Chapter One - Midnight Get-Together

John Egbert was not one fond of formal occasions. The Autumn Ball was one of his least favourite of these dreaded events. Dances meant he had to get dressed up, have Jane fussily attack him with a comb, and have to make an effort to be relatively sociable with the creepy princes from the south. Oh how he hated living at the host Castle of this dance. Balls were pretty interesting when you could go and snoop at other castles, playing hide and seek and probably getting lost, but when they were in your own home? Boring!

Though, there was really great food at balls...

... And it was an excuse to hang out with Dave and Rose.

They were the only reasons John was struggling to pull a very blue, very tight waistcoat around himself. Finally once the golden buttons were safely in place, he grabbed his ridiculously frilly silk coat and accompanying tricorne hat and he was out of the door.

Down flights of stairs John flew, greeting anyone he passed with a nod and a smile despite the fact he didn't recognise half of them. He was tempted to slide down the golden banisters, but resisted simply because last time he'd done so he'd nearly given Jane a heart attack.

"John, mate, there you are!"

John came to a sharp halt, sliding a little on the marble floor. In front of him was a man clad in hunting gear, waving at him. "Oh Jake, you're back!"

"Yep," Jake grinned, "we finished up pretty early; we got all the meat we need for tonight, thanks to Jade's keen eye, so we came back early to clean ourselves up a bit. Looking very dapper yourself, I must say."

John frowned, "I feel like a doll."

Jake smirked, "I know what you mean; it's a shame frills are so in recently, they do look ridiculous. But hey, your waistcoat's nice enough."

"You're so lucky! Jane doesn't boss you about, telling you what to wear, just because she likes you more than she likes me!" John said, partly joking.

Jake snorted, "no she doesn't, she just knows that if she let you wear what you wanted, you'd be walking around in a dirty shirt and underpants."

"Clothes are boring! Anyway, sorry, I have to go! I'm going to see Jane."

Jake and John waved goodbye as John darted away, down even more stairs, until finally he reached the doors leading outside to Jane's little cottage.

Plas Llyn Castle, home of John, Jane, Jake and Jade, was an impressive castle to say the least. It had been built atop a small mountain many, many years ago. At the foot of the mountain was a vast, clear lake. Waterfalls fell from the top of the mountain, secret gorges and miniature lakes could be discovered with great ease, and they only enhanced the natural beauty of the castle - and aided games of hide and seek to no end. Due to its rocky setting, the castle was more of a series of towers arranged very close together in a chaotic fashion that managed to look good. From the main gates of the castle came a great aqueduct that acted as a bridge, allowing citizens to walk down to the town that separated Northern Prospit from Northern Derse. If you carried along, at the other side of the town was another aqueduct which led up to the castle of Caer Mynydd, Northern Derse's impressive fort which was also built upon a series of mountains.

However, despite the divine architecture of Plas Llyn Castle, John had to admit that his favourite part of the fortress was Jane's quarters. They were built on one of the lowest parts of the mountain, very near a steep cliff face looking down directly into the lake. Immediately to your right was a powerful waterfall, it's spray sometimes catching you on the cheek. When standing immersed in the lush greenery and cavernous walls it felt like a truly magical getaway. No wonder Jane was so calm these days; how could anyone not be calm when living in such a breathtaking environment?

John walked over to her neat, light blue front door, giving it a sure knock. A moment later there was a snap of locks, and Jane poked her head out.

"Oh John, hello - come in!"

John smiled, stepping inside the quaint cottage, taking a seat at the fashionably ragged table. Smalltalk was politely exchanged as Jane prepared drinks for them both, setting them down on the table and taking her own seat.

"Your waistcoat suits you," Jane smiled smugly, causing John to frown. "No, it really does! You'll look wonderful tonight. Hey, you might even get yourself a couple of dances with the ladies..."

"I don't want a couple of dances with 'the ladies'!"

Jane smiled, "I know, I'm just kidding about, I thought you liked jokes. But hey, I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear I've been baking all morning in preparation for tonight."

John groaned; could his day get any worse!?

