CHAPTER 20: THE FIRST NIGHT

Beast boy had went alone. He needed time alone … to think, and to be away from the group for a while.

Yes, it even surprised himself, he was thinking and hard too. Raven just wasn't herself these days, and he was determined to find out why. It was strange how people could be nice to you and then shun you like you're a disgusting bug the next day.

In fact, he found it all a little too suspicious.

But really, it also shocked him to take so much interest in Raven all of a sudden. He remembered how they first met, both tried to ignore and avoid each other as much as possible. Yet now, things seemed different. Raven was a close friend now, and should anything happen to her, he'd willingly help get her back to safety.

Only, he wasn't sure if Raven was in danger. He sincerely hoped not. Then, he realised he should have sneakily followed her to that shop. Now that he thought about it, she was spending way too much time with the old woman. Could the old woman have said something that made Raven hate him?

Or did he do something wrong to upset her?

Beast boy groaned, thinking was hard. Only people like Raven, or Robin and perhaps, Cyborg can do it well. He was just hopeless at it.

Tugging on his black and white suit, he looked around the ballroom. It was huge, with high ceilings. The walls and ceiling was painted in bright gold. The floor however, was smooth, clear, marble. There were huge, long windows at the side and hanging on the walls, were red cloths with a gold trimming. On it, was the crest of the kingdom. Also at the side, were a few couches for tired dancers to sit on.

The ceiling had two gigantic chandeliers and at the side of the room, were long tables filled with refreshments and small tidbits. The front of the room was a raised platform with gold stairs carpeted in red velvet. On the platform, were two thrones, evidently for the King and Queen. Right above the thrones, was a balcony, over looking the whole ballroom.

Beast boy had arrived here early, so the place was almost empty except for about six men and five women roaming aimlessly about. Beast boy wasn't hungry and so he just stood in a corner, closed his eyes and waited.

The next time he opened them, he was surprised to see the ballroom fill up so quickly. It had so much more people here now, and many of them were making small talk. Glancing at the clock at the back of the room, above the huge doors, he saw that it was almost eight. The Titans should be here any moment.

After five minutes, a steady stream of people were strolling in. Adjusting his mask, Beast boy strained his neck to try and spot out the Titans. He didn't see them at first, but when he saw a red-haired girl, smiling widely and linking arms with a blushing spiky-haired boy, who was grinning from ear to ear too, it couldn't have been more obvious who those people were. Then, right behind them was Cyborg, his face not only hidden by the mask, but by the hat too.

Beast boy remembered then, what he was supposed to do: Act as a lookout. Well, that shouldn't be too hard, it didn't really take long for him to spot his friends in that crowd of people, who hard can one suspicious-looking assassin wielding a weapon be?

Looking around however, it was hard. The ballroom was getting noisier and noisier, and all the elaborate, fancy gowns and suits with all that colours made him slightly dizzy.

That's when he noticed that Raven wasn't around. But it was already five minutes past eight, was she going to be late? Had the old woman kidnapped her? Beast boy shook her head, no, that was just ridiculous. He did worry too much sometimes, but he couldn't help it with an over-imaginative mind.

Suddenly, a horn sounded. Turning around, he saw that it came from the balcony. It was a small boy who blew the horn, standing behind them, in a rich-looking, bejeweled suit and gown, was none other than the King and Queen.

Both had gold crowns on their heads and as they stepped forward, everyone hushed at once, all eyes trained on their rulers.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Prince Alexander the second's 18th masquerade birthday ball!" the King's voice echoed loud and clear through the ballroom.

Everyone cheered and clapped wildly.

"As you know, he will be celebrating his birthday today, tomorrow and the day after with three masquerade balls. He will then, choose his wife at the third night. So may all of you prepare." the Queen continued for him.

"Now, let us present you, your Prince, Alexander the second!" the King cried and his son, from behind his parents, stepped forward and the ballroom broke into applause and cheers.

The young Price had blond hair with the softest of all curls. He was dressed in a dark green suited, encrusted with jewels at the neckline and also had a smaller, but nevertheless, gold, crown on his head. His eyes, Beast boy had strained his neck forward to see, were sky blue, reflecting kindness and innocence. The Prince raised a hand to wave to his people, bringing in more cheers.

He decided he was a nice person and nodded his head. Definitely worth protecting for. He believed the country would prosper well when he became King one day. A lot of royals now were quite spoilt and arrogant, but at least Prince Alexander seemed alright.

"And now, without further ado, let the ball begin!" the King and Queen raised their scepters high and everyone clapped.

Music started playing from the two corners of the room, beside the raised platform. Beast boy was so busy looking at the people and observing the Prince that he didn't notice that mini orchestra had set up from both corners of the room. People started to flock to the floor of the ballroom.

Beast boy extracted himself from the crowd, trying to push his way to the refreshments table where it was emptier. Five minutes have passed, but Raven still wasn't here yet.

Perhaps, she was stuck in a sort of jam … though, he highly doubted that, in these times, was there even such a thing? Finally, he decided to just look for Cyborg and tell him that Raven wasn't here yet. She was supposed to protect Prince Alexander and keep a watchful eye on him.

