Author's note: I apologize for the long wait for this chapter. I had it written and ready to go for a long time, but I could not decide whether I wanted to post the ball scenes in one or two chapters. I decided the length of the ball was simply too much for one chapter, and so separated the chapter into two parts. My OCD is a little upset that this story will now not be a nice, neat 30 chapters (instead being 31 or 32), but it will just have to get over it. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Fire Emblem.

Chapter twenty-nine: The Ball (I)

Corrin couldn't catch her breath. It was the night of the party, where she was to be formally presented to a room full of nobility as King Garon's mysterious daughter, the isolated princess, Corrin. Once the inevitable shock had passed, her engagement to Niles — another shock for the court — would be announced. Then, Elise was to be murdered.

Corrin shivered. She could still hear the guilt in Niles' voice as he told her what had happened at his interview. "Iago promises your father's consent in return for Elise's life. I had to agree, Corrin — if I didn't, I would have been killed on the spot, and your sister would probably still be in danger. I'm sorry."

Corrin shook her head, clearing her mind of the memories. It's all right. Everything will be fine. Niles told Leo and Xander, and they'll make sure it doesn't happen. The plan… The plan will work. It must work.

Plans, schemes — such work was new to Corrin. As far as she knew, there were two sets of plans being implemented tonight, and the winners would be those whose plan was best executed. Iago had hired Niles to murder Elise, in exchange for becoming King Garon's influential son-in-law; Iago had also invited a large group of disfavored courtiers whom Niles could pin the crime on for the sake of the gossiping populace. Corrin's brothers, however, had worked with Niles to create a counter plan: after the engagement had been announced, the princes would take turns watching Elise, so that Niles would have an excuse not to act upon his promise.

"Niles' excuse is nothing short of flimsy," Leo had admitted, "but it can work. Remember, once announced, Iago will not be able to easily break the engagement; such a swift annulment would give raise to speculations and rumors, and these are the bane of royal life."

Corrin closed her eyes, repeating these words to herself. I just hope you're right, Leo, and that our back-up plan is enough, just in case you're wrong.

"Corrin!" Elise's voice pricked Corrin's dream and her concentration burst like a ballon. Slightly dazed, Corrin turned to see her sister enter the room. Elise's long, flouncy skirt entered a full second before the young girl.

"Elise," Corrin whispered in awe, "you look beautiful!"

Elise's face was immediately torn between delight at the compliment and the pout she had entered wearing. She stomped her foot, exclaiming, "Don't worry about me! Why aren't you finished yet?"

Corrin looked down at herself, realizing her nightmares had distracted her half-way through dressing. She raised her head and laughed. "Sorry! I was tired after putting on these many layers. Why is formal wear so much more complicated than a lady's usual clothing?"

Elise shrugged her shoulders, skipping into the room. "I don't know! You could ask Camilla, but she'd probably tell you a long, boring history about fashion that you won't even understand. Where is Camilla, anyway, and Azura, too?"

"I haven't seen them yet, today." Corrin admitted. "I've spent most of the day being dragged by Felicia and Flora from bath to bath, only some of which held water."

Elise giggled. "We did warn you tonight would be a big deal. You're being presented to society! It's just another court lady's tradition, so don't ask me why we go through do it." Elise spotted Corrin's dress on the bed, lying undisturbed where Flora had placed it. Elisa picked it up, puffing loudly. "Whew! This is heavy!"

Corrin laughed again. "I'm so glad you stopped by, Elise. You've really cheered me up."

Elise frowned. "Were you sad? How come? It's your engagement party, you can't be sad!"

There was a knock on the door, and Felicia and Flora reentered Corrin's room, followed quickly by Azura. Corrin's relief at their entrance turned into surprise as she noticed her sister. She gasped, saying, "Azura, you're… sparkling!"

Azura smiled cheerfully. "You like my dress, then? I'm so glad. I picked out the fabric myself. The shiny material over the indigo cloth looked so beautiful, I thought. It reminded me of a field of stars."

"It's gorgeous!" Elise exclaimed. "I think my pink and red roses look plain in comparison."

"Oh no," Azura replied, "you're very beautiful, Elise."

"My lady," Flora addressed Corrin, frowning as she noticed Corrin's unpolished appearance, "you must finish getting ready. The guests have already arrived!"