"Don't be like that! I've made some savoury things too. Lots of pies. "

"You're so lucky, Jane, you get to be a maid and do all the cooking you want to. I've gotta dress up like a stupid harlequin thing and go and talk to people and pretend I know what I'm doing!" John whined, lying his head down on the table.

"I'm only a maid because I chose to be one; you had the choice to stand down and get a less powerful position, John, but nope you go and choose to be the Heir of our kingdom! Just think yourself lucky we're not like Southern Derse where the Princess is in charge. At least here you're just a guardian rather than a ruler."

"Being an Heir seemed like a good thing at the time. I didn't realise there was so much work involved though..."

Jane chuckled, "oh John, cheer up! You get to see Dave tonight, don't you? And Rose and Roxy, and even Dirk, not that you two talk much. And you were getting pretty friendly with that troll at the last ball... oh what was his name? Karkarrot?"

"Karkat. He gets so angry, it's so funny!" John said with a snigger. "Though never start a conversation with his older brother. Man, I thought Karkat could talk for Prospit, but nah, Kankri's the clear winner of that contest if anyone can be bothered waiting for him to stop talking to give him the first place prize."

"I'll bear it in mind," Jane said, "I heard Jade said Karkat had some 'big news' about tonight. I can't think what it would be, though. I suppose we'll have to wait and see. You'd better run along and make sure everything's prepared. You are our fearless guardian, after all."

"You're a guardian too!"

"Yes, and I am doing my part for Northern Prospit and making sure we have enough to feed our guests tonight!" Jane clapped her hands, standing up and prompting John to follow suit. "Off you go! Go and do our realm proud!"

John was shoved out of the door despite his complaints. He sighed, playing with the collar of his shirt.

Well, time to be an active member of society...


"Dirk Strider get your royal ass over here right now."

"Roxy I'm busy."

"Now. You too, Dave."

Caer Mynydd Castle was nearly as hectic as Plas Llyn Castle right now. Though it only currently had four members inside it, there was enough chaos to successfully stress out at least one hundred people at present.

Dirk Strider was winning the title of Most Stressed. He was almost guaranteed it, what with his more permanent title of Prince. Around the castle he ran - though it was more of a brisk walk - ensuring his poker face was intact like a carving into stone. He was half dressed, half asleep, and only half aware of what he was actually doing. He had no idea what had to be organised but he directed everyone as if he did know.

The usually calm and collected Dave Strider was also pretty jittery, though nowhere near to the extent Dirk was. Being the head knight, it was his job to ensure everyone going to the ball was assembled. Organising wasn't his best skill, though he wasn't going to admit that. Already he'd mucked it up, as when he checked up on his fellow knights, half of them were still asleep and the other half were naked and trying to get changed. They were meant to be leaving in thirty minutes.

It was Rose and Roxy Lalonde that were managing the tense atmosphere the best; though then again, when didn't the Lalondes perfectly handle a slightly awkward social situation? The two were not only ready down to the last hairclip, but they looked stunning both together and apart. Their dresses followed the same colour scheme and had obviously been designed by the same genius dressmaker. They floated elegantly in their dresses, tidying up after the Strider's messes, be it an organisational mess up or a pile of clothing.

"How do you not get stressed?" Dave muttered to himself as he wondered sulkily over to Roxy, who stood assertively in front of Dirk and Dave.

"Because we're not freaking out about seeing our boyfriends," Rose deadpanned from behind her book as Roxy fussily straightened Dave and Dirk's neckties.

Both Dirk and his brother spluttered at the flat comment, denying the 'boyfriend' part for all their dignity was worth.

"Give it up, boys, we Lalondes can see through your embarrassing 'cool' act. Janey and the others might fall for it, but nah, you're not fooling your own sisters," Roxy said with a laugh. "Relax a little, will you? There'll be wine later, that's for sure! And hey, they might not be your boyfriends yet but by the end of the night that might change!"

"There's nothing going on between Jake and I!"

"Me and John are just friends, stop it with your freaky psychoanalysis shit!"

