After several minutes of standing there awkwardly with a gold-encrusted prince knelt before me, I decided to break the silence by smiling timidly and acknowledging his presence.
"There really is no need to bow," I assured. "Please, stand."
"Oh, but I must!" he pleaded, taking my hand out of the blue and planting a kiss on it, which I would have instinctively yanked away if my father was not perched watchfully behind me. He was very.. how do I put this.. intense, for a start?
"Th-thank you," I stammered, still slightly unsure as to what I should do at this point. What kind of an idiot did my father saddle me with this time? How am I supposed to weasel out of this one again? This freak was the heir of the Lightshield name? The commander of the greatest forces of Demacia? What kind of a joke is this.
"It is genuinely such an honor to meet you this evening, my lady," Prince Jarvan exclaimed. He was big, and loyal. A personality of a golden retriever, almost. I despised it.
"Ch-charmed," I replied, looking the other way.
"You look very beautiful this evening, Luxanna," he complimented. It sounded forced and sugar-coated. Gross.
"Lux is fine, thank you," I responded, still pretending to inspect another corner of the main hall.
"Shall we dine?" he invited, extending his armored hand outward. Jarvan was awfully sincere, and I felt terrible about not responding emotionally enough. But it just felt so.. structured.
"Of course," I replied, taking his hand and following him to a nearby table. He pulled out the chair and instructed me to sit, which I did so reluctantly.
"What would you like?" he asked. "A bread roll, perhaps? Or maybe you don't like to eat starch. I can fetch some of that garden salad for you if you want."
"It's really fine," I answered, removing an artistically folded napkin from the table, unfolding it, and then placing it onto my lap. "I can serve myself."
He nodded agreeably, and then sat down beside me. He proceeded to spoon generous servings of food onto his platter. His plate was soon piled with the finest Demacian gourmet. After wrapping the table napkin around his neck, he picked up his fork and knife and started to dine. He ate like any military commander would- hastily and messily. The area around his mouth was covered with the meaty grease from his protein, and the vegetables on his plate were also scattered in a disorder.
"So Lux," he grumbled in between each bite of his food. "Tell me about yourself."
I forked some mashed potato and beet into my mouth, and chewed thoughtfully before swallowing.
"Well," I said. "I really like being summoned into the League- it's the only time I get to leave the castle and be on my own for a bit. I get to meet and interact with people from all over Runeterra, and it's also a great way for me to hone my skills with light magic."
"Interesting," he responded, although I am sure he found my previous blurb to be anything but.
"Quite," I countered. "How about you?"
"Well," he mimicked, shooting me a playful smile. I was not entertained. He quickly picked up on that fact. "My latest troops have conquered a nearby barbarian village toward the back mountains. It was a small skirmish, but you can say I am proud- after all, they are fresh recruits and it is genuinely impressive that they are able to pull themselves together and perform-"
I stopped listening mid-sentence. He was just so boring. Everything about him. Perhaps I disliked him so strongly because he was everything my father wanted for me. Tall, handsome, some commander for the Demacian army, well-dressed, well-mannered, well-spoken, educated- and stable.
"How fascinating," I murmured, as he rambled on and on about some war his great-grandfather participated in, and how those battle tactics got passed on to his side of the family. I poked at my sweet potatoes, my cheek resting in the palms of my hand. Give me a break! I was practically falling asleep now. Did this gentleman honestly believe I would find this discussion any bit of interesting? Oh my goodness gracious.
"So anyway," he continued. Oh brother, here we go again. "What are your hobbies? Do you do anything else besides being locked up in this castle like a damsel-in-distress?" How awfully rude.
"Considering the fact that I have to attend classes every single day with personal tutors and then magic training in the evening, there is not a lot of time for me to explore these so-called hobbies," I shot back, slightly annoyed, and expressing it this time.
"That sounds terrible," he responded, spooning another portion of meat into his mouth. "You know, once we are wed, I can take you wherever you would like to go."
My eyes lit up. "Really?!" I squealed, bobbing up and down in my seat. People started shooting me looks. Not the time, nor the place. I settled down. "But like, really?" I asked in a quieter voice.
Jarvan nodded with the utmost enthusiasm, happy that I have finally reciprocated his excitement. "Absolutely," he said. "Wherever you would like to go. As long as we have a horse and a road, I am allowed to take you anywhere outside the kingdom."
