Evelia ascended the Citadel stairs holding her dress hem up. Her new heels felt comfortable, as if they were molded just for her feet, but she still walked carefully. It was well over the time set in the invitation, so the majority of the guests had already arrived to the ball. Evelia was nervous when she offered the invitation to the attendant at the door.
"Welcome, Miss. Please head in," the attendant said with an ample smile.
The grand hall of the Citadel was filled with guests in beautiful dresses and handsome suits. The evening's favorite colors seemed to be warm orange and red, making Evelia's icy blue gown very distinguishable in the crowd. As she made her way forward in the room, all eyes fell on her. She was afraid that someone would recognize her, but nobody did. Curious whispers echoed all around her, but she did not let that bother her. For the first time in a long while, Evelia felt confident. She was determined to enjoy the evening by dancing and mingling.
King Noctis Lucis Caelum stared at the stunning woman in icy blue dress, who was spinning on the dance floor. He was captivated. Her movement was so graceful; it looked as if she was gliding over the floor effortlessly. An endearing, slight blush rosied her cheeks. Her lips were colored in full red that accented perfectly the shade of her dress. King Noctis wanted to inquire this sweet creature's name.
Royal advisor Ignis Scientia cleared his throat, trying to pull His Majesty's attention back to the ongoing conversation with a noble woman. She had come to pay her respects to the King and it would obviously be extremely rude to ignore her compliments.
"Hm? Ah, the rebuilding efforts have been progressing quickly thanks to the people," Noctis said hastily to the woman before him, making Ignis let out a warning cough.
"Please, excuse me…" Noctis pleaded, ignoring Ignis's hints at asking the noble woman for a dance. He wanted to meet with the unfamiliar woman in blue dress as he saw her leaving the dance floor.
"Excuse me," Evelia said breathily to her dance partner and curtsied before making her way into the open balcony. The evening was getting darker and the cool air felt refreshing on her skin. She fanned her face with her hands and smiled to the sky where the stars were beginning to light up. She was in a royal ball and nothing else could've made her happier.
"Good evening," a vaguely familiar voice said gently from behind Evelia.
She turned to look and was baffled to lock eyes with the King of Lucis. The sapphire blue pair had a curious look in them as he walked closer. Evelia realized she should at least curtsey.
"Good evening, Your Majesty," she said, still a tad out of breath and swallowed nervously. As she rose back up, she gazed at the King's features. There was no denying that he was handsome. Her earlier daydreams about becoming better acquainted with the King felt suddenly overwhelming.
"Please, call me Noctis. What is your name?" Noctis asked and stepped next to Evelia to lean his elbow on the balcony railing.
"Evelia," she answered timidly. She didn't reveal her last name because she didn't share it with the rest of her family, and because of the irrational fear that the King might not remember inviting anyone by her last name.
Noctis searched Evelia's eyes, which were filled with wonder. "That's a lovely name, Evelia."
Hearing her name from the King's lips made a tender feeling flourish inside her stomach and it obviously showed on her face as a sweet blush, because suddenly the smile on Noctis's face widened.
"What's wrong?" he asked amused.
"Nothing. It's just such a nice evening," Evelia said feeling the blush heating her earlobes.
"It would be even nicer if you'd dance with me," Noctis said offering his hand.
Evelia glanced at it with wide eyes.
"Oh. Of course, Your Majesty, but may I have moment to catch my breath first? I'm still stunned by your company." She laid her fingers on his open palm and felt an electric tremble travel through her body.
Noctis felt the same feeling rush through him and it made his heart skip a beat.
"By all means. Let me keep you company until then," he said and pulled Evelia's hand to lay a kiss on it, "And please, you must call me Noctis."
Evelia bit her lower lip and couldn't hide her dotty smile at the light touch of the King's lips on the back of her hand. "Noctis," she repeated quietly.
"How do you find the party so far?" Noctis asked letting go of Evelia's hand.
"Oh, it's quite lovely," she replied turning to look over the city, "What do you think of it?"