Without even exchanging glances, Rose and Roxy perfectly synchronised their eyebrow raise and eye-rolls as the boys continued to protest.

"Anyway, hurry up you two," Rose snapped her book shut, placing it down. "Dave aren't you meant to be gathering your knights?"

"Ah yeah about that. They're all asleep. Or naked. Or both."

Rose frowned, "can I not rely on you to do anything?" She swept magnificently out of the room, skirts swaying behind her. Dave feared for the safety of his fellow knights.

"I'll go pick up Callie and we'll be set to go! Dirk have you got all of the food we need?" Roxy said.

"Roxy it's a twenty minute walk; even if I do forget something then it's hardly going to be the end of the world," said Dirk.

"That's simply not the regal attitude you need to adopt, Prince Dirk! Go and double check everything! And while you're checking things, I'd check out your reflection because damn son, that waistcoat does magical things for you. Jake's a lucky guy."

Dirk said everything he needed to say with a simple frown and brow furrow. With that he was out of the room. Damn it like he cared what Jake thought he looked like. He was a mighty prince with armies at his command and - and - he had really great hair. That was all a man needed. Yes.

"He's more of a love stuck idiot than you," Roxy muttered to Dave as the two watched Dirk, who had stopped on his way out of the room to repetitively hit his own forehead, unsuspecting of his two younger siblings that were watching him.

"It's gunna be a long night," Dave said simply. "At least Jane's in charge of catering this time."


"Have you got everything you need?"

"Hmm... Dew of the Ocean... Asafoetida... and, yes a dash of peppermint. I'm all set!"

Being a mermaid was certainly fun. Being a princess was also a bit of a blast. Being a mermaid princess was just fucking awesome. Though it did get to be troublesome when you had to travel to areas without water. Princess Feferi of Southern Derse was struggling with this issue right now. She had her trusty but whiney Prince Eridan beside her, who was struggling to hold all of the ingredients for the spell she was soon to be casting.

"How long will they last this time? Because last time was a little hectic... when you transformed back into a mermaid... while we were on our horses," Eridan fretted.

"Oh shush Eridan," Feferi said with a childish laugh, "I'll make sure it lasts two days, and I'll even bring some extra potion with me, okay? I'll try and make them a little smaller than last time, too, I was nearly taller than you with my heels on!"

Eridan merely hummed in reply.

"Now, off you go! I don't want you seeing my sizzling hot naked legs as soon as this spell is over!"

Hesitant to leave, Eridan wavered, "but what if it goes wrong and you blow up or somethin'..."

"Then I'll make sure to scream extra loud and you can come in and save the day, okay?"

With a grumble of defeat, Eridan grumpily left the room disappointed he could be of no more help.

What was actually only a few minutes of waiting felt like hours. Clatters and crashes came from behind the closed door that Eridan was forbidden to open. He sank to the floor, crouching against the door and fiddling with the cuff of his cape, listening intently for anything that resembled a scream.

The door clicked, being pulled open by someone on the other side. Eridan, as he was leaning against it, fell down with it and straight into a smooth pair of legs. He followed the legs up to find Feferi smiling at him.

"What're you doing down there?" She laughed, helping him up, and then signalled to her new limbs. "Whaddya think?"

"They're... nice... legs," Eridan said simply. They were indeed very nice legs; they curved in the right places and weren't ridiculously thin. Around the slightly knobbly knees were a few freckles, and she had managed to make them shorter this time. In fact she'd made herself tiny in the process; she didn't even come up to the top of his shoulder...

... That was adorable.

"Eridan?"

"Hm? Yes. Nice legs. Very good legs. Good."

"What? No I was asking if you could give me a hand picking my dress for tonight."

Eridan blinked, "Oh. Well can I see the options?"

Feferi took Eridan's hand, leading them down the hallways of their castle, stopping at the door to Feferi's walk-in wardrobe. Through the doors she swept, immediately pulling things out from draws and off hangers here and there before she had an absurdly large pile of purple, lacy garments and accessories.

"This is why I need your help. Go and fetch what you're wearing. Hey, we can co-ordinate! That'll be completely perfect!"