After a few seconds, he spotted Cyborg also on the other side of the room, at the refreshments table. But unlike Beast boy, Cyborg was ravenous and stuffing down as much food as his mouth can take … which was a lot.

"Cyborg?" Beast boy came up to him and tapped his shoulders.

"Yeah?" Cyborg managed to bellow with his mouth full.

"It's Beast boy … if you don't know."

Cyborg turned and grinned and swallowed, "Yeah, the skinniest, smallest guy here, who wouldn't know it was you?"

Frowning slightly, Beast boy replied, "Haha … very funny. But I grew taller, okay? Anyway Raven's not here …"

"You sure?"

"Look around for yourself." Beast boy gestured to the ballroom. Cyborg looked and shook his head.

"I wonder what's holding her up. But I guess, you can go find Prince Alexander for her first."

Nodding, Beast boy left Cyborg and looked around the place, wondering to the floor of the ballroom and tried not to trip on several pairs of dancing feet. As he pushed his way through, some couples gave him annoyed looks, irritated, for their dancing was being interrupted. Finally, he saw Prince Alexander at the balcony, overseeing everything. Well, he was quite safe up there, for there were two guards at an archway just behind the balcony and Beast boy can still see him clearly from below.

But Prince Alexander's eyes seemed fixated on something … something at the back of the ballroom. Turning, Beast boy noticed that other people were also looking at the great huge doors of the place, or rather, someone that was standing there.

Elegantly poised under the arched doorway, was a beautiful dark-haired, young lady. Dressed in rich, purple velvet that sparkled and shimmered under the light, she looked like someone who had come out of a fairytale. Intricate gold patterns around the hem of the dress, fading as it went upwards, gave her dress much class. Her face was pale, her lips, smiling softly. Her mask, the shape of an angel's pair of wings, also purple and shimmery, hid half her face.

As the young lady walked forward, oblivious to the stares around her, Beast boy noticed her feet were of a glassy, smooth texture. Then, looking more closely, he found out that her slippers, were actually made of out glass! And it fit her perfectly, as if, it was specially made, and molded to the shape of her feet.

Suddenly, Beast boy noticed the shiny, reflective purple-black hair, the blood-red gemstone on her forehead …

With a small gasp, he saw the crowd part and Prince Alexander walking down the human aisle, towards her. She smiled wider, and gave a curtsey before the Prince. He took her hand, kissed it, while bowing deeply, at the same time, asking for a dance.

When she agreed, Beast boy felt a stab of annoyance. He watched as they danced in tune to the music, lightly stepping, and gracefully whirling around the ballroom.

Well, what a way to look out for the Prince. Beast boy thought unhappily.

He did not notice Robin and Starfire sidle up to him. "Is that … Raven?" asked Robin incredulously.

Beast boy nodded once, his mouth in a tight line.

"Glorious! Our friend looks so alluring and most comely!" gasped Starfire in delight, "And the Prince with friend Raven are most becoming!"

Beast boy said sourly, "They're not that good."

"Sure they are!" Cyborg suddenly clapped Beast boy from behind, then nudged Robin, "You really chose the right girl to protect Prince Alexander, man."

Robin smiled, "It's all in the head, right, Beast boy?"

But Beast boy was already stalking, almost angrily, away from them.

When he first saw her, he mind became a blank.

All his troubles, stress and worries were vanquished in an instant. And he wished only for a dance with her. It was odd, because he'd never met or seen her before, but he already thought he knew her inside out.

It took his breath away, her graceful walk, elegant dress, shapely figure. Who was the mysterious lady behind that mask?

He feet moved without him even knowing. Somehow, he was pushing through the crowd, they parted as he went through. Quickening his pace, he met her finally, she was now standing right in front of him. And oh! She looked even better close up!

She curtsied and straightened, stretching out a delicate, pale hand. He took it, and kissed her soft skin, smiling and staring into her eyes … her violet eyes, shiny and full of light, highlighted by her royal purple dress.

"May I have this dance?" he asked politely.

The lady nodded and smiled, "Of course, your Highness."

Taking her hand, he led her to the centre of the ballroom, twirling her into his arms. He rested an arm on her tiny waist and held her hand with his other, lightly. The musicians started up a slow, stately song. And they began to dance.

The young lady was the most skillful dance partner he's had since three years! He wondered how she did it, how could she move her feet so quickly, so daintily, across the floor. It was as if she's practiced to this song before, done it a hundred and one times, yet, this was a song newly composed just yesterday!

They glided, twirled across the floors. Dancing couples parted to let them through.

Finally, the music came to an end. She curtsied deeply before him, and thanked him for the dance.

"No, it was my pleasure." he assured her quickly.

Then, she produced a glass vial filled with a transparent liquid with the faintest pink hues. He had a sudden flash of familiarity, but he couldn't put a finger on where he's seen that glass vial before.

"Your Highness, you must feel thirsty. Please accept this, it will help quench your thirst." the young lady said in a soft voice.

He took it immediately. How thoughtful of her! And he drank it all in one gulp. The liquid was sweet and as soon as he's swallowed them all, he experienced a dizzy sensation. He stumbled a bit, but was caught by the lady.