"What?" Corrin exclaimed, her breath catching once more. "Then, I'm late! I'm late to my first ball! I've disgraced myself, I've disgraced Father, all my siblings —"

"Whoa!" Felicia breathed, her eyes wide. "Hold on, Lady Corrin! Everything's all right!"

"Yeah!" Elise said. "The guests won't even begin to expect the princesses for another hour, at least. Ladies always arrive fashionably late!"

"Maybe the court won't," Corrin murmured, "but what about Niles?"

When Niles stood between Lord Xander and Prince Leo, he felt tall, proud, and worthy of others' respect. As they approached the double doors that led to the party's room, his confidence became marred by doubts and anger. He could not allow himself to disgrace Corrin, and yet, he was already furious with these sniveling snobs he was to meet, thinking they must reject him, despite his efforts, due to his face. When the doors opened, all coherent thoughts vanished, and Niles was struck deaf and dumb by the glow of lights.

Inside this room, all things glowed. The ceiling rose in an impressive dome far above him, and was filled by a imposing chandelier holding innumerable, flickering candles. The light of so many flames caused the silver walls to shimmer, the women's jewelry to dazzle, and the white marble floor to vanish in an ethereal cloud of misty light.

Niles audibly gasped. Leo snickered. "Sorry, Niles, but we did try to warn you. This is Castle Krackenburg's finest entertaining room. If this were an actual engagement party, I would say you were receiving a great honor; considering it's just you and Corrin, I suspect this is more a political tool than anything personal."

Xander nodded. His attention was more on the ocean of guests, not his brother's conversation. After a moment of frowning, however, he said, "Father's guests are nobility and courtiers. Though he outranks them, he must impress them in order to keep their loyalty. By throwing such an event in this room, he is proclaiming that the war and Nohr's bankruptcy do not worry him — he is above fear."

Niles tore his eyes away from the spectacle, and blinked. The light seemed to be shining just on him, probing into his mind and revealing his doubts for all the room to see. He focused on Xander, clinging to conversation as a diversion. "Do these people have anything to do with the war on Hoshido?" Niles drawled, forcing his voice to be calm.

Leo scoffed. "Only that it makes for lively conversation at dinner parties."

Xander shot his brother a disapproving glance. "They're more likely to show their patriotism through their checkbook," he said diplomatically. He continued lowly, "Though Leo's cynicism does hold some truth."

Niles nodded. "You're looking around a lot," he pointed out. "Are you worried about the inflated guest list?"

"Now's not the time," Xander murmured, waving the question into silence. "We have to begin circling the room: A wealthy courtier does not idle by the door and gawk at the guests. He must greet people, mingle, and make as many friends as possible."

Niles couldn't suppress the disgusted moan that rose from his throat. "I'm not a courtier," he muttered.

"Tonight you are," Xander replied evenly, "and if you ever hope to be Corrin's husband, you shall continue to be so in the eyes of Nohr's nobility. Remember, you need Father's guests to carry the news of your engagement beyond this room. You'll need to charm them, to interest them in yourself, if you want to succeed."

Niles smirked and tapped his eyepatch. "I've got buttloads of charm, and I'm certainly interesting enough to make them look twice."

Leo rolled his eyes. "Where is Camilla?" he muttered. "I think we need her here as warden. Her threatening simpers should keep you in line."

"That's really not necessary," Niles said, "I promise to be a good boy for Corrin."

"And in the meantime?" Leo retorted. "Corrin won't be down until supper."

Niles tried not to react, but failed. He noticeably flinched, causing both Xander and Leo to look amused.

"I'm sorry to pain you, Niles," Xander said, "but Corrin can not take your leash until the waltz this evening. That is a good many hours away; you'd best resign yourself to the fact that Leo and Iare you company this evening."

Niles grimaced, annoyance knocking at the doors of his fragile temper. "But this is supposed to be our engagement party," he growled.

Leo scoffed. "This engagement party is for Nohr, Niles, not you. Remember what we said about the productions the royal family must put on to keep itself aloof? This night is just another power play."

"But —!"

"Enough," Xander declared, his good humor gone as quickly as it had come. With a wary frown, he gazed towards the crowd. "Guests are approaching," he murmured.

Niles snapped his head forward and immediately noticed a couple slowly working their way in his direction. The man was tall and young and dark; the woman was pleasant in appearance and even younger than her husband. Both walked erect, with practiced grace and beauty.