An hour later, Eridan and Feferi stood arm in arm facing the magnificent full length mirror that took up most of the wall. Their reflections suited the grace of the mirror perfectly, as the pair did indeed look glorious to say the least. Eridan wore a coat which just swept the ground, and in place of buttons were intricate golden chains, giving the whole outfit a totally different impact. Of course he wore a cape with the outfit, though this was his 'fancy' cape, which had been embroidered and generally looked very regal.

Feferi was just as breathtaking. Of course she wore a ball gown; this was a ball. The bodice was purple in its hue, as were all of Feferi's clothes. It was heavily embroidered in gold and white though didn't look tacky. The skirts were tiered and frilly, though didn't look ridiculous, they managed to float behind her with an almost watery effect. The front of the dress was cut open, showing off her newly conjured up legs. It wasn't every day she wasn't a mermaid after all! Feferi too wore a cape, though intended to take it off as soon as the journey up there was over as she felt capes were tacky, much to Eridan's disappointment. And finally, on top of her wildly dark hair, sat a simple golden tiara embedded with a few amethysts. After all, what was a princess without her crown?

Though, the pair's favourite part of their garments was that, if you looked very, very carefully, tiny embroidered sea creatures could be found in the material. It was a small detail that few would notice, but it completed them.

"Ready, your royal highness?" Eridan said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Oh shush you don't go acting all formal just for the look of it," Feferi said, flicking Eridan's nose. "Yes, I am ready, my lord. Let's do this."


Later in the evening, inside the warm walls of Plas Llyn Castle the guests began to join one by one until Jane who was keeping an eye on the attendance list gave John the go-ahead to make his big and impressive speech.

John had no idea how to give a big and impressive speech.

Nevertheless the Heir excused himself from his and Jade's conversation, getting up and walking towards the slightly raised platform at the front of the ballroom. He cleared his throat.

"Um... Hello! Hello ladies and gentlemen, I, John Egbert, one of the four guardians of Northern Prospit, welcome you to our castle and hope that you find this evening very enjoyable," John said as confidently as he could, trying to remember what Rose and Dave had told him to say before. "Dance to your heart's content, try the... lovely... baking expertise of Miss Jane Crocker, and have a wonderful night. I can assure you, pranks will be conducted in the later hours of the evening! If there are any problems, I shall ensure to do my best to help you. Thank you."

John stepped off the podium as he was clapped, frowning at how false and frankly annoying he'd sounded. He hated all of these posh formalities. He didn't have any time to worry about his awful introductory speech, however, as Dave was approaching him.

"Nice job on the speech, man."

John couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not.

"It was awful. I sounded like a creepy merchant or some shit."

Dave smirked a little, "nah, it was passable. You didn't sound like you, but you did sound like who you were meant to be. Dirk never sounds like Dirk when he makes speeches, he sounds like a fucking awesome prince. But in actuality he's just a nerd that makes puppets from old curtains when no one's around."

John laughed, "I guess that makes me feel a little better about it. Thanks, man."

"No probs. My duty as a knight to serve the guardians of our neighbouring kingdom," Dave smirked.

John sighed, "I wish I was a knight too. You and Karkat and the others look like you have so much fun!"

"Trust me, man, it's not as great as it looks. We have to do a fuckton more than people think we do. Not all slaying dragons and saving princesses."

"Like you'd save a princess," John snorted, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know why you're taking that tone, John," Dave acted nonchalant, and, with perfect comedic timing, deadpanned, "would you care to dance?"

John giggled, "like I'd dance with you!"

"C'mon my mighty Heir, oh guardian of this great realm, will you not grace me with your company for just a single song? Or are you intimidated by the Strider charm?" Dave waggled his eyebrows, catching John's hand in his own.

"People'll talk, though," John said, a hint of seriousness in his tone now.

"Fuck man you're the top dog in this place. And I'm the little brother of a fuckin' Prince. If anyone 'talks', in theory we could exile them..."

"... Yes but we wouldn't do that because we're not fucked up tyrants," John frowned, very deliberately shooting a side glance at the Makara brothers.

