It didn't sit well with him that Ebb was leaving. Kol knew Count Garen. He was an avid gambler, a drunkard, mean, and a user of women, but he was not by any means clever. In the time that Kol had known him, the man had not shown one ounce of intelligent thought. He could not have come up with a way to kidnap someone so effectively and sedate them with a spell. It was not his style. He went to brothels and looked to the streets to find women. Garen did not abduct them. No, there was someone else who was after Ebony. Ivy had threatened her at the ball and again at the tournament field, but he knew her to be all bark and no bite. She had never actually taken measures to carry out her threats and he knew her grandmother. She was a baroness and lived by the sea. The rumor that she was a witch was made up and stemmed from the fact that she was as unpleasant to be around as her granddaughter. Kol tried to think of someone else who would want to hurt Ebb, but no one came to mind. Perhaps, some other woman who was interest in that pig of a prince was jealous. There was most assuredly a long line of them that he had led on and then dropped when he tired of them. None of them had ever gone so far though.

Kol thought about it all that morning as he prepared for his evening with Paislee. He hated knowing his friend was in danger and he was powerless to do anything about it. For the smallest instant he had considered forcing Ebb to stay with him so he could protect her, but that would make him no better than Garen. His parents would also get nosey if he ducked out of another outing with his fiancée and furious when they found him with another woman. If only he knew who it was that was targeting her. Upon arriving at the conclusion that for the time he could do nothing, Kol tried to comfort himself with the knowledge that while she stayed at the inn she was safe. The Gilded Leopard was one of the most guarded buildings in the city based on their regular cliental. That would have to be enough for now. There was not much that he could do that the guards at the inn couldn't do themselves.

There was only one knock on the door before his manservant entered. Walter never waited for an invitation to enter his master's room. "Nikolaus, you should have already been dressed. A man should never be late, especially when he is meeting his fiancée. Her carriage is pulling up the drive now. I suppose you will not be there to greet her before she enters the house. I am very disappointed in you, Nikolaus. Your father raised you better."

Kol sighed and adjusted the collar of his shirt. He had carefully combed back his hair so it looked like his mother wanted. He didn't like how he looked in the mirror. He was too stiff and too proper. There were too many restraints. "Look, I am done now. If I run, I can be at her carriage door before she steps out."

Walter looked horrified at the idea. "A man must never run. It is an ungainly and unattractive trait. It will ruin your shoes and you will arrive with the most uncomely flush to your skin. You must always look your best for Miss Paislee. She is such a sweet girl and deserves a gentleman to greet her and not some winded boy. If you are done dressing then we can go and meet her in the foyer. You two will be attending Lord Burnett's feast this evening. If you had not been so forcefully avoiding all responsibilities these last few days by feigning illness you would know that already. You really must give up these childish endeavors to get out of your responsibilities. You are one and twenty annuals old and about to marry, start acting like it. You have to leave as soon as possible to arrive on time. As you are well aware, Lord Burnett's feasts last all evening and often into the night. I trust you remember how to behave at a feast."

Kol had left his room and was walking down the hallway to try and escape his talkative manservant. Walter just followed and circled him annoyingly, dusting off imagined lint from his clothes. "Yes, I remember how to act at a feast." Kol grumbled. It was not like a few days would turn him into a savage. Nevertheless, Walter detailed the proper manners before they arrived to where Paislee waited.

By the time they did arrive in the entrance hall, Kol was so glad to be rid of Walter's fussing that he genuinely smiled at the girl dressed all in pink. She is not so bad, he told himself as he did every time he saw her. She is pretty enough and had a cheerful temperament. I can get used to the lace and ruffles, he repeated in his head. He hoped one day that it might be true. He liked Paislee, he just didn't know if he could love her. How could one love someone when he had to keep such a large part of his life hidden?

"Miss Paislee," Kol beamed. He always acted blissfully happy for his fiancée. "It is wonderful to see you again. I am sorry that I have been distant these past few days. I have been ill."

Disregarding all propriety, Paislee wrapped her thin arms around Kol in a tight hug. He smiled and returned the gesture a bit stiffly. She was so sweet and innocent, like a child. Kol wished that she would marry someone who was truly in love with her so she could have the complete fairy tale like she wanted. Alas, they were stuck together so he would do his best to make her happy.

"Oh, sweetie, I hope you are feeling better now. I was so worried when I heard that you were sick." She said from where her face was pressed against Kol's chest.

Kol patted her back, "I'm sorry to make you worry. I am fine now."

From where he stood back on the stairs, Walter cleared his throat. "Master Nikolaus, doesn't Miss Paislee look lovely today?"

While doing his best not to make a snide remark or roll his eyes, Kol did as he was told and complimented Paislee. "You are looking magnificent today, Paislee. Is that a new dress?"

Paislee stepped back and pulled at her large rose covered skirt. "It is new. I got it just for tonight." She explained happily. "I'm glad you like it. I don't have a dress in this shade of pink yet and I thought it was time to get one."

Kol smiled understandingly and nodded, even though he didn't understand why she wanted to own so many pink dresses. Again Walter cleared his throat from the stairs. This time Kol snapped his head around to look at his manservant. "Sir, don't you think you should be going?"

Now that was a request Kol was happy to follow. He took Paislee's arm and together they went out to her carriage. Even the horse had a wreath of roses around its neck to match the dress. Paislee told all about her day shopping and Kol smiled and nodded in the right places. He listened to the dozens of other dresses she described and about how she almost lost the rose dress to someone else. With the description of all the dresses, Kol's mind wandered to another dress with black lace on the bottom to match the raven black hair of the wearer. She really did look beautiful that night. Then there was the horrible gold dress that reminded him that it was the prince that caught her eye. He had not minded so much then, but now it was almost like a slap in the face.

"Nikky, are you alright?" Paislee asked.

Kol smiled. He must have been gazing off and she had noticed. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. What were you saying?"

"I asked if you would wear a matching suit tomorrow at the ball. My dress is beautiful with white lace and blue ribbons. I think the shade of pink would look nice on you too." She tried to wheedle Kol into agreeing but this was one issue he would stand firm on.

