Alfred helped Arthur finish preparing for the evening.
"That child better be ready." Kirkland grumbled, hurrying down the hall.
He was stopped by Braginski, a massive grin upon his face.
"Get out of my way." Demanded Arthur.
With great force, Ivan kneed the man in the groin. Grunting, Kirkland collapsed. He coughed, cursing under his breath. Toby burst into laughter, joining Braginski at his side.
"Nice shot, right in the ballocks!" The boy pointed to his father as he spoke. "Serves you right." He said, snickering.
"Why did you do that for?" Asked Alfred in a hushed voice.
"I made deal with the young master." Said Ivan cheerfully. "He refused to attend tonight otherwise."
Jones helped Kirkland to his feet.
"Mr. Karpusi is waiting, go get in the car." Growled Arthur.
Toby stuck out his tongue and skipped off down the steps.
As Arthur had said, the dark vehicle was parked outside. The sleepy eyed brunet ushered Toby inside and acknowledged Kirkland with a nod of his head.
"Mr. Karpusi has been working for me for a very long time." Arthur said to Alfred as they walked. "I pay him in cat food." He grinned.
They arrived at the Ball, just after the sun had set. The palace was situated on the border of the wastelands. Beyond the high stone barrier, was the devastated world mankind had abandoned. Lakes and rivers were blackened with contaminants. The soil was dry and toxic preventing vegetation from growing outside Euphenas walls.
The structure was enormous. Up the marble steps, a French door was propped open. Matthew Williams and a line of security guards patted down the guests and had them pass through a metal detector before they entered.
"Good evening, Master Kirkland." Williams greeted. "Glad to see you have arrived. Did you find the place okay?"
"Forget formalities, just get this over with." Grumbled Arthur, undoing his jacket.
Williams patted down the man, eyes adverted. Suddenly, he applied a great amount of pressure to Arthur's abdomen. Kirkland cried out. Mauve eyes flashed to his pained face.
"Sorry, I have never done this before." Matthew smiled, ruthlessly. "You must still be feeling ill. Do you need an antacid or maybe, stitches?"
Arthur's gaze narrowed.
"I do not know what you are implying."
"I apologize for keeping you." Said Williams, allowing him to pass. "Please, enjoy the festivities."
"Mr. Kirkland, everything alright?" Asked Alfred, approaching Arthur once he got passed security. He glanced back at Williams.
Kirkland shook his head.
"He knows." He said. "That bastard."
Toby tugged Ivan by the sleeve, following the crowd down the hall. On the other side of a flower trimmed doorway, were two spiral staircases. They lead downwards to the ballroom. Crystal chandeliers hung from the gold plated ceilings above the dance floor. The tables that ran along the walls, were filled with a vast assortment of food and drink. Under a stained glass window, depicting the royal seal, sat the unoccupied throne upon a platform. Large brass pots had been placed on either side, containing blue delphiniums.
"I wonder if there are Turkish delights?!" Exclaimed Toby.
Ivan stayed close by, watching the youth shovel sweets into his mouth. Alfred and Arthur had not yet made it inside. Braginski was beginning to become concerned. Roderich Edelstein, his dark hair slicked back, approached him. He held a violin bow in his hand.
"Mr. Braginski, guten abend."
"Mr. Edelstein, was it?" Said Ivan, smiling courteously. "Good evening."
"My Queen has taken ein liking to you." Said the man, taking a glass of wine from the nearby table. He took a sip. "She requests, that you meet with her in private."
"I respectfully decline, I must look after Young Master." Braginski replied. "Have you seen my comrade and Master Kirkland?"
"I do nicht think you understand." Edelstein spoke, ominously. "If you truly care about the child's safety, you will come with me."
Braginski, unenthusiastically, followed Edelstein out of the ballroom. They traveled down a winding hallway to a dimly lit living space. Alfred and Arthur sat in front of the Queen, her cold eyes flashed an indecipherable look in his direction.
"Mr. Braginski, please, sit." She said dully.
Ivan took a place next to Alfred. Neither he, nor Arthur looked to him. Jones had his head lowered, his sleeve had been torn at the shoulder. Braginski gently bumped his leg against him. Alfred moved away out of reach.
Kirkland sighed deeply and stood.
"M-my Queen Natalia Arlovskaya, as a gift for your 254th birthday, I give to you my servant Ivan Braginski." Arthur said, kneeling at her feet. "May he serve you well." He kissed the ring upon her finger.
"I accept your tribute." Said the Queen, she nodded in approval.
Braginski turned to Alfred in disbelief. He continued to stare at the floor.
"Thank you, my Queen." Kirkland got to his feet. "I must return to the ballroom, my son is unattended. Mr. Jones, come, let us take our leave."
In silence, Alfred followed Arthur out of the room. The door closed behind them.