"Of course, of course," Dave said, totally uninterested. "A dance, my heir?"

"Fine! If you so insist, Sir Strider," John said.

Dave smirked at his victory, and the two made their way over to a quiet corner of the room, awkwardly fumbling about trying to work out who'd take the part of the female dance partner. John had insisted it was Dave.

Rose watched them from across the room, chuckling a little to herself. It was about time they danced, for god's sake. That pair were such awkward idiots.

However Rose didn't intend to spend her evening watching her brother and her close friend awkwardly try and flirt with each other. She had her own plans.

"Um, excuse me," someone tapped Rose on the arm.

Turning, Rose saw the arm-tapper was a troll. A very pretty female troll, too. Rose might've blushed if it wasn't for her ridiculous self control.

"Yes?" Rose said.

"I can't help but notice your dress, miss," the troll said.

"Ah, yes, it's a truly exquisite garment, is it not? In fact I was looking for its creator to thank them for their fine work. You wouldn't happen to know who it is? I was told they'd be here tonight," Rose said.

The troll smiled a little, "yes, actually, that would be me."

"Oh! Well, I must say, miss...?"

"Kanaya. Kanaya Maryam."

"Miss Maryam, I am in love with your works! My commission was put in so late, as well, I'm amazed how you managed to finish it in time, and to such a high quality. My sister and I feel truly honoured to be wearing such fine works of art. So honestly, thank you."

Kanaya was slightly taken aback by the sudden rush of appreciation from a woman she'd only just met. "It's... It's my pleasure, Miss Lalonde, is it? I'm relieved I managed to find you today, as I do like to see my dresses being worn by those who wanted them, and you wear it... well you wear it perfectly, Miss Lalonde."

"Only as it was made so perfectly, I can assure you," Rose smiled. "I feel my payment for this dress simply wasn't enough. Please, let me treat you to a meal one day. Or we could go to the theatre, or I could show you some breathtaking sights in the Derse mountains?"

"That..." Kanaya paused, "that sounds lovely. Yes, I'd love to."

They smiled at one another for a second, neither sure what to say. They hadn't expected each other to be so... nice.

"Say, um, Miss Lalonde?"

"Please, call me Rose," Rose smiled.

"Rose, would you - would you perhaps like to dance?"

Getting to her feet, Rose took Kanaya's hand, "it's like you read my mind, Kanaya."


"Sup fellow knight," Dave said to Karkat.

Karkat, head knight of Southern Prospit, had just returned from a commotion with a centaur not being able to get through a door, and had been running around all evening trying to get a 'very important' message spread around.

"I've got... three more people left to tell," Karkat said flatly, leaning against the wall.

"Wow that was quick. You're an eager one aren't you?" Dave smirked. "Let me guess... one of the three people left to tell is..."

"Yes it's fucking Jade don't be so fucking smug. I also have Eridan and Feferi from Southern Derse left." Karkat said flatly, not rising to Dave's teasing.

"Well you're in luck with Eridan. He's been asking practically everyone to dance. Probably would've asked you by now if you weren't so busy acting as a messenger boy. As for Jade... oh look here she comes now."

"Wh-What!?"

Sure enough Jade, who had a glass in one hand, was making her way over to where Karkat and Dave were standing.

"Hey you two!" She sang happily, "you're so boring standing about here with nothing to do! Dance with someone, or are you both too shy?"

"I've done my dancing bit already," Dave said.

"Oooooh, with who?"

"Egbert."

"Aw Dave I saw that little smile there! Even Mr Strider can't keep a tiny grin off his face when he talks about the man he's smitten with!"

"What!? There was no little smile there!" Dave said, then coughed, lowering his tone. "Egbert asked me to dance. I was only doing what my superior commanded. It's my duty as a knight. Just doing my job. Yeah. Like I'd ask that loser to dance. And if I did want to dance with him then he'd be the one with the 'little grin'."

"Dave you're babbling." Jade said.

"No I'm not." Dave said. "Shut up."

Jade turned to Karkat, "You danced with anyone, Karkat? Or too chicken?"