"I am not wearing a pink suit," Kol said sharply, then softened his tone. "I do have a dark red doublet that I could wear. It is the closest thing I own to the color pink."

Paislee sighed but agreed. She knew that it would have been a long shot to get Nikky to agree to match her completely. Her dress at least had a hint of red in it in the folds of pink.

Lord Burnett lived very near the palace and was known for hosting the most drawn out parties the city had ever seen. Tonight's dinner would be no different. It was a small gathering of about twenty people, yet there would be enough food to feed an army. Kol and Paislee were some of the last to arrive. He was glad that Walter had not come along with them or else he would be complaining about how impolite it was to arrive so late. Kol was preparing for a full night of smiles and small talk.

Paislee was attacked at soon as she entered by one of her friends. Kol tried to remember her name. She had long straight brown hair and big doe eyes. Navene - that was her name. She was another candidate that his father had named for Kol to choose as his bride. He remembered talking to her once. Her voice was breathy and she spoke only of handsome princes in between her constant sighing.

"Oh, Paislee, you look wonderful tonight," Navene breathed. "Your husband-to-be also looks really handsome. I don't believe a word that Tabitha said about him. He looks handsome enough to me. Posey and your parents are waiting in the other room."

Kol pulled up the corners of his mouth at her compliments. "I'm sure you ladies have much to catch up on. I will leave you I peace while I go and greet our host."

Both girls nodded and walked off to the parlor to talk. Kol knew he would find Lord Burnett in the dining hall preparing the meal. While in most marriages the women were the party planners, Lord Burnett insisted that he do all the planning and organizing while his wife sat back and relaxed. When Kol found him he was fastidiously making sure that all the silverware was perfectly spaced on the table. He was not expecting one of his guests to seek him out, but Kol wanted to postpone the small talk as long as he could. There would be more than enough time for it later.

"Good evening, my lord." Kol bowed slightly in greeting. "As always your table looks wonderful."

Lord Burnett picked up a spoon and wiped it with a handkerchief. "Thank you, son, but what are you doing here. Shouldn't you be with your fiancée in the parlor?"

Kol shrugged. "I thought perhaps I might see how you were doing before dinner and I couldn't resist seeing the fine table you were sure to create."

Burnett laughed and placed the spoon back on the table. "You little sneak; you wanted to see what food you would be eating tonight. You know my rules, each course must be a surprise to astound and awe everyone who gets to eat it."

"I am sure that they will do just that, and we will all applaud your superior culinary tastes." Kol flattered.

Lord Burnett thanked Kol and allowed him to help decorate the table and room. All the while, he spoke of how improper it was to have a guest help prepare for the feast and how Kol really should be in the parlor socializing. Kol didn't mind though because a little prodding in the right direction and his lordship could talk for hours leaving no time for the dreaded small talk. He could not hide in the dining hall all night. Soon Paislee would come looking for him or everyone would come in to eat.

After only about ten minutes, Paislee peeked around the dining hall doors. "There you are, Kol. Mother wants to see you. She says it's been too long."

"It has been less than a week," Kol said while he straightened a napkin.

Paislee giggled. "I know but she is just so fond of you and she wants to get to know her future son-in-law."

"Paislee, dear, could you tell the others it is time to eat?" Lord Burnett asked before the couple could leave the dining hall.

She nodded and walked arm in arm back to the parlor with her fiancé.

The meal was set to be a full sixteen courses. Lord Burnett would announce what his servants were bringing out on trays and then everyone would be able to discuss the taste and textures of the food. The first course was to be sea dragon caviar on gelled champagne. Paislee adored the way the champagne was served and took her time in eating it. Next to arrive were beautiful plates covered in shredded tasissweet. The dark blue vegetable was both sweet and sour at the same time much to the enjoyment of the guests. Next to come were south sea oysters followed by colorful rasan fruits. The next three courses were all variations of cuisine from the Paramnesia Sea. The seafood led up to the variety of meat courses that featured many different kinds of meat from pigs to Nymar whose flesh was bright red when cooked.

It was during the twelfth course when Paislee's mother leaned over to speak to Kol while everyone else was praising the taste of the filet. "Nikolaus, we have not been seeing much of you this past week. Are you feeling well?"

Kol nodded. Sickness was as good as an excuse as any to divert people from what he had actually been doing. He didn't want to tarnish Ebb's reputation or endanger her with whoever was after her by telling people he had been taking care of her. "Yes, thank you. I was feeling a bit under the weather the past few days, but I am better now."

"Good because I want you to escort my daughter to tomorrow's ball. I thought it highly strange that you did not ask her to the previous match and instead took that Roberta girl, but no matter. This time you two are engaged and should be seen together in public."

"Of course, we have already spoken about it. I cannot imagine who I would rather pass the ball with." Kol smiled at the mother as he lied. There was of course one woman who he would rather spend the ball with. She made things interesting and unconventional and exciting.

This seemed to satisfy Paislee's mother and she went back to the food before her. Paislee was talking to her sister about what the next dish would be as the plates were being cleared away. Kol had promised himself that he would not think of Ebb tonight and focus on Paislee, but she was becoming increasingly difficult to push from his mind. He absently contributed to the conversation and wasn't really aware of the topic of discussion. He had seen her only this morning before she departed for the Gilded Leopard and already he missed her. He had become fond of having Ebb around and taking care of her the past few days. It was strange. He had never missed someone like this before. He missed Bria and Matthew, but missing Ebb was different somehow. He couldn't put his finger on it – this strange new feeling.

"Nikky, are you sure you are feeling alright?" Paislee whispered after the final course. "You seem like you are not all here."

Kol tried to focus on Paislee. She was with him now and she was the one he was going to marry. It was probably some passing fancy for Ebb that he would get over once he married Paislee. Ebony was his friend, nothing more. "Yes, I just have a lot on my mind tonight I guess."

He smiled when Paislee put her small hand over his and whispered. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Kol shook his head. The last person who he wanted to hear about what had been distracting him was Paislee. She nodded understandingly and kept her hand on his. He wished for the first time that he felt something more for Paislee than friendship, and then maybe forgetting about Ebb would be easier.