So that's the posture Elise meant, Niles thought, scowling once more. How am I supposed to do that? They look like peacocks — but, they also look regal.

"Prince Niles", Iago has called him, then cackled. Niles knew he could never appear so poised, so carelessly beautiful.

For a moment, he felt himself in danger of falling into that black pit of self-deprecation; then he recalled the conversation he had had with Leo and Xander. The people approaching him were of the same lot that his lord had accused of being sheltered from the war. Niles loved sheltered people; he loved to crack their warm shells and watch as they scuttled, terrified and confused, from the broken remains of their illusions. His doubts once again submerged themselves, and he grinned.

"Niles," Leo whispered hoarsely in his ear, "watch yourself."

Niles bit his lip, killing his glee. Yet he felt it bubble beneath the surface, raising higher as the couple finally arrived.

"Lord Xander, it is a pleasure, sire."

"Good evening."

The man and woman bowed from their waists, and Xander and Leo nodded their heads in acknowledgement. Niles wasn't sure what he was to do — then Leo pinched his arm. Niles bowed his back half-heartedly; he straightened up again so quickly, his bones cracked. Damn manners! he thought, but suppressed his exclamation.

"You are looking well, madam," Leo addressed the woman. "Are you enjoying yourself this evening?"

"Yes, quite so, my lord," she answered, "though I never expected so many people to be here. It is quite unusual for our beloved king to throw so large a party, is it not? I believe Castle Krackenburg has not held such a crowd since I was but a debutante. And so many strangers, too…"

Xander gave a short nod in agreement. "You are quite right, madam. Since King Garon has had the misfortunate to lose two wives, his taste for festivities is not the same as it once was. But tonight is a special exception, for my young sister is to be presented before the court."

"Ah, yes — the princess, Corrin," the man pronounced slowly, seeming to savor the taste of his own words.

Niles noticed a hungry glint in this stranger's sharp eyes. The man leaned forward as he asked more questions about Corrin; he spoke little, yet was told much, and soon had received two biased reports of her appearance and some vague explanations as to why Corrin should so suddenly be presented to court. Gossip monger, Niles guessed.

As her husband spoke, the woman watched Niles. She was tactful, but Niles was too observant to miss her silent curiosity at his face. Part of him wished to shock her, to satisfy her questions with some risqué anecdote from his past. The other half, the part that so desperately wanted to not disappoint Corrin, wanted to grab his white bangs and drag them down over his right eye; but his hair was now too short for that.

The interrogation concerning Corrin went on, and Niles felt himself and her brothers grow increasingly more uncomfortable. Finally, Xander raised one hand, stopping the man before he could ask another question. Xander gestured towards Niles, guiding his guests' attention smoothly onto him.

"If you would allow me, sir, madam, I would like to introduce you to one of my father's guests — Sir Niles."

Two pairs of sharp eyes stuck on Niles as though he were a pin cushion. He bowed his back once more, with slightly less hesitation; when he rose, he saw approving smiles on both faces. Yes, the monkey can do tricks! Niles thought scornfully.

"How good to meet you, sir," the man said, extending a hand. They shook briefly, before the man retracted his hand and continued, "Are you a new member of the seat?"

His voice was civil, yet Niles felt threatened. "What am I doing here, you mean?" Niles asked, his tone indefinite. Leo pinched him again.

"Sir Niles was recently in my father's employment," Leo spoke for Niles, his voice firm and friendly. "He is extremely dependable, and due to his worthiness, he was given leave to retire early and invited tonight as a special guest."

A vague and tasteless history, Niles thought, but the couple accepted this answer without pause. The man tried to bring the conversation back to Corrin, but neither Xander nor Leo would allow it. In defeat, the couple soon retreated into the vast crowd, and Niles sighed.

"Well," Leo murmured, and Niles was startled to see him smirking, "that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. You did well keeping your cool, Niles. It could have been much worse, if only Corrin wasn't so interesting herself."

"I would thank you, my lord," Niles replied, "but I can't say I'm thrilled with people gossiping about Corrin, either."

"I agree with you," Xander said with a heavy sigh, "and that does not bode well."