Karkat frowned, "Not too chicken just too busy."

"Busy doing what, hmm?"

"Telling everyone about-," Karkat dropped his tone, "there's going to be a little 'gathering' later. We need you to come to it." He then proceeded to tell whisper specific details to Jade, who 'mm'-ed in all the right places to demonstrate her understanding.

Jade nodded, looking serious. "I'll make sure to be there, don't worry." She then returned to her usual perky tone, "so how about it, Karkat? Want to dance?"

"Aren't I meant to be the one that asks you?" Karkat grumbled but held out his hand so's she could take it.

Jade replied in a very deep, oddly accented voice. "I don't mind if I do." A cold hand took Karkat's in its strong grasp. Karkat looked up and to his horror he was, in fact, dancing with the Prince of Southern Derse; Eridan Ampora.

"Get your fucking fish infected hands off me you genocidal shithead."

"Oh Kar don't be so fuckin' cold and dance with me."

Karkat was pulled away into the mass of dancing pairs, everyone circling in time to the waltz beat. Karkat glared at Eridan, looking back at Dave and Jade to see if they'd give him any help.

Judging by Jade's giggling and Dave's sarcastic eyebrow-waggling, those two would be of no help.

"What the fuck do you want Ampora?"

"Is that any way to talk to your social superior?"

"Sorry. What the fuck do you want Your Grace?"

Eridan frowned, "a dance. Isn't that obvious?"

Karkat growled, deliberately standing very hard on one of Eridan's feet as they turned. The Prince whimpered a little at the aggressive notion, but it gave Karkat a chance to talk.

"Look, as much as I fucking hate to be dancing with you, this is actually pretty useful," as they awkwardly twirled in time with the crowd, Karkat noticed them dancing further towards Aranea Serket; i.e. someone he did not fucking trust. "Come here and lean in close to me."

Eridan raised an eyebrow, not believing what Karkat was asking him to do.

"Just fucking do it and don't get any fucking ideas."

Eridan did so, tilting his head down in such a way that their horns didn't collide and his ear was down by Karkat's lips.

"Okay there's a meet up that you and your precious mermaid princess have to be at. I can't tell you what we're discussing right now, but basically you and her need to get your gills down to John Egbert's quarters as soon as things here start to get a little calmer, so about one or two in the morning. And whatever you do don't talk to anyone about it. Just tell Feferi. And oh tell Cronus too - but Kankri's probably already told him. And tell Sollux too. Got it?"

Eridan straightened up, nodding. "I guess."

"Don't fucking guess just fucking do it."

"Fine."

The two stopped talking but the dance continued. Karkat frowned. "What's got you so bitter? Like you're never usually a fucking lump of sugar, but Jesus Christ you could curdle fucking milk today."

Eridan sneered, motioning over to their left. Karkat looked, and saw in the crowd of dancers Feferi circling with some unnamed human, the two of them politely conversing while they danced.

"What you're jealous?"

"No it's just every fuckin' time I go over to ask her for just a single fuckin' dance some other fancy troll or human or whatever is already fuckin' there beggin' her for a dance. I'm a fuckin' prince surely I get some fuckin' priority over those low-blooded halfwits?"

"Well your princess has never been one to judge on race or blood, has she?" Karkat said.

"But... I dunno, Kar, it just feels like I'm just another nameless guy to her when I'm in a situation like this. I'm important enough to dance with her, surely? Like we talk every fuckin' day and not just about military and royal shit either, like proper conversations. And it's not like I get to dance with her whenever I want back at home; she's a fuckin' mermaid after all and they're not the best ones for dancing with." Eridan said, finishing with a sigh.

Karkat frowned at him, but before he replied he listened to the music. Oh good he knew this song! And, yes! It was just about to finish!

"Right the song's just about to end, which means so is her fucking dance, so get your pathetic, fishy ass over there and just ask her to fucking dance. You got me to dance with you so work your fishy magic and grow a fucking backbone you fucking idiot." Karkat said, shoving Eridan out of his arms and over in the direction of Feferi.