The night was over and Paislee returned home with her parents and sister while Kol rode home alone. The silence gave him time to think – maybe too much time. He couldn't shake how much he missed Ebb and wanted to see her. Tomorrow night's ball was too far away and he was impatient. The more he thought about it, the more he rationalized his reasons for wanting to see her. It was just because he was worried about her and whoever was after her. He just wanted to make sure that she was safe, nothing more. After reaching this conclusion, Kol rested his head back against the seat tiredly. It had been a long night and tomorrow promised to be another with the royal ball.

Kol had planned to lounge around his room all day before the ball. Perhaps he would take Caligo and Umbra outside to play. He should have known that Walter would not let him do as planned and would be entering bright and early in the morning. He spread the heavy curtains wide allowing the bright sunlight to fill the room. Kol groaned and rolled over so his back was to the window. "Master Nikolaus, you must get up now. You cannot sleep the day away. A lord of the castle must not waste his days in bed. I assume you remember what today is?"

"The day I kill my manservant," Kol grumbled into his pillow. He could hear Walter coming over to pull him out of bed.

"What was that, Nikolaus?"

Even though he knew it was useless, Kol pulled the covers tighter around himself. "Of course I remember what day it is. The royal ball is tonight."

Walter grabbed the blankets and tried to pull them from his master who was fighting him. "That's right, Master Nikolaus. Now you must get out of bed and stop fighting me like some petulant child. I will not let you laze around here all day in bed with those dogs. You need to get up and take charge of the day."

Caligo and Umbra jumped up when Walter ripped the covers away from Kol. With the covers gone, Kol sat up irritably. "What can I possibly have to do all day before the ball?"

"You can get dressed for starters. I do not like seeing that ugly mark on your skin. For the life of me I cannot understand why you got such a useless thing as a tattoo. At least you were smart enough to get it somewhere that it is not on display for the world to see. Really, Nikolaus, couldn't you get it removed somewhere? I heard that fairy magic can do wonders with blemishes." Walter griped while he circled the room to open the closet.

Kol stood up and stretched. This was not how he wanted to start his day. He had heard all about how horrible it was that he had a tattoo from Walter many times before. When his father found out about it he was upset and when his mother saw it she had nearly fainted. As long as none of them knew what it meant, Kol could handle the verbal lashings about it – just maybe not so early in the morning. "It is not a blemish, Walter, and I am not getting rid of it. I am also old enough to dress myself."

Walter sniffed but went on digging through Kol's closet. "What is Miss Paislee wearing to the ball tonight? We must dress you to match."

Kol moved Walter out of the way so he could pull out the red doublet he had told Paislee about and hoped she wouldn't mind that it was not a bright red. The brocade fabric was trimmed in black to match the laces up the front and the short capped sleeves stuck out pointedly from the shoulder. Under the burgundy color of the doublet he would wear a plain white long sleeved shirt. Walter approved his choice and Kol got dressed. Now he would have to be careful not to dirty any of his clothing until the ball. This was the sort of thing Kol wanted to avoid. It would be a chore to not wrinkle any of his clothes too much before the ball that night.

"Now that you are finally dressed, your father wishes to speak to you in his study." Walter announced as soon as Kol had pulled on his boots.

He sighed. Of course there was another reason for getting up this early. Kol wondered what his father wanted to talk to him about. Whatever it was, it was probably not a conversation that would leave either of them in good spirits. Ever since Matthew died, there were few conversations between father and son that did not end in an argument. Even before his friend's death, Kol's relationship with his father had been strained by the expectations placed on him and Captain Rydell's insistence on his son doing exactly as he was told.

"You wanted to see me, father." Kol announced as he entered his father's study.

The captain was leaning against a massive wooden desk looking at some papers. The room was all dark wood and thick books that lined the numerous shelves. There was a large bay window taking up most of one wall but the heavy red curtains were pulled closed blocking out the light. It made the room seem smaller and more cluttered than it really was. Kol thought his father liked it this way because it was more intimidating. The man did not even look up when his son entered the room. Instead he walked around to the back of the desk and put the papers in one of the drawers before addressing Kol.

"I heard that you were cold to Miss Roitfield at Lord Burnett's dinner last night. We have talked about this before, Nikolaus." It grated on Kol's nerves at the patronizing tone his father used to say his name. "I told you that you were to be a gentleman around Paislee and treat her well. You have already dismissed her for one ball in favor of that other woman you talk to. You know I do not approve of how much time you spend with Mellie's daughter. She is a troubled girl and her mother worries about her. I will not even ask what you were doing the last few days when you locked yourself in your room and would not let anyone near it. I know you would only lie to me if I did. Paislee has noticed and I have talked to her mother. She thinks that perhaps you are not a good match for her daughter with how inconsistent your affections are towards Paislee. This will not do. From now on I want you to do nothing but focus on Paislee starting with tonight's ball."

Kol raised his chin defiantly, but bit back the angry words racing through his head. "I wonder who you got your information from about my treatment of Paislee last night. In no way was my manner towards her cold. I was as attentive to her as you would want me to be."

Now his father looked up from the papers he was shuffling on his desk. "You were not attentive to her if such reports made their way back to me. She will not want to marry you if you cannot be her knight in shining armor."

"And is that such a bad thing?" Kol challenged. "What if I do not want to marry Miss Roitfield? Should she not have a chance at a life with someone she loves, shouldn't I?"

Now his father laughed. "This is a new argument from you, Nikolaus. Is there someone else you fancy yourself in love with? Is my son now some love struck fool who has fallen for some wench's pretty face?"

Kol did not answer. He had made a mistake in revealing his thoughts. His father would not want to hear about the woman from some far corner of the kingdom that his son cared for more than Paislee. The captain was a hard man who cared for his family and his king and little else.