My heart sunk. Still, if I were to go anywhere, it would still be stuck him. I took another sigh. All good things come to an end, I guess. The dinner continued on uneventfully. He asked me more of those icebreaker questions, and I responded in a monochrome voice, or sometimes I didn't even bother to form an answer. After the seafood appetizer and traditional main course was served, the soup was placed onto the table. More conversation ensued.
"You know, my princess," Jarvan resumed. "I can give you whatever you would like in this world. Jewels, treasures, gold, dresses.." He paused. "Freedom?"
I still responded to that word quite ostentatiously. The way I would straighten my back and perk up my ears to listen. I still said nothing, stirring the contents of my soup nonchalantly.
He waited for me to answer. When I didn't, he merely continued what he was saying before as if nothing has happened. "You are very beautiful," he complimented.
"Thanks," I replied monotonously. It was just that. No sparks, no fireworks, nothing. I felt no chemistry whatsoever.
"Long blonde hair, sweet blue eyes," he murmured to himself. "Better than any Demacian maiden here, surely."
"I suppose," I said weakly, once more, heaving a sigh, still churning my soup. I have no appetite. Just sitting here and listening to this oaf rattle on and on about his life, and my life, and his interests, and my interests, and those disgustingly sappy compliments is enough to drive me bonkers. It was so exhausting trying to be polite and deal with people like him. He was just like all the rest of the people my father tried to saddle me with. Exactly the same. Might as well give me an army of clones to choose my husband from. His bowl of soup was now completely drained, and he was just staring at me poke and prod at mine, elbow rested on the table and chin facing toward me.
"So pretty.." he continued, taking two fingers to stroke my face, starting from the top of my cheek to the crook of my chin. I cleared my throat, adjusting myself uncomfortably, preferably away from him. Courtesy, Lux, behave as a princess would.
"Why aren't you talking?" he asked. "You seemed so bubbly and enthusiastic from what my royal advisor told me. Do you dislike me?"
"Oh, no," I responded, almost too quickly. "I am just tired, that's all."
"Of course," he replied. Yes, please. Pretend to be considerate and understanding. You don't know anything. You are just another one of those Demacian executives, overly-confident, greedy, self-centered, douchey, and well, quite frankly and extremely horny. He started to place a hand on my leg, allowing it to run upward. I hated the feeling of it, but I bit my lip and said nothing. It was what my father wanted me to do, after all. I shifted my thigh away, crossing my legs and taking a sip of my soup. He understood my body language. He didn't push. He didn't pry. After the soup, dessert was served. I was counting down the hours like my fingers. Just several more, and I could be in my bedchamber, away from father, away from the crowd, away from all the noise, away from him.
Dessert was simplistic- a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a berry syrup.
"Luxanna.. do you like to dance?" he asked me, scouting me out of the corner of his eye.
"I have no preference," I responded.
"I love to dance," he said, not taking into account my somewhat indifference toward it. ."I can tango, waltz, salsa.. whatever you would like."
"Can we just… not dance?" I suggested. Several other members of the table, Demacian dukes and duchesses I assumed, looked up from their sundae and shook their heads rigorously.
"Alright then.." I countered, waving my hand toward them in dismissal. "I guess dancing here is not an option, but a necessity."
"Hasn't it always been that way?" Jarvan asked, finishing the last bit of his dessert.
"I suppose," I replied once more. My ice cream has melted into a white, grainy soup. The berries sat sadly in the corner. I was like those berries, in a sense. Disgusted, unhappy, and alone. The banquet ended abruptly, and all of the guests were escorted to the ballroom. If I could just separate myself from him, even just for several seconds. He stuck to me like glue. From the past hour or so that I have spent with this dingbat I have observed and collected quite a bit of information about him. Jarvan the fourth. How do I start. Well first of all, he was very persistent. And I mean, really persistent. He asked way too many questions, and was displeased when he didn't get enough answers. So he just asked more questions. And more questions. And more questions. Secondly, he doesn't know how to read social cues. A detrimental fault, surely. It will probably plague him more than he will know in the future. Thirdly. He was not particularly bright. Perhaps he could converse lightly about military tactics or guerilla warfare or something, but most certainly not about politics or anything more complicated, controversial or intellectually stimulating than that. Fourthly. He was overly aggressive and rambunctious, much too loud for my tastes. And lastly, he was very well, how do I put this? Corneous? And unconditionally touchy-feely. Disdainful. Which was why I still obliged. My patience was running on a thread, but I allowed him to contact me physically like that. Like the way he would put that armored arm over my shoulder. It was heavy, and metallic, and smelled weird. But I still let him. Or how he would hold my hand. I didn't even know him. I only just met him, but here we are, acting like newly-weds.