As the music came to a perfect closure, some dance partners nodded in farewell to each other, while others stayed together for another dance. Feferi was among the former, giving a diplomatic goodbye to her dance partner who was angling for another dance. Karkat watched as Eridan tried to make his way over casually. Feferi saw Eridan, and they engaged in light conversation, Karkat couldn't hear their exact words, but just as Eridan was about to ask her, the next song started up, and Sollux appeared from nowhere, cut across Eridan completely, presumably asking Feferi for a dance, and the two swept away, leaving Eridan standing in the middle of the hall quite astounded at his bad luck.

Eridan didn't even turn around to go and cry to Karkat, instead he made his way over to where he knew there was alcohol.

"Damn, poor guy. He doesn't seem like a very nice guy, but still it's a shame that happened to him," Jade was suddenly beside Karkat, and apparently had watched the whole thing.

"Fuck when did you get there!?" Karkat said.

"I've been here a while! Anyway, he stole my dance with you, so if you don't mind...!" Jade yanked Karkat's arm, pulling them into a dancing position. "Off we go!" She laughed, twirling the two of them about a ridiculous number of times to the point where Karkat was beginning to feel ill.

Karkat sighed. Well at least he'd managed to tell everyone about the somewhat suspicious get-together.


Dirk quite liked being a prince. Being a prince gave him power. Not power that he intended to misuse of course. And naturally, being a prince did not make him a better person than a maid - it just meant he had a different role than the maid. That was the key to Northern Derse's success; everyone understood that a job was just that; a job. And it was a Prince's job to serve the people's needs and lead them into glory, and it was a maid's job to cook and to clean. Both were vital for the survival of the country, and both were very different.

But... if he had all of this confidence and power... why the hell was he nervous?

Well, of course Prince Dirk knew exactly why he was nervous. Jake English, the Page of the neighbouring kingdom that he'd had his eye on for a while now, was standing, partner-less over the other side of the hall. Dirk had always been interested in Jake; he did seem like an interesting guy! But due to Jake's excessive travelling and Dirk's ridiculously busy schedule, despite their realms being very heavily allied, Dirk couldn't actually remember speaking more than a few words to Jake.

Balls like these were a perfect opportunity for Dirk to pursue his curiosity. However, it seemed Jake was pretty popular with the ladies, and was very often conversing with women, or dancing with them. This was a golden opportunity to go and say hello.

So why the hell was Dirk so nervous?

No look, Dirk told himself, just go over there and just talk to him. If it goes awfully - which it won't, you got this man - then fuck it. You never see him anyway. You don't need no man, you are a strong and independent prince.

Filled with newfound confidence from his internal pep-talk, Dirk strode like a true Strider over to where Jake was staring into space. Along the way, Dirk made sure to smoothly swipe a glass of wine from a passing waiter,.

There he is, Dirk told himself as he reached Jake. Work your magic, Strider.

"Sup."

Nailed it.

Jake looked up, "That's... an odd expression. A new trend in the east?"

"Yeah. It's like 'what's up' but... shortened."

Jake nodded, having nothing more to add.

"You're Jake English, right?" Dirk asked.

"Yes, that's me," Jake said. He paused, "you're... oh I'm sorry I'm awful with names... D... Dave?"

Dirk frowned. "Nope."

"Oh of course, he's your brother isn't he? I'm sorry, I'm afraid I have to give up."

"Dirk Strider, Prince of Northern Derse. Lovely to meet you Mr English," Dirk very insistently took Jake's hand, shaking it quite vigorously.

"Well, I knew you were the Prince. I'm not that forgetful."

"Wine?" Dirk asked, offering him the glass.

Jake held up a hand, "I'm alright thank you. I don't want to get drunk before later. After all, we should be leaving in..." Jake checked the clock, "about an hour."

"Ah so the grumpy troll passed on the message then?" Dirk said, drinking the wine himself.

"Yes. Though I have no idea what it might be about. I'm curious to say the least."

Dirk nodded, "seems pretty serious though. The grumpy guy's been up about talking to everyone about it. He looked pretty stressed," Dirk laughed, "especially when your sister asked him to dance."