"Formal parties are usually so dull," Noctis said making Evelia take a sideways glance at him, "But I hope tonight will be an exception."
Evelia felt like melting under the King's soft gaze. Her heart was beating rapidly with no intention of letting her catch her breath.
"Are you feeling well?" Noctis asked worried when Evelia's eyes fell on the balcony floor.
Out of habit, she tried to swipe loose hair strands behind her ear, but her hairdo was still perfectly intact with no orphaned strands floating around her.
"I am just… overwhelmed," Evelia said giving an assuring smile to Noctis, who let out a chuckle at her words.
"Please, there's no need to be, lest I would have to leave your company. That would make me… very sad," he remarked with a light smile.
Evelia's blush deepened and she made a vain effort to smooth out the non-existent wrinkles on her dress. The fabric was in flawless shape.
"So what do you do in the city?" Noctis asked, trying to make light conversation.
Evelia cleared her throat. "I'm a medical student; hopefully I'll become a doctor one day so I can help those in need." She hoped that the King wouldn't ask her to elaborate on the subject.
"Oh, that is an admirable goal and one that Insomnia really needs," Noctis said surprised. Still, he thought that Evelia's gentle appearance made perfect justice for the gentleness of her soul.
"Yes, I hope to do something that matters," Evelia said and suddenly gaining excitement in her tone, asked: "What is it like to be a King? Sorry, it's a bit silly, but if you don't mind me asking."
Noctis chuckled at her question and turned to gaze over the city – His city.
"Honestly? It's full of duties I had no idea a King would have to see to."
Evelia giggled at his exasperated tone, making Noctis lift his eyebrows at her, amused at her amusement. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty! I just came to realize how, uh, young you are," she explained.
"Yes, well, I still have a lot to learn," Noctis said with a smirk.
"Oh no, I apologize. You are a good king, Noctis," Evelia hurried to say and felt anxious with the worry of insulting him unintentionally.
"Don't worry about it, Evelia. Still, you could help me with one thing," Noctis said mysteriously. He leapt at the chance of using Evelia's name after hearing his own slip from her lips. It made his heart increase its pace.
"Of course, whatever you wish," Evelia said and curtsied.
Noctis reached out his hand again. Evelia stared at it in question.
"If you're feeling better now, it would do me a world of good to put my dance-practice in use. May I have this dance?" Noctis asked with an alluring smirk.
Evelia bit her lip and placed her shaky palm on his. Again a warm feeling flushed through their bodies at the touch. Noctis escorted Evelia to the dance floor. Guests gave a wide way for them, staring and whispering amongst themselves.
Ignis sensed the change in the room atmosphere.
"What is happening?" he leaned to ask from Prompto Argentum, the King's best friend. He, despite his tries, had been pulled in to take part in state matters in addition to his work at the Crownsguard.
"Uh, Noctis is dancing with someone," Prompto replied incredulously.
"He is? Well, that is good news," Ignis sighed. He would have very much liked to see the person Noctis had finally give his favors to. He nudged his visors upwards out of old habit; he had had glasses prior to his blindness. "Describe them to me, please."
Prompto gawked at the pair swinging elegantly at the dance floor.
"She is very pretty," he said.
"Do you know her?" Ignis asked, turning his head to hear Prompto better over the music and chatter.
"I don't think so. Never seen her before," Prompto replied. He lightly tugged Ignis's arm to lead them over to a place with a better view.
"How does His Majesty seem?" Ignis asked as they paced slowly.
"Uh, Noct looks really… smiley. I don't think I've seen him beam like that after he became the King."
Ignis smirked at Prompto's remark. "The group dances should begin soon. Do me a favor and go dance with her, Prompto," Ignis said.
"Huh? Why me? Why won't you?" Prompto was surprised.
"I might later, but I trust your intuition."
Prompto's shoulders slumped a little, the motion making Ignis smile. He thought he wouldn't be forced to dance. "Fine. I'll do it for Noct."