"Well, come now; tell me about the maid who has stolen my son's heart. Is she some tavern wench or a shop keeper's daughter? Or maybe my Nikolaus fancies himself in love with one of the girls he met at a ball. There are plenty of new faces that came to town for this celebration. Whoever she is, you have to forget her. You are engaged, Nikolaus. You cannot just walk away from the arrangement because some girl fluttered her lashes in your direction. You will marry Paislee and that is final. Get those silly notions out of your head about marrying for love. Now go and eat your lunch; I have told Mrs. Roitfield to expect you at their manor to wait on Miss Paislee until the ball. Hopefully, this will make up for your actions last night."

Kol considered his father's words. Maybe he did just have a passing fancy for Ebb. No, he thought firmly; he would not let his father devalue his feelings. Perhaps it was not love, but the attachment he felt was undeniable. He made a decision then as he sat in the carriage on his way to the Roitfield residence. Tonight he would look for Ebb at the ball and assess how deep his feelings for her really were. Maybe his father would reconsider his engagement to Paislee if he showed that Ebb could be just as good a match.

When he arrived at Paislee's manor, he was greeted by a butler at the door and showed inside to a sitting room. The butler then went off to inform Paislee of his arrival. He was then showed up to the parlor that connected Paislee's and Posey's bedrooms. Paislee came out to greet him and boldly kissed him on the cheek. Kol bent to kiss the back of her hand and she smiled then went back to her room to finish getting ready. She was already in her ball gown and it was even frillier than Kol had imagined. Paislee would look just like a china doll tonight in her lace and ribbons. He was relieved to see that the shade of red he was wearing vaguely matched her gown so he would not be forced into some pink suit to match her better. Tonight's ball was a mask as well and so their masks would be similar. For Kol, that was enough to satisfy the match requirement. He examined the matching masks that were set on the table before him - one for a woman and one for a man. Both were white with the same swirling red design. Paislee's mask also had a large red flower on one side.

Kol did not know why he had to wait for her while she readied for the ball. He could have just as easily come for her directly before the ball instead of twiddling his thumbs in her parlor. Her sister Posey was ready before her sister and came out to sit with Kol. Posey was quiet and their conversation consisted of talking on the weather and other mundane topics. He did not mind Posey's silence so much; he did not feel much like conversation at the moment.

When Paislee was ready there was no lack of conversation as she talked about how excited she was for the ball. She bubbly kept up conversation with her sister and fiancé the entire way to the palace. They had all donned their masks and Kol found he was right – Paislee did look like a doll. She was adorable in her childlike excitement. He smiled at her exuberance. They entered the ball room together arm in arm. He could feel her nearly bouncing in excitement.

"Come on, Nikky, let's dance." Paislee pulled Kol out onto the dance floor and he allowed her to.

They danced to a song that set a quick pace and laughed as they went around other couples. He liked how cheerful Paislee was all the time and imagined spending his life with her. He would never want to darken her sweet temperament by telling her about his dark past and would have to keep it from her. He did not know if he wanted to live his entire life with secrets from the people he was close to. He didn't think on it too long and let Paislee's happiness infect him.

Once the dance was over, Paislee pointed to two women laughing together along with Prince Hector. "Oh, look there's Victoria and Allison. Do you mind if I go say hello?"

Kol nodded. It would give him a chance to find Ebb. If Victoria was here, her stepsister was sure to be as well. Kol looked around the sea of masked people and hoped he would be able to recognize her behind a mask.

After casually looking over the ballroom, Kol was becoming impatient. He thought about finding Paislee and Victoria and asking where Ebb was, but that would be highly offensive to Paislee to do so. He could not ask about another woman right in front of her. She had another stepsister though, maybe she would help. Kol remembered what she looked like from the few times he had seen her. She was a traditional beauty, but nothing compared to Ebb. She was also easier to find. Her dress stood out brightly against the others and sparkled in the light. She did not wear a mask that hid her features well. It was made of thin gold lace. She was talking to Tabitha and Lotti. Kol had known about those two for years as they were near his age. He did his best to avoid Tabitha because the one time he talked to her she had nothing but complaints to offer. Hopefully, he would not have to linger with them long.

"Good evening, ladies," He greeted them with a slight bow. "You are all looking wonderful this evening."

Lotti was silent but her already pink cheeks increased in color and she ducked her head. As expected, Tabitha turned up her nose disdainfully and sniffed. The stepsister's reaction was less expected.

"Good evening to you too," She purred. "You are looking quite handsome yourself."

Kol smiled and played along. "That is very kind of you to say, Miss Giselle."

She smiled seductively and stepped forward closer to Kol. He watched her advancements curiously. She was practically throwing herself at him. "Oh, you know my name but I do not know yours. I think that is quite unfair. Perhaps we can get more acquainted. Will you dance with me, mystery man?"

Kol carefully removed the hand she had put on his shoulder. "It is difficult to refuse such an offer but I feel that I must. I was wondering if you could help me find someone."

Giselle was not deterred by his refusal of her and continued to stare at him intently. Kol was sure that many men had found themselves lost to those big blue eyes. "I can offer all the help I can."

"I'm looking for Ebony," Kol said. As soon as her name left his lips, Giselle's eyes turned cold and she stepped back. He could see the jealous stepsister that Ebb had told him about.

"I don't think I can help you," She snipped before flouncing away with Tabitha close behind.

Kol frowned at her behavior and turned to scan the dancers once more. He was about to walk away when he heard Lotti clear her throat. Surprised, he turned to look at the red head. He had never heard her speak before.

"Ebony is over there." Lotti pointed to the side of the dance floor. "She's the one in purple."

Now Kol saw her and found it hard to look away. She was talking to a man. Her black hair was swept over one shoulder showing off her back that was left mostly bare from the drape of the lavender dress. She turned and he saw that her mask covered her entire face, but it didn't matter. Kol knew that he would recognize her anywhere and was seeing her for the first time tonight. No other woman in the room compared to her and he only tore his eyes away when Lotti spoke.

"She was nice to me. You look like you would be nice to her and she deserves that."

"Thank you," Kol said sincerely. He found he liked Lotti and would make an effort to talk to her in the future. He turned back to look at Ebb again.

