hand.
"Your visions?"
Aurora nodded slowly.
"I can feel something tonight."
"What kind of something?"
"I can't explain it."
Her voice became barely a whisper.
"There are powerful people gathering in one place."
She looked toward the distant royal palace.
"Some feel kind..."
She paused.
"...others don't."
Octavia smiled gently.
"You've been worrying too much lately."
Aurora tried to smile back.
"I hope you're right."
Deep inside...
She wasn't sure.
---
The Royal Palace rose proudly above Eldoria like something from a dream.
Its towering white stone walls glowed beneath thousands of lanterns.
Golden domes reflected the evening sky.
Crystal fountains sparkled beneath the moonlight.
The royal gardens stretched farther than the eye could see, filled with roses, lilies, ancient oak trees, and marble statues of kings and queens from centuries past.
Guests gasped as they stepped from their carriages.
"It's magnificent..."
"I've never seen anything like it..."
Octavia looked around in complete wonder.
"It's beautiful."
Aurora nodded.
"It feels..."
She hesitated.
"...alive."
Again...
That strange feeling returned.
Invisible currents seemed to flow through the palace grounds.
She glanced around.
Elegant nobles chatted happily.
Musicians welcomed arriving guests.
Servants carried silver trays filled with sparkling drinks.
Everything appeared perfectly normal.
Yet Aurora's heart beat faster.
She couldn't explain why.
She felt warmth...
Darkness...
Ancient power...
And something watching.
Not one presence.
Many.
Hidden among the crowd were people who looked completely ordinary—but were not.
Some were witches.
Some were wolves hiding in human form.
Some were vampires living peacefully among humans.
Others carried darker intentions.
No one else noticed.
Aurora did.
She took a slow breath.
"What is this place...?"
---
The grand ballroom doors slowly opened.
A servant announced,
"Welcome to the Royal Ball!"
The ballroom was breathtaking.
Hundreds of crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light.
The polished marble floor reflected every sparkle.
An orchestra played elegant music while couples danced gracefully across the floor.
Octavia smiled in amazement.
"This is incredible."
Before anyone could answer—
The royal trumpets sounded.
BAAAAH!
BAAAAH!
Every conversation stopped instantly.
A royal herald stepped forward.
"In honor of Their Majesties..."
"The Royal Family of Eldoria!"
Every guest bowed.
The massive doors opened.
King Alexza Nightfall entered first, carrying himself with effortless authority.
Beside him walked Queen Hazel Nightfall, graceful and radiant.
A few steps behind them was Queen Mirabel, elegant and poised.
Then...
Princess Arina Nightfall.
Octavia's eyes widened.
Aurora nearly dropped her fan.
"Arina...?"
Their friend smiled apologetically from across the hall.
Finally...
The Crown Prince entered.
A wave of whispers swept through the ballroom.
"He's even more handsome than the paintings..."
"I've never seen the prince this close..."
"So charming..."
"So elegant..."
Lincoln walked calmly beside his family, every movement carrying quiet confidence.
Yet...
His eyes searched only one face.
Octavia.
For a brief moment...
Their eyes almost met.
But she was too busy staring at Arina in complete disbelief.
Lincoln smiled to himself.
No one noticed.
Not even Octavia.
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