Someone tapped Niles' shoulder. He ignored it, believing it to be a fluke caused by the jostling crowd; then it happened again. This time, he turned. A blond nobleman in a rich black cloak stood behind Niles, one finger still poised. A young, red-haired woman hung on his free arm.

The nobleman gestured at the crowd with his chin. "That man," he murmured softly, "had a knife on him."

"You're sure?" Niles whispered back.

The man nodded slightly. "I could see the impression through his trousers. It was secured to his left leg."

"And the woman?"

"I couldn't tell. Dresses are better at concealing weapons than suits."

"I won't ask how you know that," Niles muttered. He frowned as he said, "You only noticed now?"

The other man's eyes widened. "Have you tried wading through this madhouse? I've already been here for over an hour. I can't watch every guest at once."

"Lower your voice," Leo snapped. Niles shivered in surprise; he had almost forgotten his liege was there.

The blond man ducked his head. "Sorry, my lord."

Xander turned his attention on the conversation as well. His face betrayed no anxiety, though Niles was sure hearing that a man with a knife had made the guest list did not reassure the prince.

"Keep watch on him and his wife," Xander spoke in a causal, soft voice. "His family has long sat among Nohr's royalty in court, but certain business ventures have turned Father's favor against them. I don't know what that can mean for Niles or Elise — but watch them carefully."

"Of course, my lord," the couple said together. They drifted away, disappearing almost immediately.

Niles frowned. "It doesn't make sense. This assassination is supposed to be a one-man job."

"They check people at the door for weapons," Leo muttered. "I know because it took a good deal of creativity to arm our allies." He glanced at his brother, searching for an explanation. Xander shook his head.

"Perhaps Iago let one slide, thinking it would be easier for Niles to pin the crime on an armed man?"

Xander's voice shook with uncertainty. Niles had never heard him try to comfort someone; he wondered how often Xander even had the chance, considering Mother-Camilla usually pushed in whenever it was time to console a sibling. It made Niles feel strange, as though he had eavesdropped on something private between the brothers. Then he realized Xander was looking at him.

Were you trying to reassure me? Niles thought, feeling startled; but he smirked.

"What's amusing you now?" Xander asked in exasperation.

"Nothing," Niles replied evenly, "I was just thinking how good Selena looked in that dress."

"Niles, this is an engagement party," Leo growled, "not a bachelor party!"

Niles laughed. "And I was wondering how good Corrin will look in her dress," he finished. "Speaking of which, it is time to look for her, yet?"

"Niles, it's only been a few minutes," Leo retorted. "Can't you just relax?"

"Uh," Niles groaned softly, "this night is going to last forever."

"Stop whining," Xander reprimanded. "There are several ways to put this time to good use."

"I know — I can scope out the room, look for exits, watch the guests."

"Yes," Xander sighed heavily, "but there's also mingling." He turned Niles in the direction of several staring young women. "They look like good company, for instance — for a short conversation."

Niles only groaned.

Corrin's bare feet padded down the hall, moving soundlessly across the cold floor. The distant clip-clop of her sisters' shoes told her that Elise and Azura were not far behind. Corrin ran until she reached the end of the hall; she stood alone before the solid, imposing wooden doors that would open unto her new life as a soon-to-be married woman. Once she passed through into the ball, an official debutante, she could never go back.

A hand touched Corrin's shoulder, causing her to squeal. She turned around and found Elise leaning against her, panting and sweaty. "Never… ever…" she moaned, "run in… heels!"

"Why did you in the first place?" Corrin asked, absentmindedly tapping her own shoes against her dress. She had thought to hold her shoes until the last minute, rather than try to walk in them now.

Elise huffed loudly. "Because you were running! We had to catch you before you went flying inside, swooning for Niles!"

"Elise," Azura protested softly, "lower your voice."

"Sorry." Elise bowed her head in regret, but Corrin heard her giggle. "I'm just super excited! Do you think there will be any handsome guys for me to dance with?"

"There will be plenty of beaus for you, I'm sure." Azura laughed lightly.

Corrin said nothing, for there was some faint recollection that was nagging to be fully realized. She was sure there was something Leo had said she must do before entering that staircase tonight. Or was it Xander? Corrin frowned and put a hand to her forehead. Her scattered nerves made it difficult to think.

"Corrin," Elise said, "don't crease your brow like that! Don't you want to look good for everyone tonight?"

Everyone! Corrin snapped her head up. She smiled in relief.