The ballroom was large and awfully regal. Lights showered over the dance floor, and chandeliers were suspended from the ceiling, fancy glass ones with candles lit on golden platforms. The room was colorful, and for the most part constructed out of marble. Several tables were pushed to the back of the space, with pastries and beverages lining the surface. A classical, orchestrated tune began to hum through the ballroom. Naturally, people started to dance. I looked in another direction, pretending to look for someone. He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the center.
"Come on, Lux!" Jarvan coaxed. "Let's dance." He towered a full head above me. A dance partner of that height was just plain awkward and uncomfortable. But I did it anyway. King Crownguard stood at the doorway with a glass of champagne in his hand. Another was in his coat pocket. He was eyeing me watchfully. I did just so. He didn't lie. He was a very talented dancer. I managed to follow along, my strides timid and weak, while his were defined and pronounced. Ugh. The sun was for the most part, set. Several rays of light still touched the floor of the dance room, pouring in through the large, rectangular windows that lined the ballroom and allowed everyone to look over the Demacian nightlife. I took Jarvan's hand once he extended it out toward me. And we danced. It was nothing special, just a classic waltz that felt too structured and too forced. I stepped on his feet several times.
"Sorry," I murmured shyly.
The dances continued for what seemed like an eternity. These people just never got tired of dancing, did they? There was a jazz song, and then classic ballroom dancing, and then a waltz tune, and then a slow hymn, and then a contemporary jam, and then some tango music. It was like they were possessed. Robotic, lifeless shells that went through the movements. I just did as I was told and laid low. After what seemed like forever, the dance was over. My father ushered his guests back to the main hall, where the dining tables were removed and regal chairs were arranged so that they were facing golden platform encrusted with sparkling jewels toward the center of the room.
King Crownguard himself greeted his guests as they filed in an organized manner into the main hall.
"Greetings all!" he exclaimed, waving his arms around in the air. "Are you all enjoying yourselves so far?" Cheers resounded. It was loud. Just so loud.
"I would like to invite my daughter, Luxanna, to the stage!" he shouted. I realized Jarvan was still tightly gripping onto my hand. I wriggled my palms out of his grasp and maneuvered my way toward the platform.
"Good luck!" he whispered encouragingly. I smiled meekly, nodding in his direction and then meeting my father on the stage. My father handed me my baton once I was on the platform, which I gripped. So comfortable, just like it always has been.
"Just do it like you usually do," he hissed through gritted teeth. I obliged.
"She will be performing some colorful light tricks!" he bellowed.
"Hello, everybody!" I greeted in another overly-enthusiastic, cheesy voice. "Does anybody want to witness the grand RAINBOW EXTRAVAGANZA?!"
The crowd cheered for me, just like they always did.
"Alrighty!" I laughed fakely. "Let's get TO IT THEN!" The throng went wild. I tossed my baton into a place in the air where a spotlight hit. I loved being under the limelight. I converted that particular spot into light energy. A bright, iridescent orb emerged. Oos and ahs resounded. I extended my arm into the air and split the ball into two. More oohs and ahs. I continued dividing it into several dozens of small rainbow bubbles. Directing them above the crowd, I twisted my baton once more, commanding them to shatter. Brilliant pieces of photons were produced from the explosion, and they showered over the audience like raindrops. I did another twirl, and swept my hand into a line. A rainbow bar emerged. I pressed the light energy downwards, concentrating it into a flattened shape. I treated it like a melting prism of butter, spreading it out in front of me like a painting. The crowd applauded. I stretched out the rectangle in front of me and rounded it so it formed a nice bubble. I opened up a space into it by flipping by baton and stepped into the circle. Enclosing the space behind me, I commanded the light energy to jump upward, which it did. Slamming my baton once more, the iridescent bubble around me shattered, showering the crowd once more with rainbowish photons. They went wild. I flashed yet another award-winning smile and landed onto the stage, on my feet, of course, Grabbing my baton, I sent a ray of sparks over the audience's head, gentle, light-inspired fireworks exploding over them. And for the grand finale, I swept my baton by my feet in order to create a rainbowish platform. As I stepped, more prismatic platforms formed beneath my feet. I stepped onto each one, forming a rainbow, and skated down the road, colliding into the back of the room and doing one little flip before it disappeared. The crowd roared with admiration. I did a little curtsey and took another bow.