He wanted to be near her and started striding quickly in her direction. Kol would ask her to dance so he could hold her in his arms again like he had when they danced in the lower city. A large man with a thick mustache crossed his path and Kol had to maneuver around him. When he could see Ebb again she held another man's arm. They were going out to the dance floor together. Kol frowned at the man and narrowed his eyes. He then went to find Bert.

Kol hoped that she had come and her mother had not kept her away. He was careful to keep an eye on where Ebb danced with Prince Christian. Bert was easy to find because she found him first. "Hey, Kol, did you lose Paislee already?"

"She went to talk to some of her friends." Kol mumbled distractedly. He could feel jealous anger boiling inside of him when Christian put his hand on the skin of Ebb's back. The prince's fingers traced lines over Ebb's skin. He was using her and Kol knew it. He had seen the prince do the same thing to dozens of other girls. If he had told Ebb about the multiple hearts the prince had broken by wooing women with his charm then she might not be in his arms now. He had not wanted to seem bitter or jealous so he kept his mouth shut. Now he was paying for it as he watched the prince spin Ebb around.

"Addie is here. We are wearing matching dresses. My mother thinks Addie is away so she let me come to this ball unescorted. You should see her; Addie looks divine in her gown. It is the same as mine, but in blue. I don't think she has ever looked more beautiful. When she comes back we are going to dance," Bert went on happily until she noticed Kol was not paying attention. "What's wrong? You look like you swallowed a thundercloud."

Bert did her best to follow Kol's gaze. She stood on her tip toes to see over the crowd. She spotted the prince dancing with someone who could only be Ebony. She returned to standing normally. "So your princess has made it to the ball, but she's in the arms of another prince."

"Ebb is not my princess."

Kol did not take his eyes from where the prince danced with Ebony despite Bert's efforts to distract him. When Addison returned she took Bert's hand and asked for a dance. Kol insisted that they go. After a bit of persuasion, Bert gave in and went to dance. The prince had pulled Ebb closer when the song changed and Kol was about to go and see if she wanted a change of dance partners. He could not stand to watch them any longer. He wanted to see Christian's face if Ebb left him in favor of Kol.

Paislee came out of seemingly nowhere and latched onto his arm before he could even take a step. He forced a smile and hoped it looked sincere. "There you are, Nikky. My parents want to introduce you to some of their friends who have come into town for the festival. Posey is good friends with their son and we might have a double wedding. Isn't that exciting?"

Kol went with his fiancée in hopes it would provide enough of a distraction from Ebb dancing with Christian. Her parents were standing with another couple and their son. Posey was standing very close to the son and was talking more than he had ever seen her speak before. She looked happy and Kol was glad for her. The perfunctory small talk and mundane questions about their upcoming wedding did little to distract Kol. He found himself constantly glancing to the dance floor and glimpsing the purple dress and dark hair. He wondered what her face looked like beneath the mask. Was she smiling happily in the prince's arms? He amused himself with thoughts that she was frowning and planning a way to escape Christian, even though he doubted that was the truth. Then she disappeared. When he looked back to the dance floor she was not there and neither was Christian. He excused himself with a bow and went to find Ebb. Once or twice, he had seen the prince lead young women away from parties and into his chambers.

He quickly searched the ballroom for either of them. He would try the balconies to get a better view. There the prince was leaning in close to Giselle, but where was Ebb? He passed before a glass door that led outside to a small balcony. Kol almost didn't see the figure leaning over the railing outside, but a glance told him that it was Ebb. Carefully, he opened the door and came out behind her. She did not look up. He could see her mask was loosely held in one hand.

"What are you doing out here all alone?" Kol asked brightly. He was glad to see that she was not with Christian and could not contain his smile at being able to be with Ebb.

When she didn't respond, Kol leaned against the railing to face her. Her face was shadowed by her hair but he could see a single tear clinging to her cheek. He removed his own mask and laid it beside him on the wide railing. "Ebb, what's wrong?" There was no smile on his face now. He hated seeing her cry. It made his stomach twist in knots and if Christian had done anything to hurt her…

"I'm never going to be as good as her," Ebb's voice cracked and another tear joined the first.

Kol wanted to reach out to her and wipe away her tears, but his hands remained clenched on the railing. "Who are you talking about?"

"Giselle!" Ebb sobbed. "She is so much more beautiful than I am and can win the heart of any man. I thought that maybe someone might have liked me more than her for once, but I was wrong. No one will ever choose me."

Now Kol reached out to lift Ebb's face so he could look directly at her. "Don't ever think that. You are so much better than that spoiled brat in every way. Any man who cannot see that is more than a fool."

Her eyes still shone and her lips quivered. "If I am so much better than she is, then why does Christian still want her? I thought that he liked me more and now he ignores me. I had to ask him to even dance one dance with me."

"Because Prince Christian is an idiot," Kol stated. He wanted to hit that arrogant prince for hurting Ebb.

Ebb rolled her eyes and smiled weakly, "Yeah, right."

"I am right. Any man would be lucky to have caught your eye like Christian apparently has. Christian is a fool if he thinks he can do better."

"You are always so nice to me," Ebb whispered. She was not crying anymore and had wiped the tears from her cheeks.

Gently, she placed her hand on his cheek and moved closer to him. Kol looked at her moonlit skin and knew he would never see anything so perfect as her face in this moment. At first their lips meet so lightly then she stepped closer. The balcony was painfully pressing into Kol's hands where he holds onto it so tightly as if to keep him from floating away. If he held her now he did not think he would be able to let go and he did not want her to pull away now. He wanted to make absolutely sure that this was exactly what she wanted without pushing her too far. He had dreamed of her being this close and now she was and his dreams could not compare to reality. She pulled away slightly and Kol could not bear the distance. Her eyes had opened and were watching him as he tilted his head to kiss her more firmly than before. He could not get enough and when she moved an arm around his neck he could not hold back any longer. He let go of the cold marble and felt her warmth as he wrapped his arms around her. She clung to him just as tightly as he held her. Her lips parted and allowed his tongue in and he could not imagine anything more divine. He could feel the soft skin of her back beneath his fingers as he pulled her closer even as her fingers toyed with the hair at his neck. The single perfect moment when he held her in his arms seemed to last much longer than a moment. The world could stop and he would not care as long as Ebb remained so close to him. All sound stopped, all movement stopped and even time seemed to stop. All that mattered in the entire world was the ethereal creature who was so intimately near. And then, all too soon, that moment was gone.