Jake's pouted, "Jade's danced already? Damn, that's one bet I've lost..."

"Surely a dance with a prince would trump a dance with a knight?" Dirk asked nonchalantly.

"According to our betting rules, it would. But I don't see any princes I could dance wi-" Jake cut off realising what Dirk was getting at.

Dirk smirked slightly, holding out a hand. Jake took it hesitantly. "I'm not very good at dancing."

"It's fine; I am. Follow my lead." Dirk twirled them into the thicket of people, keeping an eye on the pairs he saw around him, smirking as he saw Rose and a pretty troll hand in hand.

"Why'd you ask me to dance?" Jake asked.

"So you could win your bet."

Jake narrowed his eyes, not convinced. "Why'd you come over and talk to me in the first place?"

Dirk shrugged. "You looked bored."

"That's the only reason?"

"Mmhm."

The two danced for a good hour, conversing about nothing in particular. Dirk taught Jake how to dance the waltz, at least. Now Jake wouldn't awkwardly trip over every dance partner's feet.

"Hey," Dirk leaned in close to Jake to whisper to him. Jake tensed up a little at the invasion of space. "We'd better take off."

Jake paused, eyes widening a little. Dirk internally smirked; Jake had taken that completely the wrong way.

"I mean, for the grumpy troll's meet up thing in John's quarters?"

Jake blinked a few times, "oh! Yes, that, of course. Let's go."

"Remember; be subtle," Dirk said, pulling Jake out of their dancing stance and through the slowly deteriorating crowds. The two weaved through slowly, stopping to say hello to people here and there, before they finally exited the hall.

"Where're we going?" Dirk said.

"This way," Jake pulled on Dirk's hand he had yet to let go. Jake directed them up a flight of long marble stairs and down a few winding corridors.

"I've always thought this castle is unnecessarily big. How don't you all get lost?" Dirk frowned.

"It's big because we share it," Jake said, "it's not just four people living here, there's about one hundred in total."

"I bet newcomers need a map."

Jake laughed, "you're right, actually. Jane makes them. We're here!"

Knocking thrice on the enormous wooden door, Jake pulled on the iron handle, letting him and Dirk inside.

"Fucking finally."

Inside, John's large room had been completely rearranged. All the furniture he usually had in there had been pushed to the sides of the room, and instead were many, many long tables, with humans and trolls sat around them alike. In the centre of the conference set-up sat Karkat, beside him was Kankri his brother, and John. Around them sat Rose, Dave, Roxy, Jane and Jade.

And, Dirk did a quick count, eight other trolls. And a centaur. Damn that centaur was rad.

Dirk and Jake were quickly introduced to everyone. Amongst the ten trolls sat the royals of Southern Derse, Prince Eridan and Princess Feferi, and with them was their bard, Cronus, and some sarcastic guy called Sollux. From Southern Prospit were Kanaya and Porrim, the sisters, and the awesome Latula, who Dirk recognised from a few training sessions for knights.

The name of the centaur was Equius, and the troll girl that sat beside him permanently was called Nepeta.

Finally, Porrim, Karkat and Cronus managed to get Kankri to shut up for the time being, and Karkat stood up, clearing his throat.

"First, thank you for coming here. Although I hate most of you, you're pretty vital for this plan to work, so for you being here, that I appreciate. I do not, however, appreciate the fact that half of you smell of either horses or fish. Moving swiftly along...

"The reason I ruined your dismal evenings to rant at you is quite simple. Everyone here knows the 'great leaders' of Southern Prospit, Gamzee and Kurloz Makara. It's common fucking knowledge that they are not fair rulers. And that is exactly what we are here to discuss."

Karkat placed a scroll down on the table, unrolling it with the help of John. He smashed his fist violently on the parchment.

"Revolution is our topic of discussion tonight."


A/N

I know there's not a lot of point saying it but please bear with me! It's a slow start, but I have massive plans for this plotline. Like, documents worth. I even made a map (I fucked up the scale but fuck man a map).

So yeah I love you for reading this, thank you!