Chapter 19
(Blake POV)

One year until marriage, three hundred and sixty-one days remain…

It's time for monthly gala at Vale's court. As honored guests we must attend. Vale's royalty comes dressed to impressed, and several of Vale's gentry also attend. Dukes from within the territory come to make their appearances. Showing loyalty to Vale, they offer gifts and trade commerce. Court proceedings are a complicated affair. Someone of my station may only speak to others of equal ranking, waiting to be introduced to nobility by a higher noble class.

It would be rude to address those that I have not been formally introduced to. Even after I have been, it is usually customary to wait for invitations to address those of a higher station. My place is low, one of the lowest here. The station of a Faunus will always be lower than even the highest noble class. The daughter of a chieftain, like myself, won't ever receive the benefit of formalities. Unlike the gentry who own wealth and land, providing commerce and legacy to the kingdom, I provide nothing. Given that my father is the chieftain of Menagerie, I cannot be expected to. However, with so little expectation impressed upon me, I am not worthy of the respect that comes with it.

I stand off in the corner with Ruby, trying to keep her from scarfing down all of the sweets at the refreshment table. It is no easy task. The slice of cake she just procured is twice the size of an appropriate serving. She doesn't seem to care that other nobles look down their noses at her. Then again, it would be hard to argue over the fact when Queen Salem hacked off the piece of cake herself.

Her own slice is modestly sized. As she speaks to a few of the duchesses from her court, I can only roll by eyes, dabbing away a spot of frosting that migrated to Ruby's cheek. The fact that Oscar also shies away from attention is unbecoming, and the fact he's still cowering behind me only exhausts me further.

"You two are completely ridiculous." I murmur only loud enough so that they can hear me. "This is a gala for crying out loud. You should be out dancing on the floor." They both have positions of power far greater than my own. Oscar is the youngest prince of Vale, he has a responsibility to his people. Ruby's the blood of the gentry, and should be standing alongside her father while he makes the rounds. "At the very least you should be socializing."

"I am not going out there dressed like this." Ruby complains, her gown far more delicate than her usual attire. Tapping her foot on the ground, she grimaced. "Never mind the frilly dress. Who's idea was it to make shoes like this anyway?"

"Heels are the sign of social class, Ruby. It would be an insult not to wear them. The higher the heel, the higher the station." I say, though I would agree about Ruby's distaste in them. Even the shoes of men have a heel. Thicker and more pronounced, but a heel none the less.

"That doesn't make it any less stupid, Blake."

I find myself smirking. "Impractical as they may be, you only suffer this one night a month."

"That's twelve nights too many." She says back. "Besides, you know I can't dance."

"Right, well that's because you refuse to learn." Glancing over my shoulder at Oscar, I know why he hides. Every young girl in this room wants his attention, and he's much too shy to offer it. "Oscar, you should teach Ruby. That will keep you both out of trouble."

"I'd really rather not, thanks." He says, ducking behind me again when one of the girls pass by looking for him. A young daughter of a duchess. "If I got out there again I'm going to be bombarded."

"That's exactly why you should put Ruby on your arm." I say. "Look, Yang and I've been through this song and dance before, literally. If you want to be left alone, you have to prove you're taken for the night. They can't bother you if you're already escorting a lady. It would be rude, and they'd get into trouble. The girls will leave you alone, and the boys will leave Ruby alone. You two can enjoy the gala, and not be bothered, it's a win-win situation."

"We can both enjoy the gala here, and I'd rather do that." Ruby said, prodding her fork into another large bite of her sweet treat.

Before I can do anything else to convince them to take my advice, I'm interrupted. The Schnee royalty has just entered the room. Yang is dressed to impress, a cream colored gown showing far more cleavage than what might be considered proper. At her side, Winter is wearing a much more conservative piece. A slim blue dress flowing like a river over her form. A white shawl with matching blue embroidery covers her exposed shoulders. Weiss has a gown to match her elder sister although the dress covers her completely from the neck down. Conservative in every way, as to keep up her modest appearance. While Winter's hair is done up, Weiss allows hers to flow freely.

She is, in a word, breathtaking…

Suddenly my ceremonial leather armor with the Belladonna family crest over my heart seems slovenly in comparison. Pushing down the urge to run to my room and toss on the first dress I find, I sigh away my worries. I am dressed in the same manner as my parents, and it would be rude to dishonor them. Warrior garb is the sign of the Faunus people, and only those who prove themselves worthy may dress in the garb of combat. I clear my throat reaching for the nearest glass of wine I find, tipping it back to quench my thirst.

My hand taps upon a pocket, a small parcel within. Tonight is the night to truly express my intentions in an object given form. I can't help but be a little worried that she may not like it. I pass my empty wine glass to Ruby. Unfortunately, I have to wait my turn as Weiss is greeted by other nobles. I can't help but try to catch glimpses of the conversations. Several nobles offer her letters for personal invitations to their own household parties. Weiss accepts some, but politely declines others, a sigh of her own high standing and heritage.

She takes the first few dances with sons of prominent families, and I can't help but envy the fact that their station allows them to take her in hand without hesitation. My turn will come later, only after Weiss has established her place as a princess of Atlas. Duchess Cinder Fall, Salem's personal friend, speaks with Weiss about civil matters surrounding the kingdom treaties. She asks if Weiss would personally endorse an audience with Queen Schnee at a later date. Weiss agrees, escorting Cinder over to Winter to properly discuss the matter.

Finally, after two long hours of watching from a distance, the Schnee family have a moment alone.

"Wish me luck." I murmur to Ruby, who is still hiding behind the refreshment tables. Squaring my shoulders as I attempt to find my lost confidence. My palms are a little sweaty and my heart continues drumming in my chest as I make my approach. I am unworthy in this room full of political giants, and I can't help but feel out of place.

"Princess, you look lovely this evening." I grin, hoping to steel her away before any young nobles can get the opportunity. This is a gala after all, and dancing is to be expected. This is one of the few times I can put my hands on her, and I will take that opportunity to its fullest. I can guarantee that.

"You don't look so bad yourself." She says, much to Winter's dismay.

She sighs at the two of us, rolling her eyes as she knows exactly what's about to happen.

I bow slightly, hand outstretched. "May I request the pleasure of your company for the duration of the gala?"

"Most certainly." She says, her hands falling into mine.

That consent allows me what I truly want. Weiss at my side, on my arm, and well away from anyone else who might make an attempt to take her from me. After all, it would be impolite to remove a lady from the arm of another. It is at best a grievous insult. At worst, it is a display of power and authority that calls into question the true character of anyone who might make such an attempt at discourtesy.

"I will be watching you." Winter remarks in warning as I offer my arm to Weiss. "Best not to cause a scene."

"Of course." I agree before whisking Weiss away and onto the floor to enjoy our first dance of the night.

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