"Ebony Valix!" the shout broke through the silence and it was almost a physical pain at feeling Ebb's lips leave his.

Two figures stood framed in the light from the ballroom and Ebb was pulling away. Kol wanted to tighten his arms and keep her with him, but couldn't. All too quickly, his Ebb pulled away from him and hurried over to her prince, trying to explain, to apologize. Kol leaned back on the balcony rail and watched her go. He was still intoxicated by the taste of her lips and her warmth in his arms. He had never fancied himself capable of falling in love. It was made for other people, but now he knew and it was the strongest feeling he had ever felt. He knew then for certain that he never wanted to be parted from her and he never wanted to see her tears again. Now he would not let her go and would do anything to be with her always and make her happy. He loved her with his entire being and she was walking away from him. Curse the prince. Curse the horrid stepsister. Curse the ticking clock. Curse time for marching relentlessly onward and ending the single most perfect moment.

Today he would go to her. She had to feel for him as well and he would confront her. The hours without her had been torture. He replayed their kiss over and over in his head all night. She was in his dreams and never far from his thoughts as he rode Lady to the Gilded Leopard. He would cancel his engagement with Paislee and turn his back on his father at the barest whisper that maybe she loved him too.

He saw the wide stone steps that were guarded by the two golden leopard statues. A few people were lingering about on the steps and getting in or out of carriages. There was another man on a large blood mare. He was obviously a high ranking soldier. Kol recognized the mark of rank he wore on his uniform. The man dismounted and looked up to the great inn doors. There was a shout and a woman ran directly into his open arms. The man picked Ebb up and spun her around. Kol watched as she smiled broadly and kissed the man's scarred cheek. She looked so happy while Kol felt as if his heart was tearing itself apart in his chest. Ebb had her arms wrapped tightly around the man's neck and continued to shower his face with kisses. The man kissed her forehead. Kol could not watch anymore. Sharply he turned Lady and galloped away.

So Ebony's kisses were given freely. It was obvious she was in love with that other man and must have just been toying with Kol at the ball. She was hurt and probably just looking for whatever comfort she could get and Kol was stupid enough to think it was more than what it was. That was fine with him. He still had Paislee and would marry her then Ebb would see how little she meant to him. Kol buried the burning pain beneath a fiery anger. He told himself that he did not really love Ebb and so it was no great loss even as his mind screamed at the lie. Angrily, he rode to a tavern. If he could not quiet his mind, he would let alcohol and the loud room quiet it for him.

The tavern was called the Stone Giant and Kol had only been there once before. He could not go to the Scrolldart because Argie would be all too quick in figuring out what was wrong. Kol could not deal with questions and talking right now. He just wanted to forget the image of Ebb in that soldier's arms. He hunches over his drink at the bar and glared at the wooden surface.

"Well, look at this tough guy over here just glarin' away at the poor ole' bar." A man boomed as he sat down next to Kol. "Care for a little drinkin' game, tough guy."

Kol looked up at the man. This was an upper city tavern and few people knew who he was. He grinned devilishly at the man and accepted the challenge. After trying too many of Argie's powerful concoctions too many times Kol knew how to hold his drink. Kol was hardly intoxicated when the man reeled off his seat.

"Who's next?" He called loudly and raised his tankard while men lined up to challenge him.

After the second man swayed in his seat, Kol stood up and would not play another game. He knew that one more would be the end of him and he would join the men slumped over the table. He was feeling light and his thoughts were too inconsistent to focus on anything. That was when Paislee found him. Dimly, he wondered at what she was doing in a tavern. She must have followed him there, but he didn't know why she would do that.

"Hello, Nikky," She said sweetly.

He returned the greeting and his words were a bit slurred.

"It looks like you have been having fun today. I saw you beat that man in whatever drinking contest that was. It was very impressive. My parents don't allow me to drink anything except wine at dinner sometimes. If they knew I was here they would be so angry."

Kol eyed Paislee over his half empty tankard. He was only sipping his drink now. "Then why are you here?" He had not meant his question to sound so pointed.

Paislee looked hurt for a moment and it was even more apparent how much she did not fit in here. She still wore a lacy pink dress and her blonde hair was in perfect ringlets. "I came to see how you were doing and maybe spend some time with you. I did not see you much at the ball last night. Did you have a good time?"

Kol thought there may be another meaning to her question, but ignored it. "I'm sorry I did not spend more time with you at the ball. I really was a terrible escort last night."

"That's alright; you seem to have a lot on your mind these last few days. Besides, it gave me a chance to talk to Squire Dewey more. My brother introduced us. I think Dewey is very nice and funny when he talks so much." Paislee was trying to converse with Kol, but he did not feel like talking about Dewey or anything else. Still he could not bring himself to tell her to go away. "You do know Squire Dewey, don't you?"

Kol merely shrugged. He thought that if he did not encourage conversation then maybe Paislee would leave him in peace. She did not and stayed sitting next to him at the tavern bar. She talked about everything that came to mind and did not seem to mind that Kol was not as invested in their chat as she was. After one meaningless subject after another she timidly asked, "Am I still going with you and your father to the palace tomorrow?"

Now Kol looked up from his drink that he had been staring at. "Of course, why wouldn't you be?"

Paislee was fussing with a bow on her skirt. "I just thought maybe you were mad at me for some reason and didn't want me around anymore."

Kol could tell that the way he was acting had hurt Paislee. He had not intended her to be hurt and now he berated himself for letting his mood effect Paislee. He promised himself that he would be better tomorrow and slip back into the role of doting fiancé. "I'm not angry with you, sweetheart. I am just letting my own petty troubles darken my mood. Of course you and I will spend all day together tomorrow."