When the song ended, it was time to switch for group dances. Ignis had made sure that his friends wouldn't embarrass themselves at the ball and had made them practice vigorously for weeks. Prompto navigated to the dance floor and walked up to Noctis and Evelia.
"Hey, uh, Your Majesty," he said with a smirk and a bow. He laid his eyes on Evelia instantly, who in turn looked puzzled at Noctis.
"Oh, hey. Evelia, this is my good friend Prompto," Noctis introduced. He had just let go of Evelia's hand and his skin was still tingling and heart beating loudly from the intensity of their dance.
"Nice to meet you," Evelia said and curtsied. She eyed Prompto's blonde hair curiously and wanted to ask how he managed to have it defy gravity so well.
"Prompto, this is Evelia," Noctis said and a beaming smile snuck on his lips. He could hardly hide it from Prompto.
"Nice to meet you too," Prompto said with a slight bow.
The music began again, and all eyes fell on the King, waiting for him to start the dance. People were settling in their places around on the dance floor.
"Shall we then?" Noctis said, taking the dancing stance. Prompto and Evelia settled on opposite of him.
Evelia and Noctis kept their gazed locked for most of the song; Prompto was watching them from the corner of his eyes and a smile creeped on his face too. It had been too long since he had seen his friend genuinely happy. If Evelia's company made him forget about his heavy duties for just a few nights, Prompto would make everything in his power to make sure they weren't interrupted.
When the first song ended, it was time to switch places. The next dance was the kind where one would constantly switch pairs. Prompto bowed and offered his hand for Evelia. Noctis shot a sideways glance at him before turning his attention to his first pair. The lady next to the King seemed overjoyed to be finally noticed by him.
"I hope you're planning on coming tomorrow and the day after too," Prompto said to Evelia as they swung in rhythm to the music.
"I do hope so," Evelia replied with a kind smile. She tried very hard to keep her eyes from wandering to Noctis.
"Are you a remigrant?" Prompto asked.
"Yes," Evelia said curtly and snapped her gaze back to Prompto, "I moved back with my father after the dawn broke."
They spun around, and it came the time to switch pairs. Evelia was met with Noctis's warm smile as his hand placed on her waist.
"Hello again," he said, eyes glinting in earnest joy.
"Majesty," Evelia said. After a moment apart it had become very evident that she longed for Noctis's company. The thought was so uncharacteristically selfish that it made her jolt on the inside.
They twirled around again and again, gazed locked in silence, just enjoying the spur of the moment.
After one more song, Evelia's cheeks were again burning up. She excused herself to take a break and breathe some fresh air at the balcony.
Noctis and Prompto looked after her. Prompto nudged Noctis's ribs with his elbow and grinned. Noctis chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck.
"She seems nice – And pretty," Prompto chided as they walked over to grab something to drink.
"She is," Noctis mumbled, earning another grin from his best friend.
Prompto poured some punch for them and passed a glass to Noctis. "Don't mess this up. I'd hate to see you pine after her in vain."
Noctis groaned at his words. "Please. I'll just go after her now."
"Don't forget to bring her a drink after the exhausting dance," Prompto reminded with a grin.
"Nice. You're being helpful for a change," Noctis laughed and proceeded to pour another glass for Evelia.
"I don't what you're talking about."
Noctis rolled his eyes at the ceiling and left Prompto grinning after him. He carried the punch glass to the same balcony where he had first met Evelia. His heart was thumping loud and fast, and he tried willing it to calm down. Wild, hopeful thoughts were already passing through his mind.
Ignis had made it quite clear that Noctis should seriously begin thinking about settling down. The kingdom needed an heir, and up until now, the thought had made Noctis only grimace. As it turned out, he had just not met anyone interesting enough to catch his eye before this night.
Noctis took a deep breath before entering the balcony. Evelia stood there, fanning her face with her delicate hand, looking at the stars – The setting was already familiar to him from earlier, but Noctis had to stop to take in her form. Against the lit up city view, she looked stunning. A light red was still lacing her cheeks along with a graceful and happy smile.