'"Thank you, thank you!" I belted, flailing my hands around in the air. "Thank you so much!" My father approached me from amidst the crowd as I placed my baton into his hand. He didn't allow me to use it very much nowadays, only to perform in order to impress the aristocrats but when I did- it was the most amazing feeling ever. Jarvan stepped up toward me as the performance continued with what seemed to be a plump opera singer from the Demacian elite.
"You looked so beautiful," he complimented. "And you are so talented.." He took a lock of hair from my head and rubbed it in his fingers. I took a step back, away from him.
"Thanks," I said. The sparks and energy and life were gone. It was just me, now. And the dope I just so happened to be engaged to. My eyes lost the light they had when I was performing. What were once illustrious, neon spheres has now transformed into dull, navy marbles. I heaved another sigh, rubbing my arm.
"Shall we sit?" Jarvan asked, extending his hand outwards, like Prince Charming he was.
I nodded silently, and took his palm. We were seated in the back row. After the opera singer finished, a contortionist, magician, contemporary dancer, comic, jester, and Demacian orchestra followed. The crowd did their usual routine of fawning over the performer after applauding and screaming and waving their arms around in the air.
I said nothing as Jarvan continued to touch me like that. Hands on my thighs, calves, hips, and waist. Lips pressed against my face, arm stroking against my back. I shifted away from him as much as possible, but like I said earlier: Jarvan was persistent. Once the performance ended, the group was escorted into the open garden for the gala. Pastries like cupcakes, custard, pudding, jelly, and creamy tart was served. Glasses of alcohol were passed around. Typical Demacian women. Stuffing their faces with sugary sweets for the tasty delight, and then drinking it all away just so they can dilute it from their systems later. Just like they did with their men. I shook the angsty thought from my head. Jarvan was still beside me, a plate of snickerdoodles in one hand and a glass of champagne in another. The garden was decorated opulently. The gazebos that dotted the field were embellished with flowers and silky fabrics. The grass itself was lit up with stylish lanterns, and the tent that housed the entire gazebo was colorful and welcoming. Jarvan's hand was still pressed against my back, now empty after he finished his plate of cookies.
"Shall we go outside to the balcony?" he asked. My father was still watching me from across the tent. His eyes have been latched onto me toward the beginning. And because of that, I agreed.
"S-sure," I stammered hesitantly, for I was completely aware of what would soon follow. Jarvan took my hand, and lead me out. The night air was cool, fresh, and natural- a reliever from the stuffy atmosphere inside the castle. I inhaled and exhaled. Jarvan was still closely behind me, trailing me like a golden retriever. I giggled a little bit at that comparison. It was funny thinking humorous thoughts to myself that no one would know about.
"Now that we are alone.." Jarvan said. The balcony was completed blocked off my tall rose bushes and vines. A willow tree cloaked the expansion, and we were indeed, thanks for the stating the obvious- alone. Fireflies began to appear from the darkness, and my eyes lit up as I saw them.
"Shoo, shoo!" Jarvan swatted at the insects. Their lights faded, as did my enthusiasm.
"So Lux.." he started, placing a hand on either side of me. I was pushed against the railing of the balcony. I felt exposed as he stood before me. He was close Much too close. The corset was becoming overly tight, squeezing my pert breasts so they were pushed outward. My glistening legs were exposed in the moonlight. It was a high-low skirt after all. Curses. Why did that pesky chambermaid have to assign me with such a showy outfit this evening. She was usually more conservative than this. The white and gold lace tickled my skin as my makeup glimmered in the darkness. I crossed my ankles and looked into another direction as I always did when Jarvan began to inch closer.
"I want to see what you look like with your hair down," he demanded. I obliged, undoing my headband and releasing my golden curls. I bit my lip, nervous as to what he would say.
"So… pretty," he commented before taking my face and planting a kiss on my mouth. Another one of his hands were caressing my thigh. I did not like it. I tried to push away, but he was very strong.
"Stop fighting it," he grunted, as his tongue entered my mouth. I closed my eyes shut. I didn't return any of his kisses. He suckled and licked and played. I was disgusted.