By midmorning, Kol was at the royal palace with Paislee and his father. He was determined to not think of her at all today and focus completely on Paislee. He had spent most of last night expelling all thoughts of her from his mind. She was nothing, just a passing fancy. Paislee was his future. His father crowed about what a lovely couple they made in the carriage ride and discussed the upcoming wedding with Paislee. Kol sat next to her and held her hand and answered questions when he was asked. His father had business with the king and had insisted that a visit to the royal palace was a perfect outing for the couple. What Kol had not counted on was running into Prince Christian.

The prince was with his father before the king and his captain went into their meeting. While their fathers were in the room, both men were perfectly civil to each other. When the two older men left was when Christian brought up the events from the ball. Kol was glad Paislee had left in search of somewhere she could remove her hat in a mirror so she did not tangle her hair when pulling out the pins.

"Ebony told me all about how you kissed her at the ball. She was quite upset." Christian taunted.

Kol narrowed his eyes. He knew that it was not him that started the kiss and it was far from upsetting to either party. On the other hand, what if Christian's words were truth? Still, it was Christian and Kol did not want to show any weakness. "You would know all about upsetting women with your kisses, wouldn't you?"

The prince only smiled. He knew he had hit a nerve. It was him that Ebony ran after at the ball and it was Kol she left behind. There was nothing Kol could say to change that. "She is more interested in me, you know. What do you have to offer that I do not? It has always been me and you know it."

Kol did know it and even though he hated it, that fact cut him deeper than any blade ever could. "Why would it matter to me? I am engaged to be married." Kol bit out in retaliation. It was a frail defense when the prince could see how deeply his words bit. He had promised that she would not cross his mind again, but the prince was making that impossible.

Christian clasped his hands behind his back and grinned. He had won. "That's right, Nikolaus. You are happily engaged to be married to sweet, sweet Paislee. Of course it would not bother you if I were to go to Ebony and court her for she is nothing to you."

"If that is really what you want, then you are already too late. Ebony is in love with someone else already – a knight. I saw them embrace quite affectionately in the street outside the Gilded Leopard. It seems that she does not like you as much as you claim." This was Kol's one comfort. Even though Ebb would never be his, at least she was not going to be fooled into trouble by Christian's bravado.

This was the moment Paislee chose to return with her hat in hand and not a hair out of place. "Good morning, Christian. I hope you two had a nice chat."

"We were just discussing how lucky Nikolaus is to have you as a future wife." Christian flattered and gallantly bent to kiss her hand. "I wish I could stay and chat longer with you two love birds, but I have very important princely duties to attend to. Maybe we can all meet to talk some other time. I would love to hear more about the wedding."

As soon as the cad of a prince was gone, Kol wanted to leave the palace and go somewhere – anywhere. He wanted to be away from this place and Christian. He turned to Paislee abruptly. Maybe this would be a good time to bond with his future wife. Maybe Paislee would like wandering the town with him like Ebb did. He knew that she would at least leave the palace with him if he asked. "Sweetheart, do you want to go somewhere with me?"

"Won't your father want you to stay here?" Paislee asked. She was always so innocent. Kol doubted that she had ever done anything reckless in her life.

Kol grabbed her hand. Now that he had the idea, he wanted to take Paislee into the town and see if they could have an adventure. Then he wouldn't want to see Ebony so much. "Father won't mind terribly if I say we went out for a ride together to see the town. He likes it when I spend time with you. Let's go."

Still reluctant, Paislee dragged her feet as Kol tried to get her to follow him. "Where are we going?"

His enthusiasm was fading with Paislee's questions. "Anywhere you want. I know all the best places in the town to go. There is a fishing pond and an old bell tower where you can see the whole city from."

Kol managed to get Paislee into the carriage and they clattered along the cobblestones away from the palace. It felt better to be away from the palace and out into his city where he knew all the streets. It was not the same with Paislee though. She still didn't understand the fun in it all. They were too different and had too different interests.

"Aren't fishing ponds for little children? It would look strange for us to go to one. The old bell tower sounds dangerous. I'm afraid I would fall." Paislee fretted.

Kol tried to think of a way to explain the appeal in those things but couldn't find the words. While he was searching, Paislee voiced what the tiny voice was whispering in the back of his mind. "This isn't going to work is it?"

"What isn't going to work?"

Paislee waved her hand between the two of them. "Us. This engagement. I know you are in love with someone else and you can't change me into her no matter how hard you try. I thought maybe we could figure it out in time, but we aren't going to." She took a deep breath. "We are not soul mates. I think I was fooling myself by pretending otherwise. There is someone else who I think I am growing to love in and I have feelings for him that I never had for you, no matter how much I tried."

Kol was about to dispute all her claims and say that this engagement was still a good idea, but that wasn't what he thought. That was what his father had pounded into his head – marry Paislee, become a father, fall in line. Kol knew that Paislee was right. "I'm sorry," he whispered. It was all he could think to say.

"I suppose I always knew this was coming but denied it. If we married, neither of us would be very happy. This whole arrangement was our parent's idea; I never stopped to think until that night at the ball."

"The ball?" Kol echoed.

Paislee gave a weak smile. "I saw you, you know. I saw you and Ebony. I had come looking for you. At the time I was hurt, but not as hurt as I should have been. I guess I was more hurt that I could not pretend the picture I had of us in my head was real any more. If I really loved you like I imagined I would have pulled her away from you, but I think she really loves you."

Kol had never thought that Paislee may have seen him kiss Ebb. He would have never believed that she would react this way. She was being more mature than he had given her credit for. Still, the words that crashed into his head like a hammer were the ones that said Ebb might love him too. He leaned forward eagerly, "How can you know how she feels about me?"

"It was weeks ago - after the second ball. Ebony had been dragged along with us shopping and I was talking about you. I was so excited about our engagement then. Tabitha was there and would not stop talking about how she thought you were not worthy of me. She is the most negative person I have ever met. I think she only hangs around so Giselle has someone to talk to. They both like to complain so. Anyway, Ebony went and punched her square in the face. I have never seen a lady do anything like it. I remember her words exactly because they were so forceful. 'Don't talk about things you don't know anything about. You have never met him and don't know his character. If you want to talk about someone, talk about yourself and how nasty you are all the time, you horrible gossiping cow,' was what she said. If that doesn't say something about how she feels about you, I don't know what will."

