Chapter 6

"The representatives of Carthak, Duke and Duchess of Millington and Princess Rikamiris." As the herald announced, three people entered the ballroom in great dignifies. Two of them were in their middle ages, and they certainly were the duke and duchess of Millington. Behind them was a girl, and she certainly was Princess Rikamiris.

In front of the Carthaki sat King Jonathan IV of Conté and his lady, Queen Thayet. Prince Roald was standing beside his father, Princess Kalasin was standing beside her mother, and some other Tortallan princes and princesses were standing behind the monarchs. The Carthakis walked up to the Tortallan monarchs, and bowed or curtsied. Both sides exchanged some greetings and the Carthaki walked aside.

"The representatives of Sarain, Duke and Duchess of Renidale and Princess Ylaryda." The three Sarainian did the same things as the Carthaki had done. Then it's the Andianian's turn, followed by several other far away countries. Finally it's the Bardian's turn.

"The representatives of Bardia, Duke and Duchess of Manam, Lady of Manam, Prince Alexis, Duchess of Carnought, Princess Alice, Princess Louisa, Princess Catherine, Princess Florence, and the ambassador, Lord Robert Courmon." A crowd of people stepped in. They did the same things as all the other foreigners did. They were the last group that had to be presented to the Tortallan Court. After they walked away, King Jonathan stood up and said, "Welcome, all of you, to this ball. I hope you all will enjoy this evening's events. Now, let the ball begin!" Everybody clapped and the music began. Instantly several couples entered the dance floor and danced.

Alexis looked for Kalasin and found her smiling at him. "Princess, how are you?" Alexis asked mockingly.

"Why, I'm very well, Prince Alexis." Kalasin replied, also mockingly.

"Well, Princess, shall we dance?"

"I would love to."

Once the two young royalties were on the dance floor, all the attentions were on them. Many people had known of the betrothal of Alexis and Kalasin, however, the engagement had not been properly announced. Some courtiers predicted that it would be announced this evening. Everyone was excited. When they saw Alexis and Kalasin danced together, they stopped their conversations at once and looked at them. The young couple seemed to like, or even love, each other, and that's a good thing.

Kalasin noticed that everyone was staring at her and Alexis, including her family.

"Alexis, have you noticed that everyone is looking at us?" she whispered. Alexis laughed softly. "Well, we have gotten all the attentions now, haven't we?"

"I don't like this. It makes me feel uncomfortable." Alexis smiled and said, "You have to get use to this. If you become a queen, my queen, you will certainly get a lot of attentions." Kalasin blushed. Finally the music ended and the couple walked away, trying to ignore other people's stares. Roald knew what his sister wanted: privacy. He walked to the Carthaki princess, who happened to stand next to him, and smiled. "Princess, would you care to dance?" The princess was completely surprised and she looked like she's going to faint. "Of course, Prince Roald. I would love to."

Roald led her to the dance floor and they danced. Quickly all the attentions were on Roald and the Carthaki princess. People still hadn't forgot that this ball was held for Roald

"Princess Rikamiris, nice to see you again." Roald noticed that the princess was nervous, so he tried to calm her by talking to her. However, the princess flustered more.

"Yes… Your Highness, it is really… nice to see you again."

"Umm… I hope you enjoy your trip to Tortall."

"Oh, certainly. I love to visit Tortall." Then she said nothing else. Roald saw that she was scared and did not try to frighten her anymore. There was no further conversation between them.

After the music ended, Roald and the princess returned. Roald took another princess's hand and danced with her. Soon everyone knew that Roald was performing his duty as the crown prince of Tortall: to dance with all the princesses in presence. Soon the dance floor was filled with people again.

While Roald was busy dancing, Kalasin was talking with her, and also her brother's, friend.

"Oh, Kally, you look beautiful tonight," said Kel.

"Thank you. And you look smart today." True, Kel look smart on her new clothes, no longer the dull green.

"Thank you. Well, I have to learn how to social tonight. Oh, I have to go now. Enjoy your evening." With that, Kel walked away with a wave.

Then Alexis led Kalasin to his sisters and cousins.

"Hello, Kalasin," greeted Catherine.

"Thank you very much. You look absolutely lovely, too." Kalasin was dressed in a blood-red dress trimmed with gold and silver. She didn't put many face paints on, but she looked beautiful indeed.

"Oh Kalasin, you look wonderful!" cried Louisa.

"You are so beautiful!" breathed Florence.

"I love your gown, Kalasin," said Natalie.

"Kalasin, you look so pretty," said Alice.

"Thank you. And you all look wonderful, too."

They continued to compliment each other. Alexis looked bored and Natalie saw him. She excused herself from the group and turned to talk to her cousin.

"Having fun?" asked Nat in Bardian. "Yes, I guess," replied Alexis also in Bardian.

"Is your betrothal with Kalasin to be announced this evening?"

"Umm… yes, I guess."

"You seem to be unsure of everything."

"I don't know…"

Suddenly King Jon rose from his seat and loudly said, "My guests, I am sorry to interrupt you all, but please listen to me for a moment. I have a really important matter to announce to all of you. I am here to announce the betrothal of Prince Alexis of Bardia and Princess Kalasin of Tortall!"

Everybody cheered and clapped. They congratulated the prince and the princess. Then Alexis swept Kalasin to the dance floor again. Everyone cheered even more.

Natalie was happy for her cousin. Nat and Alexis had been like friends for many years. She was smiling, but all of a sudden, she stopped. She saw someone, someone that shouldn't be here.