"Oh dear." she laughed lightly, "Perhaps you need another." she said and took out yet another glass vial.

Liking the taste of the sweet liquid, he drank it all again and felt the same dizzy sensation. But he quickly got over it and smiled thank you to the lady.

She curtsied once more, and went off quickly.

The Prince stared after her, and stood in the same spot for a whole five minutes. A huge, silly grin was plastered across his face, but he didn't care.

He's never felt this happy for a long time.

Raven walked over to the refreshments table, her heart leaping. She danced with the Prince! She danced with Prince Alexander!

She poured herself a bit of wine, not too much though, she didn't want to lose her head at the first masquerade ball. The Prince might look down on her after that. She drank to her success. The best thing was, though she was nervous, her hands didn't get the least bit clammy! Though, they were now.

Raven almost choked on her wine when she saw who was coming over - Beast boy.

Though he had a black mask on, it was easy to tell who he was due to the annoyed expression and determined walk. She's seen him do this tons of times back at home when he was irritated. So judging from his expression …

So this can't be good.

Though, she can't for life, imagine what exactly she's done wrong. And maybe, he just wanted a drink like her, he probably couldn't recognise her. She didn't even recognise herself when she looked in the mirror just now!

"Raven." he said when he stopped right in front of her.

Her heart sank, so he did recognise her. Should she pretend not to know him? Then, she realised that was probably a bad idea. Beast boy can be smart when he wants to, he'd surely see through her.

She didn't know why she was so nervous, he's just well, Beast boy. But when he stood in front of her, he seemed to have grown inches taller. When did that happen?

"Hello … Beast boy." she whispered softly.

Then, hate filled her heart. She didn't know why, but she wanted to get away, as far away from him as possible. Raven felt a sudden dislike for the changeling, yet, it can't be explained why.

Then, his hardened angry face softened, somehow, he looked slightly hurt. "You were dancing with the Prince."

"Yeah, so?" she asked impatiently.

He looked confused, as if he didn't really know what to say. Then again, he probably didn't know what to say. "I … you look great." he finally complimented.

Raven suddenly blushed, "Thanks." All her annoyance for Beast boy faded away, and was replaced by … something else. A sort of light-headed giddiness, she found herself actually smiling at him now.

Beast boy looked surprise to see her smile but he quickly smiled back.

Then, the first notes of a tune was carried out by a violin, Beast boy looked nervous. He shuffled his feet from side to side, "Uh … so Raven … Do you … want to -"

She blinked, was he going to ask her to dance? But, but … she frowned. Hate filled her heart once more. She looked at him, disgusted, "Don't bother to finish the sentence." she cut in coldly, "You're not worth any of my time."

She walked away, leaving a very stunned and red Beast boy behind. She breathed in and out, her head pleased and saying that he deserved it, the nitwit. But her heart was telling her something else. Somewhere deep down, squashed under all her hate, was guilt.

Raven didn't know what was happening to her. One moment, she hated Beast boy, and the next, she wanted to talk to him, wanted to be around him. She was puzzled and shook her head. She just didn't know what to feel anymore. In fact, she was feeling entirely lost.

Lifting her head, she saw a young gentleman standing in front of her. His lips were moving but Raven wasn't listening. She shook her head again, it was so cloudy inside recently!

"Pardon me, kind sir. I didn't quite catch what you were saying." she finally said.

"May I have this dance?" the gentleman asked again.

Raven gave a wry smile, "I am most apologetic. But I am feeling rather tired and sore …"

The man nodded and walked away.

It was a lie, of course, Raven was feeling fine. She just … wasn't in the mood for dancing. As she walked around the ballroom, many other men asked for a dance but she told them the same reason. She wanted to think, to figure out something, her emotions.

Why were they all so mixed up? So many mood swings … it made her confused.

But she caught the eye of Prince Alexander, sitting on a couch, and her face lit up with a smile. Raven wasn't confused anymore, she was feeling happy. She practically skipped towards him, but managed to control herself to a brisk walk.

"Your Highness." she said breathlessly, curtseying.

Prince Alexander jumped up and smiled, "Would you like to take a stroll, fair maiden?"

"Oh, but where about?" Raven asked.

"The Royal Gardens. I feel like some fresh air, would you like to accompany me?"

Raven nodded eagerly. The Prince smiled again and took her hand. She felt a warmth coursing through her body.

She can think later, but for now, she'll just enjoy her stroll with the young Prince. After all, how many girls had been asked by a Prince for a night stroll anyway?

That's right, next to none.

A/N: My kind readers, I'm really sorry I've been MIA for so long. But please bear with me, my exams are almost done. Just two more days to go! I can then write at a rapid pace then. I'm doing my best! And thank you for all your kind reviews! Also, Rose's intentions will be revealed later. And for now, we'll just call her the "old woman", her name will be used much, much later.

Cinderella's glass slipper's not coming off tonight, not yet ... There are 3 masquerade balls remember? It would be odd for her to lose each slipper every night, so ... Anyway, thank you once again for your patience! I'll be back soon! TWO MORE DAYS! :)))