Chapter five has finally arrived. *wipes brow* God, I didn't think it would take this long.
I love how the story is panning out. I never thought I'd have fun with it. As promised, this takes place during the Masquerade Ball. We finally get to see the Crown Princess. 5 also makes an appearance. So does Fenix. And 1 returns to attend the Ball.
The costume 1 wears to the Masquerade was designed by my friend cherreyes. Here's to you, cherreyes. :)
There are more secrets to be unveiled, but all will be revealed at their time. For now enjoy this chapter.
Get ready for the next chapter. ^_^
The night of the Masquerade Ball arrived.
Guests filed into the palace by the dozens. When word came that the Masquerade Ball was open to everyone, they could hardly believe it, and all their waiting paid off. The Masquerade Ball was one of the most prestigious events held at the palace. Hosted by the Prince and the King, the Masquerade was a chance for the elite to flaunt off their designs. A chance for commoners to mingle with nobility. Just about anyone who was anyone was ready to attend the Ball to dance the night away.
9 stood in front of the vanity, looking himself over. The costume that the maids had spent working on was finally done and 9 couldn't more happier. The way the wings stood out made it all the more elegant. The colors complimented his fabric, and the gold trim accented the costume's allure. With the thin silver atop his head, it was perfect.
A knock on the door grabbed his attention.
"Come in," said 9.
The door opened, and in came 2. He was dressed in a scarlet coat with fur trim and gold lining. He wore a crown with ermine lining and the rays came to a domed shape. He was using his cane, although, 9 didn't mind it.
"Father," said 9.
"Ready?," quoth 2.
"Ready as I'll ever be." 9 smiled.
He followed his father out of his room, walking beside him down the corridor. He could hardly wait. The Masquerade was about to start, and he couldn't be any more excited. 9 was excited to see 5 again, and meet Fenix. He was also looking forward to seeing the Count again, but his plan was still on his mind. But he was still dreading meeting the Crown Princess.
He and 2 arrived at the at the main foyer, where the grand double doors were wide open for all. Stitchpunks came, each one in different fabric colors, shape, size, height. They were all dressed in different costumes, each one standing out in its own elaborateness.
9 chose to stay by his father's side, thinking his presence at the Grand Hall wasn't needed at the moment. Besides, he wanted to be there when 5 and Fenix arrive. He wanted to see what costumes they'd have on.
An hour passed greeting guests, noble or otherwise. 9 counted the seconds, thinking about when 5, Fenix, or 1 would arrive. There was still time before he met the Crown Princess of the South. No matter how many times he counted, it wouldn't make time go any faster.
9 glanced past a stitchpunk he greeted. Entering through the double doors was a figure he thought looked familiar. It was hard to tell with the full body veil obfuscating their face. Once the guest strode closer, 9 recognized him as 1. 9 took in his appearance.
1's costume consisted of a white frock that dragged on the floor. A red shawl covered the shoulders, held in place with a red gem cradled in gold, complete with gold trim. A tall conical hat rested atop his head, where the veil hid his face, giving off a sense of mystery. 1 carried an even more elegant-looking staff. It was silver with its gold crescent-shaped top sporting a dangly bell. 1's gaze fell on 2 and 9.
"Your Highness," said 1, bowing before 9.
"Count," uttered 9, blinking.
"Your Excellency," spoke 2, "I am happy you came to the Ball."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," said 1, looking at 2, "I hope to speak to you more on the alliance."
"Of course, of course," said 2, nodding, "in the meantime, why don't you head down to the Grand Hall. There'll be entertainment. I'm sure they're anxious to get started."
1 bowed to him and 9. He stood up straight and walked past them. 9 turned around, watching him leave, heading in the direction of the Grand Hall. He was lost amidst a sea of oncoming guests.
Now all he had to was wait for 5 and Fenix. And after, wait for the Crown Princess' arrival.
"Eager, aren't we?," quipped 2.
"Yes, well," said 9, "I've always loved the Masquerade Ball."
"As do I," retorted 2.
Guests came in, marveling at the palace's interior, stopping to greet 9 and 2. It was a routine 9 had grown used to, but became tedious over time. He gazed at the arriving guests, trying to see if 5 was among the crowds. Disappointment set in when he saw 5 wasn't there, but he wasn't giving up.
9 looked up, a guest gartering his attention. It wasn't the guest that grabbed his attention, but the costume they wore. The overall costume consisted of feathers in red, yellow, and orange. The guest wore open-shouldered sleeves, revealing sand-colored fabric. The robe was rouge with gold accents. It was very extravagant.