"Stop it," I whispered. He ignored me. Perhaps I was too quiet. He can't. He wouldn't. He most certainly shouldn't.
"I said stop it," I said, a little louder. He continued to ignore me. His fingertip traced over my breasts and then down my waist. His hands traveled through my hair, his thick full lips pressing against me.
"STOP IT!" I screamed. He didn't. In fact, he continued, at a faster pace. He proceeded to unzip my dress, and clumsily undo the strings of my corset. His hand was now tracing the part of my inner thigh, and pressed against the outer part of my pussy. Enough was enough. My patience has officially run out. I swatted him in the face with my clutch, and kneed him in the side which surprised him completely. I pulled up my dress, looking at him, eyes laced with fear.
"I have to go," I stated. Tears were now streaming down my face. He didn't call nor run after me. I sprinted across the field, going mostly ignored as the guests were enjoying the gala. I burst through the door of the main entrance only to collide into Garen. I was now sobbing, face red and eyes watering.
"Ouch!" he exclaimed. Once he noticed my disheveled appearance, his expression softened. "Lux.. what's wrong?" I shook my head and bolted past him. My high heels were especially difficult to run in, so I stepped out of them and hooked my fingers into them, flinging myself up the staircase that poured into the main hall and fled. The paintings whisked past me, ones that I will never have the time to stop and admire. I flung myself into my bedchamber, slamming the door behind me, breathing heavily. The servant girl was cleaning up when she saw me.
"Lady Luxanna!" she exclaimed. "What is wrong?'
"J-just change me out of this," I stammered, exhausted. I flopped into the chair of my vanity as she did exactly as she was told.
"There is still several minutes before the gala is over," she muttered while pulling down my gown, which was already undone. "Aren't you going to meet your father and brother to see off the guests? And why is your dress unzipped?" I shuddered at the question. So many questions.
"Just undress me, please," I said, tears beginning to overflow again. She remained silent after that. I breathed once the corset was off. I quickly changed into a loose-fitted blouse and leggings, shrugging on a cloak.. I emptied out my clutch into a nearby drawer and removed a small, unnoticeable handbag. Stuffing in bare necessities like enough money to last me several days and some food and water, I headed out.
"Now, just where are you going?" the chambermaid demanded, closing the door before I could exit.
"I need to go," I stuttered. "Now."
"And just exactly where to?" she inquired. "You have to tell me what is going on if you want me to help you. Just look at yourself! You are a mess."
I inspected myself in the mirror. It was true. My face was watery, and my eyes were puffy and swollen. My hair was a mess, which I quickly concealed by pulling on the hood of my cloak.
"What happened?" she asked gently, placing a hand on either side of my shoulder.
"It's just Jarvan," I said.
"What did he do?" she purred softly, stroking my hair like a mother would.
"Just things I didn't want him to," I answered simplistically, biting my lip to stop myself from crying again.
"I see," she replied.
"I want to leave," I demanded. "Now."
"Will you be coming back?" she inquired.
"I am not sure," I answered.
"Okay," she responded. "Take all the time you need. I will ask for a carriage at the back gate for you."
"Thank you," I said. I was grateful. I really was. That she didn't ask anymore questions.
She disappeared for a moment, probably to speak to a guard, and returned to speak to me.
"A carriage is waiting for you right now in the back gate," she informed. I nodded solemnly. "May I just ask where you will be going to?"
"Anywhere," I whispered. "Just not here. Not in this castle."
She nodded, still locking into my gaze. "Do you want me to accompany you?"
I shook my head violently. "No," I replied. "It's fine. I will be okay."
"Alright," she whispered once more. "But can you promise me one thing?" She took my hand.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Please come back later, Luxanna," she said. "Please."
I nodded. "Okay. It won't be for long. I swear."
She smiled. "Okay."
And that was that. She escorted me to the back gates, concealed in the darkness of the shadows illuminated from the light of the party. We slinked in the inky confines of the night. I stepped into the horse-drawn carriage, which was uncomfortable and cramped. Smart girl. She most likely ordered one for common folk, and not for royalty in order to conceal my identity for a little longer.
"Where to?" the coachman asked as I placed my handbag onto the floor of the carriage.
"Anywhere but here," I responded simplistically.
And we were off. The carriage disappeared into the night, and far from the castle, whisking me away with it.