Noctis cleared his throat, making Evelia turn to look.
"I thought you might want something to drink," Noctis said with a shaky voice. Was he really nervous just because Prompto had told him not to muck it up? He had felt just fine earlier, before their dance.
"Oh, yes. Thank you," Evelia said. Their fingers brushed together when she reached out to take the glass, inciting a warm flush through their bodies.
They sipped from their glasses, looking over at the city view and the starry night sky.
"Do you enjoy watching the stars, Noctis?" Evelia asked gazing at the sky.
"I do, they're beautiful, but…" Noctis said slowly.
"But what?" Evelia turned to look at the King.
"They pale in comparison to you." Noctis said.
Evelia turned in astonishment to see him looking at her. His alabaster skin was smooth and an almost exuberant glint lit his eyes. His lips were curled into a tiny, almost experimental smile. In that moment Noctis was very pleased that Evelia could not hear how loudly his heart was beating inside his chest.
"You're too kind," Evelia said in almost a whisper and blushed heavily.
Noctis placed his glass on the balcony railing and turned so that his body was fully facing her.
"Let me give something for you," he said and pushed his palms together in between them.
Evelia blinked curiously and laid her glass away too. A soft, familiar blue glow emanated from between Noctis's joint hands as he slowly drew them apart.
Evelia watched in wonder when Noctis curled his fingers, as if pulling something out of his palm. She realized that something was forming on his hand from the twirling, cold mists.
Noctis tugged gently and uncovered his palm. On it laid a rose-like flower with lush petals. It was made of ice. He offered it to Evelia, who touched it with trembling fingers. It was surprisingly warm to touch, though still chilled.
"It will melt at dawn, but please take it," Noctis said with an encouraging smile, "Or may I?"
"Hm? Sure," Eve said wondering what he was about to do.
Very carefully Noctis laid the ice flower on the root of her hair bun, and with a hint of blue mist it stayed in place as the most delicate decoration.
"Thank you, Noctis. How does it look?" Evelia swayed in place to let Noctis see the flower from different angles.
"Breathtaking," Noctis said eyes locked into hers instead of the flower.
Evelia had to lower her gaze to the floor as the King's intense look felt overwhelming. Her heart felt as if it would burst any second. Nervously, she dandled her dress hem to have something to do with her hands.
A voice carried over from inside the ballroom, informing the guests that the evening's last song would begin shortly.
Evelia tilted her face up in slight panic. It was almost midnight already and she would have to leave before her attire would melt into her worn-out casual clothes.
"What is it?" Noctis asked quickly.
"I enjoyed tonight immensely, Noctis," Evelia said taking a deep breath, "but I must take my leave now."
Noctis frowned in dismay. Had he been too forthcoming with the flower?
"I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed yourself. I hope you will come tomorrow? I'd… like that," he said hesitantly.
"I do hope so too," Evelia said quietly and blushed. Her voice had a hasty undertone, which made Noctis wonder even more why she had to suddenly leave. At least she would try to come on the next evening too.
"Good night then, Evelia," Noctis said, trying to trace a hint of regret, repulsion or anything in Evelia's expression to let him know that something was wrong. But he could see nothing, but genuine joy in her warm gaze before she curtsied wishing her farewells and hurried away past the dance floor.
Noctis stayed on the balcony, suddenly feeling exhausted. He did not wish to socialize any more that evening as he wanted to be left in his day dreams, filled with Evelia's wondrous eyes, her gentle smile and her soothing touch.
Prompto walked past the balcony entrance, stopping and turning on his heels when he finally found the King.
"There you are!" he said happily, "I saw Evelia leave already. Did something happen?"
"What–? Uh, no. I guess she was exhausted and wanted to retire for the night," Noctis said, his mind still twirling around Evelia's beauty.
"Oh, okay. Will she come tomorrow?" Prompto asked, stepping to lean on the balcony railing.
A smile spread on Noctis's lips. "I think so."