Then 9 saw another guests pop up from behind the feather-wearing stitchpunk. The prince recognized him. It was 5! The one-eyed stitchpunk looked at 9, waving to him.
"Father, look," said 9, tapping 2's arm, pointing, "it's 5."
2 looked in his direction and, to his surprise, smiled.
"So it is," said 2.
5 and the other stitchpunk, walked up to the royals. Up close, 5's costume was less eye-catching, but still extravagant. He a red cape with fur trim on the top. The cape covered the right side of 5's body, while his left side was exposed. 9 saw that 5's cape was connected to his left wrist. A gold ornament hung from the cape's top, sewn to the fur trim. The one-eyed stitchpunk wore what looked like a a pair black slacks, a burgundy vest over a white shirt.
"5," said 9.
"9," he said, but stopped himself, "uh, I mean, Your Highness." He quickly dipped into a bow. 5's plus one did the same, too.
"No need for that," said 9. He looked over at the stitchpunk beside 5. "And this is..."
"Fenix," replied 5, straightening up.
"Good evening, Your Highness," said Fenix. He spoke with an accent that 9 couldn't identify.
"It's so good to see you again, 5," said 2.
5 nodded.
9 looked back at Fenix. He was a smidgen taller than 5, and his optics were silver-rimmed. They didn't glow orange, like described in 5's letter. He must not be excited at the moment. He wondered if he did spark fire from his hands.
"We'll be in the Grand Hall," said 5.
"Indeed," said Fenix.
"Oh," said 9, "let me join you two." He looked over at his father, adding, "Is it all right if I go with them?"
"Of course," replied 2, "go on ahead. I'll be there momentarily."
9 smiled, then broke away from his father's company and trotted off to join 5 and Fenix.
"Do you know the plan?," whispered 9 to 5.
"Yeah," replied 5.
Fenix nodded.
"All right," said 9, quickening his pace, "let's get to the Grand Hall."
He and 5 and Fenix filed in with the rest of the guests, seeing a few milling about the hall, conversing with each other. The doors to the Grand Hall were open, music emanating from within. The three entered. Guests greeted 9; their prince.
"Where are 3 and 4?," whispered 5, optic darting in all directions.
"Over there," replied 9 just as quietly.
He tapped 5's arm, darting his pupils towards the large windows. 5 looked, and saw two costumed guests. One of them wore a purplish cloak with the hood doing well in hiding the face, but the bejeweled mask did a better job at that. A pair of butterfly-like wings extended from the back. The second guest wore a wine-colored cloak, the hood also worn to hide the face, complete with a gem-decorated mask. The wings, unlike the purple-cloaked guest, were more like a dragonfly's.
9 led 5 and Fenix toward them.
"3, 4," whispered 9 upon arriving. He looked from left to right, the nerves riling him up.
The twins bowed as to not draw suspicion from the crowd.
"You ready?," he asked.
3 and 4. 4 lifted her mask, glancing over at Fenix. 9 turned and registered what she was wordlessly saying.
"Oh, this is Fenix," he said.
"Pleased to meet you," said Fenix.
4 quickly put her mask back on, dusting off her cloak.
"Where's 6?," queried 9.
3 pointed to his right. 9, 5, and Fenix looked over, seeing a costumed stitchpunk making his way towards them. This stitchpunk's costume consisted of a cloak the colors of salmon. It was so pale or was nearly orange. A bronze mask hid the face, but 9 knew 6 was smiling behind that mask. No doubt his key was hidden away under all those layers.
"6?," quoth 5, tilting his head.
6 lifted his mask. He held up a finger to his lips.
"Shhh."
5 nodded. Remembering Fenix, he motioned to him, saying, "This is Fenix."
"H-hello," stammered 6, waving quickly. He put his mask back in place, lowering his arm to his sides.
"So what's the plan?," asked 5.
"Wait, we still need—"
"Your Highness," spoke a voice.
The group turned to see a newcomer strolling up to them.
"1, er, Count," said 9.
"No need for that," reassured 1. He surveyed 9's friends, taking note of their presence.
9, sensing that he needed to be introduced, cleared his throat, saying, "Guys, this is Count 1 of Turris Ebernea."
"How do you do?," said Fenix, bowing politely.
"Well met," replied 1.
"Count," said 5, bowing, "I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
1 nodded quickly.
3, 4, and 6 were the last to greet the count civilly.
"He-hello," muttered 6, straightening up after bowing.
1 turned his attention to 9.
"The plan?," he said, fiddling with his staff.
"Ah, yes," said 9, "when the Crown Princess arrives," he looked over at 6, "6, when I invite the Princess to dance, you'll bump into her."
