This fairytale starts where most others find happily ever after.
At a ball, but this was no ordinary ball. Oh no, you see, this ball was the tenth in a long line of balls and parties specifically and purposefully designed by the royal council in the hopes for the young king of Norell to choose a bride. Amidst the gay atmosphere of music, dance, drink, and most important gossip, the young king was unimpressed nor cared enough to want to give concern.
The tenth ball, at this point in Norell's history it was well known by royals and paupers alike that the young king Detrich Khann Aldric Norell of Norell was the biggest snob their ever was. Because of his unique character, the royal court feared he would never marry. Although, being picky was the least of his undesirable traits, he was also a wasteful, extravagant, brute, and much, much more than flirtatious with any women that caught his eye. In fact, though no one in Norell would consent to be King Detrich's bride, there wasn't a woman left at the tenth ball that hadn't been introduced to him intimately. It was no wonder then that the young king found himself board out of his wits. There was no new gossip, nothing to tickle his fancy.
Wait a minute! That is, except for the lady in black.
This was the first night king Detrich had seen the lady in black. He of all people should know. She set apart from the average courtier in a queer way he could not put his finger on. She wore an older style of dress, save for the fact it was dyed black, a very wealthy commodity. It would have cost a pretty penny.
The king straitened in his plush violet and golden chair as the lady turned her gaze on him. As far as king Detrich could see, the lady in black was quiet ordinary in appearance aside from a slight tan and leaner inclined figure than most. Her mousy brown hair and distinct facial features suggested her breeding hailed from the northern most kingdom of Glec. As the lady in black continued to glance at the young king from behind her fan the courtiers began to take notice especially the kings' adviser, Faas.
Faas is a shrill looking man with an outrageously huge nose and bushy eyebrows that hold his spectacles on. He has slight hump on his shoulders rumored to have been from bending over to kiss King Detrich's feet when he was a young lad. Yes, he was a suck up and very greedy too. They say he never spent a single coin all his life. Since Faas had the trust of the most excessive spendthrift in the kingdom he pretty much was the real king running the show. He made all the important boring decisions King Detrich didn't find amusing. He even made appearances and spoke on King Detrich's behalf when it was called for. He, above anyone, would be to blame the king befell ill or grand tidings.
That is why Fass's eyes darted like no one else's from the silent interlude between King Detrich and the lady in black. "Ah, Sire?" was all Faas needed to ask King Detrich before anything could be said. "Yes, Faas. Introductions." King Detrich grinned and slumped back into his thrown. "From the looks of it, this night will be productive." King Detrich thought.
Faas sharply straitened and hopped down off the steps leading to the kings perch. He held is arms up close to his chest as he wiggled through the sea of attention hungry blue bloods. As Faas approached the lady in black she turned away and began small talk with the stranger next to her. "Ah hem, m'lady." Faas whispered to the ladies ear.