"Elise," Corrin turned to her sister, "there will be plenty of men for you to dance with tonight. If you don't like any of Father's courtiers, then there will be some of our friends here as well."

Elise's eyes widened. "What? You mean, like, Silas and Jakob and Kaze and Odin?"

Corrin nodded eagerly. "Exactly! I… I invited them. This is my engagement party, and I wanted my friends with me tonight."

Corrin bit her lip. Now I remember — Leo thought that lie would work well on Elise. It was not a complete fiction; if Corrin considered this night to be her true engagement party, then she would have wanted her comrades-in-arms with her to celebrate. This party, however, was but a terrifying front, its true purpose being to kill Elise. Elise, however, did not know that.

"Hurray! I definitely won't be lonely on the dance floor tonight!" Elise skipped about the thin room, obviously forgetting her fatigue of just a few moments ago. "I'm going to dance with Kaze first, 'cause he's so handsome and mysterious! Then I'll ask Silas, 'cause he's cute and friendly. Then I'll ask Jakob, 'cause he's soooo tall, all the other girls will be jealous! Hahah!"

Corrin sighed in relief. Leo knows her really well. She continued to smile, but once more, Elise's innocent bliss left Corrin feeling terrible. She felt like a liar; Elise had no idea how much danger she was in, yet Corrin did. And I know what it's like to be left out.

Azura put a hand on her arm and shook her head. Corrin startled. "What's wrong?" she asked. Azura smiled.

"Nothing's wrong. This night will be wonderful — your brothers will see to that."

Elise was pulling on the door knob, anxious to be inside and begin her hunting. Azura quickly intervened, advising that Elise wait for Camilla to arrive. Corrin watched without a thought in her mind; she was waiting for her surprise to settle so she could ask, How in all the gods' names do you know! But as her senses returned, so did her prudence. Corrin forcefully shoved her curiosity aside and focused on Azura's words. Corrin was curious, but comforted, and smiled more honestly now.

"So sorry to be late, darlings!" Camilla's voice purred from down the hall. Corrin watched her approaching, noticing with some pride — and some embarrassment — how well Camilla looked in her dark dress that had neither shoulders nor, it seemed, neckline.

"Hello, Camilla," Corrin greeted. Immediately, she was seized by her elder sister and pressed into a tight hug. "Camilla. Camilla! I can't breath!"

"I'm sorry, darling. You just look so adorable in that dress!" Camilla whimpered, still clinging to Corrin. "I used to spend days and days on my dolls, trying to pretty them up to look only tolerable. In just a few hours, you've outdone us all, Corrin!"

"N-no!" Corrin exclaimed, blushing deeply. "Not at all! I think your dress is beautiful, Camilla. And Elise and Azura —"

"Heheh, don't bother fighting it, Corrin!" Elise warned, giggling. "You're the debutante and fiancée tonight. You're the main event! You must be the most beautiful woman in the entire room, even more beautiful than us. We don't mind! It's why we spent hours and hours on you in the first place."

"It's true," Azura said. "Wear your beauty proudly, Corrin, as a thanks for everyone's efforts."

"And make Father proud," Camilla finished, smiling. "If Niles can clean up half so well as you, then I don't think there will be any trouble tonight. A good-looking couple is twice more effective in court as a plain couple!"

Corrin laughed loudly, perhaps more than she should have. She was feeling overwhelmed by all the emotions that were swirling into a climax that would occur just as she stepped out on that first stair. She had been frightened of so many things, including falling down that staircase and landing in a broken heap before Father's courtiers and her beloved friends; but with her sisters at her back, and her brothers and Niles somewhere before her, she felt nothing but happiness.

"I love you," Corrin exclaimed, her eyes watery from her laughter.

"Goodness! Someone is emotional tonight." Camilla smiled and shook her head. "But that's to be expected. Now, darlings, are we all ready?"

Elise nodded eagerly. "I am! I want to dance with Kaze! Or maybe I should dance with Laslow, first?"

Corrin glanced at Camilla, but she seemed to take the names Elise was dropping without question. Camilla moved to the doors, placing her hands slowly on the knobs. Corrin held her breath; Azura sighed; Elise giggled. Then Camilla threw the doors open, and they all stepped into the light.

Ending note: The next chapter update will be very soon, as it is already written. Thank you for reading.