"A-alright," muttered 6.
9 turned to 3 and 4.
"3, 4," he said, " I want you to stand outside the entrance and keep an eye out. Let me know when the Crown Princess and her father are coming."
The twins nodded, then dashed to the entrance, their cloaks dragging on the floor.
"5," said 9, "you and Fenix distract my father with small talk."
"And what about me?," asked 1.
9 struggled to come up with an answer, but quickly thought of an idea.
"Ask the Princess' father to talk," said 9, "that won't raise suspicion with his daughter. She's seen you before, so she won't think anything of it."
1 pondered his part in the plan.
"Very well," he answered. "I'll do what I can."
"Great," said 9.
"Do you think it'll work?," asked 5.
"I'm hoping it does," retorted 9.
Fenix glimpsed over at the entrance, seeing 4's hand wave to them. He tapped 9's shoulder.
"Um, Prince 9," he said, "the twins." He pointed over to the entrance.
9 glanced over, optics widening. He quickly waved them over, gesturing they come back to their group. 3 and 4 did so, gliding almost ghostlike across the Grand Hall.
3, who reached 9 first, quickly lifted his mask, saying, 'She's coming. The Crown Princess is coming.'
"Is my father with them," asked 9.
'Yes,' remarked 4, 'and so is the Princess' father.'
"King Vegard," said 1.
"What?," said 9.
"The Princess' father," repeated 1, "his name is Vegard."
9 nodded, understanding now that he knew the king's name.
"They're coming," said 5, seeing a groups of guests parting away.
Through the entrance, 2, along with three guards, 8, 7, and a lanky, male stitchpunk with rose beige fabric. Aside from the guards, the seneschal arrived, a portly stitchpunk with dark yellow fabric and an orange waistcoat. Standing beside 2, were the guests 9 had been waiting weeks to meet. The Crown Princess and her father, King Vegard.
Once inside, 7, 8, and the rosy beige stitchpunk went to their respected posts: 7 and 8 at the double doors; the lanky stitchpunk headed for the far right side, standing with two other guards.
The seneschal stepped forward, clearing his throat. In his baritone voice, he spoke loud and clear.
"Presenting His Royal Hignhess, King Vegard. And his daughter, the Crown Princess Valora of the South Kingdom."
9 gazed at King Vegard. He was tall with dark gray fabric. His optics were blue-rimmed with round pupils. He wore a gold imperial crown with ermine lining like 2's, only his had velvet on the domed cap. King Vegard's black coat could've been woven from the night itself; it was decorated with epaulets capping the shoulders, and the shoulders had black feathers as a way of fitting into the Masquerade Ball. He sported a look that could send chills down any seemingly brave soul.
"That's her," said 1, "Princess Valora."
Now 9 took the time to observe the Crown Princess.
She was fair with an oval-shaped face. She had copper-rimmed optics with blue lenses. Cinnamon brown hair cascaded to her shoulders in waves, which 9 doubted was real. Her fabric as white as snow with a branchlike pattern the color of mahogany. She donned a brown fur boa around her shoulders that surprising went well with her ivory evening gown. Although her expression gave off the sense that she was warmhearted, 9 had to be on his guard and not be charmed by her looks.
The Hall was silent, even the band stopped playing. As soon as 2 gave them the signal to continue playing, the music commenced, but no one tore their optics away from the royal guests.
2 looked in 9's direction. The prince knew he had to play his part. He walked up to them, remembering to be courteous. He stood before them, bowing.
"Your Highness," he said to the Crown Princess.
Princess Valora returned the sentiment with a curtsy.
"Your Highness," she said with a smile. Her voice was clear as a bell. It was high-pitched, but non-nasily. It was actually pleasing to listen to.
9 turned his attention to King Vegard.
"Your Majesty," he said, "I'd take it you had no trouble getting here."
"None at all," replied King Vegard. His voice was deep, sultry. Husky.
The plan. 9 thought. Gotta make this work.
9 held out a hand.
"Would you care to dance?," he asked.
Valora's smile broadened.
"Of course," she said immediately. She clasped his hand. 9 led her to the dance floor, where guests cleared away to make room for them.
The music softened to a low melody. 9 stole a glance at the band onstage. They played their instruments quite gracefully for a band that performed theatrics. 9 quickly peeked over at 5, Fenix, and the others. He would dance with Princess Valora and give his friends signals to do their part.
9 brought the princess close to his body, their faces centimeters from each other. Valora's pupils slanted slightly to give off a seductive look that would have even the most virtuous stitchpunk blushing. 9 smiled lightly.