Kol laughed. He wished that he could have been there to see Ebony give Tabitha a well deserved hit. Maybe he did have a chance. He had to know for sure. Hope had filled him and he was feeling optimistic. He told Paislee that he had to go and see Ebb now that he knew she might feel something for him. Paislee returned home and Kol urged the driver to hurry to the Gilded Leopard. He worked the engagement ring from his finger. He had not realized how heavy it had been on his hand. It had been like a shackle tying him down. He didn't care what his father said about the cancelled engagement. It was mutually agreed upon between himself and Paislee. Let his father shout and yell about how he was throwing his life away. If Ebony loved him he would give it all up.

He imagined what his father would say when Kol told him that he still planned to marry, but he would be marrying someone else. Kol could not imagine anything better than having Ebb as his wife. Surely his father could not argue once he saw them together. Kol could not see why anyone would dislike Ebb. She was perfect. He was thinking of what he would say and imagining holding her in his arms again when he saw them and it all crumbled. There she was, his one true love, walking arm and arm down the street with that soldier. She looked as happy as he felt a few moments ago. She was nearly skipping beside the man and they were both smiling. Ebony paused to rest her head on the man's shoulder and he kissed the top of her head. Kol felt a flare of burning hot anger rise up inside of him and he called for the driver to stop the carriage. He wanted to run after them and pull the man away from his Ebb, but the longer he watched them the clearer it became. Ebb was not his and he had no right to pull her away from that knight. If she had made her choice, he would respect it. It was probably for the best that she is with that nameless knight. Kol's life was dangerous and he didn't want to pull her into it. The knight looked like a good man and Kol hoped that Ebb was happy with him. He was not going to intrude on that.

But still his mind tortured him with empty wishes. He wanted Ebb to want him like she had wanted the prince or look at him like she looked at that knight, but now he knew she never would. Jealousy rose like bile in his throat and he nearly choked on the hopelessness that came with it.

Bert had visited the Scrolldart earlier that afternoon and spoken to Argie. She found it odd that Kol had not visited or sent any messages since he had last come with Ebony. It was not like him to disappear for so long. He seemed distracted at the ball, and she knew why. Her friend was madly in love; even though she was sure he was denying his feelings. Kol wanted so much to do the right thing and he thought that marrying Paislee was what he ought to do. Then Bert saw him at the ball. He was watching Ebony like a hawk when she danced with the prince. She watched while he went to find her out on the balcony. She had expected to talk to him the following night about what happened but she did not know where he was. Tonight she went as far as checking his house to see if he was there. She rarely visited his home because his parents did not approve of her, but she was worried about Kol. Her worry only intensified when she found out he had not been home all day. It was getting late, but still she went to Paislee's house and hoped he was there. Paislee told her about the talk the two of them had in the carriage. She wanted to find Ebb and ask her, but she did not know where to look. Kol had not told her where Ebb was staying.

Almost sick with worry, Bert went to get Addison. She did not know what else to do. With Addie, Bert felt calmer. It was Addison's idea to search other taverns on the off chance that Kol had gone somewhere else other than the Scrolldart. Bert could not imagine why Kol would go anywhere else, but she felt better having somewhere to look. She knew a few places Kol had mentioned in passing so that was where she and Addison started. They had almost given up hope when they walked into a shabby bar that reeked of ale and sweat.

Bert covered her mouth and nose with a hand when they entered. It was a place at the fringe of the lower city Argie suggested they check. She was glad for Addison's courage when they received unfriendly stares from the people there. She held on tightly to her love's hand as they walked into the strange place.

"Why would Kol come here?" Bert whispered from behind her hand. The smell was almost unbearable.

Addison shrugged. She was scanning the room. Bert was ready to leave and get back into the fresh air when Addie pointed to a slumped form in a corner booth. They rushed over and inspected Kol's limp form. He was surrounded by empty bottles and glasses. For a moment Bert feared that he had drunk too much and was dead. She almost collapsed right next to him in relief when his head lolled to one side and he mumbled something. Bert helped Addison lift their friend from the booth. He fought but he was too weak and uncoordinated to do much. He muttered something about needing more to drink as they dragged him out of the disgusting bar.

Bert felt like crying at the state her best friend was in. It had been two years since she had seen him this bad and it terrified her.

"We need to get him out of here," Addison gently said. She had wrapped her arm around Bert.

Bert nodded. "I know how to get into his house from the servant's entrance. I will take him home and care for him there. A few of the servants know me there and will help. Oh, Addie, I hope he is alright."

Addison kissed Bert's forehead comfortingly. "I think he will be fine in a day or two, but you need to get him home. You go with him and I will take your carriage back to my house. Send word to me tomorrow about how he is doing."

They got Kol into the carriage. He fell down sideways so he was lying across the seat. Bert climbed in opposite of him. She smoothed the hair from his face and he turned slightly and mumbled something.

"What was that?" Bert asked knowing a clear answer was probably too much to ask from Kol in this state.

His eyes fluttered and he turned his head. "What's wrong with me? Why can't Ebb love me?"

Bert's heart broke for her friend. So that is what drove him to that horrible place. The engagement ring he had been wearing was gone and Bert knew the engagement was broken. His father would be furious. If he lost his inheritance, the lower city would go back to how it was before. He had gambled everything and it looked like he had lost. She had known that he loved her, but she did not know it would lead to this. Bert had thought that Ebb loved Kol too. She was always so trusting when he took her to strange places. If Ebony was stupid enough to refuse a man like Kol, she did not deserve him. Bert only wished it had not ended like this – never like this. Kol had taken it so hard and Bert was not sure if he would be the same after another loss that was so painful. She rubbed a bit of dirt from Kol's cheek, "Oh, Nikolaus, what has she done to you?"

Well, there you have it. The monster chapter that turns the whole story on its head.