They fell in step, letting the rhythm control their movements. All scenery dissolved, and it was just 9 and the Crown Princess. The music filled the silence, the guests watching in awe, and it made 9 want to run out of there in a frenzy. The steps flowing between them like sighs slipping against a silk pillow. The prince, his breaths, even and steady. Princess Valora's gaze caught his, seeing the laughter glitter in her optics.
9 dipped her, and as he brought her back up, he blinked his optics at 6. The disguised artist, having gotten the signal, nodded. The closer 9 brought the princess to his side, the quicker he felt his soul pulse.
6 paced over towards 9 and the Crown Princess... 9 turned, so Valora's back was to 6... The costumed artist stumbled, bumping into the princess.
Princess Valora gasped. She broke away front 9's grasp, spinning around, optics at first widened, then narrowed with raw contempt.
"How dare you!," she shrieked.
6 stepped back, but the Crown Princess stomped forward, fists balled at her sides.
"What are you blind? Answer me!"
9 peeked over at 5 and Fenix, darting his pupils towards 2, who stood beside King Vegard. The two strode thought the Hall, in a hurry to set the wheels in motion.
The last to be signaled was 1, whom 9 was about to signal until he turned and saw him already making his way towards King Vegard. Seeing this, he smirked before turning toward Princess Valora.
"Your Highness," he said, stepping closer to her, "please, it was just an accident."
The Crown Princess snapped her head at him. Her face was horrible to look at.
"Did you not see what the wretch did?," she spat, motioning toward the disguised stitchpunk. She tuned back to him, huffing a breath. "Who are you? Show me your face!"
She reached out to snatch the mask away, but 6 ducked his head. He scampered out of her way when she lunged forward, only to have her falling face first. She let out a frustrated bleat.
"Princess," said 9.
Another scream grabbed his attention. He turned, searching the Hall for an answer. He saw the band on stage. Apparently, one of the band members was knocked down by something 9 couldn't place. All optics were locked on the band, no one paying any attention to the Princess' haughty display.
With this, 9 held out a hand.
"Your Highness," he said, trying to be gallant. The Crown Princess looked at his hand before taking. The prince helped her up to her feet.
"It took you some time to help me up," she said, readjusting her fur boa, "but I suppose tonight's not turning out to be so bad."
9 looked past her, seeing his father walk toward the commotion onstage.
"I'd better see what happened," he remarked.
As soon as 2 parted away from King Vegard, 1 cut his conversation short, ambling back toward 9.
"Your Highness," he said.
"Yes?," said Princess Valora, turning around.
"I was actually talking to Prince 9," corrected 1.
"Ah," quoth the Crown Princess. We sported a look that was generally embarrassed, though she tried to disguise it.
"I'd like to talk to you," he said, glancing over at the Crown Princess quickly before looking back at 9, "in private."
9 nodded. "Very well," he said, "shall we talk in the Royal Garden?"
He and 1 walked past King Vegard, leaving him confused though curious. It wasn't until they had left the Great Hall did they hear another set of footsteps catching up to them. Turning around, they saw it was 6. The artist lifted his mask, revealing a smile plastered on his face.
"6!," hooted 9.
"How d-did I...do?," asked 6.
"You did great," said 9. 1 nodded in agreement.
9 glanced up to see 5 and Fenix exiting the Great Hall and making their way toward them. Both were roaring with laughter.
"Did you see her face?," uttered 5 between laughs.
"I thought she was going to blow up," said 9.
Sparks flew from Fenix's fingertips. His optics glowed orange the more he laughed. 9 watched in amazement.
"Wow," he said.
Fenix's laughter receded.
"It is a gift," he said, snapping his fingers, sending bright embers flying off to then die down.
"I know; 5 told me in his letter," said 9.
5 smiled sheepishly.
"I don't use it very often," explained Fenix, "only at festivities, and other such celebrations."
9 saw Fenix's optics dimmed, having calmed down from that fiasco.
Looking past Fenix, 9 saw the twins exit the Grand Hall, gaze landing on him. They sidled up to the group.
"What's happening now?," asked 9.
'You father is talking to the band,' explained 4.
'I threw a marble at one of the members,' interjected 3. 'I had to, it was all I could think of.'
"It's all right," replied 9, "as long as it distracted everyone."
"What do you want us to do now?," queried 5.
"My father will grow suspicious if he sees you two gone," said 9. "Go back into the Hall and keep him busy. Talk to him. If the Crown Princess leaves the Hall, tell 6 to send a message to me."
"Where will you be?," asked Fenix.
"In the Royal Garden," said 9.
5 nodded. "Alright."
9 looked over at 3 and 4. "I want you two to stay here," he said, "help 6 out in case he gets slowed down."
'Will do,' said 3, nodding.
'You can count on us,' said 4.
"Great," uttered 9.
Fenix and 5 ambled back into the Grand Hall, where, apparently, the band began to play once more. 6 stood by the doorway, ready to act in case the Crown Princess left.
"Come on, let's get to the Royal Garden," said 9, turning around. "We can hide in case Princess Valora comes looking for me."
"Actually," said 1, following the prince, "I really do need to talk to you."
9 paused. "Alright. You can tell me in the Garden."
He and the Count strode through the halls, taking the usual route to the Royal Garden. Once they arrived, the Garden was quiet, surprised to see it empty. 9 thought he'd see some guests milling the Garden. But if some did, he'd better find a good hiding place. He and 1 strolled past the stone bench, choosing to hide among the taller, towering flowers. 9 lowered a leaf, taking a peek; the babbling from the fountain filling the silence.
"Now," said 9, "what was it you wanted to talk about?"
"It's," began 1, "about the Crown Princess."
"What else is there I need to know?" 9's optics scanned the Garden, seeing nothing but the teeming flowers and shadows cast on the ground.
"It's...something I wanted to tell you in my last letter, but thought I'd tell you face to face."
"Well, all right," said 9, not turning to look at him, "what is it?"
1 hesitated, steeling himself.
"It's...related to the late princess' death."
At that, 9 snapped his head to him. His expression was curious with a hint worry. He exuded masked fear.
"What...about her death?," he asked.
"There's something I neglected to tell you," replied 1, pacing away from the lily stalk they were hiding behind, walking further into the foliage. 9 followed him.
"What happened?," queried 9.
1 looked over his shoulder. He looked like he didn't want to speak up, but knew he had to. For 9's sake, even if he put himself in danger.
"Valora was there when Daetira died," he said, turning around.
"How did she die?," asked 9, his tone sounding urgent.
"They were in the seaside for a holiday," answered 1, "Daetira and Valora were playing, they were near a cliff. During their game, Daetira was running, and she lost her footing. She fell off the cliff.
"By the time help arrived, they found Daetira impaled to a stone. She died on impact." 1 paused to take a breath. "I attended her funeral a week later, the whole kingdom was there." He stopped to steel himself again. It was evident that there was something underneath what 1 was trying to tell him.
"What are you...trying to say?," asked 9.
1 faced the prince.
"What I'm saying is," he said clearly, "that I don't think Daetira's death was not an accident." His slanted pupils gave off the seriousness he exuded all over.
"You...you think Valora...?" 9's breath was caught in his throat.
"I'm not sure, but I can't jump to conclusions," said 1, "there were no witnesses on the cliff. It was just Valora and Daetira that day."
There was an uncomfortable silence between them. This onslaught of new information was too much for 9 to bear. He grasped at anything to not deny what he was told.
"I only told you this because I want you to be careful," said 1. "And I am against your arranged marriage to her. You deserve someone better than her, but your marriage...it's been decided."
9's face fell. Looking over his shoulder, he drifted back to the spot he was previously at, pushing away the leaves for a better view. He nearly gasped when he saw two figures, but was relieved when he saw it was not the Crown Princess or her father. It was two guests, one dressed in bright yellow, the other in neon orange. 9 heard their giggles from his hide spot. Placated, he turned away, nearly falling back when he saw 1 standing before him. The prince regained his composure, but the proximity between him and 1 sent sparks shooting up and down his core.
Their faces were centimeters away from each other. 9 didn't know how it happened, but his lips were on 1's. Surprised at first, 1 returned the kiss, putting everything into it, saying what was need to be said.
When 9 pulled away, he was dumbfounded at first, but nonetheless satisfied. He was also filled with dread. An onslaught of different overriding emotions flooded him. He looked into 1's face, there was no deception in his gaze. 9 couldn't place it, he thought, perhaps, deep down he felt something for the Count. And 1 appeared to reciprocate the same.
The two were locked in another kiss, sparks igniting. 9 never expected this, not here anyways, but it was happening. He didn't care that they would get caught, he didn't care about the arranged marriage, the Crown Princess, or anything. He just wanted to forget about everything.
9 hoped no one would hear them, but he didn't care. All he cared about was this one night of passion. And 1 didn't seem to mind spending it with him.
All thoughts of morality were lost from there.
Ooh, 1 and 9 finally hit it off. Goodness! *giggles* I had planned to have this chapter written longer, but was in a hurry to get it finished.
Hope you enjoy chapter